“I never dreamed you’d get married, Arasila.”

Paula said as she set down her teacup. She was the daughter of Duke Hayden and Arasila’s academy classmate.

“You used to sing that you’d never marry because you couldn’t become the head of the magic tower if you did.”

Paula vividly remembered the words her friend had angrily spat out during their academy days.

‘Those old fogeys at the magic tower, no, most of the people there are so old-fashioned they think married women can’t even work as mages. While they’re the ones preventing it. I’m going to become the head of the magic tower, even if just to uproot all of them and pave the way for future generations. Work is more important than love anyway.’

At the time, Arasila had been scouted early by the magic tower due to her exceptional magical talent and was juggling both studies and work.

As a result, she realized the limitations of married female mages early on and declared herself a lifelong single from her mid-teens.

So for her to suddenly get married – Paula was so shocked she even fell over.

“And to think your partner would be Lord Vandermir. It’ll make for a pretty picture when you marry.”

Paula rested her chin on her hand and leaned towards her friend, eyes twinkling.

“But just how handsome is Lord Vandermir for you to fall for him?”

“He’s just handsome.”

Arasila replied indifferently. She knew how to objectively view others’ appearances as much as she knew her own objectively.

Demian Vandermir was handsome enough to catch your eye even if you tripped and fell while walking down the street.

“But he’s a bit annoying. Maybe because he’s a knight.”

“And you still agreed to marry him?”

“Looks and personality are separate things.”

At those words, Paula burst out laughing before adding with a regretful expression.

“Still, I wanted to see you achieve your dream. It’s a bit disappointing.”

“It’s fine. I can divorce later.”

“What kind of child thinks about divorce before even getting married.”

Even as she chided her, Paula looked at her friend without any real displeasure. It was such an Arasila-like way of thinking.

“Then I’ll continue to cheer for you to become the head of the magic tower.”

“While you’re at it, cheer for my marriage and divorce too.”

“Oh my, that divorce again. Should I go pray at the temple every day?”

“Yes, ‘Praying for a safe marriage, safe divorce, and successful rise to magic tower head.’ Three things like that.”

Paula laughed and shook her head at the glib response.

“That side of you might surprisingly suit Lord Vandermir well. In a way, it’s a meeting of an oddball and a hard worker?”

“Hard worker?”

“Lord Vandermir’s nickname is the hard-working knight. He left alone to study abroad at a young age and returned as the youngest Sword Master, after all. You can’t help but call him hard-working.”

I see. Arasila, who was learning Demian’s nickname for the first time, nodded.

An oddball and a hard worker.

Lined up side by side, it didn’t seem like a bad combination.

“Ah, it’s already this late. Paula, I have an appointment with Frederick so I need to go.”

Arasila stood up after checking the time. She had met with Paula briefly before meeting Frederick.

“Alright. Give Frederick my regards.”

“Okay, see you later.”

After leaving the Hayden mansion, she headed to a famous restaurant in the bustling district.

Her appointment partner was already seated at the central table on the second floor of the restaurant, which operated on a strict reservation system.

“Frederick!”

As she called his name, a gentle handsome man with golden hair that shone white in the sunlight and ruby-red eyes turned his head.

“When did you arrive? You didn’t wait long, did you?”

“No, Arasila. I just got here too.”

Frederick gently curved his eyes. His tone as he answered was soft and gentle.

He stood up and pulled out the chair for Arasila before she sat down.

“Oh, the Crown Prince’s manners are indeed different.”

“Don’t tease me.”

Frederick returned to his seat with an embarrassed smile.

The two first met 7 years ago at the academy.

On the day of the entrance ceremony, Frederick had gotten lost and was wandering alone when he happened to spot Arasila leisurely strolling through the campus and struck up a conversation, beginning their relationship.

‘Excuse me, my lady. Do you know where the building for the entrance ceremony is?’

‘It’s over there.’

Arasila, who had been walking leisurely enjoying the sunlight like a cat sunbathing, raised her hand to point at a building.

‘Thank you. May I also ask what your department and year are?’

‘Me?’

Frederick had asked the question to properly thank her later, and Arasila blinked her large eyes as she replied.

‘I’m a new student.’

‘What…? But then why are you here….’

‘I overslept and just arrived.’

‘….’

‘Well, would you like to go together?’

And so the two became friends as the only late students on entrance ceremony day. With Paula Hayden added, the three of them mainly hung out together.

Now that they were adults, they couldn’t meet and play as often as in the past, but they still kept in regular contact and had meals together.

“Are you still busy with magic tower work these days?”

“As always. There are so many people looking for talented individuals to become the next head of the magic tower.”

Arasila chewed on a small piece of meat she had cut. Frederick’s lips curved into a smile as he watched her.

Discreetly pushing his plate towards her, Frederick said playfully:

“I’m honored that such a busy person has granted me her precious time.”

“Thank you for acknowledging it, Your Highness. We’ve managed to maintain our friendship for another month like this.”

The two exchanged banter and enjoyed pleasant conversation.

As the mood mellowed, Arasila, who had cleansed her palate with water, brought up the main topic.

“Frederick, about the ball you’re hosting next week. The one to celebrate the successful subjugation of magical beasts.”

“Yes.”

“I’d like to make a surprise announcement there, if that’s alright?”

Frederick, who had wiped his mouth with a napkin, opened his eyes wide.

“You’re coming to this ball? Didn’t you say you weren’t coming last time?”

“I changed my mind. I also have something to say in front of everyone.”

“What on earth is this surprise announcement?”

“Hmm… I can’t tell you now. You’ll hear it then too.”

Frederick had always been very wary of men approaching Arasila. He said it was because he was worried as a friend that she might meet some strange man.

So if he learned that Arasila was marrying a knight she had so disliked, he would likely become suspicious and start digging.

‘Sorry, Frederick. I want your help, but I don’t want your interference.’

She didn’t want to make her friend another obstacle when there were already so many.

Frederick, who had no way of knowing Arasila’s inner thoughts, smiled brightly.

“If it’s good news for you, it would be an honor to have it announced at my ball.”

“Well… it’s not bad news. Personally, it’s something I wanted.”

“What is it? Did you achieve another feat at the magic tower? Did you receive another star?”

“I told you I can’t say now. Anyway, is it okay if I use your ball?”

Frederick was someone who could host a ball even if there wasn’t one planned if Arasila wanted it. He naturally nodded.

“Yes, although you’re a friend who disappoints me. Use it as you please.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. As a token of gratitude, I’ll pay for today’s meal.”

“Really? Then I’m ordering something expensive.”

“No, it’s too late. It’s already over, so let’s go back.”

Frederick burst out laughing as he watched Arasila quickly hide the menu behind her back.

His smiling eyes were filled with affection that seemed a bit excessive to be directed at just a friend.

Arasila bought a new dress for the marriage announcement after a very long time.

The rose-colored dress with a décolleté neckline had a hem that overlapped like flower petals. The left shoulder and waist area were lavishly decorated with artificial flowers.

Audrey was overcome with emotion, saying that our young lady who always only wore robes had finally bought new clothes.

“Ari, are you really going to announce your marriage today?”

Iris, who had been invited to the Crown Prince’s ball along with Arasila, asked as they rode in a carriage to the imperial palace with her sister.

She had at least been given a hint about today’s surprise announcement.

“Of course. By tomorrow, even three-year-old babies will be shouting about it loud enough to be heard everywhere.”

“Ari…”

“Our parents aren’t attending today anyway, right? No one can stop me.”

Iris sighed as she looked at her sister, who smiled like a mischievous child despite her fairy-like appearance.

“It’s not like anyone is trying to stop you in the first place…”

As the carriage passed through the castle gates, Iris spoke again.

“Be careful. There will be young ladies who like Lord Vandermir attending the party today.”

“So what? He’s still marrying me, what does it matter if they like him on their own?”

“Because just marrying the lord will create people who are hostile to you in high society.”

Grasping the hand of her sister, who still looked like she didn’t see how it concerned her, Iris said in a low voice:

“Especially the young lady of the White ducal family has been chasing after Lord Vandermir for a long time. If you announce the marriage today, that young lady will come to hate you very much.”

“It’s fine, I don’t care.”

“Yes, and that’s the problem…”

As the older sister’s worry for her younger sister deepened, the carriage arrived in front of the banquet hall.

Arasila got out of the carriage holding hands with her sister. The servants guarding the entrance stared at the two beautiful women as if entranced.

The sisters stood side by side in front of the heavy doors engraved with the imperial family’s crest.

“Lady Iris Hugo and Lady Arasila Hugo are entering!”

At the servant’s resounding announcement, the gazes of the nobles in the hall all turned at once.

It was a rare sight to see the Hugo sisters gathered in one place.

Unlike Iris, who was active in social activities like most young ladies, Arasila was usually holed up in the magic tower and rarely seen.

She tended to receive a lot of attention even when appearing alone, but Iris felt an indescribable amount of attention focused on them when with her sister.

“Sister, there are so many people.”

“All the renowned young nobles in the capital were invited to today’s ball.”

“That’s great.”

Lips tinged with a rosy blush curved into a grin. The more audience, the better. Then the marriage news would spread unstoppably.

‘Has Lord Vandermir not arrived yet?’

Arasila casually scanned the crowd. The gazes of the surrounding nobles were also directed at the two sisters.

“What a rare sight to see the sisters together?”

“They’re certainly worthy of being called the pride of the ducal family.”

Although the two sisters didn’t resemble each other much as they took after their maternal and paternal sides respectively, they were beauties in their own different ways.

If Iris was a delicately blooming lily, Arasila was a bright rose of spring.

Iris was elegant just like her appearance, while Arasila exuded an subtle air of purity that caught the eye.

“The Hugo ladies will monopolize dance requests today.”

“Who knows, not if everyone gathered here are fools who show their faces.”

As conversations mixed with half admiration and half jealousy were exchanged, a man crossed the hall towards the Hugo sisters.

Arasila also spotted the man walking majestically through the crowd.

His silver hair sparkled like sugar powder in the chandelier light.

Sounds of astonishment escaped the lips of those who recognized the man. It was because Demian, who stood in front of the sisters, extended his hand towards the younger one.

“Did Lord Vandermir just ask a woman to dance?”

“And to a mage, the Hugo lady at that…”

“No, just what kind of relationship do the two have…”

Everyone gaped stupidly as they watched Arasila take Demian’s hand as if it were only natural.

The two beautiful people, like a painting come to life, began to waltz in the center of the hall.

It was a rare sight in the Setron Empire, famous for the poor relationship between mages and knights.

A knight and a mage holding hands and dancing together.

Demian’s expression as he held her slender waist and stepped was not very pleasant.

It wasn’t noticeable enough for others to see, but Arasila, facing that expression up close, could tell well enough.

“Are you feeling unwell? Judging by your expression, it’s as if I dragged you out to dance against your will.”

“…I don’t like dancing. Let’s finish quickly and make the announcement.”

“Ah, I see.”

My, how fussy. Without saying it out loud, Arasila shrugged with her eyes.

Finally, as the waltz ended, she separated from Demian and looked for Frederick. For some reason, he was standing dazed among the crowd.

‘Frederick, I’m going to make the announcement.’

Arasila mouthed and made eye contact with her friend. Only then did Frederick come to his senses and whispered as he led her to the platform:

“Arasila, are you close with Lord Vandermir?”

“No?”

Since they weren’t close despite having promised a contract marriage, Arasila answered based on the facts.

“Then why…”

Having already arrived at the platform, Frederick couldn’t continue his question and said first:

“May I have everyone’s attention. Lady Arasila Hugo will now make an important announcement.”

Frederick, who had gathered everyone’s attention, went down from the platform. Left alone, Arasila looked around at the audience.

After confirming that everyone was looking at her without exception, she smiled brightly and opened her mouth.

“Everyone, I’m getting married.”

The hall stirred. Arasila raised her hand.

“You’re wondering with whom? With Lord Demian Vandermir over there. I’ll be sending out invitations soon, so please attend in large numbers.”

And the hall fell into silence.