BVWG 13

chapter 13

Mor’s expression teasing me was dramatically serious, but even he couldn’t control the playful gleam in his crimson eyes.

I deliberately ignored Mor’s reaction. My determination to take the villagers with me was genuine, separate from Mor teasing me.

I couldn’t stop imagining what might happen to them if they stayed here. Experiencing Incubo’s slaughter firsthand had clearly left a strong impression on me.

I racked my brain and suggested a potential plan.

“Wizard Mor, it might be a burden, but would it be possible to create multiple teleportation points to relocate the villagers?”

“My kind-hearted Asha, if we did that, I’d be worn out and bedridden for at least a week.”

Even with my serious expression, Mor remained playful.

But as soon as he saw my resolve didn’t waver, he quickly became serious.

“If you’re planning to take them all to the capital, will you handle everything yourself? Sympathy without a plan is worse than nothing.”

When I stubbornly didn’t back down, Mor added,

“Besides, His Majesty the Emperor would hate it immensely.”

“The Emperor would dislike it?”

“Don’t you know our Emperor is extremely difficult to deal with? I have to adjust to his harshness constantly, and it’s exhausting.”

I knew all too well how harsh the tyrant could be. His image was still vivid in my mind: the man who dominated ministers with sheer presence, the one who scolded me with eyes as cold as ice, calling me a “ruffian.”

‘Still, he’s known as a wise ruler who always seeks the best for his people’s prosperity and stability. Why would such an emperor resist relocating them?’

As I recalled being dragged to the palace ceremony and frowned in unease, Mor laughed heartily.

“Can’t be helped. Asha, since you’re thinking so seriously, I’ll teach you a better solution—one that will even delight His Majesty.”

He leaned close and whispered into my ear. Up close, his sea-breeze-like scent filled my nose, and his whispers brushed against my ears.

When he finished, I looked up at him with wide eyes.

“Is that really possible?”

“Probably. Since it hasn’t been tried before, I can’t give you a definitive answer. But the chances of success are very high.”

Mor winked at me, as if asking for my admiration.

“Then His Majesty will scold me less, right?”

Look at that playful smile. No wonder this man has broken so many hearts.

I nodded, and Morpheus activated the teleportation.

In a flash of white light, we appeared in the Duke’s backyard.

Passing maids screamed in surprise at our sudden appearance, but then recognized me.

“Ah, Milady? How….”

“Fortunately, I met the Empire’s Chief Wizard and came with him. I should report to the Duke now. Where is he?”

“He’s in his study. Shall I tell him you’ll be visiting soon?”

“Yes, please.”

I looked back at the servants who had come with me.

“Everyone, thank you for your hard work today. Go home and rest. Let the injured get proper treatment today.”

After reporting to the Duke, I’ll have the mansion doctor examine all the injured servants.

Having given my orders, I smiled at Morpheus and tried to maintain proper etiquette.

“Wizard Mor, thanks to you, I returned comfortably. I’d like to offer you some tea as a token of my gratitude… Would you care to have tea with the Duke?”

The prettiest smile I could muster had its effect.

Mor stared at me with a slightly flushed face, then chuckled.

“Asha, when you smile and act so formally, it feels like we’re strangers. I thought we were close…”

‘Even when showing respect, he complains.’

Mor’s playful expression was beginning to annoy me.

I reminded myself to keep up appearances.

“I think it’s only proper to prepare formalities in advance since we may have a teacher-student relationship in the future.”

“I’m casual even with my students.”

‘Wasn’t he the “fearsome teacher” just a moment ago? Or the strict one?’

“Then I’ll be more comfortable. Wizard Mor, please have some tea. Okay?”

I smiled, and his cheeks flushed slightly, though he tried to stay focused.

“Unfortunately, I must decline today. I’ll greet the Duke separately at the palace. I also need to report to His Majesty promptly.”

A hint of disappointment glimmered in Mor’s crimson eyes.

“Then may the Blessing of the White Dragon accompany you on your way.”

“And may the Grace of the White Dragon be with you, Asha. Next time, I’ll invite you to the Venbolio estate.”

Morpheus naturally brought my hand to his lips. I thought he was going to do the customary hand kiss, but he hesitated.

Then, furrowing his blue brows in disbelief, he chuckled.

“I get nervous over nothing when I’m in front of you, Asha.”

With his words, the soft, moist touch briefly rested on my hand and disappeared.

I decided not to read too much into this formal greeting.

Yet there was something unfamiliar flickering in his crimson eyes, making the gesture feel strangely intimate.

As I stiffened slightly, Mor flashed a playful smile again.

“See you again, Asha.”

Then he vanished in a flash of white light.

I stood rooted to the spot for a moment.

Then, from somewhere, my maid Merci appeared.

I introduced Dalia to her.

“Merci, this is Dalia. She will be my personal maid in training. I’m leaving her education in your hands.”

Dalia smiled sweetly at her, looking as lovable as possible.

“Have you been well under the Blessing of the White Dragon? Please take care of Dalia.”

Her greeting, mature yet charming for a five-year-old, suggested she knew exactly how to survive.

Looking at Merci, her eyes were full of hearts. Normally, she might be upset the employer brought a newcomer, but she was already smitten with Dalia.

Merci handed Dalia to another maid and guided me to my room. I changed into a light indoor dress, attended by Merci.

Knock, knock, knock.

A sound at the door. Merci opened it to reveal the old steward.

“Milady, long time no see. I’m glad you returned safely. The Duke requests your presence.”

I was planning to visit him anyway, but the Duke seemed in a hurry. I nodded and followed the prudent steward.

As I walked, I collected my thoughts. I had to report to the Duke, but there was one more thing I needed.

I intended to ask the Duke about the other potential suitors besides Morpheus.

Click.

The old steward opened the study door.

The room smelled consistently of old books. The Duke, seated at the massive desk, gave me a gentle smile.

Among his purple hair, streaks of gray mixed in. Though his face looked younger than his age, the gray hair betrayed his true years.

His steely gray eyes, warm now, met my pale green ones.

“Asha, did you return safely?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Simon, prepare some tea.”

Simon was our butler. The Duke always called his servants by name.

“Yes, Duke.”

Soon, two cups of warm black tea were served. The subtle vanilla scent blended with the bookish aroma of the study.

The Duke sat across from me, coffee table in between.

“I’m glad you returned safely. When you were sent to the southern slums, I worried something might happen.”

“It wasn’t without incident. We encountered Incubo’s group there.”

The Duke’s expression stiffened. I reported everything in detail. Listening intently, he finally spoke.

“I must reward the servants who protected my daughter. It’s fortunate you returned earlier than expected.”

“Please instruct our resident doctor to examine the servants who went to the slums.”

The Duke nodded in agreement and continued.

“By the way, Morpheus, you mean the second son of the Venbolio family? The Chief Wizard who frequents the palace?”

“Yes, that’s correct. He said he’s met you before, Father.”

“When you meet him again, make sure to thank him for protecting my daughter.”

I nodded, sipping more tea, enjoying the subtle aroma.

The Duke continued,

“I should invite him to our mansion for a meal. But he’s such a busy man, I’m not sure he’d have the time to accept.”

‘Morpheus is that busy? So letting me have him as a magical tutor was a huge favor.’

Surprised, I refocused and brought up my main point.

“Father, do you know anyone named Beret or Klepta?”

Upon learning that one of the suitors was the second son of the Venbolio family, one of the four major ducal houses, I suspected the other candidates were likely prominent as well.

“The Beret I know is Beret Judium, commander of the royal knights, and Klepta…”

The Duke frowned thoughtfully.

“Ah… I think Klepta is the only son of the Desdemota family. Neither is a common name, so they’re probably the people you’re looking for.”