ALL NOVEL Chapter 16
The reconnaissance mission finished, and the public affairs officers and knights, along with the soldiers, returned safely.
The funeral for those who had passed during the mission was conducted simply and swiftly.
Since the Deputy Head of the Second Public Affairs Officer had lost his life, most of the personnel, including Johan, came to pay their respects.
“He was a good man…”
“He was a bit boisterous, but he knew how to do things right.”
“Deputy Head, may you go to a better place.”
The public affairs officers expressed their sorrow at his death. It was only natural that many would mourn someone who had garnered such widespread respect.
Amidst such a somber atmosphere, a man sat in the corner, his expression hardened and lost in thought.
‘How unpleasant.’
It was Fedelian, the head of the Second Public Affairs Officer.
‘Johan Harsen should have been among them.’
Most of the unit that had gone south, no, all of them should have been lying in that coffin.
But such a thing had not occurred. Johan Harsen, who had only just reached the rank of Archmage, had unexpectedly demonstrated skills that completely ruined the plan.
‘…It’s infuriating.’
Fedelian silently clenched his fist. His heart raced with anger, but he had to maintain the facade of the Crown Prince and knew when to wear the mask of composure.
Of course, the reason for his displeasure wasn’t solely this.
‘Fransia.’
The flower that should have belonged to him on the cliff was marred by someone else’s hands—this was something he simply couldn’t accept.
The plan had failed? He could try again next time. The competent Deputy Head had died? He could just appoint someone new, couldn’t he?
But the defilement of a woman’s purity was a different matter altogether. That was irreversible.
‘It’s truly… infuriating.’
Fedelian had never not gotten something he wanted.
He merely had to voice his desires, and what he wished for was just given to him.
However.
Fransia Ferbache. She was someone he wanted but could not have, someone out of reach even when he reached out. Not only could he not have her, but another man had taken her from him.
What was worse, that man had claimed all that he so desperately wanted from her. He had taken her beauty and her purity.
It was laughable to be so swayed by a mere woman, but the fact that she was taken from him wasn’t just a loss of possession; it was an assault on his authority, his very existence.
A warped mentality rooted in a privileged life he had enjoyed all his life.
Fedelian had been born with everything, in an environment where no one could defy him.
For him, the concept of not being able to have what he wanted was foreign, and he had always been assured that he could have whatever he desired, treating every target as mere possessions.
The reason he was obsessed with Fransia? She was the first person he encountered who was an “uncontrollable entity.”
She possessed rare magical healing properties and had an appearance that was the epitome of elegance, akin to a flower blooming on a cliff. The fact that he could not suppress or dominate her ignited his pride and led to obsession.
It was a distorted psychology that suggested that by completely claiming her, he could restore his authority and pride.
“Fransia, you will not slip from my grasp.”
Fedelian tightened his fist.
He would be the one to claim her in the end.
*
The brief condolences concluded, and the public affairs officers returned to the training ground.
This was because they needed to submit their final report before heading out on vacation.
Moreover, there was the most important Archmage appointment ceremony.
“Johan Harsen, Archmage. I officially recognize you as a member of the Second Public Affairs Officer. Congratulations on becoming an Archmage.”
The head, Fedelian, personally placed the emerald badge around his neck, marking the completion of the ceremony.
“I’ll do my best.”
“……”
Fedelian’s expression looked like he had bitten into something sour. Johan desperately stifled his laughter at the sight.
“Congratulations, Archmage Harsen!”
“Johan, congratulations!”
“Welcome!”
In contrast, the members of the Second Public Affairs Officer genuinely congratulated the new Archmage.
And rightfully so.
Not only did he save everyone in the test-like first reconnaissance mission, but he also dealt with an Archdemon.
He was like the new hero of the Second Public Affairs Officer.
“Thank you.”
As Johan smiled and thanked the members, another woman approached him.
“Johan?”
It was Violet, smiling alluringly as she spoke to Johan.
She casually touched Johan’s shoulder, continuing the conversation as if she was familiar with him.
“Congratulations on becoming an official Archmage. By the way, is the proposal I made last time still pending?”
“I don’t understand what you mean by pending.”
As Johan’s face grew cold, Violet drew a line with her eyes.
“What do you mean? I asked you to go with me as a partner for the upcoming social party, and you said you would think about it.”
Her lie caused a stir around them.
“What? So, the Ferbache Archmage and she weren’t dating?”
“It was just something casual. I get it.”
“With a face like that, it’s no surprise she’s involved in a love affair.”
However, Johan wasn’t someone who would be swayed by such trivialities. He had ample experience uncovering the various schemes noble ladies from high-ranking families would try on him.
“First-class Mage Ratalen, I really don’t understand what you’re saying. Did I not politely decline the last time? I said I would go with Lady Ferbache, as she is my partner.”
Johan replied calmly, tilting his head. There was no change in his expression.
“Hmm. Your title has been downgraded from Violet to First-class Mage Ratalen. Does that mean I’ve overstepped my bounds?”
“You’re quite perceptive.”
“It’s a pity. I wanted to go to that party with you, but it looks like I’ll have to find another partner instead.”
Violet shrugged and leaned in close to whisper in Johan’s ear.
“Look forward to it.”
“……”
Having said that, she smiled sweetly and turned away.
‘What am I supposed to look forward to? Crazy girl.’
Johan could only ruminate over her words.
“Ahem, everyone, let’s focus on work! It’s right before vacation, so we need to wrap this up and go home!”
At that moment, a man changed the subject to lighten the mood. It was Merdin, who had kept the relationship between him and Fransia a secret since coming to the public affairs office.
Perhaps he brought up the new topic to lend Johan a helping hand.
‘Didn’t he say he would propose after this reconnaissance mission?’
Maybe that was why he wore a broad smile on his face.
‘Good for him.’
If Johan hadn’t retreated everyone and caught the Archdemon by himself, he would surely have lost his life, and his fiancée would have been left alone.
Thinking that way made him feel an inexplicable sense of pride.
“Johan!”
While Johan was busy organizing documents, another woman approached him.
“Fransia.”
It was Fransia. She seemed finished preparing to leave and had already submitted her report.
A deep smile spread across Johan’s face.
“Have you finished your work?”
“Yes. There was nothing particular to submit, so I finished quickly. What about you?”
“I have a bit left. I need to properly document the characteristics of that Archdemon.”
Fransia tilted her head, her long black hair cascading over her shoulder.
“Can I help you?”
“It’s fine. I’ll be done soon.”
“Okay then. I’ll go out and wait for you.”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
As Johan smiled back, Fransia nodded contentedly and went outside.
He had decided to return to the Ferbache Royal Mansion with her today.
Because today was the day to see the results of the promise made with Duke Ferbache.
‘I handled the work well, but…’
I can’t let my guard down; I don’t know what kind of excuses he’ll come up with to throw me another assignment.
*
Inside the carriage heading to the Ferbache Royal Mansion.
Fransia spoke.
“My father said he’d be coming tomorrow.”
“I see. Is he alright?”
“Yes, he’s busy but managed to make some time.”
Currently, the four prominent families, referred to as the core of the Empire, were in a busy period.
With winter coming, they have to eliminate the Demonic Beasts lurking in the dungeons and inspect the borders that meet foreign lands.
Furthermore, they had to stockpile the region’s food and resources in preparation for winter, so it was no wonder they were busy.
“Are you not nervous?”
Fransia glanced up at him and asked. Johan awkwardly smiled and replied.
“There’s no way not to be nervous.”
It would be nice if Duke Ferbache could say, “Done! Now you are our Ferbache family’s son-in-law!” and end it there, but he wouldn’t stop there.
Instead, he would likely give Johan a tougher assignment to mold him into an appropriate Ferbache son-in-law.
“Still, your father is a kind man, so it should be fine. You dealt with that Archdemon by yourself, after all. You saved so many people.”
Fransia dreamt of a positive future, but Johan’s conclusion was, well, uncertain.
“I hope it turns out well enough that you won’t have to worry.”
However, since he couldn’t honestly express what was in his heart, he concluded with a vague response.
“By the way, there’s a social party coming up soon.”
“Are you worried?”
“No, not worried…”
Fransia started twirling her long black hair with her finger while continuing.
“It’s just that, well, a lot of unpleasant people gather at those events.”
As she said, many unpleasant people would come to the upcoming social party since both the First Public Affairs Officer and the Second Public Affairs Officer would be attending.
The Deputy Head of the First Public Affairs Officer, Kasys Lenokhnen.
The Head of the Second Public Affairs Officer, Fedelian Rojino.
Fedelian’s fiancée, Rudella Bismarck.
And so on.
Even Johan felt dizzy just thinking about it, so it was evident how she felt.
“You don’t need to worry too much. I’ll be there.”
“Haha, that’s true. You’ve always been there to protect me when I was in tricky situations.”
Fransia smiled brightly and then continued with her questions.
“Have you decided what you’ll wear to the social party?”
“I haven’t chosen an outfit yet. I was planning to match it with yours.”
“I love that thoughtfulness.”
If one had a partner entering a social party together, it was standard to match the dress code.
Johan had known this and was waiting for her to say just that.
“Before we see my father tomorrow, let’s go pick out our dress code first.”
“Sounds good. Let’s do that.”
“Do you have a preferred color? I…”
As they traveled towards the Ferbache Royal Mansion, warm conversation flowed between them.
*
At that moment, in the Imperial Palace.
Rudella Bismarck walked down the corridor, maintaining a deep silence.
Crossing the long corridor she always walked through, she stood before a large arch-shaped door.
“Haah…”
She unintentionally let out a deep sigh.
Even though it was the Crown Prince’s residence she often visited, she couldn’t ignore the psychological discomfort and frustration.
But she had to enter.
She needed to discuss future matters with him.
Because she was meant to serve him, the one who would become Emperor.
That was what she had been taught.
She knocked on the door and spoke.
“Your Highness, may I come in?”
-Enter.
Creeeak.
As the arch-shaped door opened, a luxurious room was revealed.
The Crown Prince, Fedelian, sat on a desk, reviewing documents.
“Your Highness.”
“What brings you here today?”
“I need to discuss the upcoming social party.”
“Ah, that.”
With a thud, Fedelian placed the documents on the desk and tilted his head.
“Are you here to ask me for a partner?”
“Not to ask, but as a fiancée, it’s only natural—”
“Nothing is natural in this world, Lady Bismarck.”
Fedelian spoke with a somewhat indifferent expression, as if he were bored.
“I’ve learned that this time around. I thought I had everything, but that wasn’t exactly true.”
Standing by the desk, Fedelian rose and walked toward Rudella.
“What do you wish to say?”
“People believe you and I are engaged, but we are not that close, are we? I think deciding on a partner is something I can handle freely.”
“……”
Rudella tried to say something but could only move her lips, unable to utter any words. Her mouth wouldn’t open.
“Well, it seems the woman I intended to take as my partner has found another partner. So, be satisfied with that, Lady Bismarck. Isn’t this good news for you? You can rejoice.”
Fedelian smiled widely as he cupped Rudella’s cheek with his hand.
Though she frowned at the unwanted touch, she quickly regained her composure.
“You love me more than anyone else, don’t you?”
“……”
“Is that different from what I said?”
“No, that’s correct.”
“Since you’ve given me the answer I wanted, you may leave now.”
“Yes.”
Rudella slowly closed her eyes and bowed her head. The kind of love she had learned was somewhat distorted.
Well, can one even call it love?
Rudella couldn’t foresee it, but that didn’t matter.
She was simply a useful tool of the Bismarck Marquess family.