Carol looked at the window of Yvonne's room in the Argenthoz mansion with a longing look and shook her head.
The Princess never made empty promises.
'I'm sure she'll come back.'
Carol steeled herself again and headed towards the Argenthoz mansion.
After the battle ended and everyone returned to their places, the Argenthoz Mansion became quiet and deserted like before.
This place, which had been filled with emergency coalition forces and filled with tension, was now in a more subdued state.
Princess Yvonne also could not wake up, and the head of the household was also in bad condition.
Duke Argenthoz, who returned from battle, also had difficulty recovering his energy.
He had to use a large-scale shield magic to block the fireballs pouring down on the Verbent Palace, which resulted in permanent damage to his magic power.
With two genius magicians from prestigious magic families lying sick at the same time, the employees also became depressed and lost their smiles.
More time passed, and on the morning of the second week since Yvonne lost consciousness.
Barden's complexion brightened after receiving the doctor's report.
“I guess I should go right away.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Today was good news that Duke Argenthoz's health had improved significantly.
He went straight to his father's bedroom and sat down calmly next to his sleeping father, reading a book and waiting.
"...Ah."
After a while, when Duke Argenthoz opened his eyes, Barden closed his book, sat up, and shouted happily.
“Father, are you feeling better?”
“Barden... Where is Yvonne?”
His voice has definitely improved.
But as soon as the Duke opened his eyes today, he asked about Yvonne's condition.
Barden withdrew his smile and shook his head bitterly as he answered.
“Not yet.”
"This..."
Duke Argenthoz sighed deeply and closed his eyes tightly.
He was angry at the heavens for not waking up his daughter, but also for the fact that he was recovering.
You might as well take me and wake my daughter up quickly...
'Yvonne, I've put such a heavy burden on you. I'm sorry...'
Yvonne became a warlock and defeated a very evil and powerful archdemon, but was badly wounded.
She had a large cut on her thigh and a penetrating wound in her abdomen, causing significant bleeding.
According to Duke Rudnine Iels, who carried the unconscious Yvonne, as soon as Yvonne fainted, numerous familiars were summoned around her at the same time.
And it was said that Yvonne was barely saved from death by the familiars pouring healing magic on her simultaneously.
Even renowned doctors and healers said that if Yvonne had not received healing magic immediately, she would have died immediately.
It was truly a miracle...
Yvonne, who was transferred to the mansion, received intensive care, and her wounds quickly healed, but she seemed to be in a deep sleep and would not open her eyes.
The Duke asked weakly.
“You said they still don’t know the cause?”
"Yes. The doctors, the healing wizards, they all give the same answer. They tell me not to worry because Yvonne seems to be sleeping, but there's no way she's doing that. How could that diligent girl sleep for two weeks? Something's definitely wrong."
“Yeah, yeah! That’s right...”
“Ha. But I have no idea what the cause is.”
"Hmm."
"Actually, a week ago, His Highness Prince Felix invited a renowned healing wizard from the Kingdom of Mare. He should arrive within this week."
Barden sighed deeply, as if frustrated.
The surprised Duke of Argenthoz asked in puzzlement.
"What? Requesting a healing wizard from the Kingdom of Mare... That proud King wouldn't have let him go so easily. And he would have refused even more, using Princess Mare's disposition as an excuse."
“That’s right. But fortunately, we had evidence that Princess Mare had used black magic in the palace before.”
"Evidence?"
"Yes. They always reject her as an illegitimate child... They're ridiculous. In the end, embarrassed, they took responsibility and sent the most famous healing magician."
"Oh my, that's right! Well done, Barden Argenthoz. Unlike Yvonne, you were very meticulous. I believed you would achieve great things someday because of this. Well done, my little duke!"
“Yes? Oh, thank you.”
It was the first time he had been so praised by the Duke of Argenthoz, so Barden was taken aback, and then his cheeks turned bright red.
'The Mare Kingdom specializes in healing magic, so it must be different.'
Duke Argenthoz, full of hope, suddenly remembered someone and asked urgently.
“Oh, is Duke Iels there again today?”
"Yes, of course. He's just like the furniture that was originally in Yvonne's room, unmoving at all."
Barden shook his head with a weary face.
After the battle, Barden, who had only recently learned that the two were officially lovers, had no idea that Duke Iels would be so devoted to Yvonne.
Staying by Yvonne's side the whole time, he didn't sleep properly and skipped meals, so Rudnine gradually became thinner.
“Tsk.”
The Duke of Argenthoz clicked his tongue.
“I should go and see for myself. I have to feed him somehow.”
"In person? Are you okay with that? Don't push yourself. I'll go and persuade him somehow."
"I feel much better today. I know my body well. I'd like to see Yvonne for a moment."
The Duke of Argenthoz was stubborn.
Finally, with Barden's help, he stood up with a cane and walked slowly to Yvonne's room.
'Hmm?'
Duke Argenthoz's eyes widened as he entered his daughter's room.
Gift boxes, stacked high enough to reach the ceiling, filled the Princess's living room.
“What, what is all this?”
Liana quietly approached him, who was looking flustered, bowed, and answered with a smile.
"Greetings, Your Excellency. We've received gifts and letters wishing the Princess a speedy recovery. Most of them are wizards, and even high-ranking nobles and commoners have begun sending them."
The surprised Duke of Argenthoz turned to Barden, who was standing beside him, and asked again.
“If they’re a wizard, they’re a wizard from the Verbent Empire’s Magic Tower, right?”
Barden grinned and shrugged.
"Yes, that's right. The wizards contact me through the magical communication port every day to ask about Yvonne's condition. They seem to be a bit obsessed, almost fanatical, and it's scary..."
"Oh my goodness. Those proud bastards? Really?"
He knew well the pride deeply engraved in the bones of the magicians of the Magic Tower.
That's why he was worried that they might reject Yvonne, who became a warlock...
'Was it a tilt?'
Barden started talking again.
"Father, I heard from Duke Iels that Yvonne planned to run away alone, fearing she'd be hated and ostracized if she became a warlock. Isn't that hilarious? She's secretly a coward."
"Yes. Our Lady tends to underestimate her own abilities."
Barden agreed with Liana's words.
"Yeah, that's true. That's why I've been so angry since she was little. If you're so great, you should just show off and act like you're great. She's really an ambiguous character."
As he raised his eyebrows and grumbled in annoyance, Liana suddenly showed signs of displeasure.
“...Your Excellency, it’s not that she acts ambiguously, but because she has a good personality.”
"Liana Rognier... Did I just say Yvonne has a good personality? How absurd. Even though she's my sister, she's not exactly kind. You have to be honest with yourself."
“It is very embarrassing and unpleasant for you to insult someone I serve in such a way, my lord.”
“Ha! Secretary Yvonne, really? Aren’t your arms bending inward too much?”
"My lord's character is quite admirable. But I wonder if the Duke is underestimating you in that way?"
“You did great, you did very well...”
Barden's face flushed bright red as he glared at Liana, but she turned her head coldly without changing her expression.
Meanwhile, Duke Argenthoz smiled awkwardly.
'Hmm. This is a good time.'
He cleared his throat to break the silence among the young people, who had a strange current flowing through them.
“Yes, both of you, stop now and tell me more about the rumors currently circulating about Yvonne.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
Liana quickly stepped forward and answered.
Now, Yvonne is praised as a 'hero' who saved the world by both the nobles and the commoners, and she calmly explained that there are even fanatics who pray and cry for the princess at dawn.
The Duke of Argenthoz stroked his chin.
'They're really surprisingly wizards.'
Yvonne is clearly the greatest archmage in the world, but she is also a warlock.
Still, doesn't that mean they will follow Yvonne?
Black magic brought disaster, but black magic ended it all.
It acknowledges that the pure source of black magic and the user's noble will are more important.
‘Then, from now on, Yvonne...’
A plan flashed through his mind, but he quickly shook his head, dismissing it.
Because his daughter hasn't even opened her eyes yet.
Duke Argenthoz, his mood sinking into the abyss, spoke to Liana in a low voice.
“Yes, I understand. Then, please take me to Yvonne.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
This time, Liana quickly stepped forward and helped him up, guiding him to Yvonne's bedroom.
“...Why me?”
Left alone in the living room, Barden felt slightly resentful at his father's attitude, which now seemed to trust Liana more than him.
But he was also grateful to Liana for taking such good care of his father.
After opening the bedroom door and guiding the Duke, Barden met eyes with Liana, who politely came out again, and coughed in vain, feeling embarrassed.
“Ahem.”
“Do you have a sore throat? Do you have a cold?”
"No."
"You've been through a lot lately, my lord. I suggest you take care of yourself. Call your doctor."
“Me? I didn’t do anything...”
"No one would think that way. Don't keep putting yourself down."
Liana gave a sharp rebuke and walked past Barden.
Barden's face flushed brightly.
He was embarrassed to receive advice from Yvonne's secretary, but he wasn't angry.
And he had no idea why his heart was beating...
"Why am I like this? Do I really have a cold?"
Barden tilted his head and began to ponder why he was like this, sitting on the living room sofa.
Meanwhile, Duke Argenthoz entered the bedroom, but could not bring himself to approach the bed.
‘Huh, this is...’
Yvonne lay peacefully, eyes closed, as if asleep. The sight of Rudnine, sitting in a chair beside the bed, staring blankly at his daughter, was heartbreaking.
'Duke Iels's face is very damaged.'
At that moment, Rudnine, sensing the presence of Duke Argenthoz, immediately stood up from his seat and greeted him warmly.
“Father, are you here? Are you feeling better?”
“I’m fine.”
“That’s fortunate.”
But after Yvonne collapsed, Rudnine's face, which had not smiled like before, felt expressionless and sharp.
Duke Argenthoz felt his heart ache as he watched him; his expression even changed.
'I can't believe you love my daughter this much.'
He empathized with Rudnine as he vividly recalled the pain he had endured from the loss of his beloved wife.
“Duke of Iels.”
He slowly approached the bed, leaning on his cane, and holding Rudnine's shoulder, he spoke quietly to her.
"They say you don't even eat properly. You should eat well. What's with that handsome face?"
“I don’t mind.”
"No, when Yvonne wakes up, she'll definitely say something to me. Saying I didn't even feed the Duke... Don't you know how much my daughter loves the Duke? I don't want Yvonne to hate me."
“...Is that so?”
Only then did Rudnine, who had been expressionless, smile faintly while rubbing his chin.
Duke Argenthoz warned with a stern expression.
"Yes, so please eat right away. If you don't, I'll kick you out of my house."
“Haha... I understand, Father. I’m going to eat, so please let me stay with Yvonne.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Satisfied with Rudnine's meek surrender, Duke Argenthoz turned his gaze to Yvonne lying on the bed.
The Princess never made empty promises.
'I'm sure she'll come back.'
Carol steeled herself again and headed towards the Argenthoz mansion.
After the battle ended and everyone returned to their places, the Argenthoz Mansion became quiet and deserted like before.
This place, which had been filled with emergency coalition forces and filled with tension, was now in a more subdued state.
Princess Yvonne also could not wake up, and the head of the household was also in bad condition.
Duke Argenthoz, who returned from battle, also had difficulty recovering his energy.
He had to use a large-scale shield magic to block the fireballs pouring down on the Verbent Palace, which resulted in permanent damage to his magic power.
With two genius magicians from prestigious magic families lying sick at the same time, the employees also became depressed and lost their smiles.
More time passed, and on the morning of the second week since Yvonne lost consciousness.
Barden's complexion brightened after receiving the doctor's report.
“I guess I should go right away.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Today was good news that Duke Argenthoz's health had improved significantly.
He went straight to his father's bedroom and sat down calmly next to his sleeping father, reading a book and waiting.
"...Ah."
After a while, when Duke Argenthoz opened his eyes, Barden closed his book, sat up, and shouted happily.
“Father, are you feeling better?”
“Barden... Where is Yvonne?”
His voice has definitely improved.
But as soon as the Duke opened his eyes today, he asked about Yvonne's condition.
Barden withdrew his smile and shook his head bitterly as he answered.
“Not yet.”
"This..."
Duke Argenthoz sighed deeply and closed his eyes tightly.
He was angry at the heavens for not waking up his daughter, but also for the fact that he was recovering.
You might as well take me and wake my daughter up quickly...
'Yvonne, I've put such a heavy burden on you. I'm sorry...'
Yvonne became a warlock and defeated a very evil and powerful archdemon, but was badly wounded.
She had a large cut on her thigh and a penetrating wound in her abdomen, causing significant bleeding.
According to Duke Rudnine Iels, who carried the unconscious Yvonne, as soon as Yvonne fainted, numerous familiars were summoned around her at the same time.
And it was said that Yvonne was barely saved from death by the familiars pouring healing magic on her simultaneously.
Even renowned doctors and healers said that if Yvonne had not received healing magic immediately, she would have died immediately.
It was truly a miracle...
Yvonne, who was transferred to the mansion, received intensive care, and her wounds quickly healed, but she seemed to be in a deep sleep and would not open her eyes.
The Duke asked weakly.
“You said they still don’t know the cause?”
"Yes. The doctors, the healing wizards, they all give the same answer. They tell me not to worry because Yvonne seems to be sleeping, but there's no way she's doing that. How could that diligent girl sleep for two weeks? Something's definitely wrong."
“Yeah, yeah! That’s right...”
“Ha. But I have no idea what the cause is.”
"Hmm."
"Actually, a week ago, His Highness Prince Felix invited a renowned healing wizard from the Kingdom of Mare. He should arrive within this week."
Barden sighed deeply, as if frustrated.
The surprised Duke of Argenthoz asked in puzzlement.
"What? Requesting a healing wizard from the Kingdom of Mare... That proud King wouldn't have let him go so easily. And he would have refused even more, using Princess Mare's disposition as an excuse."
“That’s right. But fortunately, we had evidence that Princess Mare had used black magic in the palace before.”
"Evidence?"
"Yes. They always reject her as an illegitimate child... They're ridiculous. In the end, embarrassed, they took responsibility and sent the most famous healing magician."
"Oh my, that's right! Well done, Barden Argenthoz. Unlike Yvonne, you were very meticulous. I believed you would achieve great things someday because of this. Well done, my little duke!"
“Yes? Oh, thank you.”
It was the first time he had been so praised by the Duke of Argenthoz, so Barden was taken aback, and then his cheeks turned bright red.
'The Mare Kingdom specializes in healing magic, so it must be different.'
Duke Argenthoz, full of hope, suddenly remembered someone and asked urgently.
“Oh, is Duke Iels there again today?”
"Yes, of course. He's just like the furniture that was originally in Yvonne's room, unmoving at all."
Barden shook his head with a weary face.
After the battle, Barden, who had only recently learned that the two were officially lovers, had no idea that Duke Iels would be so devoted to Yvonne.
Staying by Yvonne's side the whole time, he didn't sleep properly and skipped meals, so Rudnine gradually became thinner.
“Tsk.”
The Duke of Argenthoz clicked his tongue.
“I should go and see for myself. I have to feed him somehow.”
"In person? Are you okay with that? Don't push yourself. I'll go and persuade him somehow."
"I feel much better today. I know my body well. I'd like to see Yvonne for a moment."
The Duke of Argenthoz was stubborn.
Finally, with Barden's help, he stood up with a cane and walked slowly to Yvonne's room.
'Hmm?'
Duke Argenthoz's eyes widened as he entered his daughter's room.
Gift boxes, stacked high enough to reach the ceiling, filled the Princess's living room.
“What, what is all this?”
Liana quietly approached him, who was looking flustered, bowed, and answered with a smile.
"Greetings, Your Excellency. We've received gifts and letters wishing the Princess a speedy recovery. Most of them are wizards, and even high-ranking nobles and commoners have begun sending them."
The surprised Duke of Argenthoz turned to Barden, who was standing beside him, and asked again.
“If they’re a wizard, they’re a wizard from the Verbent Empire’s Magic Tower, right?”
Barden grinned and shrugged.
"Yes, that's right. The wizards contact me through the magical communication port every day to ask about Yvonne's condition. They seem to be a bit obsessed, almost fanatical, and it's scary..."
"Oh my goodness. Those proud bastards? Really?"
He knew well the pride deeply engraved in the bones of the magicians of the Magic Tower.
That's why he was worried that they might reject Yvonne, who became a warlock...
'Was it a tilt?'
Barden started talking again.
"Father, I heard from Duke Iels that Yvonne planned to run away alone, fearing she'd be hated and ostracized if she became a warlock. Isn't that hilarious? She's secretly a coward."
"Yes. Our Lady tends to underestimate her own abilities."
Barden agreed with Liana's words.
"Yeah, that's true. That's why I've been so angry since she was little. If you're so great, you should just show off and act like you're great. She's really an ambiguous character."
As he raised his eyebrows and grumbled in annoyance, Liana suddenly showed signs of displeasure.
“...Your Excellency, it’s not that she acts ambiguously, but because she has a good personality.”
"Liana Rognier... Did I just say Yvonne has a good personality? How absurd. Even though she's my sister, she's not exactly kind. You have to be honest with yourself."
“It is very embarrassing and unpleasant for you to insult someone I serve in such a way, my lord.”
“Ha! Secretary Yvonne, really? Aren’t your arms bending inward too much?”
"My lord's character is quite admirable. But I wonder if the Duke is underestimating you in that way?"
“You did great, you did very well...”
Barden's face flushed bright red as he glared at Liana, but she turned her head coldly without changing her expression.
Meanwhile, Duke Argenthoz smiled awkwardly.
'Hmm. This is a good time.'
He cleared his throat to break the silence among the young people, who had a strange current flowing through them.
“Yes, both of you, stop now and tell me more about the rumors currently circulating about Yvonne.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
Liana quickly stepped forward and answered.
Now, Yvonne is praised as a 'hero' who saved the world by both the nobles and the commoners, and she calmly explained that there are even fanatics who pray and cry for the princess at dawn.
The Duke of Argenthoz stroked his chin.
'They're really surprisingly wizards.'
Yvonne is clearly the greatest archmage in the world, but she is also a warlock.
Still, doesn't that mean they will follow Yvonne?
Black magic brought disaster, but black magic ended it all.
It acknowledges that the pure source of black magic and the user's noble will are more important.
‘Then, from now on, Yvonne...’
A plan flashed through his mind, but he quickly shook his head, dismissing it.
Because his daughter hasn't even opened her eyes yet.
Duke Argenthoz, his mood sinking into the abyss, spoke to Liana in a low voice.
“Yes, I understand. Then, please take me to Yvonne.”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
This time, Liana quickly stepped forward and helped him up, guiding him to Yvonne's bedroom.
“...Why me?”
Left alone in the living room, Barden felt slightly resentful at his father's attitude, which now seemed to trust Liana more than him.
But he was also grateful to Liana for taking such good care of his father.
After opening the bedroom door and guiding the Duke, Barden met eyes with Liana, who politely came out again, and coughed in vain, feeling embarrassed.
“Ahem.”
“Do you have a sore throat? Do you have a cold?”
"No."
"You've been through a lot lately, my lord. I suggest you take care of yourself. Call your doctor."
“Me? I didn’t do anything...”
"No one would think that way. Don't keep putting yourself down."
Liana gave a sharp rebuke and walked past Barden.
Barden's face flushed brightly.
He was embarrassed to receive advice from Yvonne's secretary, but he wasn't angry.
And he had no idea why his heart was beating...
"Why am I like this? Do I really have a cold?"
Barden tilted his head and began to ponder why he was like this, sitting on the living room sofa.
Meanwhile, Duke Argenthoz entered the bedroom, but could not bring himself to approach the bed.
‘Huh, this is...’
Yvonne lay peacefully, eyes closed, as if asleep. The sight of Rudnine, sitting in a chair beside the bed, staring blankly at his daughter, was heartbreaking.
'Duke Iels's face is very damaged.'
At that moment, Rudnine, sensing the presence of Duke Argenthoz, immediately stood up from his seat and greeted him warmly.
“Father, are you here? Are you feeling better?”
“I’m fine.”
“That’s fortunate.”
But after Yvonne collapsed, Rudnine's face, which had not smiled like before, felt expressionless and sharp.
Duke Argenthoz felt his heart ache as he watched him; his expression even changed.
'I can't believe you love my daughter this much.'
He empathized with Rudnine as he vividly recalled the pain he had endured from the loss of his beloved wife.
“Duke of Iels.”
He slowly approached the bed, leaning on his cane, and holding Rudnine's shoulder, he spoke quietly to her.
"They say you don't even eat properly. You should eat well. What's with that handsome face?"
“I don’t mind.”
"No, when Yvonne wakes up, she'll definitely say something to me. Saying I didn't even feed the Duke... Don't you know how much my daughter loves the Duke? I don't want Yvonne to hate me."
“...Is that so?”
Only then did Rudnine, who had been expressionless, smile faintly while rubbing his chin.
Duke Argenthoz warned with a stern expression.
"Yes, so please eat right away. If you don't, I'll kick you out of my house."
“Haha... I understand, Father. I’m going to eat, so please let me stay with Yvonne.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Satisfied with Rudnine's meek surrender, Duke Argenthoz turned his gaze to Yvonne lying on the bed.
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