Chapter 87
The Tower Master, Sebastian, frowned.
‘This is troublesome….’
It was not fortunate for the Tower that Risherfield had gone down to the west.
Count Baker had already demanded the report and even threatened to cut off the Tower’s funding if it was not submitted.
But Sebastian truly could not write even a single line of that report.
‘Well, that’s because….’
The corpse of the monster they were supposed to retrieve from the imperial palace had disappeared completely—together with Kendrick!
‘…I should never have entrusted it.’
Sebastian bit his lips hard.
He had handed it over only because he needed to secure Risherfield’s promise of rank and position. That had been the root of his mistake.
‘I must receive that position quickly.’
He was anxious.
The time for him to retire as Tower Master was drawing near.
‘My strength is fading too fast.’
Because he had not continued honing his abilities, his skills had atrophied.
After becoming Tower Master, Sebastian had focused more on what could be done with his position than on sharpening his own magic.
‘Why did he have to disappear now, of all times?’
Looking back, Kendrick’s disappearance was somewhat regrettable.
Not only had Kendrick possessed remarkable talent, he had also been extremely obedient—perfect for being used.
But that was all.
Sebastian had considered searching for him, but… a magician who vanished while investigating a monster? That would be disgraceful. Monsters were enemies the imperial knights could defeat with ease. If people learned that a magician had fallen to such a creature, the Tower’s noble reputation would suffer irreparable harm. For that reason, Sebastian did not want to dig into Kendrick’s whereabouts.
‘…I need to come up with an excuse somehow.’
What reason could he give Risherfield that would hold water?
As he brooded, he suddenly felt a presence ahead. Lifting his head, Sebastian found himself staring at Kendrick. His face was twisted in clear displeasure.
“You—where have you been until now!”
“I came to take your seat. When some aim for the throne itself, shouldn’t I at least become Tower Master?”
Sebastian was struck speechless by Kendrick’s open rebellion.
Had he heard wrong? He trembled and asked again.
“…What did you say?”
Kendrick let out a heavy sigh, too annoyed to explain further.
“Well then….”
A surge of ice burst from Kendrick’s hand—his trademark freezing magic.
“My condolences.”
From his palm, an icicle formed and drove deep into Sebastian’s chest.
“Ugh…!”
“Killing the Tower Master here means I’ll have a lot to deal with, but….”
The only reason Kendrick hadn’t killed Sebastian before was because ascending slowly step by step was safer. If he seized the Tower Master’s seat in one leap, challengers would constantly appear.
The benefits of becoming Tower Master were immense.
A newly enthroned Tower Master had to fight repeatedly until no more challengers dared to appear.
‘But….’
If he wanted to rise in a short time, this was the only way.
Meanwhile, Maya continued to climb ever higher. She had defeated the massive monsters of the north, south, and even the west.
She would soon rise to the position of Captain of the Imperial Knights.
Kendrick could not simply sit back and watch Maya grow more distant.
‘I can’t keep relying on her forever.’
The words he once told Tristan were also words for himself.
Maya was gauging the date for her departure to the east.
‘After becoming Captain, I also need to hold the wedding….’
Would two weeks be enough time?
According to Risherfield, the great bird in the east had not yet caused as much devastation as the monster in the west.
‘Does it have a different temperament from the butterfly?’
The white tiger had been arrogant, the wolf hot-tempered, and the butterfly calm yet foolish. Every monster was unique in appearance and strength.
If it was a giant bird, what kind would it be?
‘To survive despite this abnormal climate….’
The entire continent was suffering from climate anomalies, but the east was being hit hardest—harsh cold waves and relentless blizzards. Many had already died.
And yet, these birds endured such cold and attacked humans.
‘It won’t end here.’
She wondered if this bird would also summon Tristan and her… only to finally seek death.
‘I must be especially cautious this time.’
After the chaos in the north, south, and west, this eastern monster would be the last.
She had no intention of giving it what it desired.
‘I’ve never faced this one before, so it worries me, but….’
Still, she felt more confident.
She would not be facing this monster alone—Tristan would be at her side.
As she smiled at the thought of him, her face suddenly hardened. No, no!
‘We have to separate, remember.’
They were only a contractual couple. She could enjoy it while it lasted, but falling too deep was dangerous.
…But then again, wasn’t it fine during the contract period?
If they were even going to hold a wedding, wouldn’t it be more respectful to give him her sincerity?
Still, she couldn’t quite imagine a wedding happening in just two weeks.
‘Is it even possible to prepare one that quickly?’
Never having held one before, Maya tried to picture it.
Guests wouldn’t matter anyway. Perhaps Robert or Doshen could officiate. Maybe even Alec.
‘Too bad Seren can’t be there.’
Since Seren didn’t know about the contract marriage, inviting him wasn’t possible.
In the end, all that mattered was dressing properly, pledging their future to each other, and receiving blessings.
‘We could even hold it tomorrow in the mansion’s ballroom.’
If Kendrick attended as her only friend, that alone would make it a wedding.
‘I wonder how Tristan is preparing….’
As she pondered, a knock sounded at the door.
“Come in.”
“It’s been a while, Your Grace.”
Doshen entered with a smile, greeting Maya warmly.
“It truly has been a while!”
Maya returned the smile.
“How have you been?”
“I’ve been well, though I was in awe hearing of Your Grace’s exploits.”
“You heard even here?”
“It seems His Majesty spread the word himself.”
“Ah….”
Indeed, there had to be a strong reason for suddenly dismissing Graham and welcoming Maya in his place.
“Today I’ve prepared a carriage for an outing.”
“Where to?”
“I’ve rented out the dessert shop you love in Red—exclusively for you.”
“…That does make my heart flutter.”
“After that, you will meet O’Fraze.”
It felt like she was finally getting the vacation she’d never had in her previous life as a Knight Captain—sweets, dresses, leisure.
…But someone weighed on her mind.
“Am I going alone?”
Enjoying herself was fine, but leaving Seren behind in the guest room felt wrong.
“Of course not. Seren will accompany you.”
Catching her thoughtfulness, Doshen smiled gently.
He admired the Duchess all the more for her kindness—she truly suited Tristan.
“Then I’ll get ready!”
Excited to go out, Maya rose quickly.
But as she passed Doshen, she paused.
She remembered Tristan mentioning that Doshen’s name appeared in the ledger alongside Kleine Rebour.
“Doshen, have you spoken with Tristan?”
At her question, Doshen nodded.
“Yes.”
That short answer carried much meaning. He too had resolved himself.
“If my strength is ever needed, tell me. As Duchess, as a Pendragon by blood, I will do my utmost.”
In her previous life they had never crossed paths, but in this one the bond was precious. Her words made Doshen laugh heartily.
“They say couples resemble each other… you even resemble Lord Tristan in this.”
“First you should finish your investiture and your wedding.”
He gave her a firm push on the back.
“Go on, enjoy your desserts, choose your wedding dress with Seren Baker. You must become a pure white bride, after all.”
Maya’s cheeks flushed red.
Unable to refuse, she let herself be guided out by Doshen.
“…I’m the closest to pure white, though.”
At her side, the White Dragon emerged.
“You’ll let me attend the wedding, won’t you? Walk in holding me? Please?”
Though the White Dragon had lived for ages, it had never attended a wedding. This moment was precious—it was its master’s, its friend’s, its kin’s life event.
“Of course. You’re me.”
Maya grinned, and the dragon’s lips curled upward too.
“Come on, let’s fetch Seren.”
After enjoying sweets and pastries together, and meeting O’Fraze, she would seek opinions.
Because in front of Tristan, she wanted to be the loveliest bride of all.
‘No one else matters.’
As long as Tristan saw her and they could build memories together, that was enough.
