NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2
Fransia, seeing Johan’s face stiffen and darken, asked,
“U-uh, is there something wrong…?”
Her voice rolled slightly, filled with worry.
“No. Nothing’s wrong. I just need to think for a moment.”
Johan awkwardly smiled and gently stroked Fransia’s hand.
“I’m glad if it’s nothing serious.”
Fransia, holding Johan’s hand, smiled back. Her smile sparkled, living up to her role as the female lead.
“If I stay like this, I’m going to get bewitched.”
Johan subtly let go of Fransia’s hand and stood up from the bed.
Perhaps it was from drinking too much the previous night, but he struggled to maintain his balance.
As he stumbled, Fransia rushed to steady him.
“Are you okay?”
“……”
Johan’s body went tense at the soft contact on his back.
“…I’m fine. Can I go wash up briefly?”
“Yes. I’ll be waiting.”
Now he could finally concentrate. Johan showed her an awkward smile one last time before entering the bathroom.
Using magical tools, he filled the tub with warm water and quietly stepped inside, leaning back.
Though Fransia’s scratches stung, he quickly got used to it.
“Ahhh…”
A sigh escaped alongside the hot steam, filled with concern.
“Let’s organize the plan first.”
It’s settled that he would share his life with Fransia. He couldn’t just run away like a coward saying, “I had a good meal.”
“First of all, gaining Duke Ferbache’s recognition is top priority.”
He had to prove his abilities to him. Otherwise, his head would surely roll at the hands of the Duke.
His status was already pitiful compared to that of the Duke’s family. He had to find a way to prove his worth.
“To do that…”
He needed to join the Royal Office of Rojino, where Fransia was. And leaving a strong impression was probably the bare minimum for passing.
The Royal Office of Rojino was an armed organization that included the Empire’s asymmetrical strength, the elite Knight Order and Archmages.
Johan stroked his chin.
“It’s clear I’ll inevitably get tangled up with those lunatics.”
In this world where Johan reincarnated, there were several figures to be wary of, but three stood out at the highest threat level.
“The Crown Prince Fedelian Rojino.”
That golden-haired brat with hair like instant noodles had been appointed Crown Prince as soon as he turned of age and walked with his head held high.
He was spoiled rotten by those around him and was used to getting whatever he wanted, resulting in a massive ego.
“That’s why he’s so infatuated with Fransia.”
In short, he was the biggest nutcase. But he also had abilities, making him the top priority on the watch list.
Next was…
“Kasys Lenokhnen.”
As one could tell from his complicated name, he was a troublesome opponent.
He had received rigorous training from a young age, being forced into strict discipline, making him quite twisted. Pair that with a bad temper, and he was a real headache to deal with.
“That idiot is the reason Fransia later finds herself in the most danger.”
He dared to dabble in forbidden dark magic for the sake of claiming Fransia. He’s both sinister and completely unhinged.
“The third is Rudella Bismarck.”
She was engaged to that instant noodle Crown Prince and was set to become the future Crown Princess.
Knowing the Crown Prince loved Fransia, she was scheming all sorts of plots against her.
“This one might be the least of my worries.”
Unlike the Crown Prince Fedelian or the young Duke Kasys, she didn’t wield direct power. Sure, she had the secured future of Queen, but that was largely due to her Marquess’s influence.
Swaying…
The warm water from the water attribute magic tools had filled the tub it seemed.
Johan deactivated the water attribute magic tool and leaned his head back.
“There’s a lot to do.”
At least one fortunate aspect was that in this reincarnated body, his magical talent was exceptional.
And thanks to his consistent strength and stamina training, his physical abilities weren’t shabby either.
“Whether as a Knight or a Wizard, I’m good either way.”
Still, the reason Johan hadn’t joined the public affairs officer was straightforward.
He simply wanted to live comfortably.
Why would he risk his life to fight against Demon Beasts and stand on the front lines as a Knight or a Wizard? Born into nobility, he could just live a decent life, eating well.
But now, aiming for such a goal would likely get his head cut off by Duke Ferbache.
“Tsk.”
Johan clicked his tongue. He wanted to blame someone, but it was clearly his fault, leaving him with no one to vent to.
“Maybe it’s time to get up.”
Swoosh—
As Johan rose from the tub, water spilled over the side.
After drying off with a towel hanging on the wall, he put on a robe and left the bathroom.
Fransia still seemed tired, lying with her eyes closed.
“Lady?”
“Y-yes?”
“I’m all washed up, but are you okay not washing up?”
“Ah, right. I should clean myself too. Haha.”
Fransia awkwardly laughed and got up from the bed, revealing her bare skin without a single thread on her.
“…….”
Smooth skin. An alluring body flowing with sensual curves. Large but not overwhelming breasts.
Johan’s pupils shook wildly, losing where to focus in a split second.
“Ah?”
Fransia noticed Johan’s gaze and teased him with a grin.
“After seeing me like that all night yesterday, why are you shy now?”
“Ugh…”
“You’re cuter than I thought. A different charm from last night.”
She giggled and draped a robe over herself.
“From now on, please speak comfortably. After all, we’re lovers now, right?”
“…Yes.”
“Call me Fransia.”
“Fransia.”
“Good.”
Seemingly satisfied with the new nickname, she smiled brightly and walked back into the bathroom.
Once her figure disappeared completely, Johan finally exhaled.
He perched on the edge of the bed, lowering his head.
“What’s happening?”
It felt strange being so drawn to Fransia. It wasn’t just because of her beauty.
“It’s like I’m enchanted.”
Could it be love at first sight?
“How awkward.”
In truth, Johan had never fallen in love from his past life until now because he always lived with efficiency in mind.
Feeling lonely and seeking a relationship? He calculated the hassle that would come with it and had never dated once.
But…
“My values are being profoundly shaken.”
His face flushed at the mere sight of Fransia.
“That’s why I must’ve seduced her while drunk last night.”
Johan shook his head to hide his emotions.
“Alright, calm down.”
He needed to regain his composure. This was a transitional phase in life. Failure to prepare properly could cost him his life.
No, losing his life would be the least of his worries. Being castrated or becoming a tragic sight thrown into an alley was also a possibility.
Thud. Johan sank back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.
“Now’s the time to use the magic skills I’ve been self-studying for convenience.”
Johan knew how to use magic. Not just that, he also displayed exceptional talent.
He’d avoided using it beyond his convenience.
“Still, since I haven’t learned combat magic, I need to start learning magic properly.”
Generally, learning magic at a late age is tough, but for Johan, it was possible. Perhaps it was due to his reincarnator’s talent; he possessed overwhelming magical affinity.
“Okay. Stay calm. I can do this.”
Johan began taking deep breaths and laid out his plans.
“First, I’ll take the public affairs officer exam. With overwhelming results, even that Crown Prince won’t be able to ignore me.”
The Royal Office of Rojino is the Empire’s elite force.
No matter how spoiled the Crown Prince was,
It wouldn’t be easy for him to ignore an Archmage from such an elite order.
“Alright. The direction is set.”
With the plan in place, Johan looked out the window. Morning. The sun was warm.
Perhaps it was the bright future ahead and the sunlight that made him feel a little more at ease.
Click.
While basking in the sunlight and closing his eyes, the bathroom door opened, and Fransia stepped out.
“…….”
Johan silently stared at her. Her wet hair clung to her body, following her curves. Her flushed skin was so smooth.
It was mesmerizing.
“Johan?”
“Y-yes?”
“If you look at me like that, it makes me feel pressured too.”
“Oh. My apologies.”
Johan hurriedly averted his gaze. Nonetheless, Fransia’s figure still lingered in his mind.
“Damn it.”
How had it come to this? Was it truly the breaking of his long-held abstinence? Or perhaps Fransia was trying to use him with her allure?
“…Generally, it’s probably not the latter.”
It was likely a matter of falling for her at first sight. After all, he had only seen the character description; this was his first actual view of her.
And in reality, Fransia was an incredibly beautiful woman. Her breathtaking beauty and perfect physique were enough to leave anyone speechless.
What about her voice? It felt like a bewitchment clinging to his eardrums.
Her personality was beyond compare.
Johan took another deep breath, attempting to control his racing heart.
“By the way, we’re lovers now, right?”
He asked Fransia, who was drying her hair.
“Is that so? We’re talking about marriage here too.”
She nodded, as if it were obvious to her.
“Is your family okay with this?”
“Ah.”
When family matters came up, her mouth gaped open.
‘Could it be she hasn’t thought about it?’
She didn’t strike him as someone who lacked thought.
“…I’m sorry. I forgot about that issue. I was too happy to be with you, Johan…”
Her casual flattery suggested she was quite the adept when it came to romance, capable of handling someone like Johan, who had been a lifelong single.
“Is there no way around it?”
Fransia looked at Johan with trembling eyes and asked.
“…There is a way.”
“What is it?”
“It’s about raising my value somehow.”
Johan slowly opened and closed his eyes before continuing.
“Fortunately, I possess talent in magic. I plan to leverage this to persuade the Duke.”
“Ah.”
“And I will join the Royal Office of Rojino that you’re in.”
“Is passing the exam fine? As you know, the Royal Office of Rojino is…”
Before her sentence finished, Johan grinned widely.
“Not a problem at all, so don’t worry.”
It’s true that the exam is tough. But from Johan’s perspective, was it really that intimidating?
For him, interpreting the runes used in magic wasn’t difficult at all.
“First, I’ll meet with the Duke.”
Johan rose from his seat and gathered the scattered clothes in the corner.
“I’ll take care of getting permission from the father-in-law, so don’t worry too much, Fransia.”
After all, the deed was done. He had resolved to take responsibility.
“Let’s give it a shot.”
Making a deal with the Duke, becoming an Archmage of the public affairs officer, and getting their relationship recognized.
And protecting Fransia from those crazy people who would threaten her.
He could manage both.
Johan had that ability.