Chapter 5 Part 7
One day, Jacob discovered the truth about the current head of the family. Unable to bear it any longer, he made the former leader of the Silver Knights kneel before him and took his place. To Aksion and the Silver Knights, the Duke was a criminal, creating different factions with conflicting interests.
‘I wonder how much she knows.’
Jacob’s eyes scanned Elia. The princess who had appeared suddenly and became the wife of the true lord. Initially, he had assumed it was for mutual benefit. However, it didn’t take long to realize that the lord’s gaze held something deeper. Moreover, the young lady’s abilities were extraordinary.
‘For some reason, my heart is racing.’
Their meeting might lead to something far beyond his expectations.
“Shall we move now?”
Jacob guided his lord and Elia. Unbeknownst to him, the title he used for Elia had changed from “princess” to “young lady.”
After resolving the issue with the rock, they quickly reached the gate. The entire gray pillar was made of magic stones, with a teleportation device installed at its center.
“Young lady, it was an honor to serve you.”
Jacob knelt on one knee, followed by a wave of knights. Watching this, Elia smiled.
“See you again.”
Finally, Elia, Aksion, Risha, the carriage, and the coachman entered the gate. A brilliant blue light engulfed everything.
* * *
Soon enough, Elia arrived at the capital’s gate. They rode straight to the Mahart family’s second house, located in the center of the capital. The grand fountain and the splendid garden greeted them. Though it was intended as a villa, the Mahart residences were no less grand than any noble’s main estate.
“Welcome, young lord, young lady.”
The butler managing the second house greeted them respectfully. As the servants carried the luggage, a large hand rested on Elia’s shoulder.
“You should rest a bit.”
“Hmm, should I?”
The world quickly darkened, but the timely darkness brought comfort to her tired eyes.
“This is the first time I’ve used magic outside of my shamanic rituals.”
Finding the core had required magic. Unable to use shamanic spells in front of the knights, she had to rely solely on her magical manipulation. Fortunately, it was successful.
Elia entered the room she was shown to. Risha, perceptive as ever, helped her change into comfortable clothes. She jumped into bed, feeling utter bliss.
“Ugh, so soft.”
Even though it was still daytime, she felt drowsy.
“Should I nap a little?”
Aksion had suggested she rest. Maybe a short nap wouldn’t hurt. With that, she closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep.
When she woke up, the room was already dark. She had planned to find the location of the Popechelia as soon as she arrived in the capital, but the entire day had passed.
“Well, I can find it tomorrow.”
Feeling a desire for some fresh air, Elia draped a shawl over her shoulders and stepped into the hallway. The outside was enveloped in night. Only the lights from the magic stones illuminated the luxurious spring garden below. Amidst the gentle glow, Aksion stood surrounded by flowers.
How long had he been watching? Aksion already knew she was there.
“Are you tired?”
“No, I overslept during the day. The garden here is beautiful.”
The garden, full of spring flowers, was indeed lovely. For a moment, both remained silent. Elia spoke first.
“The knights earlier, do they follow you?”
“My wife is quite perceptive.”
Aksion didn’t deny it. His red eyes met hers directly.
“They didn’t seem like the Duke’s men. And they even knelt before you, didn’t they?”
In the north, knights only knelt before their lord and his spouse. Aksion’s gaze lowered.
“I didn’t say anything… are you disappointed?”
Elia would have known about the invisible factions within the Duke’s domain just by noticing the presence of the knights.
“Not at all.”
Elia shook her head. It was quite the opposite of what Aksion thought.
“I’m relieved you have followers.”
She was glad there were people who didn’t see Aksion as a monster and would support him unconditionally.
“No more hiding things from now on, okay?”
“I swear.”
“Give me your hand.”
Elia muttered inwardly about his honesty as she took his hand. Confirming no one was around, she began the resonance ritual. Their magic intertwined, extending towards the warmest place, calming Aksion’s darkness.
“The speed of the darkness’s movement is slowing down.”
This was a good sign. It meant the black magic was becoming attuned to Elia.
“Can you feel it? It’s getting better.”
Elia couldn’t hide her joy, and Aksion quietly observed her.
“Aksion?”
“If it pleases you, then I am happy too.”
The following smile was prominent under the lights.
“I’m glad you’re getting better.”
Elia decided to take it as a sign of relief.
“Would you like to go somewhere more enjoyable to make up for the mistake?”
“Somewhere enjoyable?”
Though it was late, Elia found herself walking with Aksion.
Aksion draped a robe over Elia and then put on his own, leading her. They headed to the stables. He lifted Elia onto the black horse and then mounted behind her.
“Where are we going now?”
“We’re going on a date.”
With a playful answer, the horse sped up. The black horse quickly left the forest surrounding the second house and began galloping towards the town.
The horse stopped in a back alley. After handing over some silver coins to have the horse taken care of, Aksion led Elia further. The twinkling lights and the bustling sounds filled the air with delicious smells.
“Where is this?”
Aksion had brought her to a nearby night market. It was quite lively, with vendors selling food, various trinkets, and attractions.
“The butler told me about the night market. I thought you might like it.”
Even before he finished speaking, Elia’s eyes sparkled.
“What are we waiting for? Let’s go!”
Elia pulled Aksion along.
The first stop was a stall selling skewers.
“I skipped dinner, so I’m hungry.”
The skewers, marinated and grilled over charcoal, looked delicious. As Elia couldn’t take her eyes off the skewers, Aksion pulled out a silver coin.
“Here, please.”
“Oh, the young master knows what’s good. Here you go!”
The vendor handed Aksion a bunch of skewers. Holding the pile awkwardly, Aksion stood still, while Elia took two and returned the rest to the vendor.
“The rest is a tip!”
“You make a great couple. Thank you!”
The vendor laughed heartily without hesitation.
Elia found a spot a bit away from the stall and laughed.
“We can’t eat all twenty. Here, take one.”
Did I look that hungry?
Elia offered a skewer. The two of them bit into the well-cooked meat together.
“Mmm, salty and sweet.”
The slightly spicy seasoning danced on her tongue. The taste was different from the palace or the Duke’s estate, and Elia was delighted.
“It’s delicious. How is it?”
“I find it delicious too.”
They quickly finished the skewers. The fact that they each had another one was a secret between them.
They also enjoyed fruits coated in sweet syrup, various fried foods, and buns, quickly filling their stomachs. Feeling energized, Aksion asked Elia, who was beaming with joy.
“Where should we go next?”
“They seem to have games over there.”
Elia quickly decided their next destination. A game booth was offering prizes for throwing balls into goals.
“Shall we try? They have a variety of prizes!”
A vendor waved a teddy bear enticingly at Elia.
