episode_0016

After the reconnaissance mission was over, the officials, knights, and soldiers were able to return safely.

Funerals for those who died during the mission were simple and quick.

Since the deputy chief of the second civil service division had lost his life, most of the personnel, including John, came to pay their condolences.

“He was a nice person… … .”

“He was a generous person, but he was a person who did things properly when he did them.”

“Vice President, I hope you go to a good place.”

Officials expressed their sorrow at his death. He was a popular man, so it was natural that many people would mourn him.

“… … .”

In such an atmosphere, a man was sitting in a corner with a hardened expression, lost in thought.

‘That’s unpleasant.’

The head of the second civil service was Fedelian.

‘Originally, you, Johan Harsen, should have been included there too.’

It would be normal if most, if not all, of the troops that went south were lying in that coffin.

But that didn’t happen, because Johan Harsen, who had just reached the top level, showed unexpected skills and completely ruined the plan.

‘… It’s so unpleasant.’

Fedelian clenched his fists silently. His heart was beating fast and his heart was racing with anger, but he was the crown prince. He knew when to keep his emotions to himself and wear a mask.

Of course, these were not the only reasons for the unpleasantness.

‘Francia.’

More than anything, he could not accept that the flower on the cliff that was supposed to be his had been soiled by someone else’s hands.

The plan was ruined? Just try again next time. The capable vice-captain died? Why not just hire a new one?

But it was different to say that a woman’s chastity had been defiled, because that was irreversible.

‘Really… … unpleasant.’

Fedelian has never been unable to get what he wanted.

All you had to do was say what you wanted, and all you had to do was take what you wanted.

however.

Francia Perbace. She couldn’t have it even if she wanted it, and she couldn’t reach it even if she reached out. On the contrary, she was taken away by another man.

Even the man took everything he so desired from the woman. He coveted her and even took her virginity.

It was funny to be swayed like this by a mere woman, but losing her wasn’t just a loss of possessions. It was like his authority, his very existence, was shaken.

A distorted psychology that comes from the privilege and power one has enjoyed throughout one’s life.

Fedelian had everything from birth, and it was an environment where no one could go against him.

The concept of ‘not being able to have what you want’ was foreign to him, and since he was confident that he could have anything he wanted, he tended to treat objects as his own possessions no matter what.

Why is he obsessed with Francia? Because she was the first ‘uncontrollable object’ that Fedelian encountered.

Because she was special, like a flower on a cliff, with the ability to use rare healing magic and an appearance that made her stand out in high society.

The fact that he could not restrain or control her like that fueled Fedelian’s competitive spirit, which led to obsession.

A distorted psychology that makes it seem as if he can regain his authority and self-respect by possessing her completely.

‘Francia, there’s no way you’ll ever escape my grasp.’

Fedelian clenched his fist.

In the end, it will be you who will win her over.

* * *

After the brief visit, the officials returned to the training ground.

Because I had to submit my final report before leaving for vacation.

And then there was the most important ceremony of appointment of the first-ranking wizard.

“Johann Harsen, Special Wizard. I formally recognize you as a member of the Second Civil Service. Congratulations on becoming a Special Wizard.”

The appointment ceremony concluded with the commander, Fedelian, personally placing an emerald military tag around his neck.

“I will work hard.”

“… … .”

Fedelian’s expression looked like he had chewed shit. Johan desperately held back laughter as he watched him.

“Congratulations, Harsen Special Wizard!”

“Congratulations, John.”

“Welcome!”

On the other hand, the members of the Second Civil Service sincerely congratulated the new special magician on his admission.

It can’t be helped.

Not only did he save everyone on his first reconnaissance mission, which was like a test, he also took care of a special-class demon.

He was like a new hero for the Second Civil Service.

“Thank you.”

It was when John smiled and thanked the members of the civil service.

“John?”

Violet spoke to Johan with a seductive smile.

She continued speaking, patting John’s shoulder as if she was used to it.

“Congratulations on officially becoming a special wizard. But is the offer I made you last time still on hold?”

“I don’t know what you mean by on hold.”

As John’s face hardened, Violet drew a line with her eyes.

“What are you talking about? I asked you to come with me to a social party I have coming up soon, and you said you’d think about it.”

Her lies caused an uproar in the surroundings.

“What, you weren’t lovers with Perbache’s special magician?”

“It was just something. I understand.”

“With a face like that, it’s inevitable that you’ll get caught up in chaos.”

However, John was not the type to be shaken by something like this. He had experience uncovering all sorts of tricks used by the young ladies of high-ranking noble families.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ratalen 1st-class magician. Didn’t I politely decline last time? I’m a lover of Perbache Special Magician, so I’ll go with her.”

John spoke calmly and tilted his head. His expression did not change at all.

“Hoohoo. My title was demoted from Violet to Ratalen 1st Class Magician. Does that mean I crossed the line?”

“You know a lot.”

“That’s too bad. I definitely wanted to go to this party with you. I guess I’ll have to find someone else to go with.”

Violet shrugged and whispered softly next to Johan’s ear.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“… … .”

After saying that, she smiled and turned around to walk away.

‘What do you expect? You crazy bitch.’

John just looked at her like that and thought about it.

“Ahem, let’s all focus on work! It’s almost vacation time, so let’s finish up quickly and go home!”

At that moment, a man changed the subject to change the mood. It was Merdin, who had kept his relationship with Francia a secret on his first day at the public office.

Perhaps the reason he changed the subject this time was to roll up his sleeves and help John.

‘You said you would propose after this reconnaissance mission is over?’

That’s why there’s a big smile on his face.

‘That worked out well.’

If John hadn’t retreated and taken on the special force alone at that time, he would not have survived, and his fiancée would have been left alone as well.

Thinking about it that way, I felt a strange sense of pride.

“John!”

While John was organizing his documents, another woman spoke to him.

“Francia.”

It was Francia. It seemed like she had already submitted her report, ready to go out.

A deep smile spread across John’s lips.

“Are you done with the work?”

“Yes. I finished quickly because I didn’t have anything to upload. What about Yohan?”

“I have some time left. I have to properly report on the characteristics of that special beast.”

Francia tilted her head. Her long black hair fell over her shoulders.

“Can I help you?”

“It’s okay. It’ll be over soon.”

“Okay. Then I’ll go out first and wait?”

“Yes, please do that.”

When Johan smiled, Francia nodded with satisfaction and went outside.

I decided to return to the Pervace Imperial Mansion with her today.

Because today is the day I see the results of the promise I made with Duke Pervace.

‘I handled the work well, but… … .’

I don’t know what kind of homework they’ll give me next. I can’t let my guard down.

* * *

Inside the carriage heading to the Pervace Zodiac Mansion.

Francia said.

“Father said he would come tomorrow.”

“I see. Is your schedule okay?”

“Yes. You said you were busy, but somehow you made time.”

The four great families, who are currently called the core of the empire, are in a time of great trouble.

It’s almost winter, so we have to get rid of the demons in the caves and check the borders with other countries.

In addition, the territory’s food and resources had to be stockpiled in preparation for winter, so they were bound to be busy.

“Aren’t you nervous?”

Francia asked, glancing up at him. Johan answered with an awkward smile.

“I can’t help but be nervous.”

It would be nice if Duke Perbace could end it by saying, ‘The end! Now you are the son-in-law of our Perbace family!’, but he will not end it here.

Rather, he would be given a more difficult task in raising a character named Johan Harsen to be worthy of being Perbace’s son-in-law.

“But since your father is a very affectionate person, it will be okay. He took care of the special-class demon by himself, right? He also saved many people.”

Francia dreamed of a positive future, but John’s conclusion was, well,

“I hope everything works out so well that my worries are for naught.”

However, since I couldn’t tell it as it was, I ended up giving an appropriate answer.

“By the way, there’s a social party coming up soon.”

“Are you worried at all?”

“No, don’t worry… … .”

Francia continued, twirling her long black hair between her fingers.

“It’s just that there are a lot of unpleasant people gathered there.”

As she said, the upcoming social party will be attended by many unpleasant people, including the First and Second Civil Servants.

Cassis Lenokhonen, Deputy Commander of the First Civil Service.

Fedelian Rosino, head of the Second Civil Service.

Rudela Bismark, Fedelian’s fiancée.

And so on.

If it’s dizzying even for John, how dizzy must it be for her?

“You don’t have to worry too much. I’m here for you.”

“Haha. That’s right. Because John always protected me in difficult situations.”

Francia smiled and continued asking questions.

“Have you decided what to wear to the social party?”

“I haven’t decided on a dress yet. I’m thinking of matching it with Francia’s.”

“I love that kind of delicacy.”

If you have a partner who is attending a social party with you, it is common to match the dress code.

John knew that, so he waited for her to speak.

“Before I meet my father tomorrow, I’ll go check the dress code first.”

“Okay, let’s do that.”

“Do you have a color you want? I have… … ”

On the way to the Pervace Imperial Mansion, a friendly conversation took place.

* * *

At that time, the palace.

Rudela Bismark walked down the hallway in profound silence.

I cross the long hallway I always walk through and stand in front of a large arched door.

“Hoo… … .”

She let out a deep sigh without realizing it.

Although it was the Crown Prince’s residence that he always visited, the psychological aversion and stuffiness could not be ignored.

But I have to go in.

Because we need to discuss what to do next.

Because he has to assist him in becoming the emperor.

Because that’s how I learned it.

She said, knocking on the door.

“Your Majesty. May I come in?”

-Come in.

Suddenly.

The arched door opened and a luxurious room was revealed.

Crown Prince Fedelian was sitting at his desk, looking over some papers.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“What’s happening today?”

“Because of the upcoming social party.”

“Ah, that’s it.”

Tak. Pedelian put the documents down on the desk and tilted his head.

“Are you here to ask me to be your partner?”

“It’s not a request, it’s a natural thing for a fiancée─”

“Nothing is taken for granted, Lady Bismark.”

Fedelian continued speaking with a dull expression, as if he was free somewhere.

“I just found that out. I thought I had it all, but it wasn’t quite like that.”

Fedelian, who was sitting at the desk, got up and walked towards Rudela.

“What would you like to say?”

“People think you and I are engaged, but aren’t we that close? I think you can choose your partner as you wish.”

“… … .”

Rudel tried to say something, but her lips moved and no words came out. Her mouth wouldn’t open.

“Well, the woman I was trying to take as my partner seems to have found another partner, so I’ll be content with that. Lady Bismark. Isn’t this good news for you too? You can be happy.”

Fedelian chuckled and ran his hand over Rudela’s cheek.

Her brow furrowed in rejection, but she quickly regained her composure.

“You love me more than anyone else.”

“… … .”

“Is that different from what I said?”

“No, that’s right.”

“I gave you the answer you wanted, so I’ll leave now.”

“Yes.”

Rudel slowly closed her eyes and lowered her head. The spoon-fed love she had learned was somehow twisted.

No, can you see it as love?

Rudel couldn’t have guessed it, but it was fine.

He himself was merely a useful tool for the Marquis of Bismarck.