The light from the delicate chandelier bathed the dining room like an early morning sunset.
The light was beautiful, but also chilling in a way.
The silence was enhanced by the cool, clean surface of the marble floor.
The stillness and dignity remained even as the occupants of the palace quietly came and went, preparing their meals.
Laryana steepled her fingertips and held her breath. Normally, she would never have come to the palace, but an appointment with the Emperor had brought her here.
“Laryana.”
The Emperor’s words broke the breathless silence. Laryana looked up and answered quietly.
“You may speak.”
She had always sought freedom and hated stiffness, but with the Emperor, it was different.
The reason Laryana was free to roam the world, to live as she pleased, was because of the Emperor in front of her.
“Do you know the name Yohan Harssen?”
“Yes. How could I not? He is the most famous man in the Empire right now.”
Of course Laryana had heard of him.
The news of Yohan Harssen’s closing of the Magul had traveled from the government offices to the nobility, then to the ears of the users, then to the streets.
It was a miraculous and unprecedented event, and many people were interested in the idea of repairing the cracks in the magus.
“Nothing has been decided for sure yet, but if the ability of the Harssen’s mage is not a fluke, if it is truly capable of closing the magical tunnel, then it should be owned by the imperial family.”
The Emperor’s words meant only one thing: she should accept him as part of the Imperial family. Laryana understood at once why she had been called here.
“I hear you are in love with the Princess Ferbache.”
“Yes. She’s known for being very particular.”
“But they are not yet engaged.”
His golden eyes glowed frostily, his gaze filled with the arrogance and authority that only imperials have.
“If the Harssen Master Mage is able to repair the Rift in the Magul this time, I will push for your betrothal to him before the betrothal to Princess Ferbache takes place.”
Such an engagement would be organized by the Emperor himself, the sky of the empire. Moreover, the other party is of imperial blood. There was no room for refusal.
Of course, the fact that Ferbache was a member of one of the Four Great Houses, the best in the Empire, could have been a factor. But with the Emperor pushing for it, it was not unattainable.
“You think you can do it?”
“Yes. At Your Majesty’s command.”
Laryana nodded, slowly closing her eyes.
“That is all I have to say.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Afterward, the meal continued in stifling silence.
The only sounds in the dining room were the light clinking of utensils and stifled breaths.
Father and daughter sat across from each other, but a cold silence filled the table.
And so the meal ended. Laryana bowed politely and rose to leave.
Again….Another….
Her sharp heels trampled the moon in the hallway.
As she walked down the hallway of the imperial palace, the moonlight shining through the windows, Laryana’s face sunk deeply, turning cold.
…Truth be told, she didn’t like the idea of it being done this way.
Even if she had chosen to be with him, she hadn’t done so because of her own attraction, but because of the Emperor’s pressure.
She’d thought she’d found the man of her dreams, the one with the right skills, the right looks, the right personality… I never thought it would end up like this.
It was practically a forced engagement. Perhaps he’ll never open up to her. Because he was forced to break up with his lover by authority.
But she couldn’t complain to the Emperor. His will was the will of the heavens when it came to royalty like Laryana.
“You don’t seem to be in a good mood.”
Just then, a shadowy figure spoke. The voice was familiar, but not unwelcome.
“My brother.”
The voice belonged to Fedelian Rogino.
With the heir apparent, Laryana was not on bad terms with him, but neither was she on good terms.
Laryana deliberately avoided him.
She hated the crown prince’s duplicity, his hypocrisy, his mask of one face and another.
But… she didn’t have to be shy in his presence.
“What can I do for you this late at night?”
Laryana gave an awkward smile and tilted her head slightly. Her golden hair cascaded gently over her shoulders.
“His Majesty seemed to be interested in your discussion with Yohan Harssen.”
One corner of Fedelian’s mouth lifted slyly. It was a smile that Laryana saw as demanding.
“Where did you hear that?”
“There are many eyes and ears in the palace.”
There was only one emotion she felt from him. Displeasure. I didn’t know what he wanted, but it wasn’t pleasant.
“As I understand it, Laryana, you are quite fond of Yohan Harssen, enough so to invite him to tea on imperial business.”
The Fedelian crossed his arms and lifted a stiff chin.
“Aye. I’ve taken a liking to Yohan Harssen, and I’ll gladly take any advice I can get from him.”
Laryana gave a small smile and shook her head.
“I’ll help you with that.”
“…Your brother?”
She narrowed her eyes and locked eyes with Fedelian, her suspicion of him blatant.
Fedelian felt the stare, but he smiled softly, as if it didn’t matter.
“I see. Even if it is impossible to close the Magul and the king is not present, I will help you to have Yohan Harssen.”
“Hmph…”
An engagement that had the support of both the Emperor and the Crown Prince could only be good for Laryana, who wanted Yohan.
Except… She couldn’t figure out why Fedelian was helping her with her betrothal.
Simply as family? No. Fedelian would never help for no reason.
“If it means that I will be connected to Yohan Harssen, and thereby benefit from it…
Laryana’s eyes narrowed, but she quickly realized the answer.
“I see. Your brother wishes for Princess Ferbache?”
It was Francia Ferbache.
It was well known in social circles that Crown Prince Fedelian had his eye on her. Many had witnessed their one-sided courtship.
It was a rumor so far below the surface that I had forgotten about it.
“Yes.”
“Hmph…”
The corner of Lariana’s mouth twitched. The truth was, Princess Ferbache was a pain in the ass from her side. She was clearly trying to steal a man from this side.
But what if Yohan Harssen and Princess Ferbache were twisted for their own good? She could get everything she wanted, without having to pretend to be a member of the Four Great Houses.
“Very well, let’s make it so. You have Princess Ferbache, and I have Yohan Harssen.”
Lariana smiled and nodded. She didn’t like the Fedelian, but with such a clear gain, there was no reason to refuse.
“Very well. Then I’ll make the arrangements.”
“For what?”
“The engagement ceremony.”
“The engagement,” Fedelian said.
“Their wedding is just around the corner, and before it happens, I have to play.”
It was true. If Princess Ferbache’s betrothal went through, things were going to get pretty messy.
“Very well, then, I’ll leave that to you.”
“You’ll be able to convince Yohan Harssen, won’t you?”
“Of course, given who I am.”
A grin tugged at the corners of their mouths.
* * *
Shortly after the meeting, Yohan returned from the palace to the Ferbache residence.
“Yohan…!”
As he stepped out of the carriage, Francia ran to greet him.
“Why are you out in the cold?” she asked.
“I was worried about Yohan.”
“Have you been waiting long?”
“No. I just came out.”
“I don’t think so.”
Yohan stroked Francia’s cheek, which had turned red at the tip of her nose. Her usually warm, flushed skin was icy cold.
“Your face is cold.”
“It’s all right.”
“It’s fine. Let’s hurry inside.”
“Yes, sir.”
I followed Francia into the mansion and made my way to my room. After lighting a fire in the fireplace and sitting down, she got straight to the point.
“What happened?”
“An imperial decree has come down.”
Yohan said.
“As soon as I’m properly warmed up and ready, I’m going to Count Eckarshi’s estate. To close the Magul.”
If he did indeed close the Magul this time, it would change a lot. He would be the hope of the empire, not just a mage of the highest order.
“You’re going with all the officials, right?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm. I guess I’ll be going, then.”
Francia placed her hand on the fireplace, feeling the heat, and smiled wryly.
“I guess it won’t be so dangerous this time, since there’s only one Magul and the first and second officials.”
The power of a Second Official is enough to take care of a few Maguls with no problem.
However, if a more experienced and combat-ready first official is also present, it’s not dangerous at all, unless there are a lot of extraordinary magus.
“So I’m not really worried.
“So I’m not really worried, I’m just… I just wonder if I’ll be able to close it.”
Yohan said in a worried tone. There was nothing wrong with failing, but he couldn’t help but feel anxious.
That’s how the human mind works.
“I’m sure you’ll be able to close it, Yohan, you’re more special than anyone else.”
But Francia smiled and assured me. It was more than just trust, it was conviction.
“Haha…”
Yohan only laughed awkwardly at her comment.
“Why don’t you take a break, you’re tired, aren’t you?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Lie down, I’ll put you to bed tonight.”
Francia got up from her chair by the fireplace and headed for the bed.
“Come here.”
She patted the bed with her hand as she spread out the fluffy bedding.
“Hmmm…”
Yohan smiled meaningfully. Francia flinched and threw her head back.
“What, what is it…?”
“What do you mean?”
“You were smiling sinisterly.”
“Well?”
The corners of his mouth turned up mischievously. His eyes were dark, but underneath they held a kindness for Francia.
“I was wondering if you were really just sleeping.”
“Umm…!”
Instantly blushing, Francia pushed Yohan’s chest slightly.
“Uhhh, you can’t do that now…! You’re tired.”
She rolled her eyes, but one side of her lips curled up. I couldn’t hide the embarrassed smile.
“Is Francia all right?”
“I’m fine.”
“Really?”
“Really…”
Francia blushed and looked away. Yohan’s smile came naturally, and he pulled her into his arms and laid her down on the bed.
Francia relaxed her body and stayed in his arms.
“So it’s not long until we’re engaged.”
“Yes, after this winter.”
Yohan and Francia had been eager to move forward with their engagement, but the Duke of Ferbache’s circumstances meant they would have to wait.
The seasonal nature of winter meant that there were many things that needed to be taken care of first: managing food and resources, hunting down demons, and checking the borders with other countries.
BBut the engagement could not proceed without the Duke of Ferbace.
Francia is the Duke’s only daughter, and since it’s a blessing, there are festivities and banquets to be held…
In many ways, there were things that could only be done if the duke was present.
“Woohoo, once we’re officially engaged, Yohan will be my man.”
“And Francia will officially be my woman.”
“Exactly.”
Laughing falsely, Francia snuggled a little closer into Yohan’s arms.
“I can’t wait for that day to come.”
There were still plenty of people who tried to break them apart, and no shortage of women who stole glances at Yohan.
Francia didn’t mind at all.
As long as ‘she’ didn’t travel through time like she did, Yohan’s heart would never be broken.