Chapter 111
“Since their visit was rather sudden, we haven’t yet assigned them a diplomatic liaison.”
“I see, Your Majesty.”
“Next week, the court magicians will be occupied with preparations for the banquet, so their internal affairs will temporarily be on hold. Therefore, if you don’t have any other pressing duties, would you take charge as the diplomatic liaison for the two royal guests?”
The Emperor’s voice was calm as he continued.
“Of course, you may refuse if you wish. Should you decline, I’ll simply find someone else…”
“N-no, Your Majesty. It would be a great honor for me to receive the royal family members of Kiyel.”
I quickly replied. It was a pleasant turn of events—I’d just started taking interest in the Kingdom of Kiyel, and now I would have the chance to meet its royals in person.
“That’s good to hear.”
The Emperor’s voice lacked its usual strength, even as the conversation ended.
When I stepped out of the dim audience chamber, the corridor illuminated by bright crystal lights felt almost blinding.
My impression after seeing the Emperor again after so long could be summed up in one word: aged.
Even the First Emperor of Qin had searched endlessly for the elixir of immortality, but in the end, no one can defy the passage of time.
Still, Father doesn’t seem nearly that old…
Though Father held the position of Minister of Education—a rank second only to the Emperor—and was of similar age, he was still quite healthy and robust.
Well, maybe he’s starting to have a few aches here and there. No one can escape aging forever.
Resolved to treat Father even better when I got home, I left the Central Palace.
It was still some time before lunch.
As I wondered what to do until then, the Tower of Magi came into view—pure coincidence, really.
Now that I think about it, that’s where I’ll be working starting next week.
It wouldn’t hurt to get familiar with the place beforehand.
Thinking so, I made my way lightly toward the tower.
A nation’s number of magicians and knights was often a measure of its power.
The more skilled warriors and mages a country possessed, the stronger its military. The Empire, of course, treated them as invaluable assets.
My brother Eit was usually cheerful around me, but once he held a sword, he became an entirely different person—sharp, disciplined, and serious.
He used to say, “A sword is a weapon. Once you draw it, you must wield it with full sincerity.”
I agreed with his philosophy of handling power with care.
Perhaps that was why the Imperial Palace was so strict.
I wasn’t allowed to enter the Mage Tower at all.
“My name is Laila Rosahill, and I’ll be working here starting next week…”
I tried to explain to the gatekeeper, but he firmly refused my entry.
Only authorized personnel were permitted beyond the gate.
It was understandable—after all, the tower contained valuable research and dangerous magical materials. Letting in anyone whose identity wasn’t verified would be reckless.
So I eventually gave up and left.
Instead, I wandered through the palace gardens, enjoying the gentle spring sunlight, before heading toward the administrative offices. It was just around lunchtime, and people were stepping out in small groups.
I peeked into the Treasury Office, where Lucuran worked.
Inside, amid piles of documents, I spotted a young man with distinctive violet hair.
“Lucuran!”
Startled by my sudden call, he looked up at me.
“Lady Laila?”
It had been a while since I’d last seen that surprised expression. His wide eyes reminded me of when he was little.
“What brings you to the capital, my lady?”
He quickly regained his composure—pity, really.
“I’ll be reporting to the palace starting next week, so I came to look around in advance.”
I smiled, noticing the few remaining clerks sneaking glances at us.
“Shall we talk outside? Let’s grab lunch together.”
Once we stepped out, we dropped by Elia’s department, only to hear some unexpected news.
“She’s on sick leave?”
Her colleague nodded earnestly.
Unwell, apparently.
But she seemed perfectly fine on Sunday…
I couldn’t help but worry. Elia had always been healthy—she’d never even caught a cold back at the Academy.
I decided to check on her later, and Lucuran and I headed to the cafeteria.
They served light meals there—sandwiches, soup, and drinks.
As we sat down, I told him about how I’d tried (and failed) to enter the Mage Tower.
“It’s to be expected,” he said with a nod. “They keep sensitive materials there.”
“I know. Still, starting next week, I’ll finally get to go in.”
I glanced at him as I spoke. Lucuran had always had immense magical talent. He’d even placed third in a national magic competition when he was just thirteen. But instead of pursuing life as a magician, he chose to serve the imperial administration, double-majoring in Magic and Public Administration at Rebekam.
After lunch, we took a brief walk, but he soon had to return to work.
I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering through the palace grounds; time flew by before I knew it.
When the sky began to turn orange with sunset, I made my way toward the training grounds where my brother Eit was stationed.
Even at this hour, the field was full of fierce shouts and clashing steel.
Knights were still sparring—sweat, blood, and dirt everywhere.
Among the most intense duels, one pair immediately caught my eye.
That stance looks familiar…
No, not just familiar. I knew that person very well.
“…Raon?”
Did he hear me? Our eyes met for an instant across the distance.
His senses had always been sharp, but to hear me from this far away—his perception was almost superhuman.
Of course, he paid the price for being distracted.
Clang!
His opponent brought down their sword with tremendous force, sparks flying where the blades collided.
“Eyes forward!”
“S-sorry, sir!”
Raon quickly rolled across the ground to block the next attack.
It was impressive that he didn’t drop his sword even while tumbling.
Still, a thin trickle of blood ran down from his forehead.
My mouth fell open.
The one glaring down at him coldly under the red-tinged sunset, golden hair glimmering in the light—
“…Brother Eit?”
It was my brother.
I never knew he could look so icy.
He always smiled warmly around me, so I hadn’t imagined this side of him.
Perhaps hearing my muttered voice, Eit turned in surprise to look my way.
But Raon seized that moment to counterattack, striking swiftly.
Though Eit managed to block it in time, the blow was sharp enough to be impressive. His blue eyes flared like burning fire.
They exchanged several fierce strikes before Eit ultimately emerged the victor—as expected.
As soon as they sheathed their swords and bowed, I rushed toward them anxiously.
“Are—are you both all right?”
Raon looked up at me, his violet eyes bright despite the dirt covering his pale blue hair.
He must’ve been training all day; he was absolutely covered in dust.
“Of course, my lady! But what brings you here, Lady Laila?”
“…You’re bleeding.”
I hesitated, then handed him my handkerchief.
“Thank you! I’ll wash it and return it right away!”
He accepted it with cheerful eagerness—he truly didn’t know how to refuse anything. The atmosphere around the training field was still brimming with fiery energy. Watching us, Eit cleared his throat and cut in.
“She’s here because we’re heading home together. Right, Lala?”
Gone was the intimidating swordsman; Eit smiled at me like his usual easygoing self.
Naturally, the knights nearby started whispering among themselves.
“Did the Captain just… smile like that?”
“I heard he dotes on his sister, but still…”
“Are we sure that’s really him?”
Eit’s eyes turned glacial again as he glanced their way.
“What are you all gawking at? Wrap it up in ten seconds.”
“Y-yes, sir!”
“R-right away!”
The men scrambled off at lightning speed.
When Eit turned back to me, his face was once again gentle and warm.
“Shall we head home, Lala? This place is too dusty.”
I stared at him for a moment, then burst into a quiet laugh.
He blinked in confusion.
“What is it?”
“Oh, nothing. Really.”
I was just remembering the past—how, when I’d first fallen into this world, he’d dragged me to the training yard saying it would “help me regain my strength.” Eddie had scolded him for bringing a sick girl to such a dusty place.
And now, look at him—saying the exact opposite. My brother had truly grown.
He went to wash up and change clothes.
While I waited, I quietly asked Raon if he’d like to accompany me to the Kiyel Kingdom diplomats’ ball this weekend.
He readily agreed.
When Eit returned, the three of us walked toward the central palace, where the Rosahill family’s white carriage was already waiting.
Nearby, Father stood in conversation with several officials, his expression grave.
“Father!”
I called out just loudly enough to be polite but not improper. His stern face instantly softened into a smile.
When the others stepped aside, Eit and I hurried over.
“Don’t run—you’ll trip.”
Father’s voice was gentle, filled with concern, and it made me smile.
As we rode home together, he spoke about the upcoming victory celebration.
“The ceremony will last over two weeks. There’s no end to the work.”
He sighed, saying he might have to work overtime again.
I felt a little guilty for being excited—but I couldn’t help it.
Because Thea’s coming back.
The parade would be on Monday, so she should arrive in the capital by Sunday at the latest.
After dinner that evening, we were about to go our separate ways when I noticed Sister Ranche in the drawing room, crafting something.
Curious, I walked closer to take a look.
