“Ah….”

Arasila let out a small sigh. It was a part she had completely forgotten about until now. Come to think of it, when Demian had demanded a divorce before going to war, she had blocked it by bringing up that clause.

Although it was a fact she already knew, Arasila tried to hide the disappointment that crept in and asked as if nothing was wrong.

“… Well, are we getting divorced now?”

“I want us to make choices that we won’t regret.”

Demian answered seriously. His face looked somehow even more resolute.

It seemed like he had already made a decision, so Arasila struggled to hold back her mind from becoming cynical. For example, thinking ‘So this is why he left me here.’

“So how about we each organize our thoughts and meet again in a week?”

“… Alright.”

It was awkward to bluntly refuse such a polite proposal, so she nodded. Demian then smiled as if relieved.

After he left, Arasila was lost in deep thought alone.

‘It’s already time for divorce.’

Focused solely on bringing down Frederick and the Vandermir ducal family, she hadn’t made plans for what to do after it was over.

Perhaps now was the time to make that plan.

Arasila carefully examined her own heart to see what she wanted to do. The situation now was completely different from when she had previously been asked for a divorce.

Back then, she had to stay by Demian’s side, but now Demian would live well even without her.

It meant their needs and interests had been fulfilled.

So if they parted ways like this, their 2-year marriage would remain a beautiful memory, but…

‘I don’t want to break up with Demian.’

Even if he no longer needed her, Arasila didn’t want to divorce. Because she didn’t love him out of necessity.

Of course, at one point she had actively considered divorcing Demian for her future, but now that was nonsense.

There’s no law saying love and work can’t go hand in hand.

Arasila’s heart grew increasingly firm. Unlike before when she thought love would ruin her work, she didn’t know how Demian felt, but she had no intention of hiding or giving up on her feelings anymore.

‘This won’t do. I should either say let’s not divorce, or let’s divorce and date.’

However, there was something she had to do first. She needed to wrap things up with the only person who knew about this contract marriage.

The door of the Hugo Marquis’s house was never closed due to people coming to visit Arasila.

Social circle friends including Paula and people from the Magic Tower took turns coming in and out. If the highest-ranking person among the former was the Grand Duchess of Kiston, the latter was Philip, the head of the Magic Tower.

Philip personally visited the Hugo Marquis’s house for his disciple who had difficulty moving.

“Ho ho ho. Arasila, are you feeling alright?”

“Yes, Master Philip. Thank you for your concern.”

Having recovered somewhat, Arasila had left her bed and was sitting on the sofa to greet him. Philip stroked his beard and said,

“In all my life, I’ve never seen a disciple as eventful as you.”

“Is that so?”

“Ho ho, if you were my child, my insides would have turned black with worry. Don’t you hear such things?”

“I’ve heard it so much since I was young that it’s become ingrained.”

Philip laughed heartily and took a sip of tea. Setting down the teacup silently, he asked in a gentle voice,

“It seems you have something to say to me. Don’t hesitate, go ahead and speak.”

“… I really can’t hide anything from your eyes, Master.”

Arasila chuckled, having been hit right on the mark while trying to organize her thoughts on how to bring it up. Soon after, she straightened her posture and opened her mouth with a serious expression.

“Do you remember what you told me before? That the human heart is more powerful than magic.”

“Yes, I did…. Wasn’t that what I said when you told me you’d divorce once your husband inherited his title?”

Philip, who easily recalled the situation at the time, looked at Arasila with a strange gaze. The expression of the disciple before him was different from back then.

The arrogance of rashly judging and deciding on things she had never experienced was gone, replaced only by eyes that had grown firmer with experience.

After observing Arasila with a scrutinizing gaze, Philip threw out words like bait to test her.

“Ah, come to think of it, I heard your husband became a duke. Then you’ll be divorcing soon, I suppose.”

“I won’t be.”

A clear voice rang out without wavering. Philip silently stared at Arasila. Arasila also didn’t avoid his gaze and spoke calmly.

“I’m sorry for not keeping the words I uttered before you, Master. But now I don’t think that liking someone will stand in my way.”

“… You’ve changed, Arasila.”

“No, I’ve grown.”

Although knowing how presumptuous it was to say such things before her master, Arasila maintained her resolute attitude.

Because she sincerely believed that the time spent with Demian had developed her into a better person.

“Even if I continue this marriage, I will absolutely never quit the Magic Tower, and I will do well in my duties as the Tower Master.”

Arasila’s voice was imbued with confidence-based strength. Unlike in the past when she thought love would ruin her work.

“If you find me untrustworthy for changing my words and want to take back the successor position, I will comply without resistance.”

“…”

“And then I’ll prove my abilities again and reclaim that position.”

Arasila calmly but proudly stated her ambitions. Philip, who had been quietly listening to her words, smiled faintly.

He had lost many female disciples to marriage so far. But he didn’t resent or hate those who left the Magic Tower to live their own lives.

He just felt sorry for them.

If they had stayed at the Magic Tower and built up their careers, it would have been an asset for life. He felt pained and pitiful for the disciples who had to leave, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.

So he wanted to protect at least Arasila. He hoped she wouldn’t walk the same path his other disciples had walked. He couldn’t help but be greedy. Because there were those who quit against their wishes.

But if there was something he overlooked, it was that avoiding risk factors doesn’t necessarily guarantee safety.

True overcoming is not avoidance, but facing head-on and winning.

‘That’s exactly what Arasila does best.’

Having seen this much of his disciple’s mindset, it was time for him as a master to express his own stance. Philip stroked his white, luxuriant beard and opened his lips.

“Arasila, even if your fake marriage becomes real, there will be no change in the successor.”

“… Really?”

“I didn’t designate you as the next Tower Master based on your marital status. I judged based on the brilliant talent and achievements you’ve shown so far.”

The reason he had swayed Arasila regarding marriage was because he judged it would be better to go with the original plan if she didn’t have firm confidence.

But Arasila, who had changed her mind, had become even more steadfast than before, so Philip had no reason to stop her.

“If you say you’ll lead your life in a happier direction, how could I, your master, stop you?”

“Master…”

Arasila looked at Philip with a rather touched expression. It was a warmer response than she had expected, making her heart feel fuzzy.

Philip sipped his tea and conveyed the congratulations he hadn’t been able to give Arasila before.

“Now I can finally congratulate you on your marriage. Congratulations on your marriage, Arasila. I hope you build a good family.”

“Thank you, Master. But this is just how I feel, and I don’t know what Demian’s choice will be, so we might still divorce.”

“Oh my.”

“But even if that happens, I won’t hide my feelings. After all, whether it’s love or work, you have to fight for it yourself, right?”

Arasila smiled brightly. Overlapping that image was the young Arasila, full of spirited ambition.

“Ho ho ho, you’ve grown well.”

Philip chuckled contentedly. Warm sunlight poured down on master and disciple through the window.

It was a light that washed away even worries that didn’t exist.

For a week, Arasila did her best to recover her health. She drank the recovery potion that Rudi specially made for her three times a day.

Thanks to that, by the day of the appointment, she had improved enough to go out. Of course, she absolutely must not overexert herself, but just being able to move comfortably was enough.

“Audrey, can you dress me up to match the spring?”

“Yes, my lady! Leave it to me!”

Audrey’s eyes sparkled at the news of the master couple’s date as she rolled up her sleeves. Under her passionate touch, Arasila was reborn beautifully.

Dressed in a bright yellow dress, she looked like a canola flower blooming prettily in spring. Arasila left the house, carrying a parasol with lace.

Her destination was the training ground of the Crimson Hawk Knights. The knights who were lining up in formation preparing for training soon spotted her leisurely appearance and greeted her with a polite bow.

Isaac, the most familiar face among the familiar faces, suddenly popped out and approached her.

“My lady, what brings you here!”

“I came to meet Demian. I contacted him in advance, but where is Demian?”

As Arasila looked around the training ground and asked, Isaac waved his hand and answered.

“The Commander hasn’t come out yet. You should go to his office instead of here…”

“My, is the superior a bit lazy? Or does he take a lot of naps?”

Isaac’s eyes widened briefly at the somehow familiar remark, but he soon burst into laughter. No wonder Arasila’s appearance today seemed familiar.

It was similar to when she first came here to meet Demian.

Unlike their first meeting where he had bristled and snapped back at her brazen words and actions, Isaac slightly curled his hand, brought it to his mouth, and whispered.

“Our Commander is surprisingly like that sometimes. Please understand, my lady.”

“Alright, take me to Demian.”

“I’ll escort you swiftly.”

Isaac winked one eye and guided Arasila into the building. Although she knew the way by now, Arasila shamelessly followed behind.

After dutifully knocking on the office door to announce Arasila’s visit, Isaac left with the following glib words.

“Then I’ll go make everyone run 5 laps around the training ground.”

Arasila chuckled as she opened the door and entered. Audrey also remained outside the door like last time.

“You’ve come, my lady.”

Demian, who had been sitting on the antique sofa in the office that always looked classic, jumped up and escorted Arasila. It was a gentle and affectionate touch, as if handling a glass doll.

“Be careful. It would be terrible if your wounds reopened or worsened.”

“I’m not that bad anymore, so don’t worry.”

Arasila sat comfortably on the sofa. Demian, seated across from her, hesitated before asking.

“Have you organized your thoughts?”

“Yes, completely and clearly.”

“So have I.”

Then it seemed alright to get straight to the point without hesitation. Arasila, who didn’t want to drag things out and express her feelings, opened her mouth right away.

“Demian, we-”

“Just a moment, I’d like to speak first.”

Demian raised his hand to stop Arasila’s words and requested. Although she didn’t really like it, his eyes looked quite desperate, so Arasila reluctantly nodded.

Taking a deep breath, Demian straightened his collar and sat up straight as he slowly moved his lips.

“Youngest Sword Master in the Empire and Commander of the Crimson Hawk Knights.”

“…?”

“The Vandermir Duke title I recently inherited after dealing with traitors and catching a murderer.”

“…Pardon?”

“Total family assets and personal wealth amounting to roughly hundreds of billions of gold.”

Arasila’s expression, blinking blankly with a bewildered face, gradually changed. She realized it was exactly the same as what she had said to appeal to Demian when proposing marriage.

Demian’s ears turned bright red as he noticed that she had caught on. But he didn’t stop and continued speaking.

“Moreover, though it’s a bit awkward to say myself… Ahem, superior looks that have never been poorly evaluated.”

“…”

“Isn’t this enough to make you want to keep me as your husband?”

As he tried to smile confidently, Demian’s plan failed due to his trembling lips. He bowed his head deeply, feeling extremely embarrassed and ashamed.

Arasila’s lips twitched as she watched this up close. She kept trying to hold back her laughter, but it kept leaking out.

Demian, who had been fiddling with his bright red nape, raised his head again to look at Arasila and said in a low voice.

“I like you, Arasila.”

Hearing the first confession with her own ears, Arasila froze. The heat that suddenly surged occupied her face, ears, and neck indiscriminately.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to become the Tower Master? I will support you excellently.”

“…”

“Please reconsider the divorce, as I think it would be hard to find a husband as intelligent, handsome, and devoted as me anywhere else.”

Demian stood up, knelt at her feet, and held out a small box. Inside were the wedding rings they had exchanged without love.

Demian, who had somehow managed to bring Arasila’s ring, solemnly requested.

“I love you. Please marry me. If you accept this proposal, I’ll take it as your answer regarding the divorce.”

Arasila looked down at him for a moment, at a loss for words. His golden eyes, which were initially completely cold, now gazed at her with desperation.

Demian couldn’t hide his tension as he waited for Arasila’s answer. Every moment his throat burned, his mouth dried up, and his palms were sweaty.

After a long while, Arasila opened her mouth.

“You asked me before you left for war, didn’t you? Why I went that far for you. I’ll tell you now.”

“…”

“It was because I liked you.”

Finally letting out the feelings she had held back for so long, she felt relieved. Arasila smiled brightly without a speck of dust.

“So today I was going to confess first and stop the divorce, but someone sneakily beat me to it.”

Demian, who had been staring at her blankly, put the ring on Arasila’s finger with trembling hands. The rings they had both taken off after sharing on their wedding day finally found their owners again.

Pulling her hand and standing up, Demian murmured like a sigh.

“When I’m with you, it feels like my heart won’t survive in many ways.”

“Do you dislike that?”

“No, just use my heart. Don’t even think about anyone else’s.”

“You’re stating the obvious.”

Demian tucked her cascading hair behind her ear and met her eyes.

Their hearts perfectly aligned in wanting to start again where they first began. Cupping Arasila’s cheeks as she smiled more radiantly beautiful than ever, Demian whispered.

“I love you, Arasila.”

“I love you too, Demian.”

Arasila didn’t avoid his face slowly approaching, but accepted it. Their lips fit together without a gap, moist, and the breaths exchanged were sweet.

Large hands embraced Arasila’s back, and slender arms grasped Demian’s waist.

The two looked at each other after briefly parting their lips. Touching noses and smiling happily, they kissed again.

And so, on a fine spring afternoon, the two became a real couple.

It was the ending of a premium contract marriage that began for each other’s benefit.

Fin.