TNBTW | Episode 31

Simply put, many skilled individuals desired to enter the Magic Tower, which in turn meant that talent was being concentrated in one place.

In order to take the test at the Magic Tower, one had to be independent of any kingdom.

Moreover, since the heir of the Magic Tower’s doctrine had left, a new clause was added: “Past achievements will also be evaluated.” It was obvious that a wizard who had served the Robedon Empire would face consequences for it.

Therefore, the Robedon Empire, which had officially broken ties with the Magic Tower, would always remain a low priority among aspiring wizards.

Given such circumstances, the Magic Tower’s decision to open its doors for two consecutive years was not good news for Robedon’s Ministry of Magic.

“Our Grand Wizard will have to endure a bit more,” the Emperor remarked.

“As I said, I have not yet reached that level,” came the response.

“I suppose I must repeat my advice to accept compliments in moderation.”

The Emperor let out a bitter smile, placing the scissors down and brushing his hands off carelessly. Turning his back on the vine, there was no longer any trace of a smile on his face.

“Suspicious activity has been detected in Mellott. It will be troublesome, but you will have to go there.”

Although Robedon had earned the glory of being the continent’s ruler thanks to Skyle’s breach of the Magic Tower’s rules, where there was light, there was always darkness.

Robedon had become the target of wandering wizards, known as the “Shadows.”

Most wizards longed for the Magic Tower, wishing to find truth there, but not everyone shared this sentiment. Some misused magic for their own wrong purposes. The Shadows were exactly such cases.

They often looted regions where the scars of war had yet to heal.

If they were mere bandits, local lords could handle them, but unfortunately, dealing with wizards was no easy feat.

Previously, regional towers built under the authorization of each country would detect unfamiliar magical forces and deal with them. However, the magic tower in Robedon had already been abandoned.

This was why those who were free from the Magic Tower’s gaze were now flocking to Robedon.

“I would like this matter to proceed quickly.”

“I will.”

Despite the sudden command, Skyle accepted it without a word. Though there was not even a trace of amusement, he gazed at the Duke, his most reliable ally, as the Emperor spoke again, this time with a lighter tone.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your honeymoon period. As an apology, I will send a gift to the Duchess. What should I send her?”

The Emperor made a casual gesture, as if inviting Skyle to speak, but Skyle remained silent.

It was not that he took the Emperor’s words lightly; rather, he genuinely had no idea what his wife liked.

‘What she likes…’

Skyle pondered over an appropriate response, but his thoughts faltered. His mind, usually quick to find the right answer, was grinding to a halt.

Logically speaking, it would be money. Humans were weak to material things, after all. Gold and jewels would make excellent gifts. They were always a useful asset.

But would Edith Irene Brussels truly like such a gift? Thinking about it, he couldn’t be sure.

In Skyle’s eyes, Edith was an unpredictable person. Her way of thinking often deviated sharply from his expectations, making it difficult for him to understand or judge her.

‘A dog?’

He recalled Edith, holding a puppy that resembled herself, carefully observing it. However, Skyle dismissed the thought quickly. She hadn’t kept the white dog because she liked it, but because it was on the verge of being abandoned.

Thus, he was back to square one. Skyle couldn’t find a suitable answer.

“Is there something you don’t know, even as someone who was supposed to reach the peak of wisdom?” 

The Emperor clicked his tongue, subtly probing.

“Do you talk at all? I do worry that you’ve made that poor girl wait anxiously by herself.”

“She is not such a woman.”

Fortunately, this question had a clear answer.

“Oh, that’s interesting. A girl who hasn’t lost her heart to you.”

The Emperor chuckled before suddenly inhaling sharply, eyeing Skyle with suspicion.

“I just have to ask, but you haven’t said anything unnecessary, have you? Haven’t I told you repeatedly? It would be better for you to keep your mouth shut.”

“I haven’t said anything other than necessary conversation.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

The Emperor, seemingly appreciating Skyle’s firm response, concluded with, “I suppose the Duchess has quite an unusual taste.”

 

‘Still, I’m curious about Robedon’s standards of beauty. The capital’s standards might be different from the region I grew up in.’

 

Skyle recalled the voice filled with curiosity from that moment. Judging from past experiences, he was certain it was simply idle chatter.

“When we meet next, perhaps for a meal,” those words were just a polite formality. And “I’ll think about it positively” might just be an empty promise.

It had taken Skyle quite a bit of time to be able to distinguish between them.

 

‘Please let me know later!’

 

And so, he now thought he was pretty good at reading the true intent behind words, but when he recalled the soft, twinkling eyes of the girl, speaking those words in a voice that sounded like she was sincere, Skyle still questioned if he was seeing through her completely.

 

‘Kairant… Is it really that different from the Empire?’

 

At that dinner where she had asked about Kairant, Skyle had nearly launched into an explanation of the beauty standards of the region.

A question she had likely forgotten and cared nothing about by now.

In any case, Skyle did not make that mistake. The Emperor was right: he was the type to inadvertently breed affection or animosity, so it was best to avoid unnecessary words.

“Ah, yes. I happen to have acquired an some excellent pearls recently. I’ll send that along.”

Lost in his own thoughts before the Emperor, Skyle lifted his head slowly at those words.

It seemed the Emperor intended to give Edith some jewelry. A safe, unremarkable choice. With no alternatives to offer, Skyle silently accepted the suggestion.

“I’ll explain your absence, so you needn’t worry about that. It would be good if it offers some comfort to the duchess, having to attend the ball alone.”

Skyle’s thoughts, which had been calculating the travel time to Mellott and the distribution of replacement personnel during his absence, suddenly ground to a halt.

The unforeseen variable of the Spring Ball had inserted itself into his meticulous equations.

Unfortunately, there seemed no space for such a variable. As always, in such cases, it was simplest to eliminate the variable altogether—efficient and clean.

Yes, it would be fine that way. And yet…

“…If I do not attend the ball.”

His uncommon, sharp memory—rarely forgetting what it once absorbed—betrayed him, unearthing the image of the woman, head bowed in apology, her face dimmed with rare despondence for tarnishing her reputation.

“Hmm?”

“Would it cause her trouble?”

Oh? The Emperor cast Skyle a glance at the unexpected question. The duke’s face remained as impassive as ever, yet the faint hesitation laced into his inquiry could not be fully hidden.

“Well, let’s see. If the newlywed duchess were to attend her first ball alone, she would certainly attract attention.”

The Emperor was already well aware of the stories of Duchess Devion being harshly treated by high society. He simply hadn’t considered that Skyle might care.

He seized that fleeting moment with seasoned skill, feigning indifference as he added, “But what can one do? A mere ball cannot take precedence over an imperial decree, can it?”

For the first time in the Emperor’s memory, Skyle—normally measured and composed—had posed an impulsive question. Now, he remained silent, listening to the Emperor’s words.

“Besides, if you were to attend with her, it might actually create a worse situation for the duchess.”

Skyle’s perfectly shaped brows furrowed slightly, betraying confusion, prompting the Emperor to burst into a hearty laugh.

“You, my dear duke, are like kindling. If you don’t wish to stoke the flames further, you’d do best to keep your distance.”

For a woman already drawing ire, having the source of it—a strikingly accomplished man—close at hand was more poison than boon.

Though his social acumen might falter, his powers of interpretation did not, and Skyle seemed to grasp the Emperor’s point at last.

“Here’s a piece of advice, as your Emperor: don’t concern yourself. The duchess understands her role perfectly well.”

Duchess Devion was destined to be the brightest flame at the Emperor’s ball. While she burned and drew every gaze, he and the duke would secure all they needed.

“Hasn’t she already been well compensated for it?”

The title of Duchess Devion far outshone that of a powerless baron’s daughter. Agreement should have come easily. Yet Skyle showed no reaction whatsoever.

How curious.

The Emperor smirked, stroking his chin as if pondering whether this might develop into an unforeseen opportunity.