Chapter 143
Eila turned to him with a bright smile.
“I love it. Is this our picnic spot today?”
“Yes. There’s even a small rowboat over there. Would you like to try it?”
“Of course! I’d love to.”
With a mischievous grin, Felix guided the horse slowly toward the lakeside.
Before long, they arrived at the water’s edge. Felix tied the horse to a nearby tree, then stepped onto the rowboat and beckoned for her to join.
Eila lifted her skirt carefully as she approached. He held her hand to steady her and helped her sit before untying the rope fixed to the post.
“How do you row this thing?”
As he returned to sit across from her, Eila looked up at him with sparkling curiosity, gripping the oar handles.
“Do you want to try?”
“Yes. It’ll be a new experience.”
“Then watch me first.”
Felix began rowing, his arms moving smoothly as the long wooden oars sliced through the water. The boat glided forward, ripples spreading across the lake.
“Wow, the water here is so clear.”
“They say lots of fish live here. We could come fishing next time.”
“That sounds fun too.”
After a while, Felix handed her the oars with a playful smile.
Eila eagerly accepted, determination flashing in her eyes, and began rowing.
But soon, she frowned in confusion.
“Huh? Why isn’t this working?”
Though she copied exactly what Felix had done, the boat only spun in circles instead of moving forward.
“How did you do it earlier?”
“There’s a trick to it. It’s not just about strength.”
“Mm…”
Eila grimaced, then quietly released the enhancement magic she had been channeling into her arms. With a sigh of defeat, she put the oars down.
“You’re right. You do it.”
Felix chuckled and resumed rowing, the boat gliding smoothly toward the center of the lake.
Eila turned away, resigned, and began admiring the scenery.
The trees swayed with a soft rustling, leaves dancing in the breeze. Warm sunlight bathed the lake, while the cool wind kept the air comfortable.
Her face gradually relaxed with drowsiness. If Felix hadn’t spoken just then, she might have dozed off right there.
“By the way, how long do you plan to stay in the dormitory?”
“Hm?”
“Graduation is soon. You’ll have to clear out your room.”
“Ah.”
Eila smiled lightly, tucking back strands of windblown hair.
“I already talked with Piony. I’ll be working under her, so I’ll live in the palace from now on.”
“I see.”
For some reason, Felix’s face flickered with faint disappointment.
But Eila, oblivious, continued cheerfully.
“That way it’ll be easier to discuss the cosmetics business, and I’ll have palace support for my magic research too.”
“Magic research?”
“Yes. It’s more of a personal goal, but… I want to expose Rosia as a fraud to the whole world.”
“Isn’t that difficult right now? Lord Devens already acknowledged you as Blanche’s daughter.”
“That’s not enough. Without solid evidence, some will still doubt—even Lord Devens’s word.”
She shrugged, resigned.
“Besides, Lord Devens is the guardian dragon of the Agenta duchy. Some people might think he lied just because I’m your lover.”
“…That’s true.”
Felix’s face darkened with frustration.
“That’s why I have to uncover how the paternity artifact was tampered with. Only then can Rosia be completely ruined.”
“You’ll do that alone?”
“Most likely. I don’t exactly have reliable mages to trust with this.”
Felix frowned. She was right—their only mage acquaintances were academy graduates, hardly suited for such work.
A truly capable mage, maybe even from the Tower, would be needed.
Then, a thought struck him like lightning.
A trustworthy mage…
The one who had conducted his and his father’s paternity tests. A distant relative of the duchy, skilled and reliable, someone the Duke had long trusted.
“Actually, I think I know someone who could help you.”
“What? Really?”
“Yes. He was the mage who did my paternity test with my father. Very skilled, and deeply tied to our family. He can be trusted.”
“….”
“Would you like me to introduce you?”
Eila’s eyes widened.
“You’d really do that?”
She had been determined to start her research but knew it would be daunting. The Tower guarded its technology fiercely, never releasing paternity artifacts outside.
But with a direct link to a Tower mage—this could change everything.
Her lips curved with delight as she nodded.
“That would be amazing. If I can get his advice, I might find a solution much faster.”
Felix smiled warmly.
“So? Was that helpful?”
“Helpful? Of course. Not that I’m only with you because you’re helpful, but…”
Her cheeks flushed mid-sentence.
Felix set the oars aside and leaned toward her, expression suddenly serious.
“I know you’ll be busy with many things soon. We may not get quiet moments like this often.”
“….”
“So, I have one request.”
“A request?”
He cleared his throat nervously, his face reddening.
“After graduation… how about we get engaged?”
Eila froze, staring at him wide-eyed. His words replayed over and over in her mind.
“Engaged…?”
“Yes. Once you enter the palace, we’ll have even less time together. At least this way… we can be certain of each other.”
Felix looked at her with trembling eyes, afraid she might reject him.
“There’s no need to rush. We can wait until your urgent matters are settled.”
Her lips quivered. At last, she realized how much she had made him uneasy with her hesitations.
I didn’t mean to… but I’ve been hurting him again.
She remembered her vow long ago—to never repeat the same foolish mistakes.
Her heart cleared. With a gentle smile, she shook her head slowly.
“I think it’s a good idea.”
“…What?”
“Let’s do it. Let’s get engaged.”
Felix was stunned at first, frozen in disbelief. Then, joy bloomed across his face, his lips curving upward, eyes shining.
“Then, Eila…”
His voice brimmed with excitement.
“Can I announce our engagement openly to everyone?”
“Uh—what?”
“If it’s only a private promise, it means nothing if it’s broken later.”
His playful demand left Eila flustered. But soon she sighed, smiling helplessly.
“Alright. If that’s what puts you at ease, then do as you like.”
At her permission, Felix’s lips curved in a deeply satisfied smile.
THEY’RE SO CHEESYYYY I CANT HANDLE THEM