chapter 56
An hour later, Rubiana and Elion boarded a carriage heading toward Baron Noment’s estate.
“I received a message from Fred,” Elion said.
“What about?” Rubiana asked.
“There was a report about Guild Mackinnon. When they went to investigate, the place known as their base was already empty.”
Mackinnon had been a group of mages who installed a magical array in the back alleys of the Mage Guild, capable of breaking the city’s barrier.
Elion gradually shared the investigation details with Rubiana. He believed that it was thanks to her that they could discover the magical array and identify the suspects.
“They went as far as moving their base, which shows how far they were willing to go.”
“So… do you think they’re planning something else?”
“Yes. I’m certain. That’s why we’re putting all our efforts into stopping them before they commit any more crimes.”
Indeed, since their first attempt had failed, a second or third attempt was inevitable.
In the original account, Mackinnon’s group was never fully captured. They only appeared briefly as pawns doing the dirty work for the Empress and Duke Miren, then disappeared.
“This is such a crucial time to go all out, and yet Your Highness is here with me. I appreciate it… and I’m sorry too.”
“Have you forgotten that we’re in a symbiotic relationship? Helping you is ultimately helping me as well.”
“…Yes.”
Rubiana nodded but didn’t fully agree. She knew from the start that this trip was all because of her.
Her feelings were strange—soft yet heavy, ticklish yet rough.
It was a mixture of joy and awkwardness to have someone yielding and considerate toward her.
‘Why do I have to feel this way…? I should just be grateful for Elion’s kindness, that’s all!’
After about thirty minutes of traveling from the villa, Baron Noment’s estate came into view. The weather was perfect for an outing.
Rubiana and Elion were guided to the garden where the picnic was to be held.
The expansive garden had well-maintained grass with an artificial pond at its center. Colorful tents provided shade for guests, and tables were laden with fruits, desserts, and drinks. A small stage in the middle suggested a special performance was planned.
“Welcome, His Grace, Grand Duke Klitzmann, and Lady Payson,” greeted the baron and baroness, middle-aged with streaks of gray hair, smiling brightly.
All eyes turned toward Rubiana and Elion. Seeing the empire’s only Grand Duke in person excited the local nobles. Moreover, he was accompanied by his rumored fiancée—an uncommon opportunity, which made the nobles beam.
Soon, Rubiana and Elion were surrounded by a flood of new faces and names.
‘Oh no… I’m already drained before this even starts,’ Rubiana thought, yet she maintained a smile while greeting everyone.
After some time, Rubiana felt a tug on her hand—it was Stephanie.
“Unni!”
“Rubie!”
The sisters hugged and jumped as if they hadn’t seen each other in years.
“You’ve gotten so beautiful, Rubie!” Stephanie joked exaggeratedly, though it had only been two days since they last saw each other. Rubiana chuckled softly.
“Is it the power of love? Or the power of travel? Your face is glowing, Rubie! Love is wonderful. Travel is wonderful. No… a trip with the one you love is wonderful!”
“Stop it,” Rubiana said, smiling gently at Stephanie, who couldn’t help giggling. Stephanie’s concern was sincere, though often over-the-top.
“Are you feeling unwell anywhere?” Stephanie asked.
“No, I’m fine. Everything’s perfect,” Rubiana replied brightly.
“Good. But still, always be careful. Don’t go anywhere alone. Got it?” Stephanie stroked her sister’s cheek with concern.
“Don’t worry, unni,” Rubiana nodded.
“So, where’s your love? Why are you here alone?” Stephanie asked.
“Over there,” Rubiana replied, glancing briefly at Elion, who was surrounded by people. Stephanie understood immediately.
“Ah, the empire’s only Grand Duke must be especially popular in the provinces,” Stephanie said.
“Seems so,” Rubiana replied.
At that moment, a familiar face approached—it was Chad.
“Long time no see, Rubiana,” he said.
“Chad! You’re here too!” Rubiana exclaimed.
Of course, Chad, being part of the Spirit Corps, naturally joined the field training.
‘Why didn’t I even think Chad would be here?’ Rubiana wondered, surprised at herself for overlooking him.
‘Even though he’s my destined partner… right now, there are more important things than him,’ she reasoned. She needed to focus on maintaining her act as Elion’s fake fiancée.
“I heard about your engagement. Congratulations, Rubiana.” Chad smiled.
“Ah… thank you,” Rubiana replied awkwardly.
Chad teased with his characteristic eye-smile: “I thought I’d be the first to get engaged, but you beat me to it.”
“What? Planning to get engaged without a partner is ridiculous,” Rubiana replied.
“…Is it?” Chad scratched his head, smiling innocently, making Rubiana and Stephanie laugh in disbelief.
“It’s been a while for everyone,” Elion approached them.
“Your Grace, the Grand Duke,” Stephanie and Chad greeted formally.
“I heard the Spirit Corps came for field training. Thank you all for your hard work,” Elion said.
“Yes, today’s outing is our first and last external event. Since it’s the lord’s invitation, we couldn’t refuse,” Stephanie explained.
Elion nodded understandingly.
After the brief greetings, Elion moved beside Rubiana.
“Finally free from your followers, my lady… I mean, Rubiana,” he said.
“I missed you so much, Rubiana,” Elion said, wrapping his arm around her waist and pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek.
Rubiana was startled. He had never been so intimate in public before. Even at the party at Duke Burnett’s a week ago, they had decided to maintain distance and just stay close rather than act like lovers.
But now, a week later, Elion’s playful act as a lover took Rubiana by surprise.
Their eyes met naturally.
‘Why are you doing this all of a sudden?’ Rubiana thought.
‘I’m playing the role of a man in love. Stephanie notices things quickly. Better stay focused,’ Elion seemed to convey.
‘…Alright,’ Rubiana replied.
Over time, they could communicate with just glances. Stephanie giggled at their silent exchanges.
“You two look great together. But I still can’t believe that he’s going to be my brother-in-law,” Stephanie said.
“You’ll get used to it,” Rubiana replied.
Chad joined the conversation.
“There’s no engagement schedule yet, and certainly no wedding plans. Isn’t it too early to call him your brother-in-law?”
“Too early? Is it?” Stephanie asked.
“It’s not too early. It sounds friendly and nice. Call me brother-in-law from now on,” Elion said.
“Yes, I’ll follow your orders… brother-in-law,” Stephanie giggled.
Elion and Chad exchanged a sharp glance, and Rubiana noticed the tension.
‘These two… why are they acting so strange all of a sudden?’
