Chapter 43……………………………
After the opera ended, Ibelina decided she would bring up the matter again and turned her gaze toward the stage.
The stage lights came on, and the actors walked out and began their performance.
Ibelina quickly became engrossed in the opera.
It was a cliché love story.
But the actors’ performances were outstanding, and the story was engaging, so it was far from boring.
Before she knew it, the opera had reached its climax.
“Please, accept my heart.”
“Are you truly sincere with me?”
“Of course. If I could, I would take out my heart and show it to you.”
The heroine seemed moved by these passionate words.
Finally, the heroine accepted the male lead’s feelings, and the long-awaited kiss scene arrived.
The kiss was intense, and Ibelina quickly turned her gaze away.
But then, without realizing it, she found herself staring at Arsen.
Even in the darkness, his eyes gleamed blue.
Ibelina froze as she looked into his eyes.
Though there were people around, it felt as if she were alone with him.
Arsen smiled lazily.
He lowered his eyes, slowly bowed his head, and moved closer to her.
Ibelina’s heart began to pound violently, as if it would leap out of her chest.
She squeezed her eyes shut.
But when she didn’t feel his lips on hers, she timidly opened her eyes.
Arsen’s face was right in front of her.
Startled, she instinctively tried to step back, but he grabbed her waist and kissed her in an instant.
“Arse—”
A shiver ran down her spine.
It felt as if he were devouring her.
Ibelina unconsciously clenched the lapel of his coat.
Time passed without her noticing.
When Arsen finally pulled away, Ibelina lowered her head deeply.
She was too embarrassed to meet his gaze.
But Arsen gently lifted her chin.
“That’s good.”
“….”
“And I’m happy. I’ve never been this happy in my life.”
Arsen closed his eyes and smiled brilliantly.
“I love you.”
The kiss ended with a sweet confession of love.
In the end, Ibelina didn’t see a single part of the latter half of the opera.
She was too distracted by him to remember the plot.
Though the surrounding audience likely didn’t see the kiss either, it was still deeply embarrassing for her.
“L-Let’s return to the North now.”
“Yes.”
She had promised to have dinner with Karina at the mansion.
Ibelina creaked along toward the carriage, and Arsen followed behind, suppressing a smile.
They returned to the palace and used a warp to get back to the North.
After spending a few months in the North, the cold blizzards already felt familiar.
Ibelina donned her coat as usual, and Arsen fastened it carefully for her.
They took the carriage that had been waiting and returned to the mansion, where Karina greeted them warmly.
“Welcome back. You must be tired from going all the way to the capital.”
“It wasn’t tiring. We didn’t ride a carriage, we used warp magic.”
Karina patted her back.
“You must be tired. Go rest now. We’ll talk in detail during dinner later. There’s something I need to tell you as well.”
“Yes, mother.”
Ibelina was curious about what Karina wanted to say but nodded.
Arsen furrowed his brow slightly and spoke to Karina.
“Mother, may I speak with you for a moment?”
“Of course.”
Karina nodded casually, as if she had already expected this.
Ibelina spoke first.
“I’ll go upstairs first, then.”
“Alright. Rest well.”
Karina smiled warmly as she sent Ibelina up to her room.
Once Ibelina disappeared, Arsen let out a soft sigh and spoke.
“Are you planning to talk about it today?”
“The sooner, the better. There are only a few months left. You weren’t planning to wait until the day before departure, were you?”
“Of course not.”
Arsen looked displeased.
Karina lightly tapped his arm with her fan.
“Deals must be kept. Of course, this year is no exception.”
“…I know, you don’t need to tell me.”
“You impudent child. Don’t worry while I’m here—I’ll take care of the little one with her.”
Karina smiled teasingly.
Arsen didn’t like it. He didn’t want to leave, but he couldn’t break his promise.
He left first, visibly annoyed.
While holding a knife to cut her steak, Ibelina blinked.
Then she asked again, cautiously.
“What did you just say?”
“The time for the monster hunt is approaching. As part of the arrangement that His Majesty won’t interfere in the North, Arsen is assigned the annual monster hunt.”
Ibelina was completely unaware of the background and felt slightly dazed.
She hesitated, then carefully asked Karina.
“When exactly?”
“On the day winter begins. Monsters become more active as the weather warms, so it’s best to go early and cut them off at the source.”
Ibelina glanced at Arsen.
He, who usually wore a gentle expression, looked serious.
“When you go… how long will you be gone?”
“…About a month. The forest is quite far from here.”
“I see…”
Ibelina’s chopping slowed noticeably at his answer.
Her expression was serious, lost in thought.
He hurriedly added,
“I’ll return as quickly as possible. I’m experienced, and I’ve never been injured before, so you don’t need to worry.”
“Ah… but I still worry.”
Ibelina couldn’t help worrying. Though she trusted him, accidents could happen. Even if he hadn’t been hurt before, this year might be different.
Arsen glanced at her briefly.
After finishing their meal, Ibelina made a firm decision.
I will go with him on the monster hunt.
Her healing magic would be useful in case of injuries.
She planned to ask Leonard if her skills were sufficient for the hunt.
If Leonard agreed, she would tell Arsen she wanted to accompany him.
Karina noticed the seriousness in her expression and spoke softly.
“It’ll be alright. It’s like the annual event, so don’t worry too much.”
“…Yes.”
Ibelina nodded.
She began forming a plan in her mind.
Tomorrow, Leonard would come for class.
She eagerly awaited the day.
The next day, when Leonard arrived at the mansion, Ibelina asked him immediately:
“Teacher, did you know about the monster hunt in the North?”
“Yes.”
Although it was sudden, Leonard answered calmly.
“What exactly is the monster hunt?”
“As the name implies, it’s a hunt for monsters. Each year, before winter begins, His Grace the Duke goes to the winter forest and kills monsters indiscriminately. His power alone is immense—roughly half the monsters in the forest are killed.”
“…Do you think I have the ability to go with him?”
This surprised Leonard slightly.
But he quickly composed himself and thought carefully.
Ibelina waited nervously for his answer.
After a few minutes, Leonard finally spoke.
“If you increase training and class hours before winter begins, you’ll have enough ability to accompany him.”
“Really?”
“Yes. But monsters are far more dangerous than you might imagine. Of course, the Duke wouldn’t allow you to get hurt… but there is one very important thing.”
“What is it?”
Ibelina tilted her head.
“Make sure you get permission from the Duke before going with him.”
“….”
“Then we can start training for the monster hunt.”
Leonard’s eyes shone sharply.
“I wish to maintain my connection with you through magic, so I don’t want to be barred from participating.”
Ibelina let out a faint sigh.
She lacked confidence to convince Arsen. He always forbade dangerous activities, so there was no way he would allow her to go.
Leonard adjusted his glasses and asked,
“Will you give up?”
“…No, absolutely not.”
Her gaze was firm, unwavering against any obstacle.
“Then we’ll get your answer in the next class.”
“Yes, teacher.”
The deadline was next week.
During class, Ibelina kept thinking about how to persuade Arsen.
After class, she washed and changed.
The longer she hesitated, the harder it would be to speak.
She decided she would bring it up today.
Berry had told her that Arsen was in his study.
Without delay, she went to the study and knocked on the door.
“Arsen, are you in?”
Within seconds, footsteps hurried toward the door, which suddenly swung open.
Ibelina jumped back in surprise.
Looking up, she saw Arsen, slightly startled.
“What brings you here?”
“Ah… I, um, wanted to say something.”
“Please come in.”
Arsen stepped aside.
Ibelina muttered “Excuse me” and stepped inside.
The study was very spacious.
A large bookshelf lined the walls, packed completely with books.
Documents were stacked in layers on the desk, and a quill lay as if just used.
Arsen pulled a cord, summoning Noel.
“You called?”
“Bring some tea and snacks.”
“Yes, sir.”
Noel bowed and left.
Soon, tea and snacks were placed on the table.
Arsen took a sip of tea and asked,
“What did you want to say?”
Ibelina clenched her teacup, then released it.
She lifted her head, looked Arsen straight in the eyes, and said,
“I want to go with you on the monster hunt.”
