Episode 113

After all the luggage was loaded, I got into the carriage with Ludwig.

Desar moved to climb in after us, but Ludwig quickly stopped him.

“Sorry, it’s a two-seater.”

“It looks spacious enough to fit ten grown men.”

“It’s more cramped than it looks. Take the carriage behind us.”

Ludwig smiled as he spoke, completely unfazed by Desar’s sharp gaze.

“If only you’d told me earlier you’d be coming to the capital too, I would’ve arranged a larger carriage.”

“……”

Desar finally let out a quiet sigh and turned to me.

“If anything happens, call for me.”

“You still treat him like some kind of beast.”

Ludwig muttered as he shut the carriage door himself.

“I really don’t understand why the former Duke of Drenihan trusts that guy over me.”

I let out a small laugh at Ludwig’s words.

“Maybe it’s because he’s been with me since I was really young.”

I turned my eyes back toward the window, where the sea was in view.

“What are you thinking about?”

Ludwig asked, noticing I’d been staring out the window for a while.

“Just… I’ve always thought it would be nice to live in a seaside village like this someday.”

Living in a small, white villa by the sea where the wind flows quietly.

It was something I’d dreamed of since I was little.

Maybe I’d end up realizing that dream sooner than I expected—though not in the way I imagined.

“You must really like the sea.”

“Maybe it’s because I lacked it. I’ve always wanted to see the ocean since I was a kid.”

And I wasn’t just talking about this life. Even in my past life, I never once saw the ocean.

Back when I was treated like a burden by parents who were worse than not having any…

Through my student years, when I scraped by doing endless part-time jobs to pay for school…

Even during the years I worked myself to the bone just to cover living expenses—I always told myself that if I ever got a break, I’d go see the ocean.

But I never did.

And now that I’ve finally seen it, it’s even more beautiful than I ever imagined.

“Just because I missed it for so long, I think I’ll have to live in a seaside villa at least once.”

I said with a smile.

“I hope that wish comes true.”

Ludwig replied in an especially gentle voice.

* * *

At the far edge of the Drenihan territory stood Robert’s laboratory.

Even before our carriage arrived, Robert was already outside waiting for us.

“Did you find it?”

He swallowed hard as he asked me.

Though he’d said from the start not to expect results right away, his eyes now shone with anticipation.

I smiled and gave Sharon a little nod.

She nodded back, then took a bottle from her bag and ran over to Robert with quick steps.

“We found it, Father!”

Sharon placed the bottle containing the fruit’s root into his hands.

Robert, caught off guard, accepted it with a stunned expression, staring at it in disbelief for a long while.

“This is really…”

The guilt of not being able to save his wife—and now, the hope of saving a girl like a daughter to him.

As conflicting emotions washed over him, he gently wiped the corners of his eyes, now slightly damp.

“Thank you, my lady. Please leave the rest to me.”

Robert now looked full of confidence.

“I’ll make sure to deliver good news within a few days.”

“I’m counting on you, Robert.”

I glanced toward the lab, cluttered with research materials.

Even while we were away in the South, it seemed he had spent many sleepless nights—his darkened under-eyes said as much.

“Just a little more effort. We’re almost there.”

“Of course. This is a battle I have to win for myself too. I can’t afford to have any more regrets.”

Robert answered resolutely, a firm smile on his face.

* * *

Contrary to my worries that I’d have to give an answer to his confession as soon as we returned to the capital, Ludwig didn’t pressure or ask me for anything.

But subtly…

‘He’s definitely gotten more flirty.’

With that handsome face that looked like it had been plucked straight out of my personal taste, he kept pretending to be innocent while teasing me—and my heart could barely handle it.

Just look at him now.

“Ludwig, what is this?”

“I saw flowers on the way here that reminded me of you, so I bought them.”

He said it so casually, like it was nothing. But in my hands was a bouquet overflowing with dazzling crystal flowers.

“I think His Grace is trying to say you shine just as brightly, my lady.”

Nella, standing beside me, smiled even more brightly than I did.

Crystal flowers, crafted through magic, bloomed like regular flowers but never wilted. Made of radiant crystals, they were so valuable they were traded like precious gems.

‘Just one of these is hard to come by, and he brought a whole bouquet…’

When I took them in my hands without thinking, I immediately felt how heavy they were.

It was the morning after we’d returned from the South.

I’d invited Ludwig for a light breakfast as a small thank-you for his help…

But I was the one receiving more than giving.

“Thank you, Ludwig.”

Still, looking at these beautiful flowers did lift my spirits.

Knock knock.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

With my permission, a servant stepped in and bowed deeply.

“My lady, you have visitors.”

“Visitors?”

I wasn’t expecting anyone today.

“Lord Arzen Selver and Lady Jenna Selver of the Selver Duchy are here to see you.”

“Oh! Young Lord Arzen?”

Nella said brightly from beside me.

I hadn’t even received a reply to the letter I sent Arzen yet.

Normally, they would’ve informed me in advance if they were coming—but today’s visit seemed completely unannounced.

And I already had company.

“Sorry, Ludwig. I did tell Arzen to come visit sometime, but I didn’t expect it to be today.”

“It’s fine. Besides, didn’t you invite him for that matter?”

That matter—the massive explosion that hit the Eastern District.

Jenna was the only person who might be able to trace the man behind it.

That was the real reason I asked Arzen to come with her.

“Would it be alright if I stayed?”

“If you want to, of course.”

He was directly involved in resolving this situation anyway.

“Then… please escort the guests to the drawing room. I’ll be right there.”

“Understood, my lady.”

After a quick change, I headed to the drawing room where two very similar-looking siblings were waiting for me.

Twins with snowy white hair and eyes as blue as the sea.

Sitting side by side like that, I seriously can’t tell who’s who.

It even looked like Jenna had cut her long hair into a short bob.

“Sierra! Are you alright?”

Arzen rushed over in a heartbeat and checked me over from head to toe.

The last time he saw me, I’d been unconscious with no known cause, so it was no wonder he was so worried.

“When did you wake up?”

“Not long ago. I heard you came by and used your power to help me. Thank you.”

“Come on, my friend was on the brink of death—of course I came. Though for some reason, my ability didn’t work at all… Still, I’m glad to see you looking healthy. You still don’t know what caused it?”

“Uh… The physician said they weren’t sure either.”

I obviously couldn’t say it was because Askan tried to materialize.

When Ludwig followed me into the room, Arzen caught sight of him and his gaze sharpened.

“Your Grace?”

“It’s been a while, Arzen.”

“What brings you here…?”

I answered, seeing the suspicion in Arzen’s eyes.

“Ludwig was the first one to come visit me while I was sick. You just happened to come now.”

“…Really?”

Just then, Jenna stepped forward from behind Arzen.

She smiled warmly as she spoke.

“Lady Drenihan, thank you for having us. I’d been worried for days, and when I heard you’d finally woken up, we came right away. I’m sorry we didn’t contact you beforehand.”

“It’s fine. Thank you for worrying—and for coming to see me.”

Then Jenna turned to Ludwig and greeted him too.

“It’s nice to see you again, Your Grace. I thought you’d be visiting me soon, but I’m glad to see you seem to be in good health.”

Arzen looked at her like she was saying something strange.

[With your condition, you won’t be able to hold out for long. If you ever need my help, come find me.]

She was referring to what she’d said to Ludwig last time in the park.

“I was actually planning to visit you first—but I guess we’re all here now.”

Jenna said with a smile.