It was well past midnight.

She had sent the letter, unable to resist Richelle’s nagging, but she hadn’t expected a reply or for him to return home.

“I miss you.”

‘I must have gone mad for a moment.’

When she came to her senses, she had already sent the letter.

Miss you? Her unconscious true feelings had been conveyed through the pen tip. Thinking about it belatedly made her flustered. Why did she write such an embarrassing thing? What would he think?

They weren’t even close enough to exchange such awkward words in the first place. She seemed to have crossed the line momentarily, being foolishly excited. How ridiculous would he find it upon receiving the letter?

A lukewarm heat muddled her thoughts.

How embarrassing.

Just as she thought she wouldn’t be able to fall into a deep sleep anyway.

Knock knock.

Someone knocked on the door.

‘Who could it be?’

At this hour, even the servants should all be back in their quarters sleeping.

There’s no one who would visit at this time? Riley cautiously opened the door. Then something suddenly jumped in and hugged her tightly.

“… Gi, Givnen?”

“Hello.”

Had he washed? Wearing a robe, he was damp. He also smelled of good perfume.

“When did you arrive?”

“A little while ago.”

“… I thought you wouldn’t come.”

“That was the plan.”

“…”

“You said you missed me.”

“…”

“So I came.”

Riley was at a loss for how to respond.

It was an impulsive note that even she found ridiculous. Thinking that he had rushed here in one go after seeing that note, which could have been ignored, made her feel strange.

“You came all the way here just for that one letter? Why…?”

“You said you missed me.”

Riley stammered in bewilderment. Then she lowered her head and mumbled.

“… Richelle suggested I write a letter.”

“She gave very good advice. Write often from now on.”

“But I didn’t expect you to rush over like this.”

“How could I not come when my wife says she misses her husband.”

“… You could have just ignored it. You’re very busy, aren’t you?”

At Riley’s words, Givnen pushed her against the wall, trapping her between his arms. Then he gently lowered his head to meet her eyes.

“I missed you too.”

He took Riley’s hand in his, interlocking their fingers. Then he brought it to his nose.

“I missed this scent. It’s a scent that wakes me up every now and then.”

“… What scent is it?”

“I don’t know, the scent of elder sister’s skin. It’s my favorite of all the scents I’ve ever smelled.”

“…”

“What have you been up to?”

“… Just staying in the mansion all the time. I haven’t really done anything. I don’t know what I should do either.”

“I told you to think about what you want to do. Have you thought about it?”

It seems odd to be having such everyday conversation while pressed close together with interlocked hands.

Riley shook her head, trying hard to calm her pounding heart and hide her awkwardness and embarrassment.

“… Not yet.”

“Any inconveniences in your daily life?”

“None. It’s more than I deserve, everyone is kind and takes good care of me.”

“That’s good.”

“… But this is, we’re too close.”

With her back against the wall and Givnen’s body blocking her front, Riley found this situation quite awkward.

“Are you shy?”

“… A little.”

Givnen chuckled softly at Riley’s answer.

“Sleeping together, bathing together… This seems more embarrassing than those things.”

“… Back then, I wasn’t in my right mind.”

“That’s disappointing, I was very much in my right mind. I guess I was the only one being sincere.”

He whined like a child again. Struck dumb by this, Riley was flustered before speaking in a timid voice.

“… I was sincere too. It’s not that I particularly disliked it or anything. Just…”

“I’m joking.”

Givnen moved away from Riley.

“Want a drink?”

Givnen sat down in the chair as if he were the owner of the room. He created clear ice in the glass on the table.

The ice created by his hand was so clear and clean that it sparkled brilliantly like crystal inside the glass.

“Magicians must have it easy.”

“It’s not all easy. This is strictly illegal too.”

“Even such simple magic is prohibited?”

“As it should be.”

“Why?”

“When people become accustomed to magic, they can’t live properly as humans.”

The development of magical tools.

Ironically, he said this was achieved due to the persecution of magicians.

“Magic makes human life convenient and comfortable. But the dependence on it becomes just as high. As you depend on that magic, depend on it more and more, you become an idiot who can’t do anything.”

“Ah…”

“They say magicians of old couldn’t even walk on their own. With magic to take them anywhere, they didn’t feel the need to move their bodies. Their muscle mass hit rock bottom, and they had all sorts of chronic illnesses. As a joke, it was said that magicians of that time lived long if they made it past 30. Magic itself also consumes life energy.”

“Ah.”

“So unless permitted, the use of magic was prohibited. Of course, magicians who actually follow that are even rarer. Without permission, you can only use simple magic like this. Especially for a minority special management target like me, it’s even more strict.”

“… I see.”

“In fact, all these reasons given are just word games. While an outstanding great magician is valuable high-level personnel needed by the empire, at the same time, they could be seen as dangerous figures who might threaten the authority of the imperial family, so they impose large-scale controls to keep them in check.”

Givnen filled Riley’s glass with champagne and handed it to her.

“It’s been a while since we drank alone together. Is this the second time since that day?”

“… You’re right.”

The late hour, being alone in a room together, it’s all the same.

Back then he was wearing a shower robe too. The image of him silently drinking with his damp hair still dripping came to mind. Getting drunk like that and…

“Are you perhaps going to do it with me?”

To that foolish question,

“Well, shall we?”

“Want to?”

An unexpected answer.

Ah, her face grew hot. Riley gulped down the champagne, trying to hide her awkwardness and embarrassment. Givnen chuckled, resting his chin on his hand.

“You’ll get drunk fast if you drink like that.”

“?”

“You didn’t seem to handle alcohol well, will you be okay?”

Riley blinked in slight bewilderment before asking.

“… Are we going to do it?”

“Do what?”

“That…”

“That?”

“That… what you and I did.”

Whether it was the strong alcohol or the fact that they were alone in the room, her throat felt strangely parched.

So a stupid question slipped out momentarily. Riley regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth.

This damn mouth really… is hopeless.

“We could if you want.”

“…”

“Do you want to?”

“… Ah, no. That’s not it.”

How can I say I want to when you ask so bluntly?

Of course, it’s not that I particularly want to or don’t want to, but…

“Then do you dislike it?”

“Th-that’s not it either…”

Givnen sipped his champagne, smiling as if amused. He was clearly enjoying manipulating this situation.

“I want to.”

“… Huh?”

Riley visibly tensed up. Her pupils dilated and her hands trembled like someone with a neurological disorder. Seeing her rolling her round eyes up and down, he smiled mischievously and lifted her into his arms.

Then he abruptly sat her on the table instead of the bed and kissed her.

His strong arms wrapped around Riley’s waist. Something soft yet hot filled her mouth, making her lose her senses. Gently tracing her teeth, their breathing gradually grew rough. Hot, excited breaths spread between their lips as her body leaned further back.

Riley braced herself with both arms to avoid falling back completely. Fortunately, she didn’t end up lying on the table, but the pressing weight was quite difficult to resist.

The hand caressing her neck moved to her shoulder, from her shoulder to her chest, from her chest to her stomach, and finally down to her thighs. Riley barely managed to catch her runaway sanity.

“W-wait a moment.”

“Why.”

“I-it’s too sudden, I’m really flustered!”

“You said you missed me.”

“…”

“Calling me here at this hour.”

“That’s…”

She had no words.

The letter was sent close to midnight. However, Riley hadn’t expected him to come rushing here in one go, nor to push her like this, so she felt a bit wronged.

This wasn’t the first time.

This kind of atmosphere with him, as far as she could remember, was the third time. The first was when they first met and went to the hotel, the second was… when he saved her from Count Ermeints. Since she had experience, it shouldn’t feel new, but still.

‘I-I’m embarrassed.’

Once was because she was out of her mind drunk, and another time she wasn’t in her right mind due to the shock of being kidnapped.

Both times she was swept along in a state of mind where she couldn’t feel embarrassment or anything else.

But now? Because she was so clear-headed! Because it was so sudden! His presence, his touch, felt much larger and more stimulating.

From his perspective, this prudishness might seem ridiculous, but Riley’s mind was hazy from the unexpectedly stimulating situation.

Givnen snickered at her reaction.

“What bravado made you call me at this hour?”

“… I-I didn’t call you. I just said I missed you.”

“That’s the same thing.”

Riley could only open and close her mouth without replying, then said while gauging his reaction.

“Um… if you want to do it, go ahead. It’s okay.”

At this, Givnen furrowed his brow and lightly tapped her lips with his hand.

“You shouldn’t say such things carelessly.”

“…?”

“Don’t act like you have no say over your own body.”

“…”

“Don’t try to read my mood even for this. No matter how trashy I am, I don’t have the vile taste for forcing myself on women.”

Givnen flicked his finger once. With that, the table that had become a mess from their previous actions was neatly tidied up. Yet Givnen did not let go of Riley sitting on his lap, holding her tightly in his arms.

“Well, the experience of just chatting in a bedroom alone is unfamiliar, but that’s not bad either.”

“… Then could you let go of this?”

At Riley’s words, Givnen tightened his hold on her.

“Just holding you is fine, right?”

“…”

“Do you dislike it?”

Riley was flustered by the younger man staring intently at her. What is this? For a moment, she saw a puppy with its tail drooping.

She lowered her head and shook it.

“… I don’t dislike it. I’m just embarrassed.”

“Get used to this level of embarrassment.”

He stroked Riley’s cheek with his long fingers and smiled.

“Now I’m the only one you can rely on, right?”

‘… Huh?’

Riley swallowed hard in sudden tension.

How to put it, for some reason she suddenly got goosebumps. Even though what he said wasn’t wrong. For a moment, she thought it seemed a bit dangerous. Even though he hadn’t made any threats.

“Oh right, I heard Baron Ryan has wrapped up all the affairs in Lufra. He resigned from his position as minor lord and packed everything up. He’s just waiting to move.”

“Ah… When is he coming?”

“Probably next week at the latest. It would be good to set up the meeting of the families after checking on the move next week, what do you think?”

Meeting the families?

Riley smiled wryly. Not only was meeting her uncle’s family burdensome, but the thought of becoming family with those burdensome people and meeting Givnen’s family made her feel overwhelmed.

She wished they could remain strangers forever, but that was realistically impossible.

“Let’s do that.”

If his family were to oppose, what expression would her uncle make? That development might be okay in its own way.

Though stupid Claire was concerning, surely she wouldn’t do anything foolish in front of Givnen’s family. Taking a light sip of champagne, Riley suddenly remembered something she wanted to ask him.

“… I have something to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“I heard magicians are registered as such along with their birth registration, so why wasn’t I registered? Do you know anything about this?”

“…”

“If my father was a magician, he couldn’t have not known about this, and I heard it’s a matter directly related to life… Is it still possible to register now? If possible, I think it would be good to do it now.”

Givnen didn’t say anything in response to Riley’s words.

He was just lost in thought. And this silence continued for quite a while.

Is this such a profound question? Riley was taken aback by the unexpected reaction.

After a long pause, Givnen opened his mouth.

“Well…”

“… Yes?”

“We can’t keep things in that state forever.”

“Do you know something? You said you don’t know much about my father.”

Givnen shook his head firmly.

“No, I don’t. It’s strange, but not particularly surprising. There must have been some omission in the process.”

“Is it a common occurrence?”

“It’s not common, but it’s not impossible either. How can there be no mistakes in things done by people?”

“I see. Then where can I get tested for magic? Can I just go to a nearby government office?”

“That won’t do.”

“… Why?”

“It could cause a commotion if we’re not careful.”

Pondering what he meant, Riley nodded.

“You want to keep the marriage secret, right? You don’t want it known publicly. If I’m exposed, the fact of our marriage could be revealed too, which could tarnish your or the Ryanster family’s reputation. I understand, I get it.”

“That’s not what I meant…”

For some reason, Givnen sighed, rubbing his dry face.

Riley looked at him as if she didn’t understand.

Isn’t this it? Given the large gap between the Ryanster family and the Eadalin family, it was inevitable that there would be talk if their marriage became known. What could be a bigger scandal of the century than a ducal family marrying into a baronial family from the borderlands?

Moreover, hadn’t he recently been in marriage talks with the imperial princess? It would naturally affect his reputation negatively if such a person married a daughter, an adopted one at that, from a baronial family. Isn’t this what he meant?

“For now… I agree that management as a magician is necessary. You can get tested for magic and receive management at Horizon’s academy too.”

“I don’t have to go to a government office?”

Givnen nodded.

“I’ll have you tested for magic, and manage you as a magician through my acquaintance. But we can’t register you as a magician.”

“Why?”

“If you’ve lived without being registered until now, there’s no benefit in registering at this point.”

“…”

“There’s no need to live a life under constant control. If the goal is to be managed as a magician, I’ll do it for you. There’s no need to officially register as a magician at a government office. At least for you, it would be disadvantageous. Take this advice from someone with experience.”

Givnen was so resolute it was almost embarrassing for the listener.

This was the first time he had been so adamant, so Riley could only nod without saying anything.

However, doubts remained.

She had heard that magician registration was an obligation imposed on all magicians without exception. Was there any reason to refuse magician registration to the point of committing an illegal act?

Father, Givnen, magician, former head of the magic tower, will.

It was frustrating how these complex keywords seemed to connect yet didn’t.

Amidst all this, Riley suddenly became curious about Horizon, the connecting link between Givnen, the former head of the magic tower, and her father.

“… Hey. Can I ask for one favor?”

“What is it?”

“Horizon.”

“…”

“I want to see it.”

There was no immediate way to resolve her doubts about her father or Givnen.

However, she vaguely guessed that ‘Horizon’ was the intersection between her father and Givnen, and that going there might provide some answers.

“Is it not possible?”

After pondering for a moment, Givnen nodded.

“Of course it’s possible. Shall we go tomorrow?”

Riley was rather taken aback by his cool response.

“Is that really okay?”

“It’s not a difficult thing.”

“… Then I’d like to go.”

“Alright, then.”

He promised to show her Horizon as soon as day breaks.

Riley nodded, thinking of her father.

‘… I’m not sure if it’s right to dig into father’s past now that he’s gone, but.’

Still, she wanted to know.

Right now, many things seemed tangled up, making her feel frustrated. She disliked the situation where she kept harboring doubts about her father due to the huge gap between the father she knew and the father she heard about through others.

She became curious about the circumstances of her father, who was born as an outstanding magician but had to live as a mountain keeper.

So she intended to find out.

She didn’t want to live the rest of her life with doubts about her deceased father.