IDMLG 71

Chapter 71

“Is this the right place to meet?”

Rixion Luhanes asked, furrowing one eyebrow, as if he hadn’t expected this outcome either.

I nodded with a dazed expression.

“We were supposed to meet in front of this angel statue…”

I hoped it was just that they left because it was too late, but I couldn’t help worrying that something might have happened.

If Jade had been attacked by those mysterious masked people like me, it would really be a serious problem.

“It seems like they ignored the appointment and left, so let’s go.”

While lingering around the angel statue, unable to let go, Rixion Luhanes grabbed my hand again and pulled me toward him.

I frowned at the feeling of being tugged backward. This guy had been pulling people’s arms like they were dog leashes since earlier.

I thought about saying something again but decided it was too bothersome and just let it be.

I was more worried about Jade, though—maybe I should go to the temple now to check if he was safe.

But I judged that dragging this man along all the way there would be impossible. For now, I decided to return to the Marquess’ residence, then sneak out again to visit the temple.

“There’s another place we need to check.”

And there was one more thing I had to confirm immediately.

I went with Rixion Luhanes to the alley from earlier to check if the masks I had crumpled in the corner were still there. But…

‘They’re gone too!’

I was certain it was the same alley, yet the two masks I had half-crushed had vanished without a trace.

‘They couldn’t have walked away like that…’

I looked around in disbelief. All the while, Rixion Luhanes held my hand, following closely behind me.

“What’s this place?”

As I looked around the dark alley, Rixion Luhanes gave me a puzzled glance.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should tell him what happened earlier.

If it were him, he would surely help me find the masks—but that would also mean Michael might overhear what happened.

Thinking that far, I quickly kept my mouth shut.

“I think I lost my wallet here earlier. But it’s too dark to see anything.”

I acted disappointed, pretending I was giving up on my wallet. Rixion Luhanes stared at me silently.

I flinched, wondering if he had seen through my terrible acting. Then he murmured something in a low voice.

For a moment, I tilted my head, not understanding the language—but then a dazzling sphere of light appeared from his hand.

Suddenly, the alley was as bright as midday, and every corner became clearly visible.

“Oh…”

Surprised, I stared wide-eyed at the glowing orb in his hand. Rixion Luhanes gave a short laugh and said,

“Seems like it’s not here. Shall we check somewhere else?”

“No? No, it’s fine. There wasn’t much money anyway…”

Earlier, his expression had shown displeasure, but now he smiled gently and spoke warmly, as if nothing had happened.

I was caught off guard and averted my eyes slightly as I replied,

“I’ll get a carriage and go home.”

Still holding hands with him, we left the alley together.

Near the square, I saw carriages lined up, waiting for passengers.

I approached the driver of the carriage at the front. As I was about to tell him the destination and pay, Rixion Luhanes walked ahead and cut in.

“Please take us to the Christener Marquess’ residence.”

He paid the fare for me and even helped me get into the carriage.

Since our hands were still linked, I quietly accepted his escort and stepped in.

I thought that would be the end, but then I saw him getting into the carriage after me—and I panicked.

“Are you coming with me?”

“…? Yes.”

Rixion Luhanes got in as naturally as if nothing was wrong.

I was the only one flustered. I looked at him in disbelief, unsure how to comment. He sat across from me, and the carriage started moving.

What is he doing? You’re not exactly the leisurely type! And now even Jieunha is here!

I shot daggers with my eyes, too embarrassed to speak. I secretly hoped Rixion Luhanes might have mind-reading abilities, but he calmly stared out the window.

“It’s the first time we’ve seen each other since we parted at my residence.”

He spoke casually, still looking out the window. I awkwardly rolled my eyes.

Ah, right. I had forgotten—this was our first meeting today since I had caused a scene at the Luhanes residence.

I had been too busy worrying about Jieunha and Jade to remember, but now the embarrassment came rushing back.

Then I remembered I might have even shown Rixion Luhanes my powers.

Oh, no. How could I forget that? I began to sweat nervously.

I fought the urge to jump out of the moving carriage and fixed my gaze on the opposite window.

“….”

Since he had started talking first, I thought I should at least say, “Ah, yes. Sorry. I wasn’t feeling well then,” or some excuse.

But I was too embarrassed and scared to say anything.

If I said anything, he might ask why I had caused such a scene, and about the power that healed me—questions I wasn’t ready to answer.

So I just stared out the window, pretending I hadn’t heard anything, feeling his gaze burn the back of my head.

Once we left the crowded square, the carriage picked up speed. If we kept going like this, we’d reach the Christener Marquess’ residence in about five minutes.

I comforted myself: just five more minutes.

“Liz.”

Suddenly, his low voice sounded way too close.

Reflexively, I turned my head—and met his blue eyes, right in front of me.

If I had leaned just a little forward, our noses would have touched.

“I thought maybe you couldn’t hear me.”

Frozen in shock, I watched him smile faintly.

I couldn’t think of a clever retort, and he smiled, seemingly pleased with himself, and suddenly reached out.

His long, elegant fingers touched my left cheek. I flinched, trying to pull back.

“Stay still for a moment.”

At that moment, a dazzling light burst from his hand.

I froze, startled by the light resembling my own power, and felt a warm sensation wrap around my left cheek.

“The wound isn’t deep, thankfully. Healing magic should be enough for this.”

He withdrew his hand, inspecting the spot. I instinctively touched my left cheek—smooth. The wound was gone.

Magic… it never failed to amaze me. Just like when he had raised the orb in the alley, I marveled and touched my cheek repeatedly. Even with similar powers, it was still fascinating.

“That wound… it was driving me crazy to look at it. It’s better now.”

He leaned back again and sighed lightly. The expression looked like someone who had barely calmed down after nearly exploding, and I felt awkward.

I couldn’t believe my face had been so awful to look at. I fidgeted with my cheek and turned my gaze out the window.

“Jieunha.”

But at the sound of the familiar name, I had no choice but to look back at him.

Unlike my tense self, his blue eyes remained calm, staring straight at me.

“May I ask how you knew that name?”

My mind went blank, as if hit by a rubber mallet.

I had completely forgotten, overwhelmed by the previous two incidents.

Blurted out Jieunha’s name in front of Rixion Luhanes—what a huge mistake.

‘What should I do?’

Questions popped up endlessly in my mind, with no exclamation mark to answer them.