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chapter 38
“…Did you just see that?”
The man, wearing a shabby hat, whispered cautiously, his gaze still fixed on the square. The woman standing beside him nodded slightly with an expressionless face.
“That definitely wasn’t a normal person’s movement.”
“Even if someone were to rush forward… the speed was definitely unusual.”
The man drew a line in the air with his finger.
“It’s not magic, and it’s not a barrier. The flow of the air changed. Centered around that child.”
The two fell silent for a moment. The woman glanced at the square again and added casually,
“Suspicious.”
“We should report it first.”
The man lightly stepped on a wilted flower petal lying on the ground and let out a low laugh. Then the two turned and slowly disappeared into a shadowed alley, as if they had never been there in the first place.
The news of Rinka saving the child spread quickly before the afternoon had even passed.
Many had witnessed it themselves, but more than that, what caught people’s attention was her appearance and identity.
Orange hair, golden eyes, movements as graceful as flowing water.
There were even rumors that the air had shuddered the moment she embraced the child, and the story grew bigger with each telling.
“They say the Duchess of Belzert’s fiancée saved the child.”
“The Duchess? That person who hardly shows up in the capital?”
“Belzert’s territory is on an island, right? Did she bring the child from there?”
Invitations began to arrive from several noble families.
From the Belzert household.
So far, they were merely invitations out of curiosity, but there was certainly some interest.
Everyone wanted to know who would be the next bride, the next target of the cursed Belzert family.
Ananta tossed a fountain pen onto one of the invitations and let out a deep sigh.
He wasn’t planning to hide the family’s matters forever, but it was too early to discuss them. Nothing was certain yet, and still, they were drawing so much attention.
Time was pressing.
That night.
Ananta spread the letters across the large desk in the mansion’s parlor and called Rinka over, shaking his head quietly.
Over ten invitations had arrived by then. Some were handwritten, others decorated with gold trim for extra formality.
He considered discarding them silently but couldn’t bring himself to do it, so he decided to show them to her.
“What is all this… all of a sudden?”
Rinka said, staring at one of the letters in awe.
“Did all of these really come for us?”
“Technically, they’re for you.”
Ananta smiled and lightly tapped the envelope she was holding.
“Nobles are more interested in you appearing with me than in me, someone who rarely shows in the capital.”
“Why…?”
“They say the child you saved was the youngest son of the Marquess of Parnen, who came late. Everyone’s been praising you so much that even I can hear it.”
“It wasn’t really that difficult…”
“Plus, rumors are going around that you’re connected to the Duke’s household. People say you performed magic, too.”
“I didn’t use magic…”
“I know. But these people care more about the story than the truth.”
Ananta handed her a black envelope.
“This one is from the famous Riesel family. They host the Imperial ball. It means His Majesty the Emperor wants to see you.”
“So… should I go?”
“You’re my guest now. Whether you attend is up to you.”
“Can I decline?”
“If you want.”
Ananta smiled as if refusing such an invitation was nothing.
Rinka looked down at the invitation. The envelope was finely woven with gold thread, and inside, the date and time of the banquet were neatly written.
Watching her face, Ananta gave a mischievous smile.
“But if you go, I’ll have to go too. Since you’re my fiancée.”
“Th-That’s just a rumor…”
“Then who’s having the most fun with that rumor?”
He didn’t even need to say it out loud; it was obvious he meant himself.
Rinka pressed the back of her hand to her flushed cheeks.
Ananta looked at her and began sorting through the pile of letters with his fingertips.
“Well, we can postpone it for now.”
Rinka glanced down at the invitation in her hand. Luxurious, heavy paper with meticulously written text.
“Do we really have to go?”
“It’ll feel strange, but it’s good to experience it.”
Rinka cautiously looked up at Ananta, who was lounging comfortably on the sofa. He shrugged as if it were nothing unusual.
“Just because you’re associated with me, you’ll be getting all these invitations. Why not go and see what it’s like?”
Rinka shook her head at his teasing smile.
“It feels kind of burdensome.”
“Burdened?”
“Yes. I’m worried that everything I do will be seen as strange. You know me.”
Even just the incident with Macard contacting her was enough to worry her. Plus, since he’s a noble, just hearing that Rinka is participating would prompt him to visit immediately.
What if they found out she originally lived in Kader and has strange abilities?
“In that case, I’ll stay by your side. Should I even cover your mouth so you can’t talk?”
Rinka couldn’t help but giggle at his voice cutting through her serious thoughts, quickly covering her mouth.
“Captain…!”
“Now I guess I should be called Duke.”
He narrowed his eyes playfully. Rinka genuinely considered his words.
“You told me to call you by your name before.”
“Of course, that feels the most special.”
The corners of Ananta’s eyes softened slightly.
A brief silence fell. Rinka looked down at the invitation again.
“Fiancée of the Duke of Belzert. ‘It’s just a rumor…’”
But she couldn’t shake the fact that Ananta wasn’t denying it. And somehow, she didn’t dislike that.
She wanted to pretend she didn’t know, but she couldn’t deny that he wanted her by his side.
Quite a lot, in fact.
“Alright. I’ll go.”
“Really?”
“Yes. But just one thing. Only this once.”
“I won’t be angry. But…”
“But?”
Ananta slowly approached her and whispered.
“If you’re going to play the role of my fiancée, you’ll need to be a little kinder to me.”
Rinka shut her mouth and blushed.
Even though she wasn’t really his fiancée, her heart fluttered strangely.
“I know I shouldn’t act the way I am now.”
“Right. Will you be more affectionate?”
“Right now… it’s a bit—!”
“Don’t feel uncomfortable. On the ship, you valued me specially. If it’s really uncomfortable, think of it as the captain’s room and we can… together…”
“What nonsense are you talking about!”
