THJDM 18

chapter 18

“Come to think of it, we never thought about that ourselves.”

“You’re right. It’s late, but we should properly express our gratitude, shouldn’t we?”

“How about inviting His Grace the Grand Duke for dinner, according to his schedule?”

“That sounds like a good idea. We should send an invitation right away.”

As the Countess rose to her feet, Rubiana hurriedly raised her voice.

“No! There’s no need to go that far. I already expressed my gratitude properly today.”

“But Rubiana, it’s not the same when you give thanks as when we do.”

“That’s right. It’s important that you thank him as the one directly saved, but it’s equally important that we, your parents, express our gratitude as well. After all, he saved your very life.”

“But still…”

Rubiana’s lips trembled without knowing what else to say.

Inviting Ellion into their home was dangerous, given that she had to hide the truth about their relationship from her family.

She knew well how easily she lost her composure—when that happened, her thoughts tangled and words slipped.

A careless remark could reveal everything.

And if their relationship was exposed, she’d be forced to admit her poor health as well.

That must never happen…

For a last attempt, Rubiana quickly searched her mind.

“His Grace is terribly busy these days. With monsters appearing everywhere in the capital, he seemed completely swamped. So maybe—”

“Then all the more reason to invite him when his schedule allows.”

“No matter how busy he is, he still has to eat each day.”

Ah… persuasion wasn’t working at all.

She realized she couldn’t stop her parents any longer.

“Well then, I’ll go write the invitation right away.”

“I’ll do it,” Rubiana said quickly, stopping Virginia, who had started to rise.

“Would you?”

“Yes, Mother.”

She nodded with a bright smile.

Rubiana sat staring intently at the communication bracelet on her wrist.

It had already been thirty minutes.

“What… should I even say?”

Sigh… a heavy breath escaped her.

She glanced at the wall clock.

Nearly midnight.

She couldn’t delay too long. She had to contact Ellion before he fell asleep.

“Ahhh…”

She groaned, burying her face against the table.

The memory of what had happened earlier at the Grand Duke’s residence flooded her mind, and her cheeks blazed hot.

In all her life—past and present—she had never experienced such a deep kiss.

At first she was startled, but only for a moment.

Soon she had lost her reason and clung to Ellion, begging for more of his mana.

At some point, the boundary between her body and his blurred, as if their two forms were fusing together.

Her focus narrowed solely to her lips, until everything else—where she was, with whom—became hazy.

All that mattered was their joined mouths and the breaths they shared.

All that mattered was the dizzying current of mana rushing through her, making her whole body tremble.

The vivid sensation seemed engraved into her very being.

“Ugh… what do I do! What am I going to do?”

At that moment—

Knock, knock.

“Young Lady, it’s Sophie.”

Rubiana, who had been writhing face-down, quickly straightened and sat properly.

“Come in.”

“Forgive me for disturbing you so late. A letter arrived this evening, but I completely forgot to deliver it. I’m so sorry, my lady.”

“It’s fine. Thank you.”

Taking the letter, Rubiana checked the sender.

Chad Preston.

Good heavens! A letter from Chad!

Her face lit up instantly.

“Then I’ll leave you to rest, my lady.”

“Good night, Sophie.”

Once alone, Rubiana tore open the envelope.

Her heart pounded joyfully at a letter from the male lead.

“How can even his handwriting be so handsome?”

She smiled sweetly, savoring the neat, upright script.

The letter was short:

To my dear childhood friend, Rubiana,

How have you been?

It’s me, Chad.

When we were children, we used to exchange letters often, but once we grew up, we both became too busy.

How’s your health?

I was so shocked when you collapsed at the palace banquet.

I’d meant to write sooner out of worry, but it’s taken me until now.

If you’re well enough, may I come visit you? It would be good to see your face, check on your health, and catch up on the conversations we’ve missed.

When would be a good time?

Work with the Imperial Knights keeps me busy, but if you let me know a date and time, I’ll make it work.

I want to see you.

I’ll wait for your reply.

With long friendship,
Chad

Rubiana read it over and over, cherishing every word.

She clutched the paper so tightly that her palms grew damp with sweat.

Her eyes brimmed with tears.

He said… he wants to see me! Chad wants… to see me! Ahhh…!

Hugging the letter, Rubiana spun in delight.

She had thought she wouldn’t have a chance to grow closer to Chad until she became a Spirit Master and joined the Imperial Knights—but she was wrong.

She had thought she couldn’t become the heroine of her romance-fantasy novel until her health fully recovered—but she was wrong.

Even though I’m still frail, even though I’m not yet a Spirit Master… I can still get closer to Chad. I can start a romance with him. I can become the heroine!

Overjoyed beyond measure, she stomped her feet in glee.

“Wait.”

Ah, right.

She remembered the matter she had to resolve first: inviting Ellion to dinner.

She set aside the letter and lifted her wrist with the bracelet.

Staring at the violet communication stone, she spoke firmly to herself:

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. No reason to feel awkward. That wasn’t a kiss—it was just… the transfer of mana. Nothing more than a healing act.”

Yes, a healing act. No more, no less.

With renewed resolve, Rubiana tapped the stone. Click, click.

Ellion had gone to bed an hour ago, but sleep would not come.

So he had poured himself a whiskey and stepped out onto the balcony alone.

The cool night air brushed softly across his forehead.

But neither the whiskey nor the night breeze could clear his mind.

The fierce kiss he had shared with Rubiana still tormented him.

Usually, when his thoughts became unbearable, he’d ease them by exerting his body. But tonight, he resisted.

He didn’t want to waste mana.

He didn’t want to risk increasing its instability by summoning too much.

I can’t make that mistake again.

Ellion sighed, recalling the kiss from hours ago.

One mistake was enough.

Even if it was only an exchange of mana, it had been accompanied by the touch between man and woman.

That meant he had to be careful.

He had to erect a wall of reason, suppress his base desires.

He must not covet her.

He had to restrain himself.

But in a single instant, all that crumbled, and he had cornered her like a beast blinded by greed.

Even telling himself that it was only natural to be shaken—since it was his first such experience—didn’t help.

He still felt pathetic, unworthy of his knighthood.

Exhaling a bitter, self-mocking sigh, Ellion downed the rest of his whiskey.

He prayed the alcohol might save him.

But no.

At that moment, the violet communication stone began to flash.

The very one he shared with Rubiana.

At this hour… why now?

He wanted to ignore it.

He was already sleepless and tormented—if he spoke with her now, he would be awake all night.

Pathetic weakling.

Ellion shook his head, scolding himself.

But she was someone he would have to live and fight alongside.

Not someone he could simply avoid.

Taking a deep breath, he pressed the stone.

“Young Lady Payson?”

—Your Grace, you’re still awake. Thank goodness. I was afraid you might be asleep.

“So, what is it?”

—Ah, well… my parents wish to invite you to dinner. They want to thank you properly for saving me.

Dinner? He didn’t even need to think.

Ellion immediately replied:

“I only did what I should have. Tell them there’s no need.”

—…I tried, but they insist.

“As you know, the capital is in a state of emergency. I’m too busy.”

—But still…

Her hesitant tone betrayed her discomfort.

But I can’t afford to be seen mingling closely with a noble family of the capital…

Ellion’s blue eyes sank into an icy chill.