Yohan squinted as he watched Cassis walk away.
“It seems I succeeded in catching his attention.”
Cassis’s final farewell was filled with murderous intent, a deadly aura strong enough to make Yohan’s whole body bristle.
“Making more enemies is foolish, but these enemies would have appeared anyway. It’s better to strike first like this.”
It was less frustrating to become an enemy this way, by showing off his relationship with Francia, than to quietly become enemies later.
“Are you okay? You must have overexerted yourself. Even if your magic has recovered, your body is a different matter,” Francia asked with concern.
Yohan smiled and patted her head.
“As you can see, I’m fine. It turns out I have more magic power than I thought, so my body wasn’t strained.”
The spiral magic he had used consumed a lot of power, but even after using it twice, he could still walk.
Through this battle, Yohan realized his magic capacity was far greater than expected.
“You never know your limits unless you push them.”
It made sense that he hadn’t known his own boundaries.
Until now, he’d only used simple lifestyle magic or convenience spells.
Even when he altered the environment in front of the ducal family, which had consumed a significant amount of power, it hadn’t been enough to exhaust him.
“How far can I go?”
Though he still couldn’t gauge his limits, the situation was promising.
There was even the possibility he could use transcendental magic, a step above higher-tier magic.
“Shouldn’t you rest a little longer?”
“I appreciate the concern, but really, I’m fine.”
Yohan rolled up his sleeves and moved his arms up and down.
“There’s no discomfort in moving my body. I’m truly fine.”
“Ugh…”
Still, Francia’s face was filled with worry.
Her eyes, once glowing red in the moonlight, had long since darkened.
“…There will be many more trials ahead,” she murmured.
“There will be more crazy people aiming for your life, like this time,” her voice trembled.
“Even if it’s all because of me, could you still love me…?”
Francia raised her head to meet Yohan’s gaze.
Her quivering eyes seemed to reflect the depth of her anxiety.
“Shall we go inside? It looks like this will be a long conversation,” Yohan said, taking her hand.
She nodded and followed him into the tent without protest.
“Francia, let me tell you this: once I’ve made up my mind, I never change it until the end.”
He looked into her eyes as he spoke.
“I understand what you’re worried about. When things like this happen repeatedly, people tend to grow tired, and then they naturally distance themselves from the cause.”
“But,” Yohan continued, “I don’t find the person I love tiresome. Ever since the first night we spent together, I’ve been captivated by you, and you’ve fallen for me too. We’ve shared our hearts.”
Francia’s heart pounded in her chest, and Yohan smiled, hearing it as if it echoed directly in his ear.
“There’s a saying I know: understanding comes in an instant, but responsibility lasts forever. I don’t believe that saying was coined for nothing.”
If he’d been afraid of people labeled as villains from the beginning, he wouldn’t have sought out the ducal family to make a deal.
If he’d been scared of sharing his life with someone destined for tragedy, he would’ve blamed Francia and run away.
He could have just closed his eyes and become the world’s worst scoundrel, fleeing without a second thought.
Why take responsibility for her?
Of course, if the ducal family found out, they would likely target Yohan’s life, but Francia would never tell them.
She wasn’t that kind of person.
But Yohan decided to take responsibility.
Not out of guilt or some trivial emotion.
He simply wanted to.
Perhaps on that night, drunk and unable to remember, he had already fallen for her without even realizing it.
Gently, Yohan stroked Francia’s cheek.
“So, don’t worry. No matter what happens, I will never betray you, even if it costs me my life.”
Francia’s red eyes glistened with tears.
Something fell—a transparent mixture of sorrow and gratitude.
“If I ask you to go to hell with me, will you?”
“If that’s the path to our happiness, then gladly.”
Yohan grinned, and Francia gave him a shy smile in return.
She nestled into his arms, taking a deep breath.
“I’m truly happy.”
“So am I.”
“I’m happy that you’re my man.”
“And I’m happy you’re my woman.”
“Hehe, you always have the last word.”
Suddenly, Francia tugged on Yohan’s arm, pulling him onto the simple bed.
“It’s not the most comfortable, but the night is long.”
“…Let’s make unforgettable memories,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.
“Someone might come.”
“Everyone’s asleep by now, it’s fine.”
“Still, we should be careful…”
“Ugh.”
She pulled him in for another kiss.
“Focus on me, okay?”
Though Yohan preferred not to do this in such a setting, Francia’s continued insistence led him to kiss her once more.
It was a night with a full moon.
Late into the night.
“…Ha…”
“Haah…!”
Creak.
Creak.
Inside the tent, the bed creaked, and sweet sighs of a man and woman filled the air.
Creak…! Creak…!
Their movements grew more intense.
The sounds of their breathing, lips meeting, and tongues intertwining could be heard.
Outside the tent.
A man stood hidden in a corner untouched by the moonlight, straining his ears.
“I didn’t expect this,” thought Fedelian Rogino.
He had come by just to say something to Francia, who was reportedly staying at Yohan’s tent late into the night, but things had taken an unexpected turn.
“…Haha. Interesting.”
Of course, this was something any couple engaged to be married could do.
But when it was someone who was supposed to belong to him…
Someone he longed for but couldn’t have…
“I’ll have to kill him.”
That changed things.
His hand clenched into a fist.
His nails dug into his palms, drawing blood.
His golden royal eyes flickered with ominous, murderous intent.
“Someday, I will.”
He would kill Yohan.
The next day.
The mission to scout the cave was abruptly ended.
Unexpected developments had played a part, but it was concluded that continuing would serve no purpose.
As they gathered the bodies of the fallen, Yohan’s face hardened when he saw Terces, frozen and unable to close his eyes.
“I’m sorry. It’s cold enough as it is, and I’ve made it colder for you.”
Yohan covered Terces’s lifeless face with his handkerchief.
“Did someone already take his dog tags?”
Yohan had grown fond of Terces’s bold nature and caring heart.
He never expected him to die so suddenly.
Yohan clenched his fists, thinking of the Crown Prince responsible for all this.
“You will never be able to rest peacefully.”
At the moment when his face twisted menacingly, Francia took his hand.
“The vice commander was such a good person…”
“…That guy will definitely pay for his crimes.”
Francia nodded, her expression hardening, as if she’d made up her mind.
“Then let’s go. There’s still more to be done.”
“Yes.”
Yohan and Francia followed the line back to their positions.
At the front, Fedelian raised his sword high.
“A moment of silence! Pray for the fallen comrades from this reconnaissance mission to rest in peace!”
Officials and knights closed their eyes and clasped their hands together.
After about 10 seconds, Fedelian raised his voice again.
“With this, the reconnaissance mission is officially concluded, and we shall return!”
It was a first reconnaissance mission where the objective was achieved, and there were almost no losses, but Yohan couldn’t feel at ease.
‘What a brazen madman.’
Looking at the back of Fedelian’s head, Yohan thought.
It was chilling to see him act as if he were an unblemished crown prince, despite being the one responsible for all the deaths.
‘Well, that’s why you’re the main villain and the male protagonist of a dark story.’
There were probably readers who liked characters like him, but Yohan couldn’t understand it.
It was a matter of preference, which he chose to respect, though begrudgingly.
‘Anyway… I’ve cleared the first trial’s quest.’
Regardless of the situation, the Ducal of Ferbache would have no choice but to acknowledge him.
They brought back the head of an S-class magical beast from the first reconnaissance mission.
Now, the remaining tasks were to deal with the male protagonists approaching Francia and to counter the schemes of the villainesses.
‘This is going to get complicated.’
One of the main villains, Rudela Bismarck, hadn’t made her move yet, and Cassis was only at the starting line.
The crown prince’s plan this time was just an appetizer.
‘Still, I don’t think I’m going to lose.’
Facing the S-class magical beast made him realize it.
His strength was far greater than he’d thought.
Even the power shown by the Book of Disaster was astonishing.
Didn’t it freeze the S-class beast in one strike? With this power, he could turn the tables even if he fell into danger.
Yohan looked at Fedelian, leading from the front. Each time the horse’s hooves moved, his golden hair, like ramen noodles, swayed.
“Fedelian will lay low for a while, so next it’ll be Cassis making a move.”
To be honest, Yohan had no idea what tricks Cassis would pull.
Since he belonged to the First Bureau, he couldn’t intervene directly.
‘Still, it’s better not to let my guard down.’
This was the same guy who even dabbled in dark magic to win Francia’s heart.
Now that Fedelian was staying out of the game, Cassis deserved to be moved up to his primary threat.
“What are you thinking so deeply about?”
While Yohan was lost in thought, a woman’s voice called from beside him.
“…Violet.”
It was Violet Latalen, the daughter of the Marquis of Latalen and a woman infatuated with Cassis.
Yet for some strange reason, she seemed deeply interested in Yohan.
“We’re traveling on horseback. It would be best if you refrained from conversation during the ride.”
“Oh my, are you worried about me? Don’t worry, I’m not a beginner who would bite her tongue.”
Yohan’s brow twitched. His point had been to avoid conversation, and yet she skillfully dodged it.
It was baffling.
“That wasn’t my intention. It seems Violet’s comprehension is somewhat lacking.”
He spoke bluntly, making it clear he had no interest in talking to her.
Yet Violet just smiled, tilting her head slightly.
“Playing hard to get, huh? Well, I like that about you too.”
Yohan glanced at her, puzzled.
She was still smiling brightly, her motives unclear.
‘Weren’t you supposed to like Cassis?’
From what Yohan knew, Violet Latalen was obsessed with Cassis Renokhonan.
Why was she showing interest in him?
“What exactly do you want to say?”
Violet lifted the corners of her lips.
“There’s going to be a social party soon. As a top-class mage, you’ll be attending, right? How about going with me as my partner?”
Yohan’s face scrunched up slightly at her words.
“I have a lover.”
“Oh, the Ferbache family’s young lady?”
After Francia’s actions yesterday, both the officials and knights were aware that there was something special between her and Yohan.
With her sharp ears, Violet surely knew about it, too.
Yet she calmly continued.
“Of course, I know. That’s why I’m asking you to be my partner.”
Yohan narrowed his eyes, staring at Violet.
“I don’t think it’s normal to ask someone with a lover to be your partner.”
“Hehe, but you’re not engaged yet, are you?”
There was no getting through to her.
Yohan sighed deeply, glaring.
“Violet. I have a lover, and I have no intention of betraying her. I don’t know what you’re trying to do, but if you’re planning to drive a wedge between us, I suggest you stop.”
His voice firm, Yohan made his position clear.
He figured that should be enough.
Believing the conversation was over, he bowed his head slightly.
“I’ve explained my stance clearly. I trust you’ll understand. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
“Wait.”
Before she could finish her sentence, Yohan turned his horse and moved away from Violet.
Watching him leave, Violet trembled from head to toe.
“Aha…”
Everything about him—the way he didn’t easily give in, the way he spoke, his face…
‘As expected…’
She liked him.
Very much so.
‘I want him.’
Her tongue slid across her lips.