Chapter 3
Aileen had no idea that Adrian had already left.
At that moment, the boy was walking alone through the bustling streets of the city, his eyes filled with determination.
I have to help my sister.
He knew about the enormous debt that had fallen on Aileen’s shoulders, and he also knew that she was pushing herself too hard because of it.
Even though Aileen always told him, “I’m fine,” Adrian could see that she wasn’t.
Especially after what happened a week ago — when Damon and his men destroyed their home — Adrian realized how desperate things had become.
I have to earn money too.
But unlike Aileen, Adrian didn’t know how to make magic stones.
So he decided to look for a job instead.
***
“Sorry, you’re too young.”
“There’s nothing a little kid like you can do.”
“You’re in the way. Go home.”
Everywhere he went, he got the same answer.
No one would hire a boy his age.
Dejected, Adrian dragged his feet along the road.
“I can do it… I really can…” he mumbled.
That’s when something shiny caught his eye.
He turned his head and saw a shop window filled with beautiful magical ornaments — fine jewels and devices that glowed faintly with mana. They were obviously expensive.
If only we had just one of those, he thought. We could pay off the debt right away…
His innocent wish slowly twisted into something dangerous.
At that moment, an elderly couple walked toward the shop. As they reached for the door, Adrian hesitated.
Then, quietly, he followed them inside.
“Welcome, this is Aster’s Magic Emporium,” said a clerk politely.
The clerk glanced at Adrian, who had come in right after the couple. Adrian gave him his brightest smile.
The clerk seemed to assume Adrian was their grandson and quickly looked away. Adrian sighed in relief and began to look around.
Everywhere he turned, there were glittering magical tools and ornaments. His eyes sparkled.
If I could sell even one of these… we’d be free of debt.
But he couldn’t be greedy — taking too much would get him caught immediately.
Just one. I’ll only take one.
He scanned the displays seriously, pretending to browse. Then his eyes stopped on something.
A pair of earrings — shaped like crosses, encrusted with small red magic stones, and a large gem gleaming in the center.
Even someone like Adrian, who didn’t know much about magic stones, could tell it was a top-grade item.
His throat went dry. Just this one pair… that would be enough.
He glanced around. The shopkeeper was busy with the elderly couple, and the other clerks were tending to customers.
Now’s my chance.
He reached into the display case, grabbed both earrings, and started toward the door as fast as he could.
Almost there—
But just as his hand touched the doorknob, the door opened from the other side.
A tall man stepped in.
Adrian froze. Panic rose in his chest. Did he see me?
The bell above the door chimed as it closed, and the man’s eyes met Adrian’s — more precisely, they flicked down to the earrings in his hands.
The man smiled faintly.
“Are you here with your parents, young gentleman?”
The word gentleman made Adrian’s face burn red.
He had always wanted to be a fine gentleman who could protect his sister.
But what he’d just done was the opposite of that.
A real gentleman would never steal.
At that moment, the shop owner rushed over, breathless.
“Y-your Grace! What brings you here?”
Your Grace?
Adrian’s eyes widened. The man was a duke — one of the most powerful nobles in the entire empire.
Adrian’s hands began to shake. Then, suddenly, his fingers went limp, and the earrings slipped from his grasp.
Clang!
The metal clattered loudly on the marble floor.
Everyone in the shop turned to look.
Adrian stood there, pale and trembling.
The duke sighed softly, but before he could say anything—
“Adrian!”
The door burst open again. Aileen rushed in, her face pale with worry.
Tears welled up in Adrian’s eyes.
“Sister…”
“Why did you run off like that? I was so worried!”
“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”
He burst into tears, and Aileen hugged him tightly.
Then a familiar voice spoke.
“Lady…”
Aileen looked up — and froze. Standing before her was the very man she’d met before.
Her Guide.
“You…!”
Before she could say anything more, the furious shop owner stepped forward.
“Excuse me, are you this boy’s guardian?”
“Yes… I am,” Aileen replied carefully, frowning in confusion.
The owner let out a dry laugh and pointed at the earrings on the floor.
“Your little brother tried to steal a very expensive item — and even damaged it. How are you going to take responsibility?”
“What? That can’t be…”
Aileen turned toward Adrian, who was clutching her clothes, eyes red and wet.
“I just… wanted to help you, Sister…” he whispered.
“Oh, Adrian…”
Aileen sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead. She understood now — and though she was upset, she couldn’t bring herself to scold him.
He’d done it out of love.
Turning back to the owner, she bowed her head.
“I’m so sorry. I’ll repay you for the earrings.”
“Repay me? That’s not enough! This is theft! I’ll have to report him to the City Guard!”
The word guard made Adrian tremble. Aileen opened her mouth to plead again—
“Let it go,” said a calm voice from behind her.
It was the duke — her Guide.
The shopkeeper blinked in shock.
“B-but, Your Grace, theft is still a crime—”
Your Grace?
Aileen blinked in surprise. He’s… a duke?
The duke glanced at Adrian.
“The young gentleman acted without thinking. Let’s leave it at that.”
“At least allow me to collect compensation…” the shopkeeper began weakly.
“There’s no need for that either,” said the duke smoothly, his gaze sliding to Aileen.
“She doesn’t look like she could afford it anyway.”
Aileen’s lips tightened in anger. But she said nothing.
The shopkeeper sighed. “If Your Grace insists…”
“Actually,” the duke continued, “I came here to ask something. Do you know where I can acquire high-quality magic stones?”
“High-quality…? Well, Your Grace, that’s quite difficult. I’ve been in this business for years, but finding such stones… Ah, please, let’s discuss it inside.”
The shopkeeper led the duke toward the back. The duke nodded and began to follow — until Aileen’s voice rang out.
“I can pay for it!”
He stopped mid-step.
Aileen met his gaze squarely.
“I can pay for the earrings.”
“Oh?” He raised an eyebrow. “And how, exactly?”
His tone wasn’t mocking — just curious.
Without a word, Aileen reached into her coat and pulled out something that shimmered faintly in her hand.
A violet magic stone — the same one she had made after touching him.
The duke’s brows lifted in surprise. The shopkeeper’s jaw dropped.
“I make magic stones,” Aileen said firmly.
The duke’s expression shifted — interest flickered in his eyes.
“I’m not just a magic stone maker,” she added quietly, “I can make high-grade ones.”
Now both men were speechless.
“I heard you were looking for someone who could supply top-quality stones.”
She stepped closer to the duke, meeting his eyes.
“I can help you.”
Aileen held out the stone. The violet glow reflected in his eyes as he stared at it — and at her.
“I can help you, Your Grace.”
***
A short while later, the duke — whose name Aileen still didn’t know — invited her and Adrian to his mansion to talk in private.
During the carriage ride, Aileen tried to appear calm, but her heart was pounding.
What was I thinking, saying all that? What if I can’t do it?
She let out a quiet sigh. The duke noticed and smiled faintly.
“Something troubling you?”
“…It’s nothing.”
She forced a small smile and stroked Adrian’s arm. The boy had been clinging tightly to her since they boarded.
When she touched him gently, his grip finally loosened.
The duke watched the siblings quietly.
“Your brother seems very attached to you, my lady.”
“I’ve raised him since we were little. Our parents couldn’t take care of him.”
Her father, Count Walker, had been addicted to gambling, rarely home. Her mother had been ill. So it was Aileen who had raised Adrian almost entirely on her own.
The duke nodded slowly, understanding in his eyes.
“I see.”
He didn’t pry further — and Aileen was grateful.
The less she had to recall about the past, the better.
Soon, the carriage stopped, and a voice called from outside.
“Your Grace, we’ve arrived at the mansion.”
“Good.”
The duke stepped out first. Aileen followed, but before she could climb down, a hand appeared before her.
“Allow me to escort you.”
“…Thank you.”
She hesitated but took his hand. Once she was on the ground, she helped Adrian down carefully as well.
The carriage rolled away as Aileen turned to look at the mansion.
“Wow…” Adrian whispered, eyes wide.
Aileen followed his gaze — and gasped.
The mansion was enormous — far larger and grander than the Walker estate had ever been.
It was pristine white, spotless as if cleaned every hour, with golden trim glittering in the sunlight.
So this was what true nobility looked like.
As they stood staring, the front doors opened and an elderly butler appeared.
“Welcome back, Your Grace.”
The duke nodded. “These two are my guests. Prepare tea and refreshments.”
“Yes, sir.” The butler bowed, giving Aileen and Adrian a brief, curious glance before heading inside.
Turning back to Aileen, the duke smiled politely.
“Please, come in, my lady.”
“Y-yes…”
Her voice wavered. Get it together, Aileen! You can’t lose your nerve now!
Thankfully, the duke didn’t seem to mind. He simply turned and walked ahead.
Aileen and Adrian exchanged a nervous glance — then followed him inside the grand, gleaming mansion.
