THJDM 63

chapter 63

‘What was I even hoping for?’

Did he actually wish that Rubiana’s magic would be unstable?

Did he want to return to the kind of relationship they had before—where they exchanged magic freely between them?

‘I’m completely out of my mind.’

A faint grimace spread across Elion’s face, clouded by a deep shade of frustration.

He felt so utterly pathetic it was hard to stand himself.

Before he could feel any more miserable, Elion quickly erased those thoughts and raised his voice.

“Good to hear there’s nothing wrong. But what brings you here?”

“Oh, um… I was wondering how Your Highness was doing. I stopped by after visiting Omar and thought I should check in.”

“I see. I suppose Hailey can answer that question for you.”

When Elion nodded toward Hailey, she pushed her glasses up and replied clearly and precisely.

“The newly developed mana stabilizer is working very well. During the past week of taking it, His Highness has had no fever or headaches. His magical power has also remained quite stable.”

“…”

“Of course, unlike Lady Rubiana, His Highness will have to take the stabilizer for life, which is somewhat inconvenient. But so far, the medicine suits him perfectly and shows no side effects. I can produce it myself, and we already have a sufficient supply of ingredients.”

“I see. That’s really good to hear.”

Rubiana nodded calmly at Hailey’s explanation.

“So there’s no need to worry about His Highness.”

Hailey’s confident smile brightened.

“Yes. It’s truly… a relief.”

“Do you have any other business?”

At Elion’s somewhat rushed and curt tone, Rubiana’s eyes dimmed.

“You seem very busy, Your Highness?”

“Yes. I’m preparing to leave for the North soon. I have to finish up the Imperial Knights’ affairs before I go, so things are hectic.”

“You’re leaving… for the North?”

Rubiana’s eyes widened in surprise.

Elion shrugged lightly, speaking as if it were no big deal.

“I have to return to where I belong. There’s a lot to be done before winter comes.”

“Oh…”

A sigh slipped out from her small lips.

“Then you must be really busy.”

“Seems so.”

An awkward silence hung in the air.

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, Elion spoke again.

“Ah, by the way. I’d appreciate it if you could submit the annulment papers soon.”

“The… annulment papers?”

Rubiana’s voice trembled slightly.

“It would probably look better if the request came from the lady’s side.”

“Ah…”

“If you find it difficult to tell your parents, I can go speak to them myself.”

“…”

It was painful for Rubiana to face Elion’s detached, businesslike tone and expression.

It felt as if he was saying that their engagement had been nothing more than a contractual agreement.

That what they’d shared was merely mana, and nothing else.

It was a simple contract, yes. And it was true that we shared magic… but still…

Apparently, Rubiana had been the only one who thought there was something deeper than the contract—something more than the magic they exchanged.

A wave of sadness washed over her.

“No, it’s fine. You don’t have to trouble yourself. I’ll speak to them properly.”

“Good. Then, once the annulment is submitted, I’ll inform His Majesty.”

“…Yes.”

Nodding weakly, Rubiana rose from her seat.

“I’m sorry for taking your time when you’re so busy, Your Highness. I’ll be going now.”

“Very well. Don’t go too far.”

That was the end.

After offering a polite bow, Rubiana quickly left the reception room, and Hailey followed after her.

Watching Rubiana’s retreating figure disappear so hastily, Elion felt a sharp ache pierce his chest.

Just as he had struggled to breathe when she entered, now that she was gone, he found it just as hard to breathe again.

Burying his face in his hands, Elion let out a pained groan.

He wanted to run after her that very moment and hold her back—

—to lift her bowed head so she’d look at him again,

—to press his lips against hers as she sighed, to kiss her until he forgot everything.

He wanted to ask how she’d been the past week, who she’d met, what she’d thought about—every last detail.

But he couldn’t.

He had only just managed to return to where he truly belonged.

And he couldn’t go back again.

Rubiana hastily climbed into the carriage and wiped away the tears clinging to her lashes with the back of her hand.

That horrible man. That heartless human!

She clenched her teeth tightly, forcing her eyes to stay dry.

Elion didn’t deserve her tears—not that cold, unfeeling man.

…It’s not easy, though.

Leaning back against the seat, Rubiana closed her eyes.

She had promised herself she would only like him during their journey together.

She thought that once they returned to the capital, she would be able to set those tender feelings aside easily.

After all, they weren’t destined for each other.

Their relationship had only ever been born of mutual necessity.

She thought those deepening feelings would fade again just as quickly.

They had to, and she believed that if she tried hard enough, she could force them to.

But I guess… some things just don’t work that way.

Letting go of one’s heart—perhaps it was the hardest thing in the world.

I was so naïve. Such a fool.

Elion was leaving the capital soon, heading north.

Well… he really has no reason to stay here anymore.

He wasn’t addicted to the saint’s mana stabilizer like in the original story.

So there was no need for him to remain in the capital just to receive it.

And he grew up in the northern provinces anyway. Life there would be more comfortable for him than here in the capital, constantly under the Empress’s watchful eyes.

She understood perfectly why he had to leave.

Even so, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.

A heaviness settled in her chest.

The thought that this might be their final farewell didn’t feel real.

Since her transmigration, during the past month, the person closest to her in Rubiana’s life had been Elion.

They had shared secrets, depended on each other to survive.

They had exchanged magic daily, skin against skin.

And now, to think that the person once closest to her was suddenly so far away—it left her despondent.

“Ugh… what am I going to do?”

Rubiana buried her face in her hands, groaning in frustration.

She thought everything would be fine once she recovered her health and fully merged with this body.

She thought that after contracting a spirit and joining the Imperial Knights as a spirit master, she’d live a joyful life as the story’s true heroine.

But she was wrong.

Even though she’d achieved everything she was supposed to, she didn’t feel even a hint of happiness.

There was no excitement for the future, no thrill in her chest.

Still… how am I supposed to tell my parents to file the annulment papers…?

The thought of standing before her parents again, wearing a sad face and lying to them, filled her with dread.

Empress Miranda recalled the conversation she’d had with Duke Miren on her way to the Crown Prince’s study.

“If you take this medicine consistently for a week, you’ll be safe from the southern plague.”

“You’re certain of that? There won’t be any issues—ineffectiveness, side effects, anything like that?”

“Of course not. The man who created the plague also made this cure. Who could be more trustworthy, Your Majesty?”

“…Very well.”

“I’ve already started taking it myself today.”

It bothered her to secretly feed the Crown Prince medicine without his knowledge, but it couldn’t be helped.

It was necessary for their plan to succeed.

Crown Prince Phyllis greeted Miranda warmly.

“Mother!”

“This mother of yours thought she’d treat her hardworking son. Didn’t you always say the apple pie I baked was your favorite since you were little?”

“Ah, I was just getting hungry—thank you, Mother!”

Though Phyllis was now eighteen and officially an adult, he still became an innocent, affectionate boy in front of his mother.

“Eat plenty.”

“Yes, Mother.”

As she watched Phyllis swallow the apple pie containing the antidote, a smile of quiet satisfaction curved Miranda’s lips.