Chapter 40
‘There aren’t many people around?’
Perhaps because evening had already fallen, the streets felt quiet and sparse. Residents who had finished work or were enjoying a post-dinner stroll hurriedly stepped aside when the unexpected procession passed through.
Recognizing the Letis emblem embroidered on the flags, they all bowed at once.
What was interesting was that even after seeing Whitey and Blanky, people only flinched slightly instead of showing real fear.
“Sir Rias.”
“Yes, Teacher.”
“People don’t seem very surprised even when they see our kids.”
“This area is full of much larger and more vicious magical beasts,” he replied. “With knights accompanying them and the wolves calmly pulling the carriage, people probably feel they’re safe. Of course, some do find it fascinating.”
As expected of the region, the residents seemed to have nerves of steel.
In fact, a few children peeked up from their bows, sneaking glances at the wolves with wide-eyed curiosity.
“Hey, Termion.”
“Yes?”
“Can I give the kids some presents? They’re so polite.”
“I don’t mind, but… what kind of gifts are you suddenly talking about?”
“It’s nothing special.”
Ailesia raised both arms and gently swept the air. Suddenly, large bundles of candy and chocolate began appearing in front of the children lining the road.
“Huh?”
“What’s this?”
The children’s eyes widened at the snacks floating in the air, wrapped in faint light. Ailesia cupped her hands around her mouth and called out cheerfully,
“Gifts from the Grand Duke for good children! Enjoy them—and don’t forget to brush your teeth before bed!”
“…Ailesia?”
She merely shrugged once at Termion’s dumbfounded stare.
At the same time, it earned goodwill from the residents—and good things were good things.
Termion seemed to grasp her intent and let out a small laugh before turning away again.
“Wow! Candy!”
“Thank you, Grand Duke!”
“Mom! This chocolate’s bigger than my hand!”
Technically, they should’ve said “Your Highness,” but so what? Those titles were cute in their own way.
Watching the children jump and cheer, Ailesia smiled broadly. Her heart felt warm without effort.
“Waaah?”
“Ellie, let’s eat yours once we get to the castle, okay?”
“Okay!”
Of course, she couldn’t spoil the other children and forget her own baby. She loaded Eleonora’s arms with cookies and chocolate, then leisurely looked around.
The street was paved with neatly arranged stones, and magical lamps stood at regular intervals. It was a stark contrast to other cities where dust filled the air and filth lay in plain sight.
The residents’ clothing was also well-kept. Though some colors had faded, not a single person wore torn or frayed garments.
‘Overall, the standard of living is high. It’s rich enough to rival even the imperial capital.’
Of course, not all of the ducal territory would be like this. But the environment of the ducal castle itself looked exceptional—one of the finest in the empire, even on the continent.
Just as the last traces of sunset disappeared and darkness fully settled, another massive gate—similar in scale to the one they’d seen earlier—came into view.
“Teacher, we’re nearing the inner castle.”
“Is that so?”
Ailesia dismounted from the carriage and moved onto Blanky’s back. She’d seen enough from above, and it wouldn’t do to keep staring down at people she was meeting for the first time.
As expected, servants and knights were already lined up beneath the wide-open gate. Standing at the center was a woman with perfectly straight posture.
Her red hair was swept up without a single strand out of place. She wore a deep purple robe embroidered with golden thread.
Beneath neatly shaped brows, her eyes—vivid green like Eleonora’s—gleamed clearly. Her high nose and sharp jawline gave off a cold impression, but her lips curved softly.
“Please wait for a moment.”
“Yes, Your Highness! Everyone, hold position!”
The procession halted. As Termion dismounted and walked forward, those waiting bowed deeply in unison.
The silence was broken by Eleonora, who hopped down from Termion’s arms. With both arms spread wide, the child ran toward the red-haired woman, smiling brightly.
“Grandmaaa!”
“My baby…!”
The woman dropped to both knees without hesitation. Worried her only granddaughter might trip, her tense expression melted completely only after pulling the child into her arms.
“Grandma, I missed you!”
“Thank goodness you’re safe, my dear. How could you have gone through something like that…”
She kissed Eleonora’s forehead and gently patted her back over and over. Termion, who had approached quietly, spoke carefully.
“I’ve returned, Dowager Duchess.”
“You’ve done well, Grand Duke. You’ve been through so much.”
“…Thank you.”
Watching from a short distance, Ailesia absentmindedly twirled a strand of hair around her finger. Her chest felt strangely ticklish—almost a little jealous.
‘So that’s… Ellie’s grandmother.’
Dowager Duchess Iolene—one of the empire’s strongest mages, as described in the original story.
* * *
“So much has happened.”
“Yes. Still, there shouldn’t be any major issues in the capital for a while.”
Termion sat facing Iolene. After confirming that Eleonora had fallen asleep, they had gone straight to the study.
“Baron Bayton… the nerve of that man.”
“I was shocked as well. I never imagined he had been plotting this since right after my brother… passed away.”
“…You don’t need to speak so formally in front of me. Just talk comfortably.”
The servants had long since been dismissed. Even if someone tried to eavesdrop, deceiving the senses of an Aura Master and an Upper Mage at the same time would be nearly impossible.
Still, Termion had no intention of changing his demeanor.
“It’s better than calling him the former Grand Duke.”
His gaze darkened, regret weighing heavily even in his low voice.
Some things never grew familiar, no matter how much time passed. His relationship with Eleonora’s father, Landrit—and the title of Grand Duke now resting on his shoulders—were among them.
Seeing his rigid expression, Iolene let out a deep sigh.
“You really are a Letis man—useless stubbornness and all.”
“Blood doesn’t disappear.”
“If anything, you’re only getting more stubborn.”
“I know.”
She clasped his hand with pity, but Termion answered calmly and lifted his teacup. The well-brewed tea slid down his throat with a hint of bitterness.
“Still…”
A voice someone once threw at him resurfaced in his mind.
“In the end, isn’t caring for one another what matters most?”
He still hadn’t asked why she’d suddenly said that.
What he did know was that those painfully obvious words had offered him considerable comfort.
“There’s someone who told me that caring for one another matters more than blood ties.”
A faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips as he set down the half-empty cup.
‘That woman… Ellie’s teacher?’
What kind of person was she, to make him wear that expression? Iolene’s curiosity about Ailesia steadily grew.
She’d already intended to speak with her properly at least once. Upon arrival, they’d only exchanged brief introductions, and she’d received a letter from Lady Herman.
“By the way, Termion.”
“Yes.”
“Ailesia Milenov, was it? What kind of person is she?”
“She is…”
Termion hesitated, lost in thought.
She always jokingly called herself a witch, yet she was far more mysterious, elegant, and mature than that suggested.
Despite her fairy-like beauty and innocence, she was sharp with schemes and firm in her convictions. When she reprimanded Noid, she showed a presence that rivaled seasoned knights.
‘She’s earned not just my trust, but the family’s as well. And…’
…She pours endless affection into Eleonora while wanting nothing in return—a foolishly lonely woman.
The conclusion he reached after much thought was surprisingly simple, and he felt no need to add anything more.
“She’s a good person.”
“Is that so…?”
Iolene’s expression shifted subtly. It was rare—almost unheard of—for Termion to describe someone that way.
“Well, she does always call herself a ‘super strong witch,’” he added.
Without realizing it, Termion let out a quiet chuckle.
