Chapter 56
An hour later, Rubiana and Elion boarded a carriage heading toward Baron Noment’s estate.
“I got a message from Fred,” Elion said.
“What about?” Rubiana asked.
“A report came in about the MacKinnon Guild. When they went to investigate, the place they said was their base was already empty.”
The MacKinnons were the group of mages in the back alleys who had installed a magical array to break the capital’s barrier.
Elion began sharing the investigation updates on the MacKinnons with Rubiana bit by bit.
He believed that their ability to discover the magical array and identify the suspects was all thanks to Rubiana.
“They were willing to risk everything just to move their base.”
“So… you think they might be plotting something else?” she asked.
“Yes. I’m sure of it. That’s why we’re putting in every effort to catch them before they commit another crime.”
Indeed, since their first attempt had failed, a second and third attempt would likely follow soon.
In the original account, the MacKinnon group was never captured. They had only appeared briefly as tools for the Empress and Duke Miren’s dirty work and then disappeared.
“This is such a critical time that we must give it our all, and yet Your Highness is here with me. I’m grateful, and also sorry.”
“Have you forgotten that we’re in a symbiotic relationship? Helping you ultimately helps me as well.”
“…Yes.”
Rubiana nodded but couldn’t fully agree with him.
She knew from start to finish of this journey that everything had been because of her.
Rubiana felt strangely conflicted.
Fluffy yet heavy.
Tingling yet rough.
She was happy someone was sacrificing and caring for her, but at the same time, she felt awkward.
“Seriously…! I should just be thankful for Elion’s thoughtfulness… why do I keep feeling like this?!”
After leaving the villa and traveling about thirty minutes by carriage, they arrived at Baron Noment’s estate.
The weather was perfect for a picnic.
Rubiana and Elion were guided to the garden where the picnic was being held.
The wide garden was covered with well-maintained grass, and in the center was an artificial pond.
Colorful tents provided shade for the guests, and the tables scattered around were filled with fruits, desserts, and drinks.
A small stage had also been set up in the middle of the flat lawn, suggesting a special performance might be planned.
“Welcome, Your Grace Clitsman, and Lady Fayson.”
“Both of you are most welcome.”
The middle-aged Baron and Baroness of Noment, their hair tinged with gray, greeted Rubiana and Elion with bright smiles.
Other guests who had arrived earlier immediately turned their attention to the newcomers.
Those seeing Elion, the empire’s only duke, for the first time had their eyes light up.
And he was accompanied by his rumored fiancée! Local nobles, seizing the rare opportunity, smiled in delight.
Soon, Rubiana and Elion were surrounded by people.
New faces and names kept flowing in.
“Well… this is going to drain my energy before it even begins.”
Even so, Rubiana kept smiling as she exchanged greetings.
After a while, as she finally took a brief breath, a hand tugged at hers.
It was Stephanie.
“Unni!”
“Rubie!”
The two sisters hugged each other and jumped as if they hadn’t met in years.
“You’ve gotten so pretty, Rubie!”
It had only been two days since they last saw each other, yet Stephanie’s exaggerated joke made Rubiana chuckle.
“Is it the power of love? Or the power of travel? Your face is glowing, Rubie! Love is wonderful, travel is wonderful. No—traveling with the one you love is what’s wonderful!”
“Stop it already,” Rubiana said, softly rolling her eyes at Stephanie, who giggled continuously.
Stephanie was great, but sometimes she went too far.
“Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”
“No, I’m fine. Everything’s perfect.”
“That’s a relief. But still, be careful and don’t go anywhere alone. Got it?”
With a worried expression, Stephanie gently stroked her sister’s cheek.
Rubiana smiled brightly and nodded.
“Yeah, don’t worry, unni.”
“By the way, where’s your love? Why are you here alone?”
“Over there.”
Rubiana nodded subtly toward Elion, who was surrounded by people.
Stephanie, now understanding, nodded.
“Ah, the empire’s only duke is especially popular in the provinces, I see.”
“Looks like it.”
Just then, a familiar face approached.
It was Chad.
“Long time no see, Rubiana.”
“Chad! You came too!”
Of course, Chad, being part of the Spirit Corps, would naturally participate in the field training.
“Then why didn’t I even think Chad would come?”
Rubiana was surprised at herself for overlooking him.
“Even with all this chaos… I should have expected it…”
With major events happening back to back, she had no mental space for situations she hadn’t yet faced.
And Chad was among those situations.
“It’s true Chad is my destined partner… but right now, it doesn’t really feel like it…”
At this moment, more important things required her attention—like convincingly playing the part of Elion’s fake fiancée.
“I heard about your engagement. Congratulations, Rubiana.”
“Ah… thank you.”
Receiving a congratulatory message from Chad left Rubiana flustered.
Chad, wearing his signature smirk, added a teasing comment.
“I thought I’d be the first to get engaged, but you beat me to it.”
“What? The idea that I’d get engaged before even having a boyfriend doesn’t make sense.”
“…Really?”
Rubiana and Stephanie burst into laughter at Chad’s innocent smile and shrug.
“Long time no see, everyone,” Elion said as he approached.
“Your Grace Duke,” Stephanie and Chad greeted respectfully.
“I heard the Spirit Corps came for field training. You’ve all worked hard.”
“Yes. Today’s picnic is the first and last external event. We couldn’t refuse the lord’s invitation,” Stephanie explained nervously.
Elion nodded generously, understanding.
After brief greetings, Elion moved to Rubiana’s side.
“You’ve finally been freed from your followers, Lady… Elion,” he said.
“I’ve missed you so much, Rubiana.”
Naturally, Elion wrapped an arm around Rubiana’s waist and gently kissed her cheek.
Startled by this sudden display of affection, Rubiana froze.
This was something he never did when others were watching.
A week ago, at Duke Burnet’s party, they had agreed that simply staying close would suffice for convincingly pretending to be intimate lovers.
But now, a week later, Rubiana was genuinely surprised by Elion’s playful act.
Their eyes met naturally.
‘Why are you doing this all of a sudden?’
‘I’m playing the role of a man in love. Stephanie is surprisingly perceptive, isn’t she?’
‘…Yes, she is.’
‘Then you’d better focus too.’
‘…Yes.’
Strangely, the more time they spent together, the more they could communicate with just glances.
Stephanie giggled as she watched them.
“You two look so good together. But what should I do? I still can’t quite believe that he’s going to be my brother-in-law.”
“You’ll get used to it eventually.”
“I hope so.”
Chad, who had been quietly listening, interjected.
“Your engagement hasn’t been scheduled yet, and the wedding is even further off. Isn’t it too early to call him your brother-in-law already?”
“Is it? Too early?”
Stephanie tilted her head at Chad’s remark. Elion immediately replied.
“It’s not too early. It’s friendly and pleasant to hear. Continue calling me that, brother-in-law.”
“Yes, understood, Your Grace… or rather, Brother-in-law,” Stephanie said, giggling uncontrollably.
Elion and Chad exchanged sharp glances.
Noticing the tension, Rubiana looked at both of them.
‘These two… something seems off…? Why are they suddenly like this?’
