Benjamin's Orders
In front of Benjamin, invisibility magic was quickly exposed, so Ren hurriedly dispelled it. It seemed like he'd gotten into the habit of using invisibility spells around the ducal house. Ren glanced at Benjamin with an awkward expression.
"Did everything go well?"
"Yeah, I threw that cursed bastard into a rune prison. What about the duke's side?"
"There was just one very weak familiar attached, but I annihilated it."
"Good work."
Benjamin's large hand ruffled Ren's hair. He often did this when he was in a good mood. Once, the lady had stroked Ren's head with equal delight. But it felt distinctly different from Benjamin's touch. Hers had been more ticklish, somehow.
"Ren, from now on, don't meet with the lady anymore."
"Pardon?"
Lightning from a clear sky—that's what Benjamin's words felt like. He continued impassively.
"Everything's wrapped up nicely, isn't it? We caught the one who cursed the duke, and we reversed the duke's curse too. All the issues we needed to intervene in are done."
"B-but..."
"The rest is for Lady Abigail to handle herself. We can't get involved anymore."
Benjamin was both his master and the lord of the Magic Tower—his words were always right. Ren no longer had any reason to contact the lady. No excuse would convince him otherwise.
"We'll head back once the Magic Festival ends. That's the end of it. Stop sneaking around to meet the lady."
"......"
Ren's green eyes, which had always brimmed with the fresh energy of a verdant forest, darkened. Even seeing how deeply they sank, Benjamin didn't retract his words. The tower master's command was absolute. Every mage under him had to obey without exception.
Ren bowed his head, unable to even respond. His disappointment was so obvious that Benjamin couldn't bring himself to say more. There was no choice. If he didn't do this, Ren would never let go of his feelings for the lady. From now on, Ren had to stay away from her. Otherwise, it would spell trouble.
Benjamin's gaze on Ren grew clouded too.
* * *
Rius, the heart of the Carpoem Ducal Territory, buzzed with more energy than ever. True to its title as the north's capital, the passersby were dressed flamboyantly, and every building loomed grandly. They said it was even more developed than the imperial capital, Regia—and it really seemed so. With the territory's wealth from the mines, people could afford to live comfortably.
I peeked out from the ducal carriage at the city's sights. It reminded me of my trip to Europe back in the day.
"Abi, don't stare out the window too much."
"Huh? Why not?"
The duke and I were heading to the plaza for the ceremony marking the start of the Magic Festival. Apparently, a massive colosseum there hosted all the events. I'd been lost in the novel sights outside when the duke scolded me, and I blinked at him in surprise.
"We have to show dignity as nobles. We can't have you on display."
"Oh, right."
I didn't fully get it, but when my eyes met a man's who was gawking at me like an idiot, it started to make sense. I drew the curtain over the window and leaned back against the seat. The roads to the plaza were jammed, delaying us more by the minute. We could've left with less prep, I thought, but the maids had held me down, refusing to let go, and I'd wasted so much time getting dolled up.
Today, I was wearing a dress for the first time in ages. The heir announcement was set for the festival's end, so I'd decided to attend in dresses until then. I'd been training in swordsmanship at the mansion, so pants were my go-to, and even for guests, I'd worn uniforms. Today was a field day for the maids who'd been itching to dress me up. I hadn't had the guts to stop them—not with those fierce, determined faces.
"You look stunning today, Abi."
The duke gazed at me with immense pride. I'd insisted against heavy jeweled gowns, opting instead for a pristine white dress accented with gold leaf. Abigail usually favored flashy colors, but with commoners seeing me today, anything too peacock-like would've tanked my likability. This elegant, modest white one suited her perfectly, though. I'd thought she only had that seductive, deadly allure, but she pulled off this look too. As expected of the future empire's greatest beauty.
"Thank you, Father."
I smiled brightly at him. He'd put equal effort into his own appearance, probably to show himself to the territory's people. The black-and-red ensemble matched his hair and eyes perfectly, and the golden epaulets were impeccable. Nearing forty, yet he didn't look it at all. Since the curse lifted and his health returned, he seemed even younger. Standing side by side, we could've passed for siblings with a big age gap, not father and daughter.
"You look incredibly handsome today too, Father."
I lavished him with sincere praise. Sitting opposite me, he was purifying my eyes the whole ride to the plaza. At this rate, he'd ruin me for other men—no ordinary guy would catch my eye.
"Because of you, Father, my standards are so high I'll never get married."
"Hah, you rascal."
I meant it, but he laughed it off heartily, taking it as a joke. Doesn't he own a mirror?
"We've arrived."
Mid-conversation, we pulled up to the colosseum's noble entrance. I stepped down with Serrian Sinus, who'd come as my escort.
"Ser, you look great today."
"You're too kind."
I whispered to Serrian, dashing in his spotless white knight commander's uniform. He stayed stoic as ever, but a faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Father, I'll go greet His Highness and head to the venue."
I turned to the duke. The crown prince was attending as the imperial representative. I'd only heard recently, busy with the Tentamen. He'd skipped the ducal residence due to his tight schedule and come straight here. And he wanted to meet me alone before the event.
I planned to see him separately, then join the ceremony.
"Abigail."
The duke looked at me seriously. For some reason, he didn't like me meeting the crown prince. His worried eyes tried to dissuade me.
"If you don't want to, you don't have to. I'll handle it."
"It's fine, Father."
The imperial family hadn't approved the broken engagement yet. This was probably their last shot to change my mind. I had to make it crystal clear they were wrong—and that I was the one set on it.
"It won't take long. I'll be right back."
I smiled reassuringly, and he sighed. Glancing at statue-still Serrian, he said,
"Don't leave her side, Commander."
"Yes, Your Grace."
With Serrian's escort, I headed to the VIP room. Our matching white dress and uniform drew stares—people gawking at us in awe. Serrian wasn't young anymore, yet still unmarried. No girlfriend? Curiosity piqued, I glanced at him.
"Ser, you ever gonna get married? No girlfriend?"
"......"
"Don't we look just like a bride and groom in these outfits?"
"...No. We don't."
What a stubborn gourd. I stuck my tongue out at his impassive face.
"Hmph, you'll regret it when I grow up into a beauty."
"You're already beautiful enough, my lady."
"Uh, r-really?"
"Yes."
His sudden straight pitch, without warning lights, hit hard. I was fine rolling in training dust, but a sharply dressed handsome man's direct compliment packed a punch.
"You're beautiful, Lady Abigail."
"O-okay, enough already!"
I surrendered, and he flashed a bewitching smile like take that. An uncle by age, yet unfairly gorgeous, making my heart race. Fanning my burning cheeks, we reached the VIP room.
"Greetings to Your Highness."
I curtsied and looked up. The crown prince stared at me. But he didn't acknowledge my greeting—just stood there blankly. Had I messed up? It was a flawless curtsy.
Uncertain, I called out.
"Your Highness?"
"Ah, Lady."
He snapped to, blinking startledly.
"Sorry. I was lost in thought for a moment."
"I see."
I approached, admiring his radiant golden hair as always. If Abigail weren't the villainess, approaching him would've been easier. Just sharing a room made my stomach twist uncomfortably.
"Lady, you look... exceedingly beautiful today."
"Pardon?"
I was shocked at his blushing face. As far as I remembered, he'd never complimented Abigail's looks—not in the novel or her memories. That's why she'd dolled up obsessively for his attention. And today, in my plainest outfit, he praised me? The maids had fussed, sure, but no sparkling jewels, no bold colors.
Yet here he was, cheeks red at this Abigail. All her past efforts had gone to waste.
"You look handsome too, Your Highness. As always."
Top of the world's looks ranking—nuff said. Even Abigail's body was pounding just looking at him. I tamped it down and sat opposite.
It's not my real feelings anyway. I can squash this easy.
Acting nonchalant, I could even hurl harsh words at him. Like now.
"You've come to ask me to withdraw the broken engagement request, haven't you?"