CHAPTER 48…………………………
Of course, the Duke was the strongest Aura Master on the continent, and I was just a beginner who had only recently started learning magic. But I never expected I’d become so mentally dependent on him.
“Please rely on me a little.”
I remembered the words he said the day I obtained my Catalyst.
As he suggested, I intended to rely on him a little.
After all, I was, at least in name, the Duchess of Northdian.
Still, if I got too close, it would only make things difficult for me. In a year, I’d be alone anyway.
‘I even got too worked up during the dance. We’re not a real married couple, after all. Everything’s temporary. From now on, I should treat the Duke rationally.’
We were married simply because we needed each other. I would get what I needed from the Duke, and he from me—nothing more.
‘Then why do I feel this sense of loss?’
No matter how I tried to rationalize it, a hollow feeling lingered in a corner of my heart.
“Milady, over here!”
It seemed we had reached our destination.
It was the reception room on the first floor. Not even a private room, but a reception room for visitors—something seemed off.
“We’ll open it.”
“All right.”
Sina and Sera pushed the doors open simultaneously. I tensed, thinking I would finally see the culprit through the door.
‘Come on! Show yourself!’
The doors swung open.
Bang! Bang!!
“Milady, congratulations on coming of age!”
“Congratulations!”
“Happy 20th birthday!”
The sudden sound of fireworks and the cheering of people left me momentarily stunned.
The scene beyond the door was nothing like I had imagined.
“…Obrian? Sir Dale?”
For the past two months, the servants and knights I had grown close to while staying at the Northdian mansion had gathered in the reception room. Roughly, there must have been over forty of them.
Some of them even wore party hats, holding small fireworks that had already gone off. Looking again, the whole place was surprisingly festive.
Then, a large bouquet suddenly appeared.
“Happy birthday, Eloah.”
“The Duke?”
The most surprising thing was that the Duke of Northdian himself was among them.
He held a lavish bouquet adorned with small jewels. The flowers, more than a handful, were pressed fully into my arms.
“Thank you.”
The scent of the flowers was wonderful.
“But… why are you here, Duke?”
“I came to celebrate my wife’s birthday. Is that strange?”
“My… birthday? Oh… me?”
After a few moments of buffering, I finally understood that he had come to celebrate my birthday.
His face, as he offered me the bouquet, looked somewhat shy.
“I completely forgot.”
Between lessons and preparing to leave for the Archipelago, I had forgotten even after receiving a birthday gift from Ripei not long ago.
“That’s fine. I’ll remember from now on.”
With a faint smile, he spoke and turned around. Then Obrian came forward and placed a floral crown on my head on my behalf.
“Milady, congratulations on coming of age.”
The crown was delicately decorated with flowers symbolizing happiness and health for those reaching adulthood in this world.
Sina and Sera approached, carrying a large cake together.
“Congratulations on coming of age, Milady.”
The pale buttercake seemed to have been prepared by all the servants. If the Duke had ordered it from the kitchen, it would have been far more like a piece of art.
The slightly rustic cake bore the number 20, surrounded by nuts and pretty flower decorations. Just looking at it lifted my spirits.
I blew out the candles and, for a moment, tears welled up.
“It’s the first birthday cake I’ve ever received.”
“Oh, we’re honored to give you your first cake!”
“The number here was written by the Duke himself. We were preparing the cake secretly but got caught.”
‘The Duke?’
Surprised, I stared at him wide-eyed, and he smiled softly.
“I just happened to pass by and see it.”
He still looked somewhat shy, which felt uncharacteristic of him.
“Milady, here’s your gift!”
“Here! I prepared a gift too!”
The servants rushed forward, giving me small, simple gifts that filled my arms. The massive bouquet from the Duke had somehow been handed off to Sina.
The gifts were humble items like handkerchiefs and hair ties, and I could barely make them out through my tears.
“Oh, Milady! Crying again on such a wonderful day.”
“…I’m just too happy.”
“To think a noble lady would shed tears over our small gifts… Luckily, my gift is a handkerchief.”
Obrian gently wiped my tears. His touch was so kind.
For so many people to gather and celebrate my humble birthday… a feeling spread deep into my heart that words could not describe.
“I hope Milady’s coming of age is full of happiness.”
“I wish for Milady’s happiness.”
Warm words poured in from all directions.
A sense of warmth poured over me.
The House of Northdian… it was far too much for me.
This place, which I would have to leave in a year, felt so warm.
And so, it hurt a little.
“Thank you, everyone.”
I gave them a smile full of happiness.
After that, the party was in full swing. With the Duke’s permission, the servants had taken a break and all were eating, drinking, and chatting happily.
Groups formed, dancing to lively music, singing, and occasionally showing off tricks.
I laughed and cried, opening the gifts they had prepared and chatting, enjoying a pleasant time. Unlike the stifling refreshments and banquets at the Ubresis household, this felt relaxing and joyful.
I was listening to Sera’s singing when I stood up.
“Milady?”
“I’m going to get some fresh air for a moment.”
“I’ll accompany you.”
Sina had been fussing over my flushed face, but I waved her off.
“It’s fine. I’ll just enjoy the music for now. I’m stepping out onto the balcony for a moment.”
“Do you want me to call you if anything happens?”
“Yes.”
Stepping out onto the balcony, the wind felt pleasant. It was warm and gentle, signaling the coming summer.
“Haa…”
I hadn’t realized it, but I was weak with alcohol.
“Last time, you got drunk after just one beer…”
I ran my fingers through my hair, swept by the wind.
“Eloah?”
“Duke?”
I froze mid-motion while fixing my hair.
Inside the balcony, shaded by the trees, was the Duke, whom I thought had already gone back to work, quietly drinking.
“You’re still here? I thought you had gone to work.”
It was late at night, with the moon high in the sky. He approached me with a faint smile.
“I’m not such a workaholic that I’d go even on my wife’s birthday.”
“You’ve been busy preparing to leave for the Archipelago.”
“Nothing is more important than your birthday.”
He set down his glass and untied his tie, lightly gathering my hair into a single loose strand. The thin tie made it light and comfortable.
“Ah, thank you.”
He then lightly brushed my cheek.
“Your face is quite red.”
“A little tipsy.”
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Actually, I feel good. This is the first time something like this has happened.”
I smiled, enjoying the night breeze.
I never imagined that just a few months ago, I’d have a day when so many people celebrated my birthday.
Then my eyes fell on the Duke’s glass on the railing. Its pale golden color looked sweet, unlike anything at the party.
“Can I try it?”
Slightly drunk, I grabbed his glass even before he could answer. Normally, I would never have dared such a bold move.
“Eloah, wait…!”
It smelled wonderful. I imagined honey and took a sip.
“Gulp!”
What is this?! So bitter and harsh!
Contrary to the sweet scent, the taste was shocking.
The alcohol hit hard. I clutched my burning throat and began coughing.
Cough, cough!
“Oh my, are you all right?”
The Duke went outside the balcony for a moment and brought me some water. Even after finishing it, I still coughed a little, tears welling up.
“Ugh… how can people drink this?”
He wore a subtle expression of sympathy mixed with amusement.
“Well, newly adult Eloah might not know, but this is quite an expensive liquor. People can’t get enough of it.”
“That’s impossible. Who likes such a bitter, throat-burning drink? You’re not supposed to drink something that hurts you, are you?”
So he has that kind of taste, huh?
Seeing my shocked expression, he turned his head and chuckled again.
‘Go ahead, laugh all you want!’
I stomped on his foot in frustration. He didn’t flinch and just smiled.
“Oh? Not satisfied with just being stepped on earlier?”
“You keep saying naughty things, that’s why.”
“Do you dislike it?”
“No woman likes being teased.”
I replied in a sulky tone, and he chuckled again.
“You’re just too cute. I’ll restrain myself from now on.”
“…Huh?”
Cute?
I turned my head in disbelief, and the Duke was smiling at me, his gaze somehow tickling me.
Every time he looked at me like that, I didn’t know what to do. The strange thing was that I didn’t dislike it.
Then, familiar music reached my ears.
“Ah, this song…”
Looking into the reception room, I saw the knight who usually played music during dance practice performing an unfamiliar but lively dance tune. People were dancing along, all of them happy.
Suddenly, I felt like dancing. I extended my hand to the handsome man beside me.
“Duke, will you dance with me?”
He took my hand first, then his eyes widened at my words.
“Here?”
“Yes.”
“This place is too narrow. Tomorrow—”
“Then let’s go upstairs.”
“What did you say?”
I smiled slyly and pulled the Duke’s hand. Somehow, I felt it would work.
I drew magic from the Core.
“[Igra Fassa Corredo.]”
The floating magic I had failed at earlier in the day.
The magic manifested through the Catalyst.
Golden magic enveloped us, lifting both me and the Duke gently into the air. Slowly, we floated upward.
“Eloah?”
The Duke looked at me in surprise. He seemed momentarily flustered, then grinned.
“You always make it impossible to look away from you.”
He held my hand tightly.
We soared into the night sky together.
Magic coursed through my body. Golden light scattered across the dark sky, looking like stardust falling from the heavens.
Soon, we reached a spot with a clear view of the mansion. A new world spread above and below us. The moon, stars, and mansion lights combined, making it feel like we were in space.
The Duke alternated his gaze between the sky and the mansion, marveling.
“Amazing. I was clumsy controlling this morning.”
“Somehow, I felt like I could do it now.”
I smiled and held his arm. Floating in magic, we drifted like bobbing on water. Perhaps due to the alcohol, I felt light and giddy.
“Now, let’s dance.”
The music hadn’t ended yet.
“Can we dance while using magic?”
“I think we can.”
It felt strange. Holding the Duke’s hand, the unstable magic stabilized much faster than when I first used the Catalyst.
His ruby-like eyes softened.
“All right. I’ll entrust my body to you.”
