chapter 31
“Sister, are you really… attending the Spring Artwal with His Highness?”
“Mm-hm, Edwin. It turned out that way. Sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner.”
We were in Edwin’s laboratory.
I had just finished explaining the new kitchen-type magic tool I wanted him to make. My younger brother, already a genius practically set to become the next Tower Master, immediately agreed to make it without a moment’s hesitation.
‘My little brother is amazing…! I’ll have to bring him something tasty next time.’
After ruffling his hair affectionately, I was about to leave when he grabbed my sleeve.
When I answered his question about the Spring Artwal, he looked sulky, and I felt a sudden pang of guilt.
“How did you end up going with His Highness…?”
“Um…”
Right, how did that happen again?
Ah, that was on the day Ruth Halton came — when I was too distracted by his awful breath, things somehow got decided just like that.
‘But if I tell Edwin that honestly, he’ll get furious again.’
He’s hated Ruth ever since our academy days, back when that jerk used to hit on me.
It got so bad once that Edwin nearly blew up, so I threw down my gloves and personally beat Ruth to a pulp in a duel. That was the only reason things didn’t escalate further.
Even then, Edwin had regretted not stepping in himself — so if he heard this story now, who knows what he’d do? No matter how capable he was, as his sister, I wanted him to stay pure and untainted by that sort of thing.
“It was decided when I spoke with His Highness at the Imperial Palace last time. Mother and Father already know.”
“…I see.”
“Next time something like this comes up, I promise I’ll tell you in advance.”
“…You mean there’s going to be another time you get involved with His Highness?”
“Huh? No, no, that’s not what I meant. Ah, but after the Spring Artwal, I’ll be going to the border…”
“What? The border?”
Edwin’s voice suddenly dropped low, like something crawling along the ground. His tone made my shoulders tense.
“Y-yeah. His Highness asked for my help in the war against the monsters.”
“Why should you be participating in something like that?”
“He asked for me to go as the Saint.”
“What nonsense…”
Edwin’s brows furrowed so tightly they nearly met. He bit out his words.
“That’s ridiculous. Why should you be the one to go?”
“But he said my power was essential.”
“I absolutely forbid it. I can’t let you go to such a place. I’ll go speak to His High—”
—Bang!
“Lord Edwin!”
Just as Edwin burst out in anger, someone rushed into the lab and threw open the door.
“Oh—my apologies! I didn’t realize you had a guest… Should I come back later?”
“You call that a question…”
Edwin muttered darkly.
I always wanted to listen to whatever my brother said, but this wasn’t something I could undo — it was already promised to His Highness. Besides…
‘I have to go to the border anyway to clear the “Monster Purification” quest.’
“Edwin, you’re busy, right? Sorry for interrupting! I’ll get going now.”
“Huh? Wait, Sister—”
“I’ll contact you later!”
“Sister!”
I gave a quick bow to the poor Tower employee being scolded by my brother and hurried out.
His urgent voice echoed behind me, but I quickened my steps and left.
‘Pretending not to know about unpleasant things — that’s how adults survive.’
Even if it’s out of concern, no one wants to listen to nagging.
Apologizing inwardly to the staffer who’d now have to endure Edwin’s wrath, I cheerfully skipped out of the Tower.
Now then, what next?
‘Hmm. Thanks to Lord Eline, the “Donation Fundraising” quest should be fine for now.’
The “Monster Purification” quest had a time limit, so it was a bit tight, but since we were leaving right after the Spring Artwal, it should be okay.
That meant for now, I should focus on other quests and level up a bit more—
“It took you long enough.”
“…Level up— huh?!”
“…?”
Just as I was passing through the Tower entrance, thinking about what to do next, a familiar voice sliced into my thoughts.
I was so lost in thought I lost my balance and stumbled.
‘Wha— I’m gonna— fall!’
The ground rushed up toward me in slow motion.
It couldn’t have been more than a split second, but in that instant, a flood of thoughts flashed through my mind like my life flashing before my eyes:
‘Falling like this will be so embarrassing.’
‘Just get up casually like nothing happened.’
‘What should I eat later?’
‘This might hurt.’
‘Please don’t leave a bruise.’
‘Oh, what a nice smell.’
‘I’ve smelled this somewhere before…’
…That scent.
“…”
“…”
Déjà vu?
Hadn’t this exact same thing happened earlier when I was arguing with Bryn Bailey?
The difference this time was—
“…”
“…Ah.”
This time, I’d fallen straight into his arms.
He must have caught me as I fell, because I’d seen his hand shoot out just before I hit the ground.
My head bumped against a firm chest, and wincing from the dull ache, I looked up— only to see the Grand Duke’s face right in front of mine.
Our eyes met at a distance close enough that I could feel his breath.
…I’d never seen him this close before.
He seemed to realize that too, and his gaze met mine, slow and deliberate.
Was it because of his red eyes? Even though his face remained as expressionless as ever, there was something sharp and dangerous about his gaze, vivid like fresh blood. My body tensed instinctively.
It felt like being a prey animal caught in the predator’s sights— the tension rising without permission.
“…Your Highness…”
“…”
“…Ugh.”
The intensity of his stare triggered a primal survival instinct, and I unconsciously tried to wriggle free. But unexpectedly, he didn’t let go.
His hand, firm around my waist, didn’t budge. Even when I tried to push against his chest, he didn’t move an inch.
‘What’s… happening? What is he doing?’
My head was spinning. The familiar deep scent surrounding him made my nose tickle, and his overwhelmingly beautiful face filled my vision. Yet he said nothing.
“Your Highness…?”
When I called out softly, his eyes— which had been moving slowly— refocused on me.
Then, from his perfectly shaped lips, came a low voice, more like a sigh.
“When you’re with someone, you get dragged into trouble. But when you’re alone, you stumble.”
“…”
“Are you always this precarious?”
“…”
I wanted to tell him he was mistaken, but I couldn’t find any convincing words. My head drooped helplessly. Why did I always end up showing this side of myself in front of him?
“…Even up close, there’s no real difference.”
“…?”
He murmured something under his breath that I didn’t quite catch, and I tilted my head slightly.
After letting his gaze linger on my face for a brief, searching moment, he finally— without hesitation— released me.
“You should be more careful.”
“Yes, thank you for catching me, Your Highness.”
“What startled you so badly that you tripped?”
“…”
“I did say I would be waiting.”
“Huh? Ah…”
Just as I wondered what on earth he was talking about—
“After you finish your business, you don’t mind seeing me again, do you?”
“The Spring Artwal is coming soon. I’d like to discuss it.”
His earlier words came back to me.
I’d completely forgotten after talking with Edwin. But I hadn’t expected him to be waiting right outside the Tower.
“…You did say that in Lord Eline’s office.”
“So you did remember.”
“…”
“I thought you’d forgotten, seeing how startled you looked when I spoke.”
His words hit home, and I flinched.
‘This man’s way too perceptive…’
“How could I possibly forget Your Highness’s words?”
But no— showing panic now would be the move of an amateur.
I kept my expression calm and composed, as if I’d remembered all along.
“I simply didn’t expect Your Highness to be waiting at the entrance. I assumed you’d be in your carriage.”
“If I had done that, you— who’d forgotten all about me— might have just gone home, wouldn’t you?”
…Does he have some kind of complaint against me? He’s acting unusually sharp-tongued today.
“…My apologies, Your Highness.”
Still, a lowly saint like me could only bow my head.
Talking back to the Empire’s second most powerful man was pure madness.
“…You’re not smiling.”
“Pardon?”
“In front of Eline Meyer, you smiled no matter what was said…”
I hadn’t realized that was supposed to be a joke.
Was this… one of those awkward office dinner moments where the boss tells a “funny” story and everyone laughs out of obligation?
“…”
“…”
I forced my lips into a smile, though I wasn’t sure it looked convincing, and glanced around awkwardly.
With nothing else to say, I hurriedly tried to change the subject.
“Um, Your Highness, you said you wanted to discuss the Spring Artwal—”
—Growl
Before I could finish, my stomach let out a loud complaint.
The hall was so quiet that the sound seemed deafening.
I could practically feel my dignity collapsing by the second.
“…If you’re hungry, we’ll take care of that first.”
His tone was indifferent, yet somehow considerate— which only made it worse.
Internally crying tears of humiliation, I nodded.
Food first, I guess.
