“Just greeting you.”
“So why are you greeting me?”
“Well, because the Grand Duke is going to the capital…”
“No.”
Edelmar flatly denied it, pointing at Ian.
“You’ll be going as well.”
Ian’s face twisted instantly.
“What are you talking about? Why should I go to the capital?”
He had just managed to escape from the capital.
The mere idea of returning made Ian’s head ache.
He had no intention of visiting the capital until he gained full independence.
Edelmar smiled and handed him a note.
“The High Priest is looking for you.”
The note Edelmar presented indeed contained a message stating that the High Priest wanted to see Ian.
Ian pressed his temple, feeling a sudden headache.
“Do you know why the Hight Priest’s looking for me?”
“I asked, but the High Priest said it would only explain if you came in person. It seems the gods may have issued a prophecy.”
Ian’s hand, which had been pressing his temple, froze.
“Do gods even issue prophecies?”
“Didn’t you know? A hundred years ago, there was a prophecy about monsters appearing in the northern territories.”
If it was about monsters in the northern territories…
“Was the first emperor the one who received the prophecy?”
“Yes, he received a prophecy about a hero who would save the world and joined the war because of it.”
The first emperor had been the second son of the impoverished Count of Spenbaum at the time.
It all made sense now why someone who had never wielded a sword had suddenly entered a war.
“And the Duke of Loenbaum, who assisted him, also received a prophecy.”
“What kind of prophecy was it?”
“When the time comes, everything will return to its rightful place. Assist Spenbaum with all your might.”
Edelmar’s voice was devoid of emotion, making it sound like the gods themselves were speaking.
Ian tilted his head after hearing the prophecy from Edelmar.
“What does it mean that everything will return to its rightful place?”
“No idea.”
“No idea?”
Edelmar, sitting in his chair, tapped his fingers on the table as he spoke.
“That’s right. The meaning of a prophecy can only be understood by the recipient. Even the High Priest didn’t know what it meant.”
“Did even the first emperor not know?”
Edelmar nodded.
“According to imperial records, the first emperor was curious, but the Duke of Loenbaum never told him.”
Everything will return to its rightful place…
‘What exactly did the first duke want to set right?’
Edelmar, noticing Ian lost in thought, slammed the table, breaking Ian’s reverie.
“So, when are you leaving?”
Ian sighed deeply.
Ever since obtaining the first sacred relic, his health had improved, and he no longer felt rushed.
Unlike his hurried trip to Taylor’s estate, his journey to Fend’s estate had been leisurely, like a casual trip.
Even where he was now, the area seemed perfect for a spring getaway.
“Tomorrow…”
“You’ll need to get a dress tailored, won’t you?”
Ian frowned again.
“Rose won’t be attending.”
“Isn’t it more worrisome to leave Rose alone?”
That was true.
It wasn’t just any place—they were going to the capital.
Even his townhouse couldn’t completely guarantee her safety from all threats.
“…Alright. We’ll leave once the kids wake up.”
“I’ll have the carriage prepared.”
‘Fine, have it your way.’
“Okay.”
Edelmar left the room with a satisfied smile.
Ian rubbed his face with his hands.
He had never imagined he would have to return to the capital.
It was the last place he wanted to revisit, especially since the main stage of the <Flow> was set there.
“What on earth is the god thinking?”
Ian sighed again, covering his face with his hands.
Ever since arriving in this world, sighing had become a frequent occurrence.
***
Spring had fully bloomed in the capital, with flowers in full blossom across the city.
As the warm sunlight poured down, people who had been huddled indoors during the cold ventured outside.
The same was true for noblewomen.
They walked the well-maintained streets under elegant parasols, stopping by nearby tea houses to rest and chat whenever they grew tired.
Though their conversations often revolved around clothing or jewelry, this time was different.
The topic on everyone’s lips was the upcoming spring banquet to be held at the imperial palace in a few days.
Conversations went on endlessly about who would be escorting whom, what dresses they would wear, and which young noblemen would attend.
“Did you really get an escort request from the Count’s son?”
At her friend Lady Raina’s question, Lady Hidwar nodded shyly.
“Wow! That’s amazing! You’ve been secretly in love with him for quite some time!”
“Hey! Quiet!”
Lady Hidiwar hurriedly covered her friend’s mouth.
“What’s there to be embarrassed about?”
Lady Louise, seated across from them, grinned mischievously.
Hidwar blushed as she removed her hand from her friend’s mouth.
“I don’t know. It’s embarrassing.”
“Sheesh. What are you going to do when you get married if you’re already acting like this?”
Lady Raina’s playful comment made all the gathered noblewomen burst into laughter.
Even as she laughed in embarrassment, Lady Hidwar’s maid approached her from behind.
“Milady, the appointed time is approaching.”
“Oh, understood.”
With graceful movements, Lady Hidwar stood up, drawing the attention of the others.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m meeting him to get fitted for clothes.”
“Oh.”
Lady Louise nodded knowingly.
“Well, have fun.”
As Lady Hidwar left with her maid in quick steps, Lady Louise set her teacup down and remarked,
“What’s there to be embarrassed about when her escort was bought with money?”
“Exactly. Without the wristwatch, do you think Lady Hidwar would have received an escort request?”
The one who had asked Lady Hidwar to be his escort was Young Duke Monrek, considered the top bachelor in the capital.
Young Duke Monrek, who had never before requested to escort anyone and was free of romantic scandals, caused a stir in the capital when he suddenly chose the newly risen Lady Hidwar as his companion.
People speculated—was it true love, or was he swayed by money? Both Lady Hidwar and Young Duke Monrek remained silent, fueling debates.
Just when public opinion leaned toward the idea that it was true love, someone noticed a watch on the Young Duke’s wrist.
It was later revealed that the first to purchase and display the wristwatch were none other than Count Hidwar and the young Count Hidwar. Noble families, upon learning this, realized that the escort request was merely a gesture of thanks for the wristwatch.
Relief lasted only briefly as the noblewomen grew resentful, realizing they too could have had the same opportunity but missed it.
“Do you think they might fall for each other after spending so much time together?”
“No way. Are you crazy? Look at Hidwar’s face. Do you think that would work?”
“He might not care about appearances.”
Lady Louise pouted as Lady Raina waved her hand dismissively.
“No. I checked. Young Duke Monrek cares a lot about looks.”
“How do you know that?”
“My father said so after drinking with the Duke. The Duke lamented that his son insists on choosing a wife based on looks.”
Raina’s words made Louise sigh inwardly with relief.
‘With my looks, I’m doing quite well.’
Raina shared the same thought.
‘I’m the type who could actually catch the Young Duke Monrek’s attention.’
Unaware they were sharing the same thoughts, Louise and Raina exchanged smiles as their eyes met.
Just then, the bell on the tea house door jingled.
Both of them instinctively turned their heads.
A man entered, his hair gleaming like molten gold and his eyes as vibrant as amethyst.
His sharp jawline and distinct features enhanced the impression of a living sculpture.
Perhaps due to his cold expression, the man seemed even more statue-like as he stepped into the tea house.
The room fell silent in an instant.
Even the two, who had been criticizing Lady Hidwar, clammed up and stared at the man.
“…He’s handsome.”
Louise muttered, and without realizing it, Raina nodded in agreement as her eyes scanned the man from head to toe.
His tailored clothes fit perfectly, and the fabric was clearly of the highest quality.
His broad shoulders, slim waist, and long legs set him apart from other noblemen.
‘Not only is he tall, but his legs are also long.’
Caught in admiration, they watched him with dazed eyes. Suddenly, a flash of yellow appeared at the man’s side.
“Huh?”
A child with light-colored hair popped out, wearing a skirt in a striking shade of yellow.
“Uncle! I want to look around too!”
The man, who had been wearing a cold expression, leaned down toward the child, and his face instantly softened.
Lady Raina’s heart skipped a beat as she watched the transformation in his demeanor.
The man adeptly picked up the child and pointed to the snacks displayed on the counter.
Though they couldn’t hear the conversation, his lips moved as if explaining the treats to the child.
Once he finished speaking, the man gazed lovingly at the child, who then pointed at the snacks they wanted. He placed the order.
Even as the snacks were being packed, his attention remained fixed on the child.
The child, seemingly accustomed to the man’s affectionate gaze, clung to his neck and babbled on without care.
Whatever the child said made them burst into laughter before leaning in and planting a kiss on the man’s cheek.
His already gentle smile deepened even further.
“This is insane.”
Louise whispered as she watched the scene unfold.
“It’s all packed, sir,”
After paying, the man carried the child in his arms and left the tea house.
Louise and Raina kept their eyes on him until he disappeared from view.
The quiet tea house buzzed back to life.
Louise, still gazing dreamily through the glass window, spoke.
“Who could that man be?”
Equally dazed, Raina murmured.
“I want to see him again.”
