Chapter 45
She called it a defective product, didn’t she.
That was what Ailesia had said back when they were returning from the Chernil Forest after meeting Eleonora. It hadn’t been broken—it had been flawed from the very beginning.
How many people could so casually dismiss a top-tier magical artifact developed by the Mage Tower like that? Setting skill aside, it would take considerable nerve to say such a thing.
“I added a communication function and real-time location tracking. You can even share vision.”
“What about distance limitations?”
“Well… maybe….”
Ailesia tilted her head, then replied cheerfully.
“As long as it stays within the Empire, it should be fine?”
“…Does that make any sense?”
“Why wouldn’t it? Even now, I could cross over to the Northern Continent if I wanted to.”
“Beyond the Guardveil Mountains?”
“I traveled around quite a bit in my younger days.”
The Guardveil Mountains were vast enough that calling them a plateau might have been more accurate.
Except for a portion of plains to the east, the land stretched all the way to the western coastline—large enough to divide the continent neatly into north and south.
During her carefree traveling days, she had deliberately avoided the Southern Continent—including the Empire and the Grand Duchy—out of concern for damaging the original story. Even now, traces of her presence likely remained scattered across the Northern Continent.
“Anyway, the conclusion is this: if our Ellie says she misses her teacher, I can fly to her from anywhere. That should be reassuring enough, right?”
“That’s extremely reassuring.”
He wouldn’t understand the principles even if she explained them, nor did he intend to pry. Ailesia’s confidence alone was enough.
Still, if too many people learned about this, there was no telling how it might be exploited. Looking straight at Eleonora, Termion spoke as if making a vow to himself as well.
“Ellie, you mustn’t tell anyone about this necklace. It’s a secret just between Uncle, Teacher, and you. Understood?”
“I know, Uncle! I won’t even tell Grandma!”
“…Let’s think about that one a little. Grandma might feel hurt.”
Unlike Eleonora’s bright response, Termion felt uneasy.
He wasn’t planning to hide it forever—just not yet. Iolene still didn’t fully trust Ailesia.
Ever since Ailesia had declined tea on her first day at the Grand Ducal Castle, the two women’s relationship had remained awkward.
They exchanged polite conversation at meals, but no truly important discussions had taken place.
Perhaps sensing his concern, Ailesia stepped in first, as if to reassure him.
“I’ll tell her later when the timing feels right. The Dowager Duchess should know.”
“Will that be all right?”
“Of course. She’s one of the strongest people in the castle, isn’t she?”
“That’s not what I meant—”
Termion was about to continue, but stopped at Ailesia’s glance. This clearly wasn’t something to discuss in front of Eleonora.
“We’re done talking to Uncle, so shall we go outside and practice magic? Today we’ll make ice and throw it.”
“Throw ice? Like a snowball fight?”
“A bit bigger than snowballs, maybe? You should say goodbye to Uncle first.”
“Yes! Uncle, work hard!”
“All right. Let’s eat lunch together later.”
“Okay!”
“Good luck, Your Grace.”
“I’ll see you later.”
After seeing Ailesia and Eleonora off at the door, Termion walked past his desk and onto the terrace.
He watched the backs of the woman and child as they walked hand in hand. Two wolves followed naturally at their sides, tails swaying.
On the pristine white training ground blanketed in snow, four sets of footprints—each a different shape—were scattered across the surface. It was a heartwarming sight that brought a smile just from looking at it.
When did this start feeling so familiar?
For the past few days, Termion had found himself watching them from the terrace.
Eleonora was always giggling, clearly delighted, while Ailesia radiated golden mana beside her. Whitey and Blanky running around them no longer looked like wolves at all—more like oversized pet dogs.
The thought crept in: What if I joined them in that warm scene?
Eleonora seemed to want her uncle to play with them at least once.
…I don’t know yet.
Was it awkwardness? Embarrassment? Or both?
Either way, he couldn’t quite picture himself fitting naturally between them.
“Teacher’s a super-strong witch, so she has to protect Uncle. You promised Ellie, right?”
Ailesia’s words from the day before resurfaced in his mind. The more he thought about them, the more both comforting and amusing they felt.
“…I’ll protect them too.”
Murmuring words he wasn’t even sure who they were meant for, Termion turned back inside. The terrace door remained open.
“Kyahaha!”
His niece’s clear laughter echoed in, gently tickling his ears.
* * *
After lunch, Ailesia immediately brought Hilda over.
“…After experiencing it firsthand, I’m honestly at a loss for words.”
Hilda stared blankly out at the snowy scenery beyond the window.
Though she had once used a gate before, this was her first time experiencing spatial travel like this.
“I’ll take out your luggage later when we organize things. Catch your breath for now.”
“Thank you very much.”
Ailesia smiled at her warmly.
There’s nothing I wouldn’t give for this girl. She deserves that much.
In the original story, Hildegarde wasn’t merely a close aide. She possessed unwavering loyalty—willing even to give her life—and served as a brilliant strategist who always found a way forward in times of crisis.
The novel never explained how Hilda became Eleonora’s attendant. If they were destined to meet anyway, starting that relationship early was probably better.
“For now, focus on getting used to this place. And if possible, to my magic as well.”
“Would it be rude to say I’m looking forward to it?”
“Not at all. That’s an excellent attitude.”
“I’m relieved.”
At that moment, through a door she’d left open earlier, a cheerful voice rang out.
“Hilda unniii!”
Seeing Eleonora running toward her, Hilda smiled and lowered herself.
“It’s been a while, Young Lady. Have you been well?”
“Yes!”
Hilda naturally wrapped her arms around the child who threw herself at her and gently patted her head.
Some might say the behavior lacked formality, but Ailesia felt relieved instead.
You need at least one person like that for emotional stability.
No matter how comfortable Eleonora felt with her, there was an inherent distance that came with being a teacher. The same was true for Termion as her uncle.
In the end, both of them were adults—guardians.
Hilda, having raised younger siblings, would be adept at meeting children at eye level. Eleonora would naturally come to see her like a real older sister.
She should be able to act cute, sulk sometimes, and throw little tantrums. It’s no good if she’s already worrying about reading the room and acting grown-up.
And I’ll just smile fondly from the sidelines. A perfect plan.
Moreover, not as a maid but as Hildegarde Porthen, she carried the refined grace of a noble lady—her speech, movements, posture, and expressions were flawless.
Children naturally learn by watching those closest to them.
Truthfully, Ailesia could teach her anything if she wanted. She’d once been known as the queen of high society on the Northern Continent.
But that was centuries ago. She’d grown accustomed to a free life, and just thinking about it gave her a headache.
“Sweetie, are you happy Hilda’s here?”
“Very! Then Hilda unni will live in the castle too?”
“That’s right. While Teacher’s away—and even after Teacher comes back—you’ll stay together.”
“Really? Hilda unni will always be with Ellie?”
“Yes, Young Lady. I look forward to serving you.”
“Wow! I’m so excited!”
…Now I understand why Termion sometimes glares at me. Why am I getting jealous over something like this?
“Then, Hilda, let’s start with this.”
Ailesia took out a notebook she’d prepared in advance. Though compact in size, it was as thick as an average novel.
Of course, this wasn’t revenge out of pettiness—absolutely not. It was something she’d planned to give her anyway. The timing just happened to be amusing.
“What is it, Teacher?”
“Read it when you’re alone later. Don’t show it to anyone else.”
“It sounds important.”
“It contains classified information. If you ever lose it, tell me immediately.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
As if she’d never been smiling at all, Hilda clutched the notebook tightly to her chest, her gaze solemn.
