~Chapter 39~
“Ha…”
Havel felt both physically and mentally exhausted as the debutante approached.
In truth, the debutante would be Diego’s first public appearance in high society, so nobles were fighting fiercely over their opinions of him.
[We cannot accept Duke Selion’s legitimacy!]
[What’s the problem? The original heir simply inherited his own family title.]
[You’re brave to say such things in front of His Majesty…]
The Emperor’s faction was nervous, fearing the Selion Ducal House—who recently returned to a neutral stance—might switch sides to support the nobles.
There were only two ducal families in the empire, so their influence was enormous.
Because of that, everyone was busy trying to contain Selion, who could change sides at any time.
Meanwhile, the noble faction supported Duke Selion.
The return of the missing Diego was a major advantage to them.
Havel kept his face expressionless and simply observed silently.
‘That’s what it means to be Crown Prince.’
When your position is unstable, staying hidden and observing is also a strategy.
Maintain neutrality, read the political atmosphere, and coax nobles at the right time.
That was Havel’s way.
[Daniel. The debutante is important. Strengthen security.]
[Yes, Your Highness.]
[Good. Make sure nothing happens. We don’t know what Calix might do…]
Havel felt uneasy.
Before Diego inherited the dukedom, he had warned Havel about something.
Ancient magic.
The ones who used ancient magic on Diego were still unknown.
If something happened, they had to be fully prepared.
And this debutante felt like the beginning of… something.
‘It’s also Lady Astia’s first debut… and Duke Selion’s.’
So Havel had even more reason to worry.
No matter how much they strengthened the palace guards, he couldn’t relax.
Even if Calix had been quiet lately, no one knew what impulsive thing he might do.
“Your Highness.”
Daniel approached, looking troubled.
“Prince Calix has arrived.”
“What? Calix?”
“Yes. He wants to see you right now in the audience chamber.”
This unexpected situation made Havel’s mind spin.
Calix didn’t even appear during noble meetings, yet now wanted a private audience?
“…Prepare the room.”
Havel nodded and stood up.
When he entered the audience chamber, a maid opened the door.
Calix sat there with his legs crossed, eyes closed.
“You called for me?”
When Havel sat across from him, Calix slowly opened his eyes.
He had the same red hair as Havel, but gave off a chilling aura.
“It’s been a while, brother.”
“Yes. I don’t know why you called me, but… long time no see.”
Calix chuckled and lifted his teacup.
“Well, I just wanted to talk with the Crown Prince.”
“You don’t even attend noble meetings. Why the sudden interest?”
“Brother, shouldn’t you be happy your adorable younger brother came to visit?”
“…”
Havel stared at him, irritated by his roundabout words.
“So? What do you want to say?”
“Brother, you’re impatient. Shouldn’t a crown prince have more patience?”
“I don’t have time for your games.”
Calix’s black eyes gleamed.
“The debutante… I heard Duke Selion is appearing for the first time.”
“Yes.”
“You seem to get along well with him.”
Calix tapped the table with his finger—tap, tap.
“You do know the entire political landscape can flip depending on what you do at the debutante, right?”
“…Calix.”
“His Majesty named you Crown Prince, but don’t think that means you’ll become emperor. I haven’t given up.”
Calix clenched his fist, greed burning in his eyes.
“So you should fight with everything you have to keep that title.”
“Calix. Don’t be foolish. Do you think Father will let this slide?”
“Hah! Since when did His Majesty ever care about us?”
Calix laughed loudly, then stood and walked past Havel—before suddenly stopping.
“Oh right… brother, you’re Father’s puppet, aren’t you? But too bad… that won’t help you anymore.”
With a cold warning, Calix left.
Bang—
The door slammed shut, leaving Havel staring in shock.
“…Unbelievable.”
Clearly, Calix still believed he should be the Crown Prince.
This visit was nothing but a warning.
‘If anything irritates him, Calix will act.’
Havel could see that clearly in his brother’s eyes—he had nothing to lose.
“I can’t let this happen.”
He knew he was the only one who could stop Calix from going wild.
“You were gone, and so many things happened.”
“Ian?”
“Long time no see.”
“You came back earlier than expected.”
Astia met Ian in the garden.
He had said he would stay at the Magic Tower for a long time because of an incident.
Did everything get solved?
Seeing her confused face, Ian explained:
“Well, I didn’t finish perfectly. I was tracking with a spell, but I lost them because of magical interference.”
“Can you tell me exactly what happened?”
“You don’t need to know yet.”
“…Alright.”
Ian smirked faintly.
“I heard the news. You caught those rotten Zilte priests. I came because I was curious.”
“Oh, thanks to the magic recorder, everything was solved.”
“Glad it helped.”
Ian shrugged casually.
“I didn’t expect the leftover item in the subspace to be a magic recorder.”
“You sound like you didn’t know. You gave it to me on purpose, didn’t you?”
“No.”
“Ah. Okay.”
“Why would I do that for a human?”
“Of course~ you wouldn’t.”
Ian’s brows twitched at Astia’s teasing tone.
“Haha! I’m joking. Don’t get so upset.”
“Why would I be upset?”
“Really? Then good.”
Ian, obviously sulking, teleported up into a tree.
“Keep the portable crystal that connects directly to the Magic Tower. You may need it.”
“I will. But why would I be in danger? I have the Tower Master.”
“…Well, that’s true. Anyway, I’m busy. I’ll go.”
“So soon? Stay a little longer…”
Astia felt a bit disappointed he was leaving immediately.
Ian paused mid‑teleport, came down the tree, and gently patted her head.
“Take care.”
And then he vanished.
“…Did something get on my head?”
Astia rubbed the warm spot and touched the portable crystal in her pocket.
‘Will I ever need to use this?’
Hopefully not. That crystal was only for emergencies.
Time passed, and the debutante day drew near.
The dresses from Bluea Boutique started arriving one by one at the duke’s mansion.
“Wow… Miss, what if all the young masters stare at you?”
“If that happens, I’ll protect you!”
Annie and Emily sparkled with excitement, choosing dresses.
“I think this one is pretty. What do you think?”
“The sky‑blue dress suits you!”
Astia was still overwhelmed by all the glamorous dresses.
‘I saw them in the catalog, but still…’
Because of her distraction with the man who called himself “Ruby,” she hadn’t chosen properly at the boutique, yet all the dresses were beautiful.
Annie really had good taste.
Astia tried on dress after dress like a doll.
“I think this one is the best.”
The sleeves had frills, and the full skirt emphasized her waist. It was simple but elegant.
“And a white tiara…”
Before she knew it, Annie had covered her in accessories, so Astia had to stop her.
In the end, they decided on just the white tiara.
“Aww, but Miss should shine even more at the debutante…”
Emily timidly raised her arms, eyes sparkling.
“But Miss is already the prettiest! You’re so beautiful!”
“Exactly!”
Astia moved awkwardly in front of the mirror.
It had been a long time since she wore such a glamorous dress.
Just then, someone knocked and called out cheerfully:
“Can I come in, Atty?”
“Yes, brother.”
Creak—
Damian walked in wearing a tailcoat.
“Atty… you…”
He opened his mouth, unable to speak, then quickly covered it with his hand.
…Huh?
Why were there tears in his eyes?
“Atty… you’re beautiful…”
