Chapter 3
“Here.”
Ian suddenly held out a thick stack of papers in front of Ivenne. Pages filled with dense writing. The Tower Master’s face clearly showed annoyance. That hand looked like it was dumping work onto her.
Ivenne immediately realized—
This is definitely an annoying errand!
She briefly considered whether to refuse outright or just lie down and throw a tantrum.
I’ve decided. I’ll lie down.
“Go to the First Knight Order and get Commander Roeln’s signature.”
“How did you know I’m free?!”
Instead of lying down, Ivenne straightened up and jumped forward, landing right in front of Ian. She quickly snatched the stack of papers from his hand.
“I’ll be back!”
She said cheerfully, not caring about Ian’s expression at all, and skipped out of the office.
It’s been so long since I last went!
A full six months.
It had been six months since she last ran an errand to the First Knight Order.
* * *
Ivenne got off her carriage at the entrance of the Imperial Palace. After verifying her identity and reason for visit, she headed toward the First Knight Order building.
When she reached the door, she pressed the visitor button and stated her purpose again. The fortress-like door opened.
“Greetings.”
A knight in a blue uniform appeared. Brown hair, gentle expression—Sir Bans, whom she had seen several times before.
“Hello, Sir Bans. Is the Commander inside?”
“Yes. I will guide you.”
Since she often brought documents from the Magic Tower, Sir Bans naturally led her to the commander’s office.
Knock knock—
“Commander, it’s Levin. Someone from the Magic Tower is here.”
“Let them in.”
A low, calm voice came from inside.
Ivenne opened the door and entered.
Inside, a man with golden hair and deep blue eyes sat at the desk, reviewing documents without rest. A sculpted, handsome face.
There were many titles for this man—
The youngest Sword Master in the Empire.
The idol of knights.
Commander of the First Knight Order.
The Emperor’s beloved nephew.
The center of power.
The only unmarried duke among the four great ducal families.
The number one bachelor.
Always ranked 1st or 2nd in popularity among noblewomen.
Duke Hayden de Roeln.
“Hello.”
Ivenne removed her hood and greeted him.
Hearing her voice, Hayden lifted his gaze, nodded slightly, and returned to his work.
Ivenne casually sat on the sofa. As if used to it, she opened the glass cover on the table beside her.
Inside—
high-quality handmade cookies.
She stared at them in delight and began eating.
This is why I come here for errands!
They didn’t disappoint today either.
No—in fact, they were even better.
Maybe because it had been six months, they tasted even more amazing.
As she finished one and reached for a second—
“Wait a moment. I’ll finish this first.”
“Yes, take your time.”
I want to come here every day. It melts in my mouth…
The reason she could eat snacks here so freely was simple—
She had first come here at age ten.
Back then, the commander was an older man with no children. He treated her like his own and always gave her snacks.
When he retired, he told Hayden—
“Make sure to give that lovely girl snacks.”
And Hayden followed that request.
The first time she tasted them—
she could never forget it.
They were so delicious she even asked where they came from.
“From the ducal house.”
That answer disappointed her.
Meaning—
you couldn’t buy them anywhere unless you brought the duke’s pastry chef.
She had been jealous ever since.
Very jealous.
Even after five years.
“May I see the contract?”
Having finished his work, Hayden sat across from her.
“Here.”
Ivenne removed the security magic using her ring and handed it over.
While Hayden reviewed the documents—
Ivenne focused on the remaining cookies.
Already finished…
She stared sadly at the empty plate.
Then, finally, she looked at Hayden.
He really is handsome.
Even someone like her—used to handsome men—was impressed.
Talented, rich, and even has an amazing pastry chef.
Whoever marries him is lucky…
Especially for the pastry chef.
While staring at him—
their eyes met.
She froze for a moment.
Then smiled brightly.
Smile. I need to stay on good terms to get better snacks next time.
Hayden simply looked away and continued reading.
Still handsome.
It’s probably Lady Nine, right?
No matter how she thought about it, only Julia Nine seemed suitable.
She was the only woman ever involved in rumors with him.
Multiple times.
They were childhood acquaintances.
And Julia—
gentle, beautiful, elegant.
At tea parties, girls would say:
“You must be close to Duke Roeln!”
“We just meet often because of family…”
“Will he escort you at your debut?”
“Ah… yes…”
Everyone envied her.
But Ivenne thought—
She must eat those desserts all the time! If they marry, she’ll eat them forever! So jealous!
Her jealousy had a… different focus.
Tap.
The sound of the document snapped her out of her thoughts.
“We’ll remove the clause about installing the magic control device. We still have a usable one.”
“Then I’ll revise it and bring it back. Anything else?”
“That’s enough.”
“May I come again tomorrow?”
“I’ll be free around 5 PM.”
That was later than her usual hours.
She hesitated.
But—
snacks.
“I’ll come at 5 tomorrow.”
“Come directly. No escort will be available.”
“Yes.”
Ivenne put her hood back on and left.
Since Hayden became commander, she always wore a hood when coming here.
If rumors spread among noble ladies—
it would be a disaster.
Debt rumors are fine. I made those myself.
But being linked to him?
Absolutely not.
Especially when he’s already linked with Julia Nine.
If rumors started—
it wouldn’t just be whispers.
It would be dangerous.
Dangerous for me.
Her bad reputation would make everything worse.
What if Julia Nine gets sad… and he gets angry…
…and does something?
Like assassination… or assassination.
Ivenne shivered and pulled her hood tighter.
She carefully looked around.
From now on—
she had to be even more careful.
But then—
I get snacks again tomorrow.
I wonder what it’ll be?
Her thoughts were full of desserts as she headed home.
