CHAPTER 58……………………………………………..
“Lapis lazuli mined from the northern regions, imbued with magical power through special processing. This is…”
“I know. Quiet.”
Seeing Teferi so excited that he interrupted the person who rudely gave him the gift, Van pressed his lips together and quietly raised them. He already seemed to know everything, wearing a relaxed expression as he observed Teferi’s reaction.
Lapis lazuli, adored by mages. That’s because it can contain an enormous amount of magical power within. Especially when lapis lazuli mined from the north is specially processed, it becomes a natural treasure capable of fully absorbing the energy of nature.
It’s incomparable to ordinary magic stones that are used and then discarded. Truly, it’s a treasure more expensive than an entire fortress. Yet in reality, it was rarely sold despite its value. Those willing to pay for it were usually mages, but they preferred to spend that money on further research rather than buying lapis lazuli.
Its beautiful form made it a frequent gift, but giving specially processed lapis lazuli as a present was extremely rare. If one wasn’t a mage, it wouldn’t be exciting, and mages themselves weren’t that common.
And though the royal family received a fixed amount of lapis lazuli as tribute every year, there wasn’t much practical use for it.
“Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!”
Teferi, caressing the lapis lazuli with excited eyes, suddenly rolled his eyes.
“This is quite a piece; it must be worth a fair amount. But I don’t think I’ve done anything to deserve this.”
He thought it over, but in truth, Lydia had few reasons to be truly grateful to him. Sure, he introduced someone, but it wasn’t like Rosalyn was chosen as a perfect match, and the rest of it was all possible because Lydia had co-signed. He hadn’t done it without expecting anything in return, so was it really okay to accept such an expensive gift?
Teferi’s head spun as he glanced at the lapis lazuli again and then dismissed the thought. Well, whatever. They’re giving it. Surely there’s no hidden scheme?
“No, it’s just a gift given with the hope that you’ll continue to support Lydia. I hope you’ll accept it.”
“No need to go so far. Even without saying that, I’ll do fine on my own.”
Van smiled faintly at Teferi, who, despite his cute face, leaned back with a proud smirk.
“So, will you accept it?”
“Of course!”
For a mage, having one piece of lapis lazuli was good, two was even better. No matter how much money they spent, even splurging the cost of a house on research, acquiring lapis lazuli was difficult. It wasn’t just a research item—it was extremely rare.
Even Teferi, a mage, couldn’t help but be tempted by such a valuable item, despite any doubts. As he examined the lapis lazuli in detail, Van’s voice sounded again.
“You will accept it, right?”
“Yes, I said I will.”
Teferi, answering without suspicion, suddenly sensed something strange as he lowered his head. He looked up and saw Van smiling. Teferi’s eyes narrowed. What was that smile?
As he stared in confusion, Van spoke.
“Then will you do me a favor?”
“…….”
Of course. He should have felt suspicious the moment such an expensive gift was given for a seemingly trivial favor. While he was still distracted by the beauty and rarity of the lapis lazuli, Van’s intention struck him right in the back of the head.
He had already accepted the gift, so refusing would be awkward, and…
‘I have no reason not to accept it…’
He had spent twenty years grumbling over wanting just one lapis lazuli. After pouring the five pieces he previously owned into research, the Tower no longer allowed further purchases, leaving him increasingly frustrated.
He didn’t want to miss a treasure that had fallen into his lap while he was debating whether to ask Van to get lapis for Lydia. Teferi sighed, switching his gaze between Van and the lapis lazuli.
“So, what is this favor?”
Van’s face brightened as if he had expected Teferi to accept. Teferi furrowed his brows. Van had once been a bit cute as a child, but now he was trying to use Teferi. In truth, Teferi could have refused, but many of Van’s actions involved the Tower, so he couldn’t cut him off recklessly.
Teferi smacked his lips and nodded slightly, and Van spoke again.
“Will you protect Lydia?”
Teferi’s narrowed brows tightened further at the unexpected request. Protect her? What did that mean? Tilting his head, Van continued, a beat later.
“I know that you have little interest in imperial politics, that you prefer to avoid involvement, and that it is taboo for the Aquilar family to interfere in human history. But right now, you are the only person I can ask this favor of.”
Teferi returned the lapis lazuli to its box and relaxed his furrowed brow. Seeing this, Van urgently continued.
“Dowager O’Connell has begun to act. The first prince, Volintrand, has started plotting against the Empress. Most likely, the target will be Lydia, not me.”
“Why?”
“By imperial law, the crown prince must have a spouse to ascend the throne. This law was created when the throne was weak, and it was necessary to secure the crown even with the support of in-laws. Centuries passed, and attempts were made to abolish it, but nobles don’t want laws unfavorable to them erased. So…”
“Cut to the point.”
Teferi interrupted, pushing the box aside. Van’s small frame was pressed down by the deep force Teferi exuded. Leaning forward, Teferi spoke again.
“In short, you’re saying she will try to eliminate Lydia to enforce that law… something like that?”
“Something like that. The founding festival is coming soon. If Lydia isn’t present, there will likely be major problems for my position.”
“I’m not thrilled at the idea of using Lydia politically.”
“If that were all, I wouldn’t have come to you in person.”
Teferi stared at Van, who nodded at the blunt statement. He understood what Van meant—but he didn’t want to hear such a request. It sounded as if Van was claiming Lydia as his own.
‘Annoying.’
For the first time, Teferi felt a negative emotion toward Van. He didn’t want their relationship to worsen, but he also didn’t agree with Van’s claim over Lydia.
‘What to do…’
Van waited silently, biting his lip. Only Teferi could perfectly protect Lydia. No matter how much Van exerted himself, the crown prince couldn’t leave the palace to guard her. Even abandoning the situation wouldn’t stop the Empress or Dowager from interfering. To survive, victory in this battle was essential. He felt guilty for involving Lydia in the conflict, but he didn’t want to give up.
Even placing Riana, Caves, and his many knights beside her couldn’t guarantee safety. By now, Van knew Dowager O’Connell wouldn’t play fair.
Recently, involving Count Beckintor to challenge the Austrian Guild’s mines was a warning—a signal that Lydia could become a target.
So, even though Van and Riana had set numerous safety measures, they were insufficient. Dowager O’Connell was relentless in exploiting weaknesses. Even his most loyal subordinates could fall under her influence. He needed someone trustworthy who could defend Lydia without falling into her hands.
Teferi, small yet powerful, was perfect. His mentor, the idol of mages across the continent, master of the Tower—if Teferi protected Lydia, O’Connell would give up.
Teferi pondered. He knew Van was competent but disliked the idea of Lydia escaping his grasp. He also sensed the strange energy around Lydia, which Van might unconsciously feel as well. That explained Van’s interest in her.
Teferi couldn’t fully trust Van—but he couldn’t let Lydia be in danger.
Just like when August Ringe recently showed hostility toward Lydia.
‘Annoying.’
For the first time in nearly sixty years, Teferi frowned at the feeling.
“Protect Lydia… you mean stay by her side?”
“That’s a fair interpretation.”
“You haven’t forgotten what I do in this Tower, I hope.”
“Do you think I’d forget your position?”
“Hm.”
Teferi, making a cute sound, stared at Van before rolling his eyes, smiling faintly, and nodding.
“Fine. I’ll do it.”
“Really?”
Van had thought Teferi might refuse. Convincing the notoriously capricious, stubborn master of the Tower to move was almost impossible.
Van was willing to offer everything he had if the lapis lazuli wasn’t enough. Counting the pieces in his head, he was surprised to get the desired result so easily.
Teferi clicked his tongue at Van’s expression, fully revealing his thoughts—defenseless.
“I told you many times—you should live with distrust your whole life. Otherwise, you’ll die on the road. Got it?”
“Ah, yes, of course I remember.”
“And this is how you remember it?”
Van tilted his head, listening blankly.
“Was I included in that warning?”
“Anyone. Even yourself.”
“But at least I trust Teferi. I’m confident you won’t abandon Lydia. And it’s rare for you to care about humans.”
Teferi, sighing, rested his chin and looked down before speaking quietly.
“So, live with distrust if you don’t want to die young.”
Despite the harsh tone toward the crown prince, Van quietly laughed. It was curious that someone who cared little for others showed unusual concern for Lydia.
“It’s fascinating.”
“What is?”
“You say he must distrust everyone, but you don’t tell me not to trust Lydia.”
“……”
“Compared to twenty years with Teferi, knowing her is just a moment. And yet, you allow me to trust her.”
Van spoke softly. Teferi raised an eyebrow at the audacity of using his own teachings to question him.
‘Cheeky.’
