The reason black magicians were able to survive continuously was that they were truly a secretive group. They never accepted new members, making it extremely difficult and time-consuming to place spies among them.
Moreover, to enter that group, one had to undergo a cruel trial, making it even more complicated.
Therefore, it was almost impossible to find concrete evidence using alternative methods.
“So how did you know that the Empress is colluding with the black magicians?”
“I was able to plant a spy in the Empress’s palace. And a few days ago, I received word that the Empress sent a letter to the black magicians after several years.”
“Did you not confirm the contents?”
“Unfortunately, no. Well, that day was when we met Countess Pesain; they’re probably planning to deal with me.”
“What will happen if they move?”
“Don’t worry, I’m stronger. My concern is for you and Liazell.”
While he would be going north, Philome and Liazell would remain with the duke’s mansion. Even if there were trustworthy people in the duke’s household, he couldn’t feel at ease.
However, he couldn’t take them to that cold and barren north just to ease his own worries.
“I’ll tell you again when the time comes, but if anything happens, you must contact me immediately. Even if it’s something very minor, understood?”
“I’ll let you know even if I just get a paper cut. Is that enough?”
“Of course, you have to contact me; it’s a serious matter.”
Kaien looked so serious while saying this that he seemed like someone who had just heard of a cut from a knife rather than just paper.
Philome smiled and brushed it off, thinking that she wouldn’t bother contacting him about something as trivial as a paper cut, but she would definitely reach out if something more significant happened.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Gio entered.
Gio greeted Philome lightly before approaching Kaien. “Milord, the banquet has begun.”
It was the banquet hosted by Ethan.
Kaien and Philome looked at each other simultaneously.
“Philome, do you want to go together?”
“Is that okay?”
“Of course. Just stay next to me. It’s a masquerade party anyway, so it doesn’t matter.”
“Then I’d like to go.”
Philome’s eyes sparkled as she nodded.
She quickly returned to her room, finished getting ready, and came out to join Kaien, climbing into a carriage that bore no family crest.
In the meantime, Kaien had used a magical potion to change his striking silver hair to brown.
“Just so you know, since it’s a masquerade, you won’t see anything good. I’m telling you in advance so we can slip away before the royal knights arrive. Oh, and just in case, don’t eat or drink anything.”
Philome nodded at Kaien’s lengthy warnings.
“Okay, okay, I understand. Don’t worry. I’ll stick to you like a leech.”
“I’d be happy if you stick by my side for life. I permit it.”
“Ah, yes.”
Philome replied somewhat reluctantly.
Meanwhile, the carriage came to a stop.
“Come here. I’ll help you put on your mask.”
Philome closed her eyes and leaned her face toward Kaien.
Kaien, who had intended to help without any ulterior motives, hesitated when he saw Philome with her eyes shut. Since she hadn’t applied any makeup for the mask, her translucent skin was visible up close.
Her long, lush eyelashes fluttered slightly against her eyelids.
“Duke?”
As her eyelids began to twitch, Kaien finally raised his hand to place the mask on her. It was fortunate that the mask covered most of her face; otherwise, he might have lost his composure entirely.
Philome’s mask had a thick strap that tied at the back, so he first positioned the mask against her face and then extended his hands behind her head.
As Kaien’s scent suddenly enveloped her, Philome opened her eyes in surprise.
Kaien’s face was literally right in front of her.
It looked as if he was holding her close.
Perhaps because he had tilted his head slightly to tie the strap, it felt like they were about to kiss at any moment.
Philome blinked, inhaled slowly, and then exhaled as slowly as she could.
“All done.”
Kaien, who had carefully tied the ribbon, nodded in satisfaction and stepped back.
Then he brought the black leopard mask close to his face and approached Philome.
“What…?”
As Philome became flustered, Kaien opened his eyes.
“You’re not helping me?”
From behind the mask, only his mysterious violet eyes sparkled in the deep shadow.
“…I’ll help you.”
Philome, almost entranced, reached her hand back.
Due to Kaien’s solid build, her arm kept brushing against him.
Kaien enjoyed the feel of Philome’s touch at the back of his head and the sensation of her arm brushing against him. Intentionally puffing up his chest, he made sure their bodies touched.
“I guess my arms are short. I can’t see very well…”
Philome murmured as she leaned in closer.
“Philome, do you know what your mask is?”
“Pardon?”
Focused on tightening the strap, Philome answered without thinking and then turned her head a beat too late.
Tap.
With a soft sound, they both looked at each other, their eyes wide.
The lips of the masks were pressed together.
☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓 ☪︎ ִ ࣪𖤐 𐦍 ☾𖤓
It was Philome who first stepped back.
Philome took a deep breath and pulled her body away. Seeing this, Kaien hurriedly reached out and wrapped his arms around her head.
With a thud, Philome’s head hit the carriage wall with a considerable sound. It would have hurt quite a bit if Kaien’s hand hadn’t been there to cushion the impact.
“…That startled me. You almost got hurt.”
Kaien, relieved, rubbed Philome’s head.
“Are you hurt anywhere? Is your head okay?”
As Kaien checked on her nonchalantly, Philome, who had been tense, relaxed.
“Ah, yes. I’m fine. What about you, Duke?”
“I’m fine. No injuries.”
“Then… shall we go?”
“Ah, yes. Let’s go.”
Philome got down with Kaien’s escort.
The banquet was being held at the Kevan Marquisate. As they stepped out of the carriage and looked at the Kevan mansion, Kaien tightened his arm around her, drawing her attention.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
Knowing what he meant, Philome nodded.
“There’s no reason I wouldn’t be okay. I was fine back then, too.”
Philome often received summons from the marchioness. She would insist that Philome come by a time that was impossible to reach, and if she was late, she would nag her.
Moreover, the reasons for summoning her were trivial, such as asking Filome to give massages, write letters, or do chores.
Philome’s quick adaptation to her duties as a mistress was largely due to her previous experience handling some tasks at the Kevan Marquisate.
Typically, a Mistress manages the affairs within the estate and does not delegate her responsibilities to outsiders. However, the marchioness had deliberately burdened Philome with the mistress’s work just to humiliate her.
Should she call this impressive or bold?
‘Or is it foolish?’
Philome suddenly felt that her thoughts were similar to Kaien’s and let out a small laugh.
“Above all, the situation is very different from back then, right? You’re here with me, Duke.”
When she visited the Kevan Marquisate, she couldn’t bring a maid and always entered alone.
Since it was her first time going in with someone on her side, she felt no fear.
“It would be more fun if I could reveal my presence to them; it’s a shame.”
“We’ll go there after everything has fallen apart, so don’t worry about it.”
As they confirmed their invitations and entered, they continued their conversation.
“Don’t stray from my side. Don’t touch anything. Got it? Ignore anyone who speaks to you.”
“Duke, that’s the tenth time I’ve heard that. I’m not a child, so why do you keep saying that?”
“Because I’m worried.”
“I think it would be better to tie our wrists together with a string.”
“Should we?”
Kaien asked with a bright smile, and Philome fell silent.
Kaien, who was serious, had to settle for just a disappointed smirk. As they passed through the corridor and arrived at the banquet hall, loud noises came through the open door.
Kaien slightly lowered his head toward Philome while gazing straight ahead.
“About the mask…”
As the door opened, bright light poured in.
“It suits you very well.”
Philome suddenly turned her head to look at the window.
The mask reflected in the glass took the form of an angel adorned with splendid white feathers.
