Chapter 7
Baron Kirhoff crossed his long legs with ease.
“Answer the question I asked earlier first.”
“Answer?”
“Is magic originally your specialty?”
“No.”
“I thought not.”
“I was surprised, too. It suddenly just… came out.”
“Hmm.”
The baron made a soft hum, tilting his head slightly.
“That sword earlier… what exactly was it?”
“Didn’t I explain? It’s a treasured family heirloom sword.”
“Exactly. And that sword was the one releasing the magic—not me.”
Seizing the opportunity, Mity claimed that the sword was the cause of all the incident. But the baron chuckled as if her excuse were laughable.
“That’s just a tool to assist in using magic without incantations. It’s a weapon designed to combat ancient beasts.”
“…….”
“In other words, that magic you unleashed was entirely your own power.”
He pointed at her with his index finger, hand holding the glass of liquor.
Mity pressed her lips together tightly. She had no excuses left.
“Trying to land an uppercut on a bear’s snout wasn’t imagination—it was just wishful thinking, I see.”
“…….”
“I heard you can’t even catch a bug.”
“……I’ll remain silent.”
“Suit yourself.”
Baron Kirhoff dismissed her words with apparent indifference. He even leisurely sipped from his glass, yet his gaze remained fixed stubbornly on her.
The way he evaluated her value with that look made her uneasy. If she could, she wanted to poke his eyes out.
But then I’d probably get sued immediately.
“Uncomfortable?”
“Huh?”
“You look like you want to poke my eyes out.”
At his words, Mity’s eyes widened.
Could Baron Kirhoff read minds?
Her shoulders stiffened at his seemingly penetrating insight.
“If being with me is uncomfortable, you may leave now.”
“……Really?”
Though suspicious of his intentions, she had no choice but to ask. Even a brief escape would at least give her time to breathe and consider a way out.
“Of course. Really.”
“…….”
“You may leave. Your head must be in a mess as well.”
“Then I’ll go now.”
The baron’s tone was almost mocking, and Mity felt a flicker of irritation. She did not hide it, springing from her seat.
Even as she moved to leave, Baron Kirhoff did not flinch. He even tilted his head slightly, smiling as if to see her off.
Can I really leave?
She hesitated. But if this was some sort of power play he was testing?
I can’t lose.
Mity grabbed the handle firmly.
“But do not avoid my visits or messages.”
“…….”
“The moment you avoid me, I’ll immediately hold you accountable for what happened today.”
Mity paused, turning to face the baron.
“If you want something, just say it now. Don’t make people uneasy.”
“Uneasy?”
He pouted.
She realized she had admitted defeat to him and quickly closed her mouth again.
“I’ll think a little about what I might ask of you.”
“…….”
“Now then, return safely, Miss Sestol.”
His eyes softened once again at the corners.
Mity slammed the door behind her and left the lounge.
What good are looks anyway?
Utterly unlucky—more than that, practically extinct.
Breathing heavily, Mity returned home and headed straight to her room.
“Wait, Mity…!”
She ignored Mirhel reaching for her from behind. After keeping silent in the carriage, she would undoubtedly face questions tomorrow. But compared to matters that could affect the fate of the world, Mirhel’s inquiries were trivial.
“Welcome back! How was it?”
Canaria, oblivious, emerged from her cage to greet her. She spread her tiny wings wide, as if to embrace her immediately.
“What happened?”
Mity gritted her teeth and spat out her words. She flung the shoes she had carried off in the carriage onto the floor. She had tried to swallow the rising anger, but it was impossible.
“What the hell is going on?! That sword—touch it, no, the baron told me to touch it, and then suddenly—BANG! A wall! You said it’s another world, right? So why could I use magic? Is there magic in this world too?!”
Mity spoke without pausing for breath. For about three seconds, Canaria’s lower beak dropped in shock.
“Oh my goodness!”
“Explain! How the hell was I supposed to handle it? Make me understand properly, you stupid bird!”
“Argh! I feel dizzy!”
Almost losing her senses, Mity grabbed Canaria’s small body and shook her.
“Do I really have to do this? That man’s not my type, and he’s unbelievably unlucky, seriously!”
“Stop shaking me!”
“How did things get this twisted? Can’t I just go home? Isn’t there any way at all?!”
“I’m gonna throw up!”
Canaria squeezed her eyes shut and shouted. Mity, finally calming her irritation from the bird’s trivial threats, released her grip. Shuffling a few steps, Canaria collapsed onto the floor.
“Being strong without sense….”
“What did you just say?”
“My ears aren’t deaf.”
Canaria, still recovering from her nausea, squinted. Mity crossed her arms, planted her legs firmly, and glared down at the small bird in an authoritative stance.
“Explain. Now. From start to finish, so I can understand.”
“No… how could Your Excellency come in person…?”
“I apologize for the sudden visit. I was concerned that Miss Sestol was greatly distressed by yesterday’s incident, so I risked this intrusion.”
Renern gave a polite smile, subtly adjusting the bouquet he brought so that it would appeal more to Baron Sestol.
The baron’s eyes flickered as he noticed the flowers.
“Thank you for caring so much about my daughter… but…”
But?
Renern’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
“Please, come inside first.”
Baron Sestol stepped aside at the door. As a servant quickly took his coat and hat, the baroness appeared from inside, dressed in a yellow gown.
“Oh my, Your Excellency! Thank you for visiting us.”
The dress was far too fancy for indoor wear. It was obvious she had hurriedly changed for the visit.
“I apologize for visiting without notice. I was just concerned for Miss Sestol. I brought these because she likes flowers.”
“Oh, how lovely! She will be delighted.”
Renern smiled as best as he could and offered the bouquet to Baroness Sestol. The baroness blushed, as if receiving the flowers herself.
“Please, let’s have our conversation in the parlor. I’ll prepare tea shortly. Or would you prefer coffee?”
“Anything is fine. Thank you for your consideration.”
Renern replied politely and followed Baron Sestol into the parlor. As he entered, he quickly surveyed the interior.
The baroness seems fond of yellow.
The walls were a deep cream, the carpet harmonized soft browns with lemon tones, and beige curtains stood out. The sofa at the center of the parlor was a gentle brown.
The baron prefers a whisky with a rich spice aroma.
Renern memorized the labels on display quickly, then took the seat offered. Baroness Sestol poured tea herself and sat beside him.
“This is a very elegant room.”
“It’s my wife’s taste. I once said it was plain, but she would not yield.”
“Her sense of aesthetics is excellent. The soft atmosphere makes one feel comfortable even in the heart.”
“Exactly. Warm colors make the heart feel warm as well, which is delightful.”
Baroness Sestol brightened, responding to his confident smile.
“Is the tea to your liking?”
“Of course. Your skill in brewing tea is impressive.”
“Oh my, such flattery.”
“Ha ha ha.”
While Baroness Sestol lavished her admiration, the baron only offered awkward smiles, nervously massaging his thighs and neck.
The reason is obvious.
Minachelty must have refused to meet him.
“Yesterday there was a minor incident at my estate. Miss Sestol was very startled. Is she alright now?”
“Ah, yes. Actually, she is unwell today. Meeting would be difficult.”
As expected.
He must have warned her not to avoid me.
Disappointment gnawed at him. He had been sharp and impressive yesterday, but she chose to flee, ignoring the warning. The expectation of confronting him boldly, ready with a countermeasure, crumbled like a sandcastle.
It can’t be helped.
Renern thought he would have to send the prepared legal complaint immediately upon returning.
