NOVEL NEXT Chapter 17
Ferbache Royal Mansion.
On the dining table, where cold air flowed, only individual bowls were set.
The food in the bowls was perfectly arranged as usual, but Johan couldn’t easily taste it.
“……”
Johan quietly bowed his head, staring at the food.
Despite the time that had passed since the food was served, Duke Ferbache remained silent.
There was no conversation passing between them.
Only the sound of utensils gently clinking against the bowls broke the silence.
Francia was not joining the meal. The Duke had arranged this meeting to discuss matters privately with Johan.
“Hmm.”
In the chilly atmosphere, the Duke tilted his head slightly after tasting the food.
Johan hoped he would say something, but the Duke returned to his meal.
‘What is he doing?’
Was he secretly hoping to avoid keeping his promise? That suspicion crossed Johan’s mind.
“I hear you have officially become an Archmage.”
At that moment, the Duke finally spoke. Johan nodded, maintaining his tension.
“Yes. I reached the Archmage level within the promised timeframe.”
“Not only did you handle the unexpectedly appeared Archdemon alone, but you also saved the Second Public Affairs Officer’s knights and soldiers.”
“Yes.”
The Duke slowly closed and opened his eyes, nodding his head.
“…Yes. As you said, you kept your promise. You’ve shown remarkable achievements on your first reconnaissance mission.”
Clink. The Duke set down his utensils and looked at Johan with a cool gaze. His red eyes, strikingly similar to Francia’s, flickered.
“I will acknowledge your relationship with our Francia.”
“…!”
Just as Johan was about to smile at the unexpected approval, the Duke added firmly.
“Swear that you will protect Francia at all costs.”
“…Isn’t that a given?”
“Even if it is a given, it is not the same as an oath. Now, swear it.”
He intended to protect Francia until the end anyway. A verbal oath shouldn’t be a problem.
“I swear on the origin of my mana that I will protect my beloved, Francia Ferbache, at all costs.”
“Good.”
The Duke smiled benevolently, seemingly satisfied.
“Once your duties as a Public Affairs Officer are over, come to the Ferbache family estate in the North with Francia. At that time, your surname will change to Johan Ferbache.”
Changing one’s surname meant being accepted as a son-in-law, which was equivalent to granting permission for marriage.
“Thank you.”
“Still, you should not let your guard down.”
The Duke exhaled a breath that seemed somewhat constricted.
“There will be many obstacles awaiting your relationship with Francia. I trust you understand the reasons?”
“Because I am merely the third son of the Harsen family, while Francia is the princess of the prestigious Ferbache family.”
“Correct.”
The Duke nodded once.
“You may face foes that are beyond your capacity. For example, the Crown Prince.”
“Did you know he has an interest in Francia?”
“What do you think Ferbache is? Naturally, I have capable confidants in high society.”
It was surprising that the Duke was aware of this. Johan had no idea.
“Francia is currently the most talked-about woman in high society. Many are eyeing my daughter. While some wish to elevate their own status by associating with the Ferbache family, there are plenty who simply desire my daughter.”
That was true. With her unparalleled beauty, it wouldn’t be strange to call Francia the belle of society.
Moreover, her reputation among the highborn was good. An angelic image that extends a warm hand to anyone without discrimination.
Although she only showed a prickly side to the Crown Prince and Kasys Lenokhnen.
“She can even use rare healing magic. As her father, it feels odd to say this, but Francia’s worth is rising each day. Even in the imperial council, people are suggesting it might be time to change the Crown Princess.”
The Duke scrutinized Johan with a low gaze.
“Even so, can you overcome them?”
“I will strengthen myself.”
“Even if you try, it won’t be easy.”
“I aim to become a Transcendental Mage.”
A Transcendental Mage. An existence who surpasses the limits of a superhuman, an entity that no one can approach. This was Johan’s second goal.
“A Transcendental Mage is no easy attainment. I have reached the transcendent level myself, but I’m still just at the threshold. Further growth from here feels impossible.”
The true meaning of being transcendent. There are very few genuinely powerful beings in this vast empire.
A realm akin to that of a master’s master. Comparable to a Grand Swordmaster for swordmasters.
An individual who has transcended humanity. A being that cannot be approached. That’s what a Transcendental Mage embodies.
The Duke continued.
“Moreover, you have just barely reached the Archmage level. Your pace in learning magic has been slower than others. Are you really capable of this?”
Without a moment of hesitation, Johan nodded.
“It’s not about whether I can or not. I must. That is the only path to be with Francia.”
Once he reached the Transcendental Mage level, everything would become easier.
Those who reach that level become invaluable assets to the empire and might even receive a noble title.
“No matter how long it takes, I will surely reach it.”
“…I like your answer. Quite the cunning one.”
Though he spoke thus, the Duke had a contented smile. He was pleased with Johan’s response.
“You had the same attitude when we first met. You always exuded confidence that you could do it. That’s why I held you in high regard.”
In truth, the reason Johan had such confidence lay in his talent.
Not only had he self-taught himself rune script, but he also had the ability to use magic.
Not sure if it was due to the advantages of reincarnation, but that talent had always been a source of confidence for him.
“Take good care of my daughter, Johan Harsen. No, Johan Ferbache.”
“Leave it to me.”
“…Cunning one. Even now, it’s troubling how reliable you are.”
What now? Johan’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.
“Let’s eat first. There’s a lot to talk about from social events to future matters.”
*
After dinner, at the Ferbache Mansion.
“Take this as well.”
“This too?”
“And this.”
“Another one?”
Johan was receiving a shower of rare gifts from Duke Ferbache.
“You are going to be the son-in-law of the Ferbache Duke House. Do you think you’ll manage with such frail gifts?”
Most of what the Duke gave Johan were ‘elixirs’.
An elixir that maximizes sensation to enhance mana affinity.
An elixir that expands the blood vessels and increases mana operational ability.
An elixir that strengthens the mana circuit to minimize side effects even when using mana to its extremes.
And much more.
All of them were tailored to correspond to the key magic Johan used.
“While your basic aspects like mana volume, operational capacity, and affinity are outstanding, the number of spells you’ve learned is still few.”
The Duke handed a small elixir bottle to Johan and continued.
“However, you never know when or where something might happen. This is the only way to greatly enhance your battle capability right now.”
“Yes…”
Johan, still in a daze, accepted one of the elixirs the Duke handed him and swallowed it.
Heat surged through his body. He felt a twitching sensation, and all his senses reached their peaks.
“It takes quite a while for the elixir to digest. But since your mana affinity is excellent, you should be fine without an adaptation period. Consume one each time it digests.”
“Yes… Thank you…?”
The Duke looked around the guest room of the Ferbache Royal Mansion, which had now become Johan’s room, with a satisfied smile.
Johan’s room was filled with rare elixirs that one could not simply acquire.
“Take good care of Francia, Johan.”
“Of course. Just leave it to me.”
Johan was still in shock from the sudden shower of gifts, but he clasped the Duke’s hand and his eyes sparkled.
With this, he could cover for the foundational skills he had been lacking.
“If it’s a social party with someone like the Crown Prince attending, then something is sure to happen. You must prepare well.”
He patted Johan’s shoulder, his expression firm as he emphasized again.
“Take good care of my daughter.”
*
At the Lenokhnen Mansion in the Royal Capital.
A carriage stopped at the front gate of the mansion.
“Welcome, Lady Ratalen.”
It was Violet Ratalen. She smiled brightly and nodded at the butler of the Lenokhnen Royal Mansion.
“Is Duke Lenokhnen in the office?”
“He is in his study.”
“May I enter?”
“Yes. I will notify him right away…”
“No. Don’t announce me. I’ll handle it myself.”
Click clack, click clack.
Violet made her way into the mansion, the sound of her heels echoing confidently.
She ascended the split staircase with an ease that showed familiarity.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
After three knocks, without waiting for a response, Violet opened the door to the study and smiled.
“You’re quite busy today, Duke Lenokhnen.”
“It’s Count, not Duke. I believe I mentioned that title beforehand?”
“What business do we have between us?”
Violet chuckled and sprawled on the sofa in the study.
Kasys Lenokhnen squinted his eyes and asked.
“So, what brings you here today? Your engagement proposal—”
“Oh, the engagement’s off. I’ve changed my mind. I’m no longer interested in you.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
Violet tilted her head with a smile, her red hair flowing down.
“Why? Are you sad that I’ve withdrawn my affection for you?”
“That’s not it. I am simply worried you might be up to some mischief.”
“Hehe. That part is true.”
Her eyes curved mischievously.
“However, it won’t be a loss for you either.”
“What kind of mischief are we talking about?”
“Francia Ferbache.”
Kasys, who was holding his pen, froze at the mention of that name.
“I’m not sure why her name comes up…”
“Don’t play coy! You’ve fallen for the Ferbache princess, haven’t you?”
“…….”
“Surely, this wouldn’t put you at a loss, so just hear me out.”
Violet smiled warmly, crossing her legs and resting her chin on her hand.
“During the upcoming social party, attend as my partner.”
“…Was this scheme supposed to trick me?”
“Listen to me to the end.”
As Kasys hardened his expression, Violet shrugged and continued.
“During the party, I’ll subtly swap partners. I’ll aim for Johan Harsen, while you’ll aim for the Ferbache princess.”
“…Johan Harsen? You’re interested in him?”
“Yes. Very much so. Enough to want him for myself.”
A significant smile crept across Violet’s face.
“You focus on the Ferbache princess. I will handle the rest.”
Kasys set down his pen and rose from his seat, moving to sit across from Violet, lending her his ear.
“Tell me your plan in detail.”
“Looks like you’re finally interested in collaborating.”
Violet grinned and elaborated.
“Once the social party begins, the two of you will inevitably be separated for a while. The Ferbache princess is quite the celebrity, after all.”
“And then?”
“At that time, I’ll approach Johan. I have a trump card that can forcibly pull him in.”
“Hmm.”
Kasys stroked his chin, his brow furrowed in thought. The atmosphere was one of contemplation.
Violet added, “Once there’s enough distance, it creates a chance for you to approach. You can take it from there. I’ll focus on Johan.”
“Not a bad idea.”
Finally, Kasys smiled faintly and nodded.
“Lady Ratalen. It seems for the first time we share the same perspective.”
“Exactly! So, make sure to plan it well. We need to keep them apart.”
Having finished her words, Violet stood up.
“That’s all for my business. You’ll partner with me, right?”
“With our interests aligned, of course, I wouldn’t refuse.”
“Great. Then let’s work well together when the time comes?”
Violet smiled and tilted her head slightly. Kasys also chuckled lightly.
“I’ll take my leave now. Make sure to have everything ready.”
She stormed in confidently and left just as boldly, leaving no lingering feelings behind. Kasys watched Violet’s retreating figure and thought.
‘It seems she has truly moved on from me.’
Considering how persistent she had been, he felt a headache coming on. Sending a marriage proposal and various gifts that held no interest.
‘Johan Harsen. I guess I owe you my thanks for the first time.’
Kasys once again smirked and rang the bell. The butler entered promptly.
“You called for me?”
“Contact the Hyenas.”
“Yes.”
While he felt a tinge of regret for Violet’s clever scheme, Kasys had no intention of leaving Johan alone.
To penetrate the solid wall surrounding Francia, he first needed to isolate her.
Though he couldn’t move directly, the Hyenas would suffice to deal with Johan Harsen.
‘Even if he is an Archmage, it doesn’t matter.’
While Johan Harsen was indeed more powerful than other Archmages, a limitation existed for mages in combat. Without frontline support, he’d become easy prey for the Hyenas.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Kasys rose from the sofa and gazed out of the study’s window. The moon shone brightly that night. Its beauty was striking.
‘Francia Ferbache. I await the day we will be together.’
He fell in love at first sight. It was a feeling he had never experienced before. Although he wasn’t typically swayed by appearances, there was an irresistible charm about Francia.
Not only that, but her smile while enjoying the scenery, the pained look she wore when standing too long, and the blank stare she had when she didn’t understand something during a briefing—all of it drew him in.
Knowing she could maintain such carefree expressions while directing disdain only toward him struck at his heart.
Surely, there would be many resistant gazes if he were to forcefully pursue her.
Kasys smiled once more.
Someday, he envisioned the Ferbache princess in his embrace.