Chapter 1.3

The Royal Banquet. Everywhere Evelyn looked, the hall was full of handsome men. Enjoying the rare treat for her eyes, Evelyn whistled inwardly.  

“Sir Stina.”  

While she was looking down from the second floor, a voice called out from behind. Evelyn turned around, her eyes lighting up.  

Donovan, dressed in dark clothing, walked toward her. His brows were furrowed as if something displeased him.  

“If I had known you were on the second floor, I would’ve come up sooner. I’ve been looking for you for quite a while.”  

“Hmm, should I have worn something more noticeable than my uniform? Like a dress, perhaps?”  

Evelyn glanced down at her outfit. Although she was here as a guest, she was wearing her knight’s uniform.  

“Why are you wearing your uniform when you’re not on duty?”  

“This outfit is the most comfortable for me now. Still, I made an effort to wear the ceremonial uniform for the banquet today.”  

“That’s true.”  

Donovan’s eyes scanned her white ceremonial uniform before handing her the glass he was holding. Evelyn thanked him with a glance and accepted the glass.  

“What were you looking at from the second floor?”  

“The people.”  

“Is watching people that interesting?”  

“It’s been a while since I’ve come here as a guest, so I was observing the guests below.”  

She took a small sip with her tongue and realized it was non-alcoholic. She felt a twinge of disappointment but didn’t let it show.  

“Don’t you come to the banquet hall often?”  

Evelyn responded with a laugh, as if his question about what there was to see was amusing. Donovan, being sharp, quickly grasped the answer.  

“Normally, you’re too busy guarding someone to spare a glance elsewhere, aren’t you?”

“I can’t afford to look away from my charge. As expected, you’re right on the mark again.”

This was why conversations with him were so easy. Evelyn felt even more cheerful. At this moment, there was only one thing she regretted.  

“It would’ve been nice if there were fireworks today. The timing never seems to work out…”  

“You haven’t seen the fireworks properly, have you?”  

Without answering, Evelyn slowly sipped her drink. She rarely had such leisurely moments.  

“What do you think it would’ve been like?”  

“Now that I think about it, it was a pointless question. I was foolish to ask.”  

Although Donovan wasn’t a knight, he understood the duties of one. No matter how dazzling the fireworks were, it was the same.  

Royal Knights couldn’t watch the fireworks. They had to keep their eyes on the king, their charge.  

“They say the Royal Palace’s fireworks are spectacular. I am curious.”  

“Do you want to see the fireworks that badly?”  

“I’ve never seen them properly. I thought I would be able to watch them once I became a Royal Knight, but that wasn’t the case either.”  

Evelyn looked as dejected as wet paper.  

“Every time there were fireworks during a Royal Banquet, I always ended up on duty and missed them.”  

Donovan silently stared at Evelyn. He always looked at her like this whenever he wanted to do something for her.  

“Shall I show you?”  

“Pardon?”  

“You said you wanted to see them. Then you should.”  

“It’s not something I can see just because I want to.”  

Evelyn tilted her head. There were no fireworks planned for today’s Royal Banquet. How was he going to show her?  

“If you just say you want it, it’s possible.”  

“Me?”  

“Just say you want it. I’ll make it happen.”  

Evelyn pressed her lips inward. 

Hmm, this feels strange. This sounds like something someone would say when trying to charm a woman they like.  

“Do you want it or not?”

Donovan urged her for an answer. Captivated by his midsummer green eyes, Evelyn momentarily lost her words.  

“Why are you looking at me like that?”  

“Your eyes…”  

She had always known they were beautiful, but now they seemed utterly enchanting.  

“No, it’s nothing. Can you really show me if I say I want to?”  

“I told you, I’ll do anything for you.”  

A fleeting emotion passed through Donovan’s eyes. Evelyn blinked, trying to recall it.  

Nervousness? Longing?

For me?

She tried to find that emotion again, but his eyes were as calm as rippling water. Evelyn became more and more confused. While she stared blankly into his eyes, Donovan gestured toward the outside.  

“If you want to see the fireworks, let’s go somewhere quiet. The balcony would be best.”  

***

The balcony was brightly lit. It felt as if it were a small world of its own, isolated from the banquet hall.  

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime sight, so watch carefully.”  

“What are you planning to do?”  

Though she had followed him willingly, Evelyn was puzzled.  

“You’re not thinking of using magic, are you? You can’t just use magic freely in the Royal Palace.”  

“Don’t worry, it’s fine. I’ve set up a barrier spell so no one else will see.”  

“A barrier spell here?”  

Evelyn’s eyes widened. 

Casting a barrier spell just for a fleeting whim?  

“As expected of someone known as the Kingdom’s Greatest Mage.”  

It was a trick only someone like Donovan Yerenst, overflowing with magical power, could pull off.

“What if someone sees us?”  

“It’s just the two of us here, so as long as we keep it a secret, it’ll be fine.”  

“A secret?”  

“If we get caught, we’ll both take the blame together.”  

Casting magic recklessly in the Royal Palace meant being prepared to submit an official explanation. Evelyn thought about stopping him one more time but decided against it.  

Whatever. When would I ever get another chance like this?  

“It’s been a while since I’ve done this, so I’m not sure how well it’ll go. It’ll probably be a bit smaller than regular fireworks.”  

That was the signal. Donovan waved his hand, and a small light burst from his fingertips. The light shot up into the air like a ball.  

“Wow.”  

Fireworks bloomed from Donovan’s hand. There was no loud noise or smell of gunpowder, but the display illuminated the night sky brilliantly.  

“The theme… Let’s go with the four seasons.”  

As Evelyn’s gaze was captured by the lights, the faint sound of the banquet hall’s orchestra reached her ears.  

“Spring starts with flowers.”  

Pink fireworks blossomed. The flower-shaped lights shone brightly as they bloomed. Each petal seemed alive, rippling with vivid motion.  

“Summer is best matched with waves.”  

Blue fireworks rose. The deep blue light shimmered and swayed like waves. It sparkled like a galaxy, swirling around Evelyn.  

“On autumn nights, stars are beautiful.”  

Silver fireworks shot up. Dozens of stars glittered in the sky before transforming into droplets that gently fell.  

“And winter…”  

“In winter, it has to be snow!”  

Evelyn clapped her hands and interrupted. Donovan let out a brief laugh and waved his hand.  

“Exactly.”  

The lights turned into silver snowflakes, forming a radiant halo. The shimmering lights flickered as though they were alive.  

“What’s your next favorite color?”  

“Can you do two colors at once?”  

“That’s not difficult.”  

He continued casting spells tirelessly. Evelyn became completely absorbed in the fireworks unfolding in this small world.  

“Can I touch it?”  

“If you do, it’ll be hot, so refrain.”  

“They’re so pretty I wanted to touch them… What a shame.”  

Evelyn lowered her half-raised hand. She had thought magical fireworks wouldn’t be hot, but apparently, that wasn’t the case. Seeing her disappointment, Donovan cast a spell that made the lights ripple and circle around her body.  

“They’re so, so beautiful… It feels like I’m inside a fairy tale I read as a child.”  

“I’m glad you like it.”  

Was this how the cinder girl felt when she met the fairy godmother long ago?  

She didn’t know how much time had passed. Gradually, the fireworks faded from Donovan’s fingertips.  

“I have to stop now. Even with the barrier spell, casting magic for too long in the Royal Palace will make the magical waves noticeable.”  

“Has it already been that long? I didn’t even notice time passing.”  

Feeling both amazed and regretful, Evelyn grabbed Donovan’s hand. 

How did the fireworks come out from here?  

“I always thought mages only cast grand spells, but thanks to you, I’ve seen something so beautiful.”  

Evelyn fiddled with his long, elegant hand, lost in the lingering feeling.  

“Magic is truly amazing. But you didn’t burn your hand, did you?”  

Unable to suppress her curiosity, Evelyn grabbed Donovan’s hand and inspected it closely. His eyes flickered slightly as his hand was held. His fingers twitched as though he was about to pull his hand away.  

“…”  

“Your hand is so smooth, Earl. Is that just how all nobles are?”  

Unlike the calloused hands of a knight, his were straight and elegant.  

“Sir Stina.”  

Donovan looked down at her, his complex emotions clearly visible. He spoke quietly.  

“Sir, you’re as unguarded now as you were back then. It’s almost shocking how consistent you are.”  

“Oh, come on. What’s there to be guarded about between us? We’ve known each other since our academy days.”  

Donovan, whose hand was still being held, let out a soft laugh. Though he was laughing, it felt strangely like he was mocking her.  

“…Did I say something wrong?”  

“It’s not your fault.”  

Donovan slowly withdrew his hand. Turning his body toward the outside, he rested his hand on the railing. Evelyn silently scolded herself for being so thoughtless and apologized.  

“Sorry for touching you so carelessly. I forgot nobles are sensitive about physical contact.”  

Donovan didn’t reply, quietly facing the night breeze. Evelyn moved closer and stood beside him.  

“Being up high like this reminds me of the past.”  

“The past? When?”  

“When we first met. Back when you were a freshman in the academy’s swordsmanship department, and I was in the magic department.”  

“Back then? That feels like ages ago.”  

“Everything was much simpler back then. I used to wish I could grow up quickly…”  

His soft voice trailed off. Donovan wore a bitter smile, which soon disappeared.  

“Why did you want to grow up so badly?”  

“There was something I desperately wanted. I thought I could have it once I became an adult.”  

“And did you get what you wanted?”  

What could Donovan have wanted during his academy days? The solid position of heir to the Earldom? If that was the case, he had already achieved it.  

“I haven’t gotten it yet. It seems I still need more time.”

“Even as a Young Earl, is there something you still haven’t achieved? What is it? Can’t you tell me?”  

“Not yet. I’ll tell you when the time comes.”  

“That’s so unfair…”  

At Evelyn’s words, he laughed silently. Donovan’s voice sank into the darkness.  

“Even if it’s unfair, there’s nothing I can do. They say wishes don’t come true if you say them out loud.”  

“It’s fascinating that even a mage and a Young Earl like you have something you can’t achieve.”  

“No matter who I am, I can’t control the hearts of people.”  

His deep voice cut through the cool night air. Evelyn took a slow breath. Her heart beat irregularly.  

“…A person? Is there really someone who would reject the heir of an Earldom?”  

“Well, not everyone is swayed by position and profit.”  

At that moment, the cool scent of his cologne was carried to her by the wind.  

The wind had blown that day, too. Suddenly, Evelyn recalled the time when they first met.