I really am taking magic lessons.

Even though I had received direct permission from Carlos, I couldn’t believe it, so I pinched my own cheek lightly.

“It hurts.”

Meaning, it wasn’t a dream. A faint smile formed on Irene’s lips.

Since she had arranged to take magic lessons after lunch in the library, Irene headed for the library right after eating lunch, notebook and pen in hand.

‘He hasn’t come yet.’

Well, I did come too early. Irene sat on a sofa, reading a book while waiting for Zerdin.

How much time had passed? The sound of the door opening made Irene lift her head.

“Ah…”

She had thought Zerdin had come, but unexpectedly, the person who opened the door and entered was Carlos.

Caught off guard by the unexpected appearance, Irene froze while standing up.

Carlos leaned against the door frame, arms crossed.

“Unhappy to see me?”

“What? No, not at all.”

Finally snapping out of it, Irene quickly answered so Carlos wouldn’t get the wrong idea.

“I thought it would be His Highness the Crown Prince, but it’s the Duke… my apologies.”

“There’s nothing to apologize for.”

Carlos responded nonchalantly as he straightened from leaning against the door frame.

“The Crown Prince will be here soon.”

The Crown Prince, not His Highness the Crown Prince?

Even though the Duke held a high rank, he was still a noble. He should use honorifics for the royal family; it was curious that he referred to the Crown Prince as though the latter were his inferior.

Come to think of it, Carlos even spoke informally to the Crown Prince.

Was he comfortable because the Crown Prince was his disciple?

“Before you start your magic lessons with the Crown Prince, there are a few things you need to know.”

His warning tone pulled Irene back into reality, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Though startled to see Carlos standing right in front of her, she composed herself, respectfully folded her hands, and prepared to listen.

“Go on.”

“First, report everything you learn in the lesson to me.”

I don’t know why he wants me to report, but I answered that I would.

“Secondly, report everything Zerdin says outside the lessons. Even the most trivial matters.”

“What?”

I couldn’t help but question the second command.

Asking to report even the most trivial matters meant he didn’t trust Zerdin.

In the past, her father had also not trusted her mother and had told Irene to report even the most trivial things her mother said.

Carlos giving the same command was confusing.

I thought the two were rather close… weren’t they?

Carlos, arms crossed, inquired.

“Is there a problem?”

“…No, there isn’t.”

Irene was curious but didn’t ask.

Carlos wasn’t likely to explain anyway, and whatever their relationship was, it was none of her business; she didn’t want to invite unnecessary trouble.

“…”

Carlos looked at Irene with unreadable eyes before finally speaking.

“One last thing to remember is…”

Knock, knock.

Before Carlos could finish speaking, the sound of knocking interrupted, and the door swung open.

“I’ve kept you wai…”

Zerdin, entering with a bright smile, retreated awkwardly upon seeing Carlos.

“Stop.”

But he had no choice but to halt at Carlos’ command.

Carlos glanced at the awkward Zerdin before speaking to Irene.

“It’s best not to use magic in Esper Castle, even if you learn it.”

With that, Carlos left the library.

Zerdin, who had been standing there as if frozen, asked Irene once Carlos’ footsteps were no longer audible.

“What did the Master say?”

Irene glanced at the firmly closed door before answering.

“He gave me some advice about the magic lessons.”

“Did he mention anything about me?”

What should I do? Tell the truth?

“…No.”

Irene hesitated for a moment but chose not to tell the truth.

There was nothing to gain for her by doing so.
Rather, if Carlos found out about this fact, living here in the future might become difficult without his favor.

“Hmm, is that so?”

“……”

As Jardin looked at her as if he saw through the truth she had hidden, Irene subtly turned her head away.

She felt guilty lying to someone who had kindly offered to teach her magic, but she had no choice.

It was only natural to prioritize those who might continue to be with you over those who would leave.

“Let’s start the lesson immediately. We only have two hours per day permitted, so we can’t waste time like this.”

Fortunately, Jardin moved on without further comment.

Irene sat down across from Jardin, feeling a deep sense of relief in her heart.

Jardin flipped through the basic magic book Irene had been reading.

“Up to where have you read?”

Irene answered a bit sheepishly.

“I’ve read up to chapter two, but I hardly understood any of it because it’s so difficult.”

“That’s understandable. It’s labeled as basic, but it’s hard to grasp for those who haven’t studied magic.”

Irene had been worried that she might be lacking in understanding, but felt relieved when Jardin said so.