"Hajean's magic stone?"
Fabian retold his memories. Hajean was quite a symbolic figure, having served as the Empire's exclusive mage during the Age of Magic.
"Please craft a fountain pen equipped with that magic stone and present it to me along with the prize money. Then I will gladly accept Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince's proposal."
Fabian racked his brain. Although it was said that Hajean's magic stone possessed special powers, nothing had been precisely confirmed. It was merely cherished because it was a treasure passed down through generations.
"Do you realize that Hajean is a very important figure in the history of the Empire's magic?"
"The Empire doesn't value magic anymore anyway."
This was also true. Following the flow of the times, the empire chose science and civilization over magic and developed them intensively.
'If you bestow Hajean's magic stone, you will gain a writer who will be remembered in the history of the Empire.'
Fabian thought for a moment. In the meantime, Kendrick put down his fork and knife.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince. If you have finished your meal, let's speak privately for a moment."
"There's still a lot left."
Kendrick gave Fabian a strange look. Then he stood up.
"It must be a very urgent matter."
Fabian also stood up from his seat as if he had no choice and offered Stella a handshake.
"Then, see you again next time, Duchess Adrian."
As they held and shook hands, he smiled slightly.
"I will do my best to meet your demands."
Kendrick unwrapped a candy with a displeased expression and put it in his mouth.
"I didn't invite you to dinner, hoping that Your Highness the Crown Prince would make such a suggestion."
"I know. Isn't it because of the Duchess's rumors?"
"Someone who knows that..."
Kendrick barely managed to suppress a chuckle. As expected, Fabian was perceptive and quick to grasp the situation. Therefore, his suggestion to bet on his divorce from Stella certainly didn't sit well with him. Unaware of Kendrick's prickly mood, Fabian went on and on about the rumors.
"Unfortunately, I am not the source of that rumor. Even though I am wary of the Duke's influence, I hold no ill will toward you."
"I didn't think it would be Your Highness."
"Then?"
If asked who his closest friend in the Empire was, Kendrick would answer Fabian. He was the person with whom he had the most private interactions and felt most comfortable when they met. Therefore, he never suspected from the start that Fabian was the culprit who had maliciously spread rumors about Stella.
"I intended to ask if there is anyone in the imperial family who has been rapidly expanding their power recently."
Fabian nodded in agreement, as if he had finally realized Kendrick's intention in inviting him.
"The Imperial Palace is always a battlefield, after all. There are certainly many who go to great lengths to expand their own power."
Several faces flashed through Fabian's mind. However, no one specifically came to mind. This was because there were so many people vying for a position in the Imperial Palace. Kendrick certainly wouldn't have summoned him without a plan.
"You are beating around the bush. You must have summoned me because there is someone suspicious in the Imperial Palace. Who is it?"
"He is Anton Geron, Captain of the Imperial Guard."
At this, Fabian's expression contorted.
"Are you talking about Marquis Anton?"
Silence was an affirmation. Since the Imperial Guard and Knights were not under Fabian's jurisdiction, there was indeed no reason to run into him often.
"Well, he's not the type to reveal his true feelings easily. If you want, I can look into his background for you."
"Thank you."
As he talked with Fabian, the candy in his mouth completely melted away. He nervously peeled off the wrapper and put another candy in his mouth. Fabian found it puzzling that Kendrick couldn't let go of the candy.
"But why do you keep eating candy? That's unlike you."
How ridiculous would I look if I told him that I suffer from heart pain and headaches if I don't eat candy when she's not around? Kendrick made up a vague excuse.
"I am trying to break my addiction."
Fabian never imagined that the object of his addiction would be Stella. He simply accepted that Kendrick had decided to quit smoking.
"So you're trying to quit cigars."
The candy made a rattling sound every time it rolled around in his mouth.
"I didn't know His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was such a busybody."
Kendrick's voice and facial expression revealed that he was quite angry.
"Haha."
Fabian was amazed that Kendrick could speak well even though his cheeks were bulging out with his mouth full of candy.
"I made a strange suggestion to your wife, so you're angry. I was just trying to take your side."
The corners of his eyes crinkled, and he looked like he was smiling.
"There is no future in the Duchess's mind where she will be with you forever."
Fabian's eyes were smiling mischievously, but his lips spat out words that poked at Kendrick's heart.
"Even if you spend your whole lives rubbing shoulders, her heart won't return. She will always be thinking only of escaping from you."
Kendrick's expression gradually crumpled.
However, if a clear timeframe is set like this, it’s a different story.
Even as he watched Kendrick's face contort, Fabian wore a satisfied expression as if his plan was excellent.
"At least for that period, she will take your married life for granted and accept it. You just need to change her mind during that time."
Instead of answering, Kendrick stared at his face for a few seconds.
"Your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince. You've never dated, have you?"
"What?"
Fabian asked back with a puzzled look.
The human mind does not move that theoretically.
As if refuting Kendrick's words, Fabian went on and on.
"Still, one thing is certain. Stella won't bring up divorce for at least a year."
Kendrick silently listened to Fabian's excuse. Fabian's slightly agitated appearance was quite amusing.
"Besides, is becoming a court-appointed writer for the Imperial Family an easy task? Famous writers from all over the world would be applying. Even if it is anonymous, it will be difficult for Stella, who hasn't published a single book yet, to stand out."
Ah. So that was the reason. Although Kendrick remained negative about the bet, he was nevertheless leaning toward making it. Stella's eyes sparkled whenever the topic of this bet came up. Especially when she mentioned wanting Hajean's magic stone.
"I had no idea Stella wanted Hajean's magic stone."
As Fabian had said, the chances of Stella securing the reward of a divorce through this bet were slim. If the reward for the upcoming Imperial exclusive writer exam became Hajean's Magic Stone due to this bet, Kendrick intended to find the person who became the Imperial exclusive writer and acquire Hajean's Magic Stone with money.
"I have never coveted anything more than governing Adrian well. So please put aside your worries about rebellion and judge fairly."
Fabian grinned.
"Then I’ll take it as your acceptance of this bet as well."
Thus began the royal exclusive writer bet involving Stella and Kendrick's divorce.
The very next day after being invited to dinner, Fabian posted an announcement seeking an exclusive writer for the imperial family.
[Recruiting Exclusive Writers for the Imperial Family.]
The details regarding compensation, prize money, and even the judging method were written down in minute detail. The format involved two preliminary rounds, followed by the main round and then the final. Stella made a condition that if she did not advance to the main round, she would never bring up the topic of divorce.
[The first preliminary round involves submitting the five pieces you are most confident in. 1,000 people are selected through this process. There were two methods for the second preliminary round.]
'I absolutely have to make it to the finals.'
The first method is to be judged based on already published works. In this case, already famous authors had an advantage. Only three people advance to the finals in this method. The rest are selected through a writing contest. On the day of the contest, the Imperial Household announces the theme, and participants write a piece based on it and submit it anonymously for evaluation. In this way, a total of seven people advance to the finals. Thus, a total of ten finalists are selected. Stella was aiming for the second method.
"Does he even sleep?"
Having a clear goal doubled her passion. Stella kept candy by the bedside so Kendrick wouldn't struggle like before. And as soon as he fell asleep, she would sneak out to the study to write.
"You're going to collapse at this rate."
"It's okay."
Thud. Blood trickled from her nose. Kendrick pinched her nose with a handkerchief. Stella felt somewhat embarrassed and gently pushed his arm away, but Kendrick didn't budge. She glanced up and saw that Kendrick's expression was grim. He was displeased with the way she was pushing herself to become a royal writer.
"Do you want a divorce this badly?"
Contrary to Kendrick's belief, the reason Stella was going to such lengths was that her life depended on it. She needed Hajean's magic stone to cure her illness. Divorce from Kendrick was a secondary concern. Unaware of these underlying circumstances, he felt nothing but disappointment.
"Look. Can't you tell how worn out your body is?"
Stella was consumed by the thought that she had to work harder than ever to become a Royal Writer. Kendrick wished that Stella would stay home and rest instead of wandering around. And Kendrick's wish came true not long after, as Stella had injured her leg while with Roy.
The three elements of a novel: characters, plot, and setting. Stella had the ability to weave interesting plots, but she could not utilize settings. While the setting of a novel can be arranged in various ways, Stella wanted to write with nature as the backdrop.
"Then it would be best to go and see for yourself. How about the northern forest?"
The story Stella was writing this time was set in a forest. So she was very glad to receive Roy's suggestion, but the northern forest was a few days' journey from the capital.
"I can't stay out overnight due to circumstances."
Kendrick struggles and says his heart aches even when he is apart for just a few hours, so how could she possibly stay out overnight?
"How about going to the Hamelian Forest?"
Unlike the northern forest, Hamelian Forest was quite close to the capital. Although the path was said to be rugged, since so few people passed through, it seemed like a good place to observe the forest in its natural state.
"That would be good."
The fairy tale Stella is writing this time is about souls being swapped. A spoiled city girl who has only ever lived in the city swaps souls with a girl who lives in a cabin in the woods with animals. Hearing that there is a medicinal herb that can bring their souls back, the two girls set off on a journey together to find it.
It was the day they were leaving for the Hamelian Forest.
"What time will you be back today?"
"I’m going on a reconnaissance trip outside the capital. It looks like I’ll be a bit late, but I’ll be back before dinner."
Stella set off for the Hamelian Forest with Roy. While surveying the forest, they discovered a Soul Herb growing on a cliff. Perhaps because of its colorful appearance or its name, various legends related to souls were intertwined with this herb. Stella had also taken an interest in it because of those legends, but she never expected to come across it like this, as it was such a rare herb.
"You won't be able to reach it, so I'll go pick it out."
"It looks dangerous, so you don't have to go."
"No, I really want to pick it."
"Then let's go together. I'll hold it for you."
Roy and Stella climbed onto the cliff to get closer to the Soul Herb. When they found no more footholds, they stopped, and Roy stretched out his arm toward the Soul Herb. It seemed just out of reach of Roy's hand. Roy boldly leaned his body toward the Soul Herb. To prevent Roy from falling, Stella held onto a branch on one side and tightly gripped his opposite arm with the other.
"If it's too hard, just give up and go down. Don't push yourself too hard."
"No, you just need to stretch a little further."
Roy forced a step forward and stretched out his arm, eager to quickly pull out the Soul Herb and descend. Then, his balance tilted downward. He finally reached the herb, but...
"Damn it."
He twisted his leg because he had put too much force into it and got a cramp. Roy lost his balance and fell, and Stella barely managed to catch him.
"Just a moment. I'll pull you up."
Stella groaned and dragged Roy. However, because the difference in their weight was too great, Stella also fell down.
"Stella!"
Roy was surprised and called out her name loudly.
Fabian retold his memories. Hajean was quite a symbolic figure, having served as the Empire's exclusive mage during the Age of Magic.
"Please craft a fountain pen equipped with that magic stone and present it to me along with the prize money. Then I will gladly accept Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince's proposal."
Fabian racked his brain. Although it was said that Hajean's magic stone possessed special powers, nothing had been precisely confirmed. It was merely cherished because it was a treasure passed down through generations.
"Do you realize that Hajean is a very important figure in the history of the Empire's magic?"
"The Empire doesn't value magic anymore anyway."
This was also true. Following the flow of the times, the empire chose science and civilization over magic and developed them intensively.
'If you bestow Hajean's magic stone, you will gain a writer who will be remembered in the history of the Empire.'
Fabian thought for a moment. In the meantime, Kendrick put down his fork and knife.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince. If you have finished your meal, let's speak privately for a moment."
"There's still a lot left."
Kendrick gave Fabian a strange look. Then he stood up.
"It must be a very urgent matter."
Fabian also stood up from his seat as if he had no choice and offered Stella a handshake.
"Then, see you again next time, Duchess Adrian."
As they held and shook hands, he smiled slightly.
"I will do my best to meet your demands."
***
Kendrick unwrapped a candy with a displeased expression and put it in his mouth.
"I didn't invite you to dinner, hoping that Your Highness the Crown Prince would make such a suggestion."
"I know. Isn't it because of the Duchess's rumors?"
"Someone who knows that..."
Kendrick barely managed to suppress a chuckle. As expected, Fabian was perceptive and quick to grasp the situation. Therefore, his suggestion to bet on his divorce from Stella certainly didn't sit well with him. Unaware of Kendrick's prickly mood, Fabian went on and on about the rumors.
"Unfortunately, I am not the source of that rumor. Even though I am wary of the Duke's influence, I hold no ill will toward you."
"I didn't think it would be Your Highness."
"Then?"
If asked who his closest friend in the Empire was, Kendrick would answer Fabian. He was the person with whom he had the most private interactions and felt most comfortable when they met. Therefore, he never suspected from the start that Fabian was the culprit who had maliciously spread rumors about Stella.
"I intended to ask if there is anyone in the imperial family who has been rapidly expanding their power recently."
Fabian nodded in agreement, as if he had finally realized Kendrick's intention in inviting him.
"The Imperial Palace is always a battlefield, after all. There are certainly many who go to great lengths to expand their own power."
Several faces flashed through Fabian's mind. However, no one specifically came to mind. This was because there were so many people vying for a position in the Imperial Palace. Kendrick certainly wouldn't have summoned him without a plan.
"You are beating around the bush. You must have summoned me because there is someone suspicious in the Imperial Palace. Who is it?"
"He is Anton Geron, Captain of the Imperial Guard."
At this, Fabian's expression contorted.
"Are you talking about Marquis Anton?"
Silence was an affirmation. Since the Imperial Guard and Knights were not under Fabian's jurisdiction, there was indeed no reason to run into him often.
"Well, he's not the type to reveal his true feelings easily. If you want, I can look into his background for you."
"Thank you."
As he talked with Fabian, the candy in his mouth completely melted away. He nervously peeled off the wrapper and put another candy in his mouth. Fabian found it puzzling that Kendrick couldn't let go of the candy.
"But why do you keep eating candy? That's unlike you."
How ridiculous would I look if I told him that I suffer from heart pain and headaches if I don't eat candy when she's not around? Kendrick made up a vague excuse.
"I am trying to break my addiction."
Fabian never imagined that the object of his addiction would be Stella. He simply accepted that Kendrick had decided to quit smoking.
"So you're trying to quit cigars."
The candy made a rattling sound every time it rolled around in his mouth.
"I didn't know His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was such a busybody."
Kendrick's voice and facial expression revealed that he was quite angry.
"Haha."
Fabian was amazed that Kendrick could speak well even though his cheeks were bulging out with his mouth full of candy.
"I made a strange suggestion to your wife, so you're angry. I was just trying to take your side."
The corners of his eyes crinkled, and he looked like he was smiling.
"There is no future in the Duchess's mind where she will be with you forever."
Fabian's eyes were smiling mischievously, but his lips spat out words that poked at Kendrick's heart.
"Even if you spend your whole lives rubbing shoulders, her heart won't return. She will always be thinking only of escaping from you."
Kendrick's expression gradually crumpled.
However, if a clear timeframe is set like this, it’s a different story.
Even as he watched Kendrick's face contort, Fabian wore a satisfied expression as if his plan was excellent.
"At least for that period, she will take your married life for granted and accept it. You just need to change her mind during that time."
Instead of answering, Kendrick stared at his face for a few seconds.
"Your Royal Highness, the Crown Prince. You've never dated, have you?"
"What?"
Fabian asked back with a puzzled look.
The human mind does not move that theoretically.
As if refuting Kendrick's words, Fabian went on and on.
"Still, one thing is certain. Stella won't bring up divorce for at least a year."
Kendrick silently listened to Fabian's excuse. Fabian's slightly agitated appearance was quite amusing.
"Besides, is becoming a court-appointed writer for the Imperial Family an easy task? Famous writers from all over the world would be applying. Even if it is anonymous, it will be difficult for Stella, who hasn't published a single book yet, to stand out."
Ah. So that was the reason. Although Kendrick remained negative about the bet, he was nevertheless leaning toward making it. Stella's eyes sparkled whenever the topic of this bet came up. Especially when she mentioned wanting Hajean's magic stone.
"I had no idea Stella wanted Hajean's magic stone."
As Fabian had said, the chances of Stella securing the reward of a divorce through this bet were slim. If the reward for the upcoming Imperial exclusive writer exam became Hajean's Magic Stone due to this bet, Kendrick intended to find the person who became the Imperial exclusive writer and acquire Hajean's Magic Stone with money.
"I have never coveted anything more than governing Adrian well. So please put aside your worries about rebellion and judge fairly."
Fabian grinned.
"Then I’ll take it as your acceptance of this bet as well."
Thus began the royal exclusive writer bet involving Stella and Kendrick's divorce.
***
The very next day after being invited to dinner, Fabian posted an announcement seeking an exclusive writer for the imperial family.
[Recruiting Exclusive Writers for the Imperial Family.]
The details regarding compensation, prize money, and even the judging method were written down in minute detail. The format involved two preliminary rounds, followed by the main round and then the final. Stella made a condition that if she did not advance to the main round, she would never bring up the topic of divorce.
[The first preliminary round involves submitting the five pieces you are most confident in. 1,000 people are selected through this process. There were two methods for the second preliminary round.]
'I absolutely have to make it to the finals.'
The first method is to be judged based on already published works. In this case, already famous authors had an advantage. Only three people advance to the finals in this method. The rest are selected through a writing contest. On the day of the contest, the Imperial Household announces the theme, and participants write a piece based on it and submit it anonymously for evaluation. In this way, a total of seven people advance to the finals. Thus, a total of ten finalists are selected. Stella was aiming for the second method.
"Does he even sleep?"
Having a clear goal doubled her passion. Stella kept candy by the bedside so Kendrick wouldn't struggle like before. And as soon as he fell asleep, she would sneak out to the study to write.
"You're going to collapse at this rate."
"It's okay."
Thud. Blood trickled from her nose. Kendrick pinched her nose with a handkerchief. Stella felt somewhat embarrassed and gently pushed his arm away, but Kendrick didn't budge. She glanced up and saw that Kendrick's expression was grim. He was displeased with the way she was pushing herself to become a royal writer.
"Do you want a divorce this badly?"
Contrary to Kendrick's belief, the reason Stella was going to such lengths was that her life depended on it. She needed Hajean's magic stone to cure her illness. Divorce from Kendrick was a secondary concern. Unaware of these underlying circumstances, he felt nothing but disappointment.
"Look. Can't you tell how worn out your body is?"
Stella was consumed by the thought that she had to work harder than ever to become a Royal Writer. Kendrick wished that Stella would stay home and rest instead of wandering around. And Kendrick's wish came true not long after, as Stella had injured her leg while with Roy.
***
The three elements of a novel: characters, plot, and setting. Stella had the ability to weave interesting plots, but she could not utilize settings. While the setting of a novel can be arranged in various ways, Stella wanted to write with nature as the backdrop.
"Then it would be best to go and see for yourself. How about the northern forest?"
The story Stella was writing this time was set in a forest. So she was very glad to receive Roy's suggestion, but the northern forest was a few days' journey from the capital.
"I can't stay out overnight due to circumstances."
Kendrick struggles and says his heart aches even when he is apart for just a few hours, so how could she possibly stay out overnight?
"How about going to the Hamelian Forest?"
Unlike the northern forest, Hamelian Forest was quite close to the capital. Although the path was said to be rugged, since so few people passed through, it seemed like a good place to observe the forest in its natural state.
"That would be good."
The fairy tale Stella is writing this time is about souls being swapped. A spoiled city girl who has only ever lived in the city swaps souls with a girl who lives in a cabin in the woods with animals. Hearing that there is a medicinal herb that can bring their souls back, the two girls set off on a journey together to find it.
It was the day they were leaving for the Hamelian Forest.
"What time will you be back today?"
"I’m going on a reconnaissance trip outside the capital. It looks like I’ll be a bit late, but I’ll be back before dinner."
Stella set off for the Hamelian Forest with Roy. While surveying the forest, they discovered a Soul Herb growing on a cliff. Perhaps because of its colorful appearance or its name, various legends related to souls were intertwined with this herb. Stella had also taken an interest in it because of those legends, but she never expected to come across it like this, as it was such a rare herb.
"You won't be able to reach it, so I'll go pick it out."
"It looks dangerous, so you don't have to go."
"No, I really want to pick it."
"Then let's go together. I'll hold it for you."
Roy and Stella climbed onto the cliff to get closer to the Soul Herb. When they found no more footholds, they stopped, and Roy stretched out his arm toward the Soul Herb. It seemed just out of reach of Roy's hand. Roy boldly leaned his body toward the Soul Herb. To prevent Roy from falling, Stella held onto a branch on one side and tightly gripped his opposite arm with the other.
"If it's too hard, just give up and go down. Don't push yourself too hard."
"No, you just need to stretch a little further."
Roy forced a step forward and stretched out his arm, eager to quickly pull out the Soul Herb and descend. Then, his balance tilted downward. He finally reached the herb, but...
"Damn it."
He twisted his leg because he had put too much force into it and got a cramp. Roy lost his balance and fell, and Stella barely managed to catch him.
"Just a moment. I'll pull you up."
Stella groaned and dragged Roy. However, because the difference in their weight was too great, Stella also fell down.
"Stella!"
Roy was surprised and called out her name loudly.
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