Chapter 116:……………………………………………………..
The Interview (1)
“Finally, it seems he’s at least a little nervous…”
Indeed, the moment the topic of his daughter came up, his demeanor changed. Until now, he had been straight-backed, busy comparing maps and documents without pause, but as soon as the question hinted at a direct connection to Temia, his previously fixed expression began to twitch slightly.
His furrowed brows, previously sharply arched, had softened somewhat, and the corners of his mouth—seemingly existing only for a sharp sneer—stiffened awkwardly into an uneasy smile.
Other subtle movements followed: tilting his head as if stiff, brushing the back of his neck, a small clearing of the throat. Even the confident eye contact he had maintained now wavered subtly.
“Just at the mention of Temia, he behaves like that… For a first impression, that’s a pass. But how many people are different inside and out? If he’s going to be around my daughter, that alone isn’t enough!”
The Duke observed the magician in meticulous detail. Though he concluded that the man seemed decent, it was only about character. Matters of love might be entirely different.
“Temia may be fine, but from a father’s perspective, things are another matter!”
Being too skilled at work could lead someone to focus solely on it and neglect their partner. A person might crave affection but still prioritize their cause or sense of justice. Some might place social duty above love, neglecting a lover despite their good reputation.
Alternatively, some might be too kind, spreading affection everywhere. Even if they felt nothing for their partner, their attention could be easily misinterpreted as romantic, causing misunderstandings or jealousy.
Of course, the Duke had already researched Lowell’s background thoroughly, including his past reputation for treating everyone poorly. In that regard, it was surprising to see this man act like a tame predator in front of him. He did not scheme for immediate gain or use underhanded tricks.
At least, it was clear that this wasn’t because of the Duke’s status. According to letters delivered through the Duke of With, Lowell was not someone driven by power or rank. He even ignored hierarchies with With’s appointed representative, Rio Felix.
So, the fact that he was being careful because he was Temia’s father…
“Ah, so the magician known for arrogance does behave properly in front of someone he wants to impress,” the Duke thought.
It felt slightly awkward to realize he was one of the few people Lowell wanted to impress. He had never been treated differently due to anyone but himself, and now his daughter was changing that.
With a sigh, the Duke averted his gaze from the stiffened Lowell.
“Seeing you like this, it seems you truly love my daughter. Well, I can tell you’ve never acted this way before. I hope you’re not this ridiculous in front of Temia too.”
“…Pardon?”
“I mean, you’re trying not to give her any reason to find fault. She’s sharp, my daughter is.”
That was why the Duke’s daughter had even run away from home before. The Duke’s expression softened, no longer the commanding face of a ruler but that of a concerned father.
“You surely know this too. You’ve spent enough time with her. But I’m curious—why my daughter?”
“Are you asking why I like Temia?”
“I’m not doubting your history with women—if anything, it seems you’ve had little to none. I’ve simply seen too many people: sycophants wearing masks for power, endlessly. And now…”
His face gradually hardened, his eyes piercing Lowell.
“You know the current state of the Trea family, and you still give them financial support?”
Those words, sharp as his gaze, struck Lowell as if physically. In a single sentence, the Duke made his point crystal clear.
Even having fled people who squandered their wealth on gambling and vanity, Lowell was courting the youngest daughter of a Duke with one of the kingdom’s largest fortunes?
Lowell’s face hardened in response. Sensing this, the Duke continued quietly:
“I don’t blame you—they were your ‘family’ at least formally.”
“….”
“No matter your birth, it doesn’t matter much to me. Unless you’re of royal blood, no matter which family you come from, it wouldn’t be enough.”
“…Understood.”
“But if you intend to deceive my daughter due to your situation, I cannot remain passive as her father.”
The Duke had found nothing unusual in Lowell’s earlier nonverbal behavior. Every time he spoke of Temia, the normally blunt man grew animated—a sign of genuine feeling, making it almost insulting to suspect otherwise.
“If all you’ve shown me until now was an act, then I must admit, your skill is impressive.”
“I have no reason to act,” Lowell replied.
“All liars deny their lies, don’t they?”
“But I truly didn’t approach her for that purpose. Meeting her was coincidence.”
“Well… one can change feelings upon learning someone’s status.”
Yet the Duke needed certainty. He hoped this love was pure, not tainted by naïve youth clashing, and that Temia would experience the harsh world without losing her first love to a failure.
“If you dare approach Temia for trivial purposes, you will soon learn why the Dukes of Etval have maintained their reputation in Rostia for over a millennium.”
The cold Duke’s words carried the heat of fury.
‘So the title “Iron-Blooded Duke” is not an exaggeration…’
Since leaving the Trea household and entering the academy, Lowell had never felt nervous in front of anyone other than Temia—but somehow, he felt small in front of the Duke.
It wasn’t fear, but pressure: one wrong answer could mean losing Temia once again.
“Proving my feelings are sincere… does that change anything?”
“Perhaps not. That depends on your answer.”
The risk heavily favored the Duke; anyone stepping forward was at a disadvantage. He could feel the burning intensity in the Duke’s gaze.
‘But…’
Normally, Lowell wouldn’t care about anyone’s rank, but this man was Temia’s family.
‘They seemed genuinely close,’ he thought.
He recalled Temia’s joyful reaction when he left the incident scene—proof of a warm family bond. Though technically, it wasn’t Lowell’s concern, he couldn’t stop worrying.
‘I don’t want to be disliked.’
Such is the burden of love. Naturally, he had only one choice:
“First, let me clear up any misunderstandings. I have no interest in Temia’s fortune.”
“How can I believe that?”
“Well… where to start… money does go to the Trea side periodically.”
‘Damned people… never once helpful.’
Lowell cursed inwardly, but forced a calm expression as he spoke:
“That’s just settling debts. Even if the process was messy, they raised me when I was abandoned. The expenses, labor, and interest are accounted for.”
“….”
“I grew up seeing her enough to know her personality. If it’s not properly handled, she’d keep clinging.”
The Duke’s expression tightened subtly, leaving Lowell uncertain.
‘Does he think I’m a nuisance full of parasites?’
“Well, that’s all settled, so I intended to wrap things up myself. I can earn enough alone, so I won’t need to reach for Temia under any circumstances.”
“I understand. Then why do you like my daughter?”
“…Perhaps for this very reason.”
The words slipped out involuntarily, Lowell speaking almost entranced.
“Temia feels… like someone raised with love in a good home. Someone like you always supports her, giving her confidence. I understand now, but at first, it was incredible.”
“Incredible?”
“Such a demeanor isn’t easy for anyone. It’s ideal, and it’s genuine, not just words.”
“Indeed, our Temia is admirable—very capable.”
“She’s the complete opposite of me. At first, I thought we were from different worlds, but as we grew closer, I desired her.”
“What… did you say?”
“I thought we were incompatible, but I didn’t dislike her close family or kindness toward others. Maybe I envied it secretly.”
As he spoke, a soft smile appeared on Lowell’s face, thinking of Temia preaching in her lively tone.
“Being here with you, Duke, feels like interest rather than interference. Except for Temia, how could this not be love?”
Even at such a bold statement, the Duke could say nothing. If it were false, Lowell would be an actor, not a magician. Clearing his throat, the Duke ended the discussion:
“Alright, that’s enough.”
“You still don’t fully trust me?”
“Why should I trust a man trying to take my daughter? I am her father, and whether to accept you or not is ultimately Temia’s choice.”
In this way, without realizing it, Lowell had passed the first trial.
