Chapter 83
“Residual traces?”
“It’s a kind of remnant. The explosive magic you experienced during regression leaves traces in the body, producing similar effects under similar conditions.”
I squinted slightly.
I was starting to get an idea of Theo’s intention.
“Are you… thinking that the relic will activate if I have it?”
“That’s correct.”
“But didn’t you say, Master of the Mage Tower, that it’s a precious artifact no one has ever known about? What if someone tries to harm me while I have it?”
“Fortunately, I’m the only one in this world who knows the existence of the artifact for certain. Ah, now the Crown Princess and the Prince know too, though.”
“Still, it makes me uneasy… I have a lot in this life, so my life feels… kind of valuable.”
“I understand. Therefore—”
Theo lifted his hand slightly while maintaining eye contact.
He slipped a ring onto my left middle finger.
Curiously, the relic immediately shrank to fit my finger perfectly as soon as it touched my skin.
“I’ll keep the other one. The twin rings of Lysandra activate starting from the two wearers. They allow for teleportation to each other’s location or sharing of magical energy.”
“…With you, Master of the Mage Tower?”
“And—”
Theo exhaled and looked directly at me.
“I plan to join the Abner Society.”
I instinctively frowned.
“W-What? You’re joining the Abner Society?”
“Yes. The Abner Society.”
I was dumbfounded.
He added, as if to reassure me:
“I’m not parachuting in. If necessary, I’ll take the test and join legitimately.”
“W-What are you talking about…?”
“Once I’m admitted, I’ll focus especially on magical artifact design. That’s exactly my field, after all.”
“That’s not really what I meant—”
“So wear the relic I gave you and stay near me. That way, your safety is guaranteed.”
My jaw dropped.
Theo was saying absurd things but had an incredibly shameless expression.
I felt utterly flabbergasted.
‘Who is this person?’
First, he gives me a relic, and now he wants to join the society.
His tendency to decide everything unilaterally somehow bruised my pride.
He also talked as if I were someone he must protect at all costs.
I scowled.
“Why should I stick close to you?”
Theo’s eyebrows twitched.
I continued, speaking clearly.
“I already have thirty-nine bodyguards assigned by Duke Abner! There’s even Sir Logrio, sent by Your Highness Tian!”
A small snicker escaped Theo.
“Even after being almost killed in an ambush, you still speak as if you’re safe?”
A cold aura radiated from him.
His frown deepened, showing just how displeased he was.
“Last time, I was lucky to survive, but what if someone targets the Princess again? Then—”
“I won’t let it happen twice! I’ll stop it—!”
“What if it’s someone you can’t stop this time?”
I shrank a little at his low voice.
I glared at Theo, feeling frustrated, but couldn’t immediately speak.
His golden eyes were flickering terrifyingly.
Still, I steadied myself and glared back with all my strength.
“Don’t underestimate my bodyguards! They’re all incredibly strong!”
“…….”
“And what do you mean by ‘someone you can’t stop’? They’re not dragons or demon kings!”
For some reason, Theo flinched.
I pursed my lips while glaring at him, and his expression went blank for a moment.
Trying to regain his composure, he ran a hand across his face and muttered:
“…I apologize.”
“That’s enough.”
Theo looked at me as if I were ridiculous.
Ignoring him, I crossed my arms and looked down at the ring on my finger.
The relic, perfectly fitted, still glimmered emerald green.
‘What on earth is this?’
Is this what he wants to study so desperately?
After pondering, I asked:
“This really works, right?”
“Absolutely. Now that we have a suitable conduit, something should manifest within a few years.”
I nodded.
After a brief moment of thought, I finally answered:
“Then fine!”
“What do you mean by fine?”
“I’ve become interested in the relic too. I’ll let Master of the Mage Tower join the Abner Society.”
Theo’s eyes widened.
I held out one hand, signaling him to wait.
“However, there’s a condition.”
He looked at me, curious.
“Let me access the Mage Tower’s records too.”
“Very well.”
Surprisingly, he agreed easily.
I was shocked, even though I had made the request.
“However, no direct visits to the Mage Tower. Tell me what records you need, and I’ll bring them to you.”
After a moment of contemplation, I replied solemnly:
“…Deal.”
“Wow, I’m really surprised~”
Theo Lirkyan exhaled deeply.
Annelia was slowly fading into the distance.
“How can you lie so convincingly? You’ve been conducting aggressive research to activate the rings for years, Rani. You’re talented at acting too, our brother.”
When he turned around, a man with a horizontally elongated fox-like face was grinning mischievously at him.
“It’s been nearly three years since you activated Lysandra’s twin rings, hasn’t it?”
“….”
“Not only did you activate them, you dismantled them and connected the entire triggering mechanism. Hearing you say that made my conscience sting~”
“Shut up, Rico.”
Rico covered his mouth with a small “oops,” but whispered softly.
“But she was really pretty and cute.”
“….”
“I’ve never seen eyes so clear and large. When Miss Liri grows up, she’ll make quite a few men cry.”
“I said shut up. Say one more word and I’ll seal you at the top of the Mage Tower, understood?”
“Brother, come on. You’re too harsh on your only sibling! If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have even met Miss Liri~”
Theo didn’t answer and quickly turned.
From behind, Rico’s voice called out.
“You saw it too, didn’t you? My drawing was perfect. We met Miss Liri, put on Lysandra’s ring safely, and even joined the Abner Society!”
“….”
“Now you can see Miss Liri legally every day. Isn’t that great? Huh?”
“….”
“Even if you look gruff, I know inside you want to jump around naked with just a robe because you’re so happy.”
Theo ran his red hair through his fingers irritably, then turned fully with a deeply serious expression.
“Do I look happy right now?”
Rico shut his mouth.
“Focus, Rico. This is just the beginning. We’ve only buttoned the first button, barely.”
Theo’s clenched expression was terrifying.
Rico raised a hand cautiously, trying to calm him.
“…Brother.”
“You’ll introduce me as your assistant. So when you enter the Abner Society, watch your words. Especially with her.”
Rico reluctantly nodded.
Then, awkwardly, he added:
“…I was just trying to lighten the mood. You’re right, we barely buttoned the first button, but it’s still something to celebrate, isn’t it?”
Theo didn’t reply.
A long silence filled the empty corridor.
Then, barely audible, Theo muttered:
“…Yeah. It’s been a while since I saw her up close.”
His previously cold voice had softened slightly.
“…Holding hands too.”
Theo’s eyes were infinitely complicated.
He stared at the floor, frozen like ice, then let out a faint chuckle.
“Her palm was as small as a rye cookie. Now it’s about the size of my finger.”
“H-Hey, that’s exactly what I mean! Her cheeks were so white, so cute I just wanted to nibble them~”
Theo glared at Rico immediately.
“If you actually try to nibble, I won’t let it slide.”
“Eek!”
Rico laughed nervously.
Suddenly, Theo lifted his hand and pressed it gently to his mouth.
It was the exact spot where Annelia’s palm had touched.
The warmth and softness were vivid.
It was the only thing in his memory that hadn’t changed.
