Side Story 2

After the funeral and mourning period for Duke Hertenes concluded, his son and Estina’s elder brother, Barthias, formally inherited the dukedom.

Shortly thereafter, Estina’s 15th birthday arrived.

“Estina, you are 15 now, so it is time to start looking for a marriage partner. Even if it is just an engagement for now. As your brother, I will make sure to find a good match for you in our parents’ stead.”

Barthias felt pity for Estina, who had lost her parents at a young age due to being born late in their lives. He was determined to find his sister a worthy suitor. However, Estina was currently more interested in learning how to control her divine power than in marriage.

The daughters of the Huga family possessed a power granted by the god Dominador, which manifested in specific attributes and was thus called “divine power.” Yet, unlike the divine power of priests, which was given according to the capacity of their “vessel” from the start, this power could be developed through effort, making it almost indistinguishable from mana.

And so…

“Brother.”

“Yes, Estina. How about the Latingen House…”

“I… I’ve been accepted into the Continental International Magic School in the Kingdom of Gräven.”

“Right, the Kingdom of Gräven is also quite—wait, what?”

“The Magic School. I want to learn how to strengthen my divine power. If I learn it now, I might be able to help the country someday.”

‘Higher education instead of an engagement? A daughter of the Huga family?!’

Barthias’ jaw dropped. After a moment of contemplation, he offered a compromise.

“Then what about the academy at the Grand Temple of the Royal Palace? They train priests there. How about that?”

It was a suggestion born from his desire not to send his only sister far away. But Estina shook her head.

“In Avendador, everyone knows who I am. Besides, I have a destiny that brings wealth to my husband; someone might approach me with only that in mind. I want to make friends who treat me just as I am.”

“That is…”

“And Brother, it’s not that I’ll never marry. I can find a spouse after I graduate from the magic school.”

“Since you want it so badly… I suppose I have no choice.”

Just as no parent can truly defeat their child’s will, it seemed no brother could defeat his sister’s. Eventually, Estina left the ducal estate and enrolled in the Magic School located in the Kingdom of Gräven.

At school, Estina used the alias ‘Maria Ratbach.’ It was Barthias who had prepared the identification documents and ID of a lower-ranking noble from her mother’s side of the family. As she learned to control and utilize her divine power, Estina grew into an increasingly powerful mage.

***

Time flew by, and two years had already passed since Estina entered the magic school. Just before the spring semester began, the school was buzzing with students returning from vacation. While walking through the campus, Estina greeted her close friend, Eve.

“Eve! How was your break?”

“Great! Maria, what did you do?”

“I was busy playing with my young nephews. I feel like my soul has been sucked out… haha.”

She gave a casual excuse, but in reality, she had spent a break busier than the semester itself, receiving intensive training in the Huga family’s strict curriculum. Even as a member of a branch family, she was the closest to the direct line, making the expectations high.

“As the school’s top beauty, I bet your nephews are incredibly cute too!”

“Wait, there was a beauty in our school? My nephews are indeed cute… and tireless. Next break, Eve, you should come and play with them.”

Estina laughed it off with a grin, though it was a fact acknowledged by everyone that she was a striking beauty who stood out anywhere. Having been the center of attention her whole life, she herself wasn’t particularly conscious of it.

“Oh, but Maria, did you hear? A record-breakingly young professor is coming this semester!”

“Youngest? How old?”

“Nineteen!”

“What?! There are barely any professors in their 20s, and he’s 19? You mean he was appointed right after graduating?”

Satisfied with Estina’s reaction, Eve smirked.

“Actually, he’s not from a magic school.”

“Then where?”

“He’s from the Magic Tower. Apparently, he spent his whole life there.”

“His whole life…? Does the Magic Tower, where the continent’s greatest mages gather, raise children too?”

“Exactly! He must possess incredible mana.”

“Raised in the Magic Tower and becoming a professor as soon as he reached adulthood? That’s a very unusual resume.”

“Yeah, but do you know what’s even more unusual?”

“What? Is he not human? Is he a dragon?”

Eve playfully glared at the laughing Estina and whispered secretly into her ear.

“…He’s incredibly handsome!!”

The Hertenes family was known for producing beautiful children in every generation; people even said it was the blessing of Dominador. Growing up in such an environment, Estina was usually indifferent to most handsome men. Conversely, Eve tended to think anyone with their eyes, nose, and mouth in the right place was “handsome.”

Knowing Eve’s standards, Estina remained unimpressed, prompting Eve to look around for a way to explain. At that moment, she spotted him walking toward them.

“Kyaa! Look over there, Maria! It’s him! The youngest professor!”

At Eve’s squeal, Estina looked up casually. From a distance, she first noticed his height, broad shoulders, and slender yet toned physique. As the distance closed, his features came into focus.

Beautiful ash-brown hair, blue eyes resembling the early spring sky, a straight bridge of the nose, neat lips, and a sharp jawline. He was a sculpted beauty. The contrast between his indifferent, cold expression and the solid body that even a well-tailored suit couldn’t hide made the female students’ hearts race.

“Well? He really is a top-tier handsome guy this time, right? Haa~ I’m so glad I came to this school!”

Letting Eve’s words go in one ear and out the other, Estina found herself fixated on him.

‘Oh… he’s handsome in a different way from the men in my family.’

Meanwhile, the distance between them narrowed to about twenty or thirty paces. The man, walking nonchalantly, suddenly stopped and looked their way. Since Estina was also looking at him, their eyes met in mid-air.

“Oh my, oh my, Maria! That professor just made eye contact with me!! What do I do~!”

But Estina didn’t have the presence of mind to play along with Eve. It was strange. It wasn’t as if someone was forcing her gaze, but she couldn’t look away from him. Caught in an unknown sensation, she stared blankly into his eyes for a moment. For some reason, she felt a sense of longing.

The man, who had been looking back, suddenly averted his gaze and turned to walk away with long strides.

***

A few days later, the new semester began. The female students were abuzz talking about the handsome youngest professor, Karl Levant.

“I heard Professor Levant is in charge of Magic Swordsmanship.”

“I can’t imagine someone with such a soft face wielding a sword!”

“Didn’t you see the professor’s shoulders and forearms? His face is like that, but his body is totally that of a swordsman!”

Magic swordsmanship was fundamentally swordsmanship that amplified destructive power by infusing the blade with mana. Among mages, those who could handle both mana and swordsmanship well were rare. Finding a teacher who could properly instruct it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

It was only two months ago that Karl Levant had visited the Magic School principal’s office.

“Hello. I am Karl Levant, the one who contacted you.”

“Yes, please sit. Did you bring the recommendation letter I mentioned?”

Karl Levant pulled out the letter and handed it to the principal. The principal swallowed hard as he read it. It was a recommendation from the Master of the Magic Tower! The Magic Tower, the dream of all magic school graduates where only the continent’s best mages go! Even as an old mage, the principal had never seen a recommendation written by the Tower Master before.

The words of recommendation were nothing special, but the golden signature scrawled at the bottom made the letter more than awe-inspiring. The principal’s eyes sparkled as he asked.

“Well then, Professor Levant, which subjects are you able to teach?”

“I can handle most subjects in the standard magic school curriculum.”

His calm tone exuded confidence.

“Oh, then… is Magic Swordsmanship possible as well?”

“Yes, of course.”

As he answered readily, it seemed as if a halo appeared behind his head. After a brief teaching demonstration, he was hired immediately by unanimous vote of the faculty.

***

Late at night, at the entrance of the forest behind the school.

Under the bright moonlight, two men were talking quietly in the shadows of a large tree.

“Your Highness the Grand Duke, how have the last few days been? Is there anything uncomfortable?”

When the middle-aged man asked respectfully, the young, tall man addressed as ‘Grand Duke’ replied.

“Hiding my identity is actually more comfortable. At the Magic Tower, they wouldn’t let me do anything dangerous because I’m second in line for the throne. I had to fight them so much.”

“Still, teaching students must be tiring.”

“I taught people older than me at the Tower. I like using an alias because no one treats me with burdensome attention or formality.”

“I saw earlier that you are getting plenty of attention. The students were talking about nothing but Your Grace.”

“It’s likely because I’m the youngest professor. As long as my identity isn’t revealed, it doesn’t matter. By the way, are you sure the Avendador palace thinks I’m still stuck in the Grand Duchy?”

“Yes. Knowing the King’s temperament, your late parents must have hidden Your Highness’s mana for a reason.”

“My parents, too, but if it weren’t for Duke Hertenes, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He sent me to the Magic Tower and even helped manage the territory for my young self…”

“If it weren’t for him, I don’t know how I would have managed alone. I am always grateful when I think of him.”

Professor Levant—no, Iskal—traced back old memories with wistful eyes.

“I want to go see the Duke once. I’ve spent my time between the Tower and the territory, so it’s been quite a while since I’ve seen him.”

The butler, nodding, suddenly remembered something and spoke up.

“Ah, speaking of the Duke, did you meet the Hertenes Young Lady?”

“Yes. But Estina didn’t seem to recognize me.”

A hint of disappointment lingered in Iskal’s voice.

“Hasn’t Your Highness’s appearance changed a lot since you were a child? Unlike back then when you looked fragile, you are now a robust man. It’s not surprising she didn’t recognize you.”

“Still, I’m a bit upset.”

Even as he said that, he smiled slightly just at the thought of Estina.

“A fated relationship like a married couple isn’t just any ordinary bond. She will recognize you soon.”

Thump.

Iskal’s eyes wavered at the word “couple.” However, he tried to compose himself.

“But being by my side is too dangerous right now. I’ll approach her after my plans succeed. Oh, by the way. Are there any other men near Estina?”

“There didn’t seem to be any yet.”

“I’m anxious. I’ll keep an eye out, but let me know if anyone is hanging around her.”

“Yes, and if there are, what should I do?”

“Report to me first. I’ll make sure Estina has no time to look at anyone else.”

***

The new semester began. Many students flocked to the Magic Swordsmanship class, the first proper one in nearly ten years. Some students already knew swordsmanship, while others came out of curiosity. Of course, many came just to see the rumored handsome Professor Levant.

Estina had learned the basics of swordsmanship but had quit because she couldn’t swing a heavy combat sword like it was part of her body.

‘But if I can imbue a light sword with mana, my swordsmanship might be useful!’

Estina was encouraged by this thought and signed up for the class. It was definitely not because of the handsome Professor Levant. Definitely.

The class was held in a clearing surrounded by woods. Professor Levant seemed to glance at Estina for a moment before addressing everyone to start the lesson.

“Nice to meet you. I am Professor Karl Levant. Students who have learned swordsmanship, go this way; those who haven’t, go that way.”

He split the students into two groups and said:

“Those who have never learned swordsmanship should learn the basics first and come back next semester. It is absurd for someone who cannot handle a sword at all to control a sword infused with mana.”

A student raised their hand and said:

“But Professor, there is no swordsmanship subject at our school, and it’s hard for commoners to learn it elsewhere…”

Hearing this, Levant thought for a moment and said:

“Then I will open a swordsmanship subject as well. Those who want to learn magic swordsmanship next semester should take that class first.”

Once the inexperienced students left, the space became spacious. Professor Levant scanned the students, then approached Estina and said in a low voice:

“Looking at your frame, you seem to lack the strength for swordsmanship. Are you sure you’ve learned it?”

Worried he might tell her to leave, Estina replied with a determined voice.

“I find swords made for adult men difficult, but I can handle a sword suited for my body. I came to learn how to become stronger by infusing a light sword with mana.”

Professor Levant took the sword Estina was holding, examined it, and asked: “What is your name?”

“I am Maria Ratbach.”

At Estina’s answer, Professor Levant looked at her intently for a moment before replying a beat late.

“…Right, Maria. Since you’ve learned swordsmanship, I’ll look forward to it.”

He turned to walk away, then turned back to Estina and said: “Maria, you will be the class representative. Come see me after this class ends.”

‘Why is my heart doing this…’

Estina was on her way back from the professor’s office after the first class. She had sat by his desk and listened to what they would learn in the next class and what the representative needed to prepare. They had clearly only talked about the class. So why was her heart racing and her head spinning?

At first, she thought he was a person who resembled the spring sunshine pouring through the window. His eyes when he smiled, his kind lips. The more she looked, the more she couldn’t take her eyes off him. Looking into his clear blue eyes, she felt like she was being pulled in, so she shifted her gaze to his body.

But that was even more of a problem. He was only wearing a shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Strangely, there was nowhere she could comfortably look.

‘How can his shoulders be this broad? Gasp. Look at the muscle definition in his forearms…’

She was breathless. She turned her head away entirely, but this time, her body tingled at his low voice echoing in her ears.

‘I can’t focus on the professor’s words at all!’

She felt her face heating up.

Professor Levant, who had been looking at her while talking, tilted his head slightly and asked: “Are you okay? Your face looks red. Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, no!”

Estina waved her hands hurriedly. But he reached out and touched her forehead. At his gentle touch, Estina’s temperature spiked, and she even felt dizzy for a moment.

“You’re hot. If you’re not feeling well, you should have said so. You should go and rest.”

“Ah, yes, yes! I will!!”

Estina stood up abruptly, but her head spun, and she momentarily stumbled. Professor Levant quickly stood and caught Estina’s shoulders with both hands.

“I don’t think you’re okay. Should I take you to the infirmary?”

He leaned down and looked into Estina’s face with a worried expression. His hands and gaze felt too hot wherever they touched. Estina felt like she was going to faint.

“No, no! Really, I can go by myself!”

Stammering her reply, Estina turned and hurried out of the office. Once she was away from Professor Levant, her mind slowly began to clear.

‘This feeling… what is it?’

Estina, who had rarely met men other than her family, didn’t know. She didn’t know that this was a type of charm called “sexiness,” or that she had completely fallen for him.

“Maria!”

Eve, spotting Estina, ran over and threw her arm around her neck.

“Ack, ack, Eve, let go…”

“Haha, sorry! How was the Magic Swordsmanship class? I heard you even became the representative! You’ll see Professor Levant every day now! I’m so jealous!”

Eve couldn’t take the class this semester because she hadn’t learned swordsmanship.

“You already heard about me being the representative?”

The lively Eve was the school’s well-known source of rumors.

“Of course! Is there anything in this school I don’t know? I heard you went to the professor’s office too. How was it? What did you talk about?”

“Just… we talked about how the classes will proceed and what I should prepare as the representative. But Eve.”

Estina lowered her voice.

“Yeah, yeah, this is where the real story starts, right?”

The quick-witted Eve leaned in with sparkling eyes.

“Um… I really only talked about the class with the professor, but I felt strange.”

“How?”

“Well… just listening to him talk, my heart was thumping so hard. Strangely, my face got so hot that I couldn’t focus at all. Once I left the office, my head gradually cleared. Do you think there was some kind of scent in that room that confuses the mind? Have you ever learned about such a drug?”

Listening to Estina, Eve looked incredulous.

“…Maria, I thought you were really smart. You’re a dummy, aren’t you?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Why would that handsome professor bother using a scent like that? It’s obvious. You’ve fallen for the professor~”

“Wh-what?”

The flustered Estina stammered.

“I… I fell for Professor Levant?”

“So what? He’s only two years older than us anyway. All the girls in school are crazy about him.”

Though Estina had only learned about romance through books, the more she thought about it, the more Eve seemed to be right.

‘I’ll be 18 this summer. Then my family will start looking for a marriage partner. Is Professor Levant a noble? A commoner? Since I’m from the Huga family, I won’t be able to marry a commoner or a lower-ranking noble…’

Then she suddenly realized.

‘Goodness. Am I thinking about marriage the moment I fall for him?!’

Bewildered by these newfound emotions and her own incomprehensible reaction, Estina was left dazed.

***

There was a place behind the school in the forest that only Estina knew. It was a small space surrounded by trees and bushes, invisible from the outside. By entering through a small gap in the back, it was a cozy spot where you could see glimpses of the sky through the leaves.

That day, she had gone there in the early evening and must have fallen asleep.

‘When did I fall asleep? My god, it’s completely middle of the night!’

As she hurried to get up, she heard someone’s footsteps approaching. She held her breath and crouched low. The footsteps stopped near the bushes.

‘Wh-who is it? Do they know I’m here?’

Her heart pounded as she held her breath. Soon, she heard another set of footsteps approaching. Estina’s heart raced even faster as she remained in the dark about the situation outside.

Soon, the person who had been waiting spoke as the newcomer arrived.

“Your Highness the Grand Duke.”

‘What?!’

At that unexpected word, Estina’s eyes widened to their limit.

‘A Grand Duke at the school? Am I still dreaming?’

The newcomer also approached and said in a low voice:

“Lower your voice. Didn’t I tell you to call me ‘Professor’ here just in case?”

‘I think I know that voice? Who is it?’

Forgetting her fear, Estina cautiously peered through a gap in the bushes. The owner of the voice was none other than Professor Karl Levant.

“My apologies.”

“Right. How is the atmosphere at the Royal Palace?”

“They seem flustered that the Archmage suddenly expressed his intention to resign.”

“Heh, Sharka really gave them a blow. They should have treated him better when he was there. When did he say he’d return to the Tower?”

“He says he’ll come in about two weeks after settling his affairs.”

“I see. Then I should arrive at the Avendador palace after Sharka leaves. It would be a good look to appear when they are flustered by the Archmage’s absence and offer necessary help.”

“Yes, gaining trust should be the priority.”

“Indeed. First, I must show my loyalty to the royal family and gain a justification to enter the palace freely.”

The two men continued their conversation in low voices as they slowly walked away from the forest. Estina, listening to their conversation, stood with her mouth agape.

‘There’s only one Grand Duke in Avendador right now. Grand Duke Iskal Lexton…!’

Estina quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Her heart, which had calmed down slightly while she was focusing on the conversation, began to race madly again.

‘Professor Karl Levant was Prince Iskal?’

He was the one who had been her fiancé, but had suddenly disappeared to the Grand Duchy after losing his father, the previous King. And yet, he had suddenly appeared before her with a different identity.

‘That’s right. Now that I think about what I saw as a child, his face from back then still remains. Why didn’t I know? Like a fool… Well, the Prince didn’t seem to recognize me either. I’m using an alias too, but still, I haven’t changed much since I was young…’

Was it because of the shock of his identity, or the disappointment that he didn’t recognize her? That night, Estina couldn’t fall asleep until late.

The next morning, Estina ran into Professor Levant on her way to class.

“Good morning, Maria.”

The professor greeted her normally, but Estina, feeling guilty for no reason, stammered.

“Ah, Pro-Professor! G-good morning!”

Professor Levant gave Estina a beautiful smile and went on his way. Looking at his back, Estina fell into thought again.

‘I guess the Prince really doesn’t recognize me. Well, the engagement wasn’t our choice and it was a long time ago… It might not mean much to the Prince. Or, he might know but be pretending not to. Getting involved with a daughter of the Huga family would surely draw attention from the royal family.’

Thinking about it, there was no reason for it to be good for him to be linked with her.

‘Whether he recognizes me or not.’

She hadn’t understood when she was young, but now she did. Why her brother had stopped her when she asked on the day Roabellin was born, ‘Now that I’ve become a member of a branch family, can I be Prince Iskal’s partner?’

No matter how much he himself had no greed for the throne, the royal family would be very conscious of his existence. If he were to be united with a daughter of the Huga family, even a branch one, Iskal’s safety could truly be at risk. After long consideration, Estina decided to keep his identity to herself. Her heart ached a little.

***

‘Phew… I’m really a mess.’

Due to her complicated thoughts, Estina couldn’t concentrate on the Magic Swordsmanship class at all. There were moments when she would snap out of it only to find herself staring blankly at Professor Levant.

‘If I keep seeing the Prince like this, I won’t be able to give up my feelings for him.’

Finally, Estina made a decision.

‘Let’s quit the Magic Swordsmanship class.’

Since it was still the beginning of the semester, she could just apply for withdrawal at the academic affairs office.

‘But since I’m the representative, I should go and tell him directly before quitting.’

Having made up her mind, Estina went to Iskal’s office and knocked on the door.

Knock knock knock.

“Come in.”

“Pr—oh, Professor, hello.”

The word “Prince” almost slipped out. Estina quickly bit her lip.

“Yes, Maria. What is it?”

Looking at the halo behind the welcoming Iskal, Estina was momentary dazed, until…

“Maria?”

She came to her senses at his puzzled voice.

“Ah, Professor. I’m sorry. It’s nothing else, but… I’m going to withdraw from Magic Swordsmanship. Since I’m the representative, I thought I should tell you directly…”

“What does that mean?”

Iskal cut her off sharply. His sunny smile from a moment ago was gone, replaced by a serious, hardened expression. Estina, a bit taken aback by his reaction, said: “Well, I think my swordsmanship skills are lacking. Maybe it’s because it’s been a long time since I learned it as a child. I’ll learn more back home during the break and…”

“Don’t I have a swordsmanship class? Take that. I’ll tell the academic affairs office so you can register immediately.”

Iskal cut her off firmly again. But Estina didn’t back down.

“I looked into it, and that class overlaps with my other classes.”

“Then you can just quit that class, can’t you? Why are you giving up on my class?”

It was an arrogance he could show because of his firm confidence in his teaching.

“Well, that class is a required subject…”

Iskal, who had been staring at her as if to pierce through her thoughts, finally looked away and said: “Fine, then I will teach you swordsmanship separately.”

“What??”

Estina’s eyes went wide at the unexpected offer.

“I’m saying I’ll give you private lessons. You can decide on the time that’s convenient for you.”

She hadn’t expected him to go this far. She couldn’t make another excuse now. It was a move she had made to avoid seeing him, but she ended up becoming more deeply involved instead.

‘I’m doomed…’

“Ugh…!”

“This way! I see an opening! Maria, focus!”

The one-on-one swordsmanship lessons with Iskal were not easy. Although Iskal was teaching her while considering the differences in swordsmanship skill, physique, and stamina, it was still overwhelming.

‘I keep seeing ‘Prince Iskal’ instead of ‘Professor Levant.’ I can’t focus on the movements!’

Unaware of Estina’s inner turmoil, Iskal continued to push her. Estina tried to twist her body to avoid his sword coming toward her left flank, but she momentarily lost her balance and stumbled. Then, Iskal quickly caught her by the waist. In an instant, Estina was held against his chest.

“Are you okay?”

Iskal leaned down and asked as he checked on her. Estina was held in a way that her right ear was against Iskal’s upper left chest. She could hear his heartbeat loudly. Beyond his thin shirt was his solid chest. After being held dazed for a moment, Estina realized her situation and pushed his chest away. Her body was the one that was pushed back, not Iskal who was standing firmly. For some reason, his expression looked disappointed as she pushed him away.

‘No way. It must be my imagination.’

The lesson continued.

“Maria, I saw just now that the way you hold the sword is slightly wrong. It’s easy to lose the sword that way. Try holding it like this.”

Estina tried holding the sword as Iskal showed her. But he looked dissatisfied.

“Like this. No, this hand, um. Is it okay if I adjust your posture?”

“Yes, Professor.”

He came behind Estina, placed each of his hands on hers, and corrected her posture. As his solid chest pressed against Estina’s back, she couldn’t keep her wits about her.

‘Was swordsmanship class always this full of physical contact?! I like it, but… No, what am I thinking!!’

It was a confusing lesson where her body and mind were at odds.

***

Spring passed, and summer was almost over. Contrary to Estina’s initial intention to distance herself from Iskal, the two became closer as the lessons continued. Since they were only two years apart, it felt more like they were comfortable seniors and juniors rather than a professor and a student. Although their gazes at each other held much more than a simple senior-junior relationship.

“Wow, is it because we’re eating in the forest? The sandwiches you made are really delicious, Professor!”

“How long are you going to keep calling me ‘Professor’? I told you to call me Karl when we’re alone.”

A fleeting bitterness crossed Iskal’s smiling face.

‘You used to call me ‘Prince Kal’ so well before.’

Unaware of Iskal’s feelings, Estina replied cheerfully.

“Haha, once I graduate soon. I’m afraid it might slip out in front of others.”

“I see. The last break is in two weeks; what are you going to do?”

“I have to go home! I miss my family so much.”

His thoughts turned to her home and family.

‘I should also go and express my gratitude to Duke Hertenes once. Should I go with Estina this time? We could travel together on the way, and I could make an impression on the Duke.’

A trip with her. Just the thought of it made the corners of his mouth keep curling up. However, after imagining it for a while, Iskal shook his head slightly.

‘…No, not yet. Confessing my identity to Estina comes first. For that, my situation must become safe first. I can’t put Estina in danger.’

Having quickly sorted out his thoughts, he put on the same smile as before.

“Right, have a safe trip. I’ll see you after the break.”

But Iskal didn’t know. He would come to regret sending Estina away alone this time for a long, long time. He also didn’t know that it would be more than eight years before he could face her again.