Chapter 28
If the House of Verdi guarded the eastern border of the Empire, the Marquis of Orkel was the lord who defended the western frontier.
‘That territory borders the Kingdom of Rubtam.’
Since the Empire’s recent disputes with Rubtam were widely known, Calliope asked,
“Is something wrong?”
“It’s not that any specific incident has occurred. But still…”
Archibald wore a vaguely troubled expression—the kind he made when something was bothering him.
“You sensed something was off, didn’t you? Like when you can’t quite explain it, but you’re sure something is going to happen.”
“Yes, you’re exactly right.”
“If even the Marquis of Orkel feels that way, then it can’t be just a hunch. I’ll look into it myself.”
“The help of a capable mage is always welcome.”
“I’ll help as well,”
Lerazier jumped in at just the right moment to earn some points.
Calliope then addressed her grandfather with a final request.
“But please, next time you go somewhere, make sure to tell us your destination. Do you have any idea how worried I was?”
Even though they’d received a message in the middle, it hadn’t been reassuring.
“I must be getting old. Never thought I’d be getting nagged by my granddaughter.”
Archibald chuckled, then suddenly turned serious.
“But aren’t you one to talk? Falling into a lake? You, of all people, who’ve never caused trouble once in your life? Do you know how shocked I was?”
“Oh, that…”
‘I needed a setup for a naturally disguised engagement with Lerazier.’
She couldn’t very well confess the truth, so this time, it was Calliope who was left speechless.
“I had to scramble to reserve a portal ticket to the capital.”
“I just got a little too excited about riding a magically powered ferry again.”
She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly and added,
“I didn’t get hurt, and it brought you back early, so I’m trying to think of it positively.”
“You little rascal.”
Archibald let out a hearty laugh. Then Calliope said, as if she just remembered,
“Oh right, you heard that the 7th Prince saved me, didn’t you?”
“Of course I did.”
“Well? Don’t I get anything?”
Calliope held out both hands and batted her eyes. Seeing his granddaughter shamelessly demand a reward, Archibald burst into loud laughter.
“You already got it, Calliope.”
It was Lerazier who answered.
Calliope looked confused and asked,
“Already? What did I get?”
“It’s a secret.”
“What? How is that fair! Leaving me out…?”
They plotted together, and now he’s hogging all the sweet rewards for himself?
Calliope shot a glare, but Lerazier just gave her a sly smile like he knew nothing.
‘Ugh, so frustrating.’
Then it happened. The beautiful golden eyes that had been watching her suddenly gleamed dangerously.
‘Huh?’
She felt a chill on the back of her neck, like standing in front of a predator, and froze.
‘What was that…?’
But Lerazier still wore a sunny smile. If anything, he looked even more mischievous.
‘That jerk is messing with me again…’
Feeling her fists clench involuntarily, Calliope narrowed her eyes.
‘We’ll talk later.’
Threatening him subtly, she turned to Archibald and said,
“And the 7th Prince asked to escort me to this year’s New Year’s banquet.”
“Did he now?”
Archibald glanced at Lerazier, silently asking for confirmation, and Lerazier nodded.
“Yes. We’re in a relationship, so it’s only proper we attend together.”
“I see. Still, I can’t help but worry.”
Though Archibald accepted the explanation, he still looked concerned.
“If the two of you attend together, your relationship will spread throughout the Empire’s social circles. There will inevitably be talk from those who know your history.”
“To me, gossip about Lady Calliope is no different from a medal of honor.”
‘He lies so smoothly it’s scary.’
Calliope clicked her tongue inwardly but chimed in without hesitation.
“What’s the point of hiding the truth? We can’t keep it secret forever. I’d rather be open about it.”
With that, she linked arms with Lerazier. She felt his firm muscles tense but pretended not to notice.
“I feel the same,”
Lerazier added, gently stroking the hand that was linked with his.
‘Ugh, I’m getting chills…!’
Until Archibald gave in, the two of them had to continue this unintentional public display of affection.
** * * * **
A juicy rumor began circulating through the Altecion Empire’s social circles.
It was about the suspicious relationship between Calliope Verdi and Prince Lerazier.
Some even claimed to have witnessed the two on a date, and the gossip spread like wildfire.
At one of the capital’s most famous tea houses, the nobles’ chatter centered on the same topic.
“Everyone’s heard, right?”
When someone casually brought it up, all eyes sparkled with interest.
“I did, but honestly, I don’t believe it. Of all people, that Calliope Verdi, with the 7th Prince?”
“Anyone who went to the Academy with them would know. They were total enemies.”
“I heard that too. Didn’t he even have a nickname back then…?”
The woman who had been speaking glanced around cautiously and lowered her head.
As the others leaned in, she covered her mouth with a fan and whispered,
“They said he barked like a dog whenever he saw Verdi…”
“Pfft!”
The women at the table burst into giggles. Their excitement only grew.
Meanwhile, just beyond a tall partition, Calliope—sitting with Lerazier—couldn’t hold back her laughter either.
“You think that’s funny?”
Lerazier asked with a pout, watching her try to hide her smile behind a teacup.
“I mean, I’m just surprised everyone knows.”
“What?”
“To be fair, it is true you picked fights with me constantly.”
Apparently others saw it the same way. Calliope replied nonchalantly and sipped her tea.
“People sure love to meddle in others’ business.”
Lerazier muttered sourly but didn’t deny it—he had done all those things.
“Anyway, the plan seems to be going smoothly.”
“At the cost of my reputation and honor.”
“When did you ever care about that?”
Calliope dramatically widened her eyes and covered her mouth with both hands like she was genuinely shocked.
Getting back at him for old grievances, she teased Lerazier smugly, and he let out a dry laugh.
‘That’s kind of unfair.’
Leaning back into the chair, Lerazier smirked lazily.
‘What’s with him now?’
Startled by his sudden relaxed attitude, Calliope flinched instinctively.
Not missing her reaction, Lerazier said,
“Didn’t you tell me to mind my reputation? I clearly remember you bringing it up when I went to see the Marquis for permission to date you.”
Calliope cleared her throat awkwardly. Lerazier tilted his head and gave a meaningful smile.
“What if I stop caring about my reputation altogether? That’s something I’m very good at.”
He then brazenly put his feet up on the table and crossed his arms. The complete lack of manners made Calliope gasp.
“Are you insane?!”
She yelled, then quickly lowered her voice, remembering their surroundings.
Thankfully, they had a soundproofing spell cast around them.
“You haven’t forgotten what I told you, right? Once our relationship goes public, your reputation will be directly tied to mine.”
“I haven’t forgotten. I have a great memory,”
Lerazier grinned, tapping his head cheekily.
“But you haven’t exactly been helpful. When I’m getting slandered, instead of defending me, you just sit there and laugh.”
“Ugh, come on! Can’t I joke around a little?”
“Oh yeah? Then prove it.”
…Since when was he so smooth with words?
