Chapter 100

“It’s a barrier.”

 

As proof, Phil passed through the cliff as if it were nothing. Evan infused his sword with mana and swung. The barrier shattered into pieces like a breaking mirror.

 

Beyond it sat a small hut. In the distance, a figure could be seen fleeing, burdened with a massive pile of luggage.

 

“He’s flying away over there, boss,” Ben said nonchalantly, watching the mage soar into the sky.

 

“Phil, get him.”

 

“Gwaak!”

 

The mage, caught by the ankle and hurled straight back to the ground, tumbled down. Rubbing his throbbing forehead, he caught sight of Evan standing before him and hurriedly pressed his face to the dirt.

 

He swallowed hard.

 

“I… I will never talk!!”

 

“We finally caught him. What should we do? Should I take him to the guard?” Ben asked.

 

Evan stared at the man, who had calmly turned his head away. The mage who had created the recording sphere and the traces of mana left in the forest belonged to a mage, indeed. However, something was different about the man Evan was facing now.

 

“You… you aren’t the mage from that time.”

 

The mage’s eyes widened in shock at Evan’s words, proving that his deduction was correct.

 

 

***

 

 

“I told you to take that down…”

 

“Absolutely not. It is the pride of our family.”

 

“Oh, my head…”

 

I slapped my forehead.

 

My parents’ reaction to the letter of appreciation—which felt like nothing more than a scrap of paper to me—was extraordinary. They had hung it right at the entrance, declaring it the glory of the family.

 

A letter of appreciation hanging right next to the family portrait.

 

It didn’t matter how much I told them it was unnecessary; they placed it in the most prominent spot, insisting that everyone needed to know.

 

Seban and the other servants were also beaming with pride. I let out a hollow laugh and shook my head. It felt like a formal certificate one might get in kindergarten, yet they treated it like a holy relic.

 

“I’m telling you, it wasn’t given with good intentions.”

 

“I agree with you on that.”

 

Piote was scratching his head as he came down the stairs. He looked exhausted, letting out a massive yawn. Come to think of it, I hadn’t seen much of Piote lately. Usually, whenever anything happened, he’d pop up behind father and shower me with nagging.

 

“Make some noise when you walk around.”

 

Piote shrugged his shoulders.

 

“I’m just worried because my little sister is unexpectedly popular with the high and mighty.”

 

“Whatever.”

 

I brushed off Piote’s hand as he roughly ruffled my hair. However, I couldn’t argue back because he wasn’t entirely wrong.

 

“Of course, it’s all that guy’s fault… but well, he is a decent fellow.”

 

See? He’s been hot and cold lately. One minute he’s cursing Evan, the next he’s praising him. Did they make some secret deal?

 

“But have you been busy lately? I haven’t seen you much.”

 

At my casual greeting, Piote rubbed the back of his neck with an embarrassed look. What was with that reaction? That man… blushing?

 

My eyes went wide. He even started stuttering and acting evasive.

 

“Um… well, there’s just something.”

 

“What exactly is ‘something’?”

 

I tilted my head, wondering what was going on. But he just kept clearing his throat without saying a word.

 

“Anyway, what are you going to do about the ball?”

 

“What ball?”

 

Piote looked at me as if I were absurd.

 

“Did you… forget about the ball?”

 

“Huh?”

 

I tilted my head. Was there a separate invitation I missed? I couldn’t recall anything. Laughing in disbelief, Piote said: “Are you not planning to graduate?”

 

“Ah…”

 

Only then did I realize what Piote was talking about.

 

The ball he meant was the one hosted by the academy. There was a quite beautiful legend surrounding the ball held for graduates: it was said that the person you danced with during the dance time in the hall would become your future bride or groom.

 

‘In my eyes, it’s nothing but a marketing gimmick…’

 

But since most young lords and ladies attend with their pre-arranged partners and get married after graduation anyway, the legend usually holds up.

 

“But I’m surprised you’re mentioning the ball. Three years ago, you couldn’t find a partner until the very end, so you just ate, drank, and came home alone. And you aren’t even a graduate, so why do you remember it?”

 

While it’s common etiquette to pair up with anyone, Piote hadn’t chosen anyone back then. Even when I asked who his partner was or suggested he attend with the ladies who clearly liked him, he remained silent. In the end, despite receiving many advances, he stubbornly enjoyed his “single party” alone.

 

Back then, I had naturally attended with Evan. He was in the graduating class, and I was his fiancée.

 

“Well… I just happened to notice the season was approaching! You’re going with Evan, right?”

 

“Geez, you startled me! Why are you shouting? Of course I am. He’s a graduate, and I’m his fiancée.”

 

Wait. A ball. Was the ball the place Fedeshar was talking about?

 

“So you’re attending? I’ll see you at the ball then.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

I was busy thinking that I had to reject Fedeshar’s proposal once and for all this time, so I only realized later that Piote’s words were strange.

 

“‘See you at the ball’? Does he know someone among the graduates?”

 

 

***

 

 

He hadn’t shown his face much recently, claiming to be busy. Although he had written letters diligently, seeing his face after a long time made me hum a tune involuntarily.

 

I followed the familiar path and arrived in front of Evan’s room.

 

— Is that true?

 

— I confirmed it with him, so it’s certain. More importantly, how did Baron Perio react to my proposal?

 

— He was delighted. It’s been a long time since he lived alone. And normally, they were like a grandfather and granddaughter…

 

Hearing the conversation leaking through the half-open door, I knocked. I had heard his work was finished, but Evan was deep in conversation with Liman.

 

“Evan, are you still busy?”

 

When I peeked my head in and asked, Evan gestured for Liman to withdraw.

 

“I’m not busy.”

 

“I shall prepare some tea,” Liman said.

 

“By the way, Lep, you’re attending the ball, right?”

 

“Ugh… so you knew too, Evan…”

 

Having wrapped up his busy work, Evan asked me about my plans for the ball. Since when was everyone so eagerly waiting for this graduation ball? Was I the only one who didn’t know?

 

“…Did you not know?”

 

“Yeah… I completely forgot.”

 

“Well, you generally don’t pay any attention to things you aren’t interested in.”

 

“Evan, listen.”

 

Since we were going to the ball together, I had to tell him about Fedeshar.

 

I glanced around quickly. There was no one nearby. Still, fearing someone might overhear, I tilted my hand to cover my mouth as I spoke.

 

“Evan, actually… the other day, Fedeshar mentioned something about targeting the Empress. And he even asked me to join hands with him…”

 

“What?”

 

Evan’s gaze turned sharp instantly. I waved my hands hurriedly.

 

“Of course I refused, and I have absolutely no intention of joining him. But I’m a bit worried… what if something big happens? He mentioned using the Alosi poisonous herb.”

 

“Prince Fedeshar said that? I had a general idea, but…”

 

“Should we tell the Emperor or Empress through the Duke…?”

 

“They likely won’t believe it. There’s no evidence.”

 

“You’re right, aren’t you?”

 

Words are just words. I was the only one who heard it, and even if I questioned him again, he could just deny it. Besides, the Emperor would surely fly into a rage, and if it reached the Empress’s ears unnecessarily, the situation would explode before I could do anything.

 

“Hmm… Let’s just try our best not to run into him. I’ll tell my father.”

 

I stared intently into Evan’s eyes. It felt like he was hiding something.

 

“Don’t keep things to yourself; can’t you tell me too?”

 

“I was worried you’d be anxious if I told you… fine, I’ll tell you. Actually…”

 

I couldn’t help but be shocked after hearing Evan’s story.

 

“Is that really true?”

 

“Yes, it’s true. I asked Ben to investigate.”

 

Right, I thought it was strange that Ben was missing when I visited! To think the culprit was Bastien…

 

“It’s not because of you, Lep. He was just that kind of person from the beginning.”

 

There was a reason Evan wanted to keep it a secret from me.

 

I thought about it deeply. Yes, Evan was right. Falling in love just because someone was kind, and then trying to kill people over it? No matter how you look at it, that’s just because that person has a twisted nature!

 

“I suppose exile would be appropriate, wouldn’t it?”

 

“…?”

 

The kind of exile I know? Being sent far away for committing a crime?

 

“You don’t like it when people you have a bond with get hurt or sad. But anyone close to you is a danger, so let’s just send him far away.”

 

“T-that’s not easy to do…”

 

“I’ll make it happen. We can process that step by step; for now, the ball is more important. Let’s go pick out a dress for you to wear.”

 

‘M-more important?’ Sometimes I really don’t understand Evan’s standards for what he considers a priority.

 

“Ah, I can’t do that.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I promised to go to the dress shop with Elena.”

 

Actually, when I arrived at the Duke’s residence to see Evan, I had stopped by to check on Elena. She was the one who suggested we look at dresses together. I was quite surprised since I thought Elena was like me—someone with zero interest in balls.

 

Of course, I said yes!

 

The smile vanished from Evan’s face as if he were displeased, but knowing I was meeting her after a long time, he stepped back.

 

“Oh, right. Piote said he’s coming to the ball. Do you happen to know who he’s attending with?”

 

Evan wore a subtle expression for a moment, then gave a slight smile.

 

“Well… wouldn’t it be better to ask him yourself?”