Side story episode 4
The Emperor initially opposed the idea of building a magic tower in Duchzan territory. However, he sent another letter, emphasizing that the magicians of the tower were knights of the Duchzan Grand Duke's family, but also powerful forces of the empire.
Also, when he asked permission to do this for Silian, the only son of the Grand Duke, the Emperor changed his mind and granted permission.
Aslan had categorized the Duchzan family as a necessary target, but he wasn't completely unconcerned. He likely judged that if the Duchzan family's successor came from Winsley instead of Duchzan, their prestige would be diminished, and that would undoubtedly bring him relief.
Building the Magic Tower wasn't a task accomplished in a day or two. It required at least several years, which would allow Silian enough time to fully spend his childhood at the Duchzan residence.
After summoning an architect to build the Magic Tower, posting an advertisement to find a magician to join the tower, and processing various documents, surprisingly, there was nothing left to do but wait. It was still several years before the tower was completed and its magical powers were operational.
While I was feeling anxious and at a loss, a letter arrived from Baron Heira.
"Not long ago, we brought in new artifacts from the East and decorated Baron Heira's residence. If you have time, how about visiting the Heira estate with His Royal Highness the Grand Duke? I would be delighted to serve you with the utmost respect. - Sina Heira."
The Baron Heira's house was located in the south, close to the sea, so it was a bit far. It would be a long journey. I thought it was too much, but Julian agreed as soon as he saw the letter. When I looked puzzled, he gently pinched my cheek and said,
“Finally, my wife can focus on other things.”
I pouted, thinking that Julian had become more and more cunning over the years.
So we planned a trip south, one that included Ruin, Nife, and their twins.
Silian was as excited about the trip as she had been when she heard about the construction of the Magic Tower. It was understandable, since she rarely left Grand Duke's territory.
“Mom, if I go to Heira Estate, can I really see the ocean?”
Silian asked, excited by the prospect of seeing the ocean he'd only seen in books and paintings. I nodded vigorously.
The Baron Heira family, with its thriving trade via the sea, had a close connection to the sea. One would expect to see vibrant and beautiful cities lining the coast.
We loaded a large carriage with gifts and luggage and headed south toward the warmth. My heart swelled with anticipation at the thought of meeting familiar faces I hadn't seen in a long time.
As soon as we arrived at Heira Estate, Marian ran towards us, her beautiful red hair fluttering. The sea breeze swaying her skirt was as lovely as a fairytale illustration. She ran to me with such beauty and embraced me. I smiled brightly as I embraced her.
“Madam! I can’t tell you how much I’ve wanted to see you!”
Marian was so happy to see me that tears welled up in her eyes. Soon, she noticed Silian standing beside me and covered her mouth with both hands.
“Oh my goodness! Is this handsome young master the Duchzan?”
I nodded and patted Silian's shoulder.
“Sillian, say hello. She's my old friend.”
Silian nodded towards Marian.
"Hello."
Then Marian waved her hands in fright.
“Don’t raise your voice. The Grand Duchess is my master, and you, Young Master, are my little master.”
“But my mother said that Lady was her friend.”
“Oh my god.”
Marian was at a loss as to what to do, as she thought Silian was cute.
Marian finally bowed politely to Julian. It was quite late, but since we were traveling, no one in the room noticed.
Marian led us into the Baron's residence. There, the young Winsley couple had already arrived, chatting with Baroness Heira and Sina. Sina, though a mature successor to the Baron Heyra family, still brimmed with energy as she had years ago.
"Your Highness! It's been so long. I can't tell you how long I've waited!"
I realized something as I watched her greet me. When I squinted and squinted, she laughed and linked arms with me.
"First, please take a seat. Dinner will be served soon. And take a rest. It must have been difficult to get here."
"Young Lady, your skills are getting better by the day. I thought you were just asking me to come on a trip, but I see you have other expectations."
Sina winked with a face full of aegyo and brought her thumb and index finger very close together.
"It's a very small help, nothing special, to Her Highness the Grand Duchess. A very small thing indeed."
Despite that, Sina prepared a feast beyond our wildest imagination. The Grand Duke of Duchzan, though honored and wealthy, was not known for such indulgent entertainment. Consequently, the cultural diversity of Baron Heira's banquet was beyond our wildest imagination.
“This was magically preserved before the mermaid’s tears hardened.”
Nife covered her mouth in surprise and asked.
“A mermaid’s tears are like jewels.”
“But it can also be used as a food ingredient. It looks nice, too.”
Taking a sip of the ethereal liquid, I was struck by its peculiar flavor. It was a mysterious taste, burning hot like alcohol, yet simultaneously refreshing. Sina, by presenting us with such novel dishes, created a delightful time.
There was another very interesting person present. He introduced himself as Baron Jenes. Baron Jenes, a handsome man with light blond hair, sat next to Marian and continued to provide her with food and drinks. Marian seemed accustomed to being cared for by Baron Jenes and seemed relaxed.
I leaned towards Julian and smiled faintly.
“I think that’s the man Marian was talking about.”
"What?"
"She said a few years ago that she had a handsome man chasing her. Looks like his hard work paid off."
Then Julian didn't listen to anything else and started talking nonsense.
“Does that man look handsome to you, wife?”
I playfully sipped at Julian and took another sip of Mermaid Tears. The burning sensation in my throat was strangely addictive.
After dinner, Sina and Marian took me to the Baron's laboratory. There, magical tools crafted from rare magic stones were neatly arranged, and right in the center, a magical tool under active research stood out. Sina stood before it, staring at me, and I could tell it was the item that needed "help" with the problem.
“What is the problem?”
Sina said as if she had a headache.
"Even if it rains, we still supply water. Too much water can have the negative effect of causing crops to rot."
“Aren’t you properly recognizing the amount of water?”
“It reacts when you simply pour water on it.”
I received the magic circle from Sina and examined it. This matter was related to Baron Heira's business, but it was also an opportunity to raise the Empire's agriculture to a higher level.
After pondering for a moment, I reached out to Sina. Sina understood perfectly and handed me a piece of paper and a pen. I began drawing a few magic circles on it.
After Layla disappeared with Sina, Ruin and Nife also returned early to put the twins to bed. Julian was about to take Silian to bed when Baron Jenes approached him. He extended his hand with a charming smile.
“If you don’t mind, would you like to have a drink with me?”
Julian wanted to refuse. But then the words Layla always told him came back to him. Layla had always said the wider the world, the better it was, that the more people you met, the more you could love those around you. Julian didn't quite understand what she meant, but since it was Layla's words, he wanted to follow them.
As Julian nodded, the nanny approached and took Silian away. Silian waved at Julian with a sleepy face. Julian nodded in greeting and then looked at Baron Jenes.
"If you're going to do it, why not go outside? Heira Estate has a lot of interesting shops."
“Yes.”
Julian rode into the city in a carriage with Baron Jenes. There, he found a bar exclusively for the nobility. Located on the harbor, it had an exotic atmosphere. Baron Jenes was a frequent visitor, as he was often approached by people. They all asked him the same question.
“What about Miss Marian?”
This was a passage that revealed who Baron Jenes often visited here with. Julian could guess, as Layla had said, that he was in a relationship with Marian.
Baron Jenes blushed shyly and replied, “She has work to do today,” before settling down in a quiet place.
Baron Jenes ordered some suitable drinks and snacks and then spoke to Julian.
"It's an honor to meet the hero of the Empire. You can't imagine how surprised I was to hear your story from Marian."
“The hero is not me, but my wife.”
At those words, Baron Jenes raised the corners of his mouth and smiled quietly.
"Your respect for your wife is also a heroic trait. I envy you. I, too... want to be a husband like that."
As Baron Jenes spoke those words, his expression adoring, a group of men approached him, feigning acquaintance.
“Baron Jenes, what about the pretty lady?”
At that moment, unlike before, Baron Jenes' expression hardened into a cold one.
The Emperor initially opposed the idea of building a magic tower in Duchzan territory. However, he sent another letter, emphasizing that the magicians of the tower were knights of the Duchzan Grand Duke's family, but also powerful forces of the empire.
Also, when he asked permission to do this for Silian, the only son of the Grand Duke, the Emperor changed his mind and granted permission.
Aslan had categorized the Duchzan family as a necessary target, but he wasn't completely unconcerned. He likely judged that if the Duchzan family's successor came from Winsley instead of Duchzan, their prestige would be diminished, and that would undoubtedly bring him relief.
Building the Magic Tower wasn't a task accomplished in a day or two. It required at least several years, which would allow Silian enough time to fully spend his childhood at the Duchzan residence.
After summoning an architect to build the Magic Tower, posting an advertisement to find a magician to join the tower, and processing various documents, surprisingly, there was nothing left to do but wait. It was still several years before the tower was completed and its magical powers were operational.
While I was feeling anxious and at a loss, a letter arrived from Baron Heira.
"Not long ago, we brought in new artifacts from the East and decorated Baron Heira's residence. If you have time, how about visiting the Heira estate with His Royal Highness the Grand Duke? I would be delighted to serve you with the utmost respect. - Sina Heira."
The Baron Heira's house was located in the south, close to the sea, so it was a bit far. It would be a long journey. I thought it was too much, but Julian agreed as soon as he saw the letter. When I looked puzzled, he gently pinched my cheek and said,
“Finally, my wife can focus on other things.”
I pouted, thinking that Julian had become more and more cunning over the years.
So we planned a trip south, one that included Ruin, Nife, and their twins.
Silian was as excited about the trip as she had been when she heard about the construction of the Magic Tower. It was understandable, since she rarely left Grand Duke's territory.
“Mom, if I go to Heira Estate, can I really see the ocean?”
Silian asked, excited by the prospect of seeing the ocean he'd only seen in books and paintings. I nodded vigorously.
The Baron Heira family, with its thriving trade via the sea, had a close connection to the sea. One would expect to see vibrant and beautiful cities lining the coast.
We loaded a large carriage with gifts and luggage and headed south toward the warmth. My heart swelled with anticipation at the thought of meeting familiar faces I hadn't seen in a long time.
***
As soon as we arrived at Heira Estate, Marian ran towards us, her beautiful red hair fluttering. The sea breeze swaying her skirt was as lovely as a fairytale illustration. She ran to me with such beauty and embraced me. I smiled brightly as I embraced her.
“Madam! I can’t tell you how much I’ve wanted to see you!”
Marian was so happy to see me that tears welled up in her eyes. Soon, she noticed Silian standing beside me and covered her mouth with both hands.
“Oh my goodness! Is this handsome young master the Duchzan?”
I nodded and patted Silian's shoulder.
“Sillian, say hello. She's my old friend.”
Silian nodded towards Marian.
"Hello."
Then Marian waved her hands in fright.
“Don’t raise your voice. The Grand Duchess is my master, and you, Young Master, are my little master.”
“But my mother said that Lady was her friend.”
“Oh my god.”
Marian was at a loss as to what to do, as she thought Silian was cute.
Marian finally bowed politely to Julian. It was quite late, but since we were traveling, no one in the room noticed.
Marian led us into the Baron's residence. There, the young Winsley couple had already arrived, chatting with Baroness Heira and Sina. Sina, though a mature successor to the Baron Heyra family, still brimmed with energy as she had years ago.
"Your Highness! It's been so long. I can't tell you how long I've waited!"
I realized something as I watched her greet me. When I squinted and squinted, she laughed and linked arms with me.
"First, please take a seat. Dinner will be served soon. And take a rest. It must have been difficult to get here."
"Young Lady, your skills are getting better by the day. I thought you were just asking me to come on a trip, but I see you have other expectations."
Sina winked with a face full of aegyo and brought her thumb and index finger very close together.
"It's a very small help, nothing special, to Her Highness the Grand Duchess. A very small thing indeed."
Despite that, Sina prepared a feast beyond our wildest imagination. The Grand Duke of Duchzan, though honored and wealthy, was not known for such indulgent entertainment. Consequently, the cultural diversity of Baron Heira's banquet was beyond our wildest imagination.
“This was magically preserved before the mermaid’s tears hardened.”
Nife covered her mouth in surprise and asked.
“A mermaid’s tears are like jewels.”
“But it can also be used as a food ingredient. It looks nice, too.”
Taking a sip of the ethereal liquid, I was struck by its peculiar flavor. It was a mysterious taste, burning hot like alcohol, yet simultaneously refreshing. Sina, by presenting us with such novel dishes, created a delightful time.
There was another very interesting person present. He introduced himself as Baron Jenes. Baron Jenes, a handsome man with light blond hair, sat next to Marian and continued to provide her with food and drinks. Marian seemed accustomed to being cared for by Baron Jenes and seemed relaxed.
I leaned towards Julian and smiled faintly.
“I think that’s the man Marian was talking about.”
"What?"
"She said a few years ago that she had a handsome man chasing her. Looks like his hard work paid off."
Then Julian didn't listen to anything else and started talking nonsense.
“Does that man look handsome to you, wife?”
I playfully sipped at Julian and took another sip of Mermaid Tears. The burning sensation in my throat was strangely addictive.
After dinner, Sina and Marian took me to the Baron's laboratory. There, magical tools crafted from rare magic stones were neatly arranged, and right in the center, a magical tool under active research stood out. Sina stood before it, staring at me, and I could tell it was the item that needed "help" with the problem.
“What is the problem?”
Sina said as if she had a headache.
"Even if it rains, we still supply water. Too much water can have the negative effect of causing crops to rot."
“Aren’t you properly recognizing the amount of water?”
“It reacts when you simply pour water on it.”
I received the magic circle from Sina and examined it. This matter was related to Baron Heira's business, but it was also an opportunity to raise the Empire's agriculture to a higher level.
After pondering for a moment, I reached out to Sina. Sina understood perfectly and handed me a piece of paper and a pen. I began drawing a few magic circles on it.
***
After Layla disappeared with Sina, Ruin and Nife also returned early to put the twins to bed. Julian was about to take Silian to bed when Baron Jenes approached him. He extended his hand with a charming smile.
“If you don’t mind, would you like to have a drink with me?”
Julian wanted to refuse. But then the words Layla always told him came back to him. Layla had always said the wider the world, the better it was, that the more people you met, the more you could love those around you. Julian didn't quite understand what she meant, but since it was Layla's words, he wanted to follow them.
As Julian nodded, the nanny approached and took Silian away. Silian waved at Julian with a sleepy face. Julian nodded in greeting and then looked at Baron Jenes.
"If you're going to do it, why not go outside? Heira Estate has a lot of interesting shops."
“Yes.”
Julian rode into the city in a carriage with Baron Jenes. There, he found a bar exclusively for the nobility. Located on the harbor, it had an exotic atmosphere. Baron Jenes was a frequent visitor, as he was often approached by people. They all asked him the same question.
“What about Miss Marian?”
This was a passage that revealed who Baron Jenes often visited here with. Julian could guess, as Layla had said, that he was in a relationship with Marian.
Baron Jenes blushed shyly and replied, “She has work to do today,” before settling down in a quiet place.
Baron Jenes ordered some suitable drinks and snacks and then spoke to Julian.
"It's an honor to meet the hero of the Empire. You can't imagine how surprised I was to hear your story from Marian."
“The hero is not me, but my wife.”
At those words, Baron Jenes raised the corners of his mouth and smiled quietly.
"Your respect for your wife is also a heroic trait. I envy you. I, too... want to be a husband like that."
As Baron Jenes spoke those words, his expression adoring, a group of men approached him, feigning acquaintance.
“Baron Jenes, what about the pretty lady?”
At that moment, unlike before, Baron Jenes' expression hardened into a cold one.
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