Chapter 45……………………………………..
A wind blew through the training ground.
Ivelina’s hair, tied up high, fluttered in the breeze.
Leonard pulled a pocket watch from his chest and checked the time before speaking.
“Then, let’s begin the final test. The time limit is ten minutes per monster.”
Leonard snapped his fingers.
A large space appeared in the air, and a Tree Tail sprang out.
Ivelina, unflustered, formed a bow in her hands in just a few seconds.
It was the result of her diligent training.
She immediately cast acceleration magic on her feet.
Her movements to dodge the monster became even faster.
The tree roots moved flexibly and struck the spot where Ivelina had just been standing.
But no mark remained.
Because it was Leonard’s illusion magic.
Even if the roots hit her, she would not be injured.
Still, Ivelina didn’t take it lightly and gave it her all.
She drew back her bowstring and released.
A flame-bearing arrow shot toward the Tree Tail.
The arrow pierced through the Tree Tail’s core.
As the core shattered, the Tree Tail disappeared as well.
Leonard checked his watch and said,
“That took exactly eight minutes.”
“Haa…”
Ivelina wiped the sweat dripping down her chin with her hand.
“Take a one-minute break, then we’ll start again.”
“Yes.”
She took a deep breath.
The first time she had taken a test, Ivelina had been so terrified she could do nothing.
And that was only natural.
She had never seen a monster before, and had only studied them from books, never in practice.
To the flustered Ivelina, Leonard had said there was nothing more effective than real practice, no matter how much you studied.
She agreed, but still felt a bit resentful—she had no inkling such a test would even exist.
Yet, perhaps because of it, her skills had grown noticeably.
After repeating that test dozens of times, Ivelina was finally able to defeat a single monster.
The first time she killed a monster, she had tumbled on the dirt floor, looking utterly disheveled.
Her breath had been ragged, as if she would collapse, and her expression bewildered.
Her eyes seemed to say she hadn’t expected to actually kill a monster.
From that dazed expression, she suddenly beamed and grabbed Leonard’s hand.
“Teacher, did you see? I killed the monster!”
“Oh, yes, yes. I saw.”
He hadn’t expected her to grab his hand and looked momentarily flustered.
But it lasted only a moment before Leonard composed himself and spoke.
“It took an hour, but you did well.”
“An hour?”
Ivelina asked in surprise.
Leonard nodded and added,
“Even though you had never killed a monster before, an hour is impressive.”
Her cheeks flushed slightly at his praise.
Thus, the number of monsters she killed increased: once, twice, thrice.
Gradually, she began to reduce the time, applying acceleration magic to her feet, and experimenting with more efficient ways to handle the monsters.
Arsen seemed both pleased and uneasy with her rapid progress.
But he did not stop or oppose her training.
After repeating this, she eventually reached the final test.
“Then, let’s continue.”
At Leonard’s words, Ivelina prepared herself again.
Her eyes sparkled with joy.
“Haa…”
Ivelina collapsed onto the ground, her legs weak.
Realizing it was impolite, she tried to stand, but Leonard gestured for her to remain seated.
He pocketed his watch and approached her.
Then, smiling gently, he said,
“Congratulations, you’ve passed.”
Only then did Ivelina relax her tense shoulders.
“The last one was close. I defeated it at exactly 9 minutes and 59 seconds.”
“You almost failed.”
Leonard extended his hand to her.
After catching her breath, Ivelina took his hand and stood.
As they entered the mansion, Arsen was waiting.
“Ivelina.”
“Have you been waiting long?”
“No, I just finished some matters.”
Arsen smiled as he tidied her disheveled hair.
“I’ll wash up quickly. Would you wait in the parlor?”
“All right.”
Leonard nodded in acknowledgment.
Ivelina turned to Arsen and whispered softly,
“I’ll be quick.”
“I’ll wait.”
Arsen lightly kissed her cheek.
Her face flushed at such public affection, while Leonard looked incredulous.
Arsen was clearly wary of him.
Leonard only saw Ivelina as an excellent student, with no personal feelings toward her.
Moreover, she was now married, entirely outside Leonard’s concern.
Yet Leonard kept his expression neutral.
“Let’s go to the parlor.”
“…Yes, Your Grace.”
As Ivelina left, Arsen’s expression turned as cold as the northern winter.
Leonard followed, silently noting the shift in his face, and headed to the parlor.
Until Ivelina arrived, neither Arsen nor Leonard spoke.
Only the sound of tea being poured filled the room when a light knock preceded her entrance.
Dressed in fresh clothes, Ivelina entered, and Arsen’s stern expression melted as he stood.
She sat close to him, and a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.
Leonard watched with a reluctant expression before turning his gaze to Ivelina.
Her face was flushed, clearly delighted to have passed the test and join the monster hunt.
Leonard finally spoke.
“Your Grace, I’ll be frank. Lady Ivelina is fully capable of accompanying you on the monster hunt.”
Arsen swallowed.
He had already promised, and couldn’t back down.
Seeing Ivelina’s sparkling eyes, he could not oppose further.
“…Really?”
“Yes. I didn’t expect such rapid growth in such a short time, but she is incredibly talented. She seems to have absorbed knowledge like a sponge, having learned nothing before.”
Leonard recounted Ivelina’s achievements while checking his watch.
“Well, I must return now. I have other engagements.”
“Ah, yes. Travel safely.”
Ivelina bowed slightly with a bright smile.
After Leonard left, she turned to Arsen.
“I’m really happy.”
“…About what?”
“Finally, I can help you. I’ve always just received from you, but now I have something to give.”
“You didn’t have to…”
Arsen never wanted her to be put in danger.
Ignoring his concerns, she chattered cheerfully.
“Actually, I agreed to accompany the monster hunt because of you.”
“Eh? What do you mean?”
“I was afraid you might get hurt.”
Arsen pressed his lips tightly together.
Ivelina avoided his gaze and continued.
“With healing magic, I can heal you immediately if you get hurt. It has limits, but it’s better than nothing. I didn’t want to let you go alone.”
“….”
“They say married couples should always be together.”
As soon as she finished, Arsen pulled her into his arms.
Startled, she flinched but patted his back with her hands.
“I’m sorry for being stubborn. But this time, I couldn’t follow your wishes.”
“…It’s the first time.”
“Yes?”
“Someone has cared for me.”
Arsen buried his face in her shoulder and spoke in a soft, low voice.
“My mother and I never had a close bond.”
“….”
“We didn’t hate each other, but we also didn’t care much about one another.”
Arsen’s lips brushed her exposed neck.
The serious atmosphere and the ticklish sensation made Ivelina shiver.
“Arsen, wait a moment…”
“This is the first time someone worries only about me.”
After kissing her neck for a while, Arsen lifted her into his arms.
Ivelina instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Ah, Arsen?”
“I want to hold you now.”
“…Yes?”
Confused at first, she quickly understood and blushed.
“Ah, it’s still early… the sun hasn’t set yet…”
“Who says you can only be held at night?”
“Not exactly, but…”
“Then now is fine.”
Though she wanted to walk alone, Arsen didn’t let her go.
Like the wind, he carried her to the bedroom, opening the door with one hand.
“You are so lovable.”
Kissing her lips briefly, he continued,
“I seem to lose all self-control in front of you.”
Ivelina’s face felt like it might burst from his candid words.
Arsen planted tiny kisses on her shoulders and smiled.
He enjoyed seeing her embarrassed.
Perhaps that’s why he teased her even more.
“Ivelina, promise me just one thing.”
“What… what is it?”
“Never be alone. Promise me you won’t leave my side.”
Ivelina immediately nodded.
She had intended the same even without his request.
After all, Arsen knew the northern forest better than anyone.
“Thank you.”
Arsen whispered in her ear and kissed her.
She helplessly let herself be swept away by him.
