ALL NOVEL Chapter 3
Johan and Fransia organized their plan and left the hotel.
It was clear just by looking at Fransia’s dress that it was quite luxurious, which caused the manager to quietly avert his gaze.
‘He knows we spent a night together, which we really shouldn’t have.’
Fransia exuded an air of noble grace, clearly a high-ranking aristocrat, while the noble beside her wore clothing that was somewhat out of place for his appearance.
Even a passing dog could see the stark difference in their social statuses.
“Welcome, Princess.”
As they emerged from the building, three knights who had been waiting for Fransia raised their heads.
The stout, middle-aged knight with a scarred face stood foremost.
He fleetingly glanced at Johan’s appearance and furrowed his brow, his expression indicating he immediately understood what had transpired the previous night.
However, perhaps out of respect for Fransia, he quickly relaxed his frown.
“The Duke is waiting.”
“Right. Let’s head back right away.”
“But, who is the gentleman beside you…?”
“Aah, this gentleman.”
Fransia smiled sweetly and pointed at Johan with her hand.
“This is Johan Harsen, the third son of the Harsen House. He will be my husband. You should greet him as well.”
The middle-aged knight’s face went pale at the mention of “husband.” The shock drained all color from his face.
“Princess, husband? Without consulting the Duke…!”
“Enough. Let’s not bring father into this.”
Fransia briskly turned her head and moved towards the carriage, receiving an escort from the knights as she climbed in.
“I’ll be hearing the complaints from my father later, so Eric, please keep quiet.”
“…Yes.”
Despite Fransia’s words, the middle-aged knight—Eric—continued to scrutinize Johan with an unsatisfied expression.
Johan casually met that gaze, narrowing his eyes slightly.
‘…Indeed.’
Considering Eric was a knight assigned to protect Fransia, it seemed that he found it acceptable to dismiss the third son of a viscount.
Surely, given the current situation, there would be support from the Duke, so it wouldn’t be a huge issue even if he shot him an impolite glare.
“Please, get in.”
The knight on the left gestured towards the carriage. Johan climbed aboard, still receiving cold stares.
“Let’s depart right away.”
“Right.”
As the carriage wheels began to roll, Fransia beamed with a smile.
“Your father may appear cold on the outside, but his heart is warm. If we explain Johan’s plans calmly, I’m sure he’ll understand.”
It’s true; he appears cold, but he only shows his warm side to his only daughter.
Moreover, the cold aspect isn’t just a trivial coldness. It’s more labeled as a chilling presence of a battlefield demon.
How would he handle this low-ranking noble who suddenly comes to claim the first of his only daughter? It wouldn’t be surprising if he were immediately executed.
‘But I do have something to believe in.’
If I can display the talent to join the Royal Office of Public Affairs as an Archmage, the Duke would have no choice but to change his attitude.
And although Johan’s lineage may be lacking, it isn’t completely void of advantages.
As much as the Harsen House lacks strength, that would only amplify the Duke’s words’ weight.
From the Duke’s perspective, who cherishes his daughter, sending her to the Harsen family instead of subjecting her to the treacheries of a political marriage might even be better.
‘I have enough negotiation cards.’
Johan answered lightly with a smile.
“Exactly. The Duke is, in fact, a person with a lot of affection. He will surely listen to our words.”
“Right. But did I ever bring up anything about my father?”
Johan shook his head.
“I haven’t heard anything regarding the Duke, but I thought I’d mention how your beauty has grown thanks to the Duke’s love.”
Upon hearing that, Fransia shyly covered her mouth and giggled.
“Haha, you do know how to flatter.”
It seems the lip service put her in a good mood. Johan returned her smile and turned his gaze out the window.
‘Now then, I should think about what magic I can use.’
I know all sorts of convenience magic. Cleaning spells and telekinesis with magical power to move objects, for example.
But that’s not enough. I need high-leveled, powerful elemental magic.
‘I can only use basic elemental magic.’
The elemental spells I can wield are limited to shooting small fireballs or creating a bolt that shocks a contacted enemy.
With this level, I could claim the title of a decent wizard, but there’s no way I could compete against the Royal Office of Public Affairs, which is the empire’s premier knight order.
‘Should I prioritize learning as much high-level magic as I can before the acceptance test?’
My talent is exceptional. I can interpret runes by myself. With just a little more learning, the flower of magic I’ve let wither will surely bloom.
Johan asked.
“How long have you been learning magic, Fransia?”
“Me? Uh….”
Fransia tapped her cheek lightly with her finger before answering.
“I’ve been receiving mana affinity training since I started to walk as a child. After some affinity had developed, I began formally learning runes. Magic came next.”
Gradually building her affinity and then discovering various runes and compatible attributes. That’s a textbook route.
“Why do you ask?”
“It feels like it’s time to properly learn magic.”
“Hmm? Haven’t you learned magic…?”
Fransia asked cautiously and Johan chuckled lightly.
“I was self-taught. So that’s why I can only use this minor magic.”
Snap! Johan snapped his fingers. A small snowflake materialized in the air.
“Right now, I can only manifest mana. That’s why I intend to properly learn now that I will be with Fransia.”
Fransia offered a bashful smile.
“Y-you really don’t have to push yourself? I’ll talk to my father on your behalf.”
Her voice was filled with concern.
Fransia understood that it becomes difficult to learn magic once you reach a certain age, which is why she said that.
“It’s fine. Nothing you worry about will happen. You don’t need to be concerned; I’ll show you later.”
Johan smiled lightly and turned back to look out the window again.
The Ferbache Duke House mansion in the Royal Capital was drawing closer.
*
The Ferbache Mansion in the Royal Capital.
An unusual cold aura surrounded the premises, causing breath and exhalation to waft in misty puffs.
Though quite some time had passed since winter, the staff of this mansion were trembling in fright.
“Where is Fransia?”
The Duke of Ferbache, Frost Ferbache, was drawing his frost-type mana to the extreme.
“She is currently coming to the mansion. She should arrive within ten minutes.”
Under the ominous aura emanating from the Duke, his aide, Enrique, swallowed hard.
“Right. Right. She’ll be here soon.”
Seated at his desk with fingers interlaced, exuding seriousness, the Duke then asked with a stiffened face.
“Have you concluded the investigation on the man accompanying Fransia?”
“Yes.”
Aide Enrique unfolded some documents and began to relay the information about the man Fransia was meeting.
“Johan Harsen. He is the third son of the Harsen House. Though he hasn’t enrolled in university, he achieved top scores in social studies at the academy.”
As the documents flipped, Enrique continued.
“He exhibited remarkable talents in both swordsmanship and magic during special lessons but has not joined any department or applied to the public office.”
Duke Frost furrowed his brow.
“There’s truly nothing to criticize here. Regrettably so.”
Despite the impeccable credentials, the Duke was not forgiving.
Even if it was the rival noble house, Renokhone, he still wouldn’t tolerate it.
“Given that he graduated at the top of social studies, he certainly has abilities. Had he offered to join as an aide, I would have welcomed him with open arms. However, as a son-in-law, that’s unacceptable.”
Frost narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized Johan’s portrait.
Shadows of the Ferbache House had stolen the painting that was kept in the academy.
“Now that I think of it, his looks are not ordinary. Surely, he must have charmed our Fransia with that face. That damned fox-like scoundrel…!”
If it wasn’t for that, the wise Fransia would never have spent a night with an outsider.
‘Damn it, I should have rejected the request to attend the party yesterday at all costs.’
The Duke’s face twisted further.
He had a rare opportunity to visit the capital and travel with Fransia. But what fortune? A grand party was held at the Marquis’s residence!
Of course, Fransia would be interested, and he could hardly refuse her earnest request.
Instead, the condition was that she must return before it got too late.
But Fransia did not return.
Even though there were knights assigned to escort her, he hadn’t kept a shadow on her…
‘What were those fools doing…?!’
What on earth were they doing not protecting Fransia? If anything happened with this outsider…
“It appears this man has some knowledge and skills in etiquette and other areas.”
“Etiquette? Skills? People like that are plentiful in our family!”
Boom! Frost slammed the desk. Everything within reach froze instantly, and white frost began to spread.
“I cannot accept this scoundrel. If what I fear has come to pass, he will not remain unharmed.”
The air in the office grew tense and heavy with cold. The Duke’s gaze burned with icy flames.
“However, it might be wise to listen to the Princess’s opinion…”
“Fransia is still too young for that.”
Seeing the Duke grinning, Enrique thought.
‘At twenty, she’s of an age where she could be married…’
A woman’s marriage is typically settled between the ages of 17 and 23, but for high-ranking aristocrats, arrangements are often made from a young age.
But what of Fransia Ferbache? Even at the ripe age of twenty, she cannot even mention the word “marriage.”
This was due to the Duke’s overprotectiveness.
Naturally, other nobles avoided contacting her. They all knew they’d get crushed if they dared approach.
‘…There’s nothing else for it. I have to mediate as best as I can from the middle.’
Enrique secretly sighed and shook his head.
*
As Johan continued to converse with Fransia, they soon arrived at the Ferbache Mansion in the Royal Capital.
Johan disembarked first, as if accustomed, and extended his hand to Fransia.
“Oh, thank you.”
Fransia smiled and accepted Johan’s escort as she stepped down from the carriage.
Clank!
As the mansion’s grand door opened, the awaiting staff and an unnamed man bowed respectfully in greeting.
“Welcome, Princess. And Johan Harsen.”
Johan flinched slightly. Has the investigation on him already concluded?
It was evident that Duke Ferbache had certainly ground his teeth in preparation.
“The Duke has asked to see you immediately.”
The unnamed man before them got straight to the point.
Johan gulped, his throat heavy.
‘It’s begun.’
This was the first hurdle to making a life with Fransia.