Eden nodded, smiling. Herbert lightly patted his head, then touched the vase.

As his hand brushed it, a faint blue energy shimmered around the vase. Then, as if freshly bloomed, the flowers became more vibrant.

Eden, watching this curiously, opened his mouth.

“What about you, Herbert? Don’t you like Yvette?”

“No. I also think she’s a very nice person.”

“That’s a relief. Herbert, you’re on the same page as me!”

Eden looked up at Herbert with a bright smile.

“I hope Yvette stays here for a long time. It’s too boring just going around with Master.”

“The young master would be hurt if he heard that.”

“But Herbert, you honestly think so too, right? Master is always looking for that woman, Rose or Lily or whatever…”

“I told you not to mention that name carelessly.”

Herbert interrupted Eden, his voice stern once again.

Realizing his mistake, Eden flinched and covered his mouth with both hands.

“Be especially careful with your words in front of the Count. If the young master finds out, who knows what trouble it could cause.”

Instead of answering, Eden nodded vigorously. Herbert sent him back to his room, then let out a small sigh.

“What could the young master be thinking…”

Worry briefly clouded his wrinkled face before dissipating.

Soon, composing his expression, Herbert skillfully resumed tidying up the study as if nothing had happened.

***

“…Why did you call me here today?”

Early in the morning.

Noel, dressed in a neat uniform, spoke up. The man sitting across from him smiled gently.

“Of course, because I have a favor to ask.”

The man had hair and eyes that seemed to be melted gold.

His slightly upturned lips and crescent-shaped eyes were enough to win the favor of anyone who saw him.

“Why don’t we have some tea first? It’s specially imported from the Kingdom of Yendeil.”

The man spoke kindly, pointing to the teacup in front of Noel.

Noel responded firmly.

“Just tell me the matter briefly.”

“…You weren’t like this before. You’ve changed since becoming a Duke.”

The man grumbled, running a hand through his hair. His tone had become more casual than before.

“I changed all because of Your Majesty’s immaturity.”

Noel retorted briefly. There was no trace of a smile on his stiff expression.

“It’s just us here, why the ‘Your Majesty’? Just speak comfortably.”

The man frowned at the formal address.

His name was Liandry Gladius Kairon.

The one and only Emperor of the Empire, and Noel’s childhood friend.

“…Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean there aren’t people around.”

Noel’s gaze shifted to behind Liandry.

Currently, they were meeting in a small drawing room attached to Liandry’s bedchamber.

Though not visible, presences could be felt here and there.

Most of them were probably guards protecting the Emperor, but…

‘It seems there are one or two mixed in that aren’t.’

Noel clicked his tongue softly.

Liandry, now twenty-five years old, had ascended to the throne as the new Emperor about three years ago.

It was due to the sudden death of the previous Emperor from illness.

Young Liandry had thus ascended to the throne without time to prepare mentally.

Among the old nobility, there were many who didn’t approve of the young Emperor.

And among them, there were always those with impure motives.

“It would be better to strengthen the security of the Imperial Palace.”

Noel, after briefly surveying the surroundings, turned his gaze back to Liandry.

“I’m already preparing to supplement the guards, so there’s no need to worry about that.”

Liandry answered calmly, lifting his teacup.

“By the way, I heard that you got engaged to Lady Blanche, or should I say Count now? Anyway, is it true?”

Instead of answering his words, Noel slowly blinked once.

Taking his silence as affirmation, Liandry’s expression brightened.

“Congratulations, friend! You’ve finally become human!”

“…I hope you didn’t call me out in this busy time just to mention my engagement.”

Noel furrowed his brow as he stared at Liandry.

Seeing the displeasure in his gaze, Liandry hurriedly shook his head.

“What do you take me for? Of course, there’s a separate important matter.”

Liandry took a moment to compose himself before speaking again.

It was a serious voice, devoid of any playfulness.

“I’ve discovered a clue about the relic.”

“By relic, do you mean the ancient mage’s relic?”

“That’s right. Exactly that.”

As Liandry nodded, Noel straightened his previously slouched posture.

“Wasn’t the mage’s relic supposed to exist only in legends?”

Noel also gazed at Liandry with a more serious expression than before.

The ancient mage’s relic refers to the magical tools used about 1000 years ago from now.

It was from an era when mana overflowed on the earth and magic flourished.

Originally, it was a treasure passed down through generations of the imperial family, but at some point, it vanished without a trace.

Because of that, it now only remains as a legend.

“I thought so too until now. But it seems they found it at a recently excavated ruin site.”

Liandry nodded slightly.

At those words, Noel raised his eyebrows.

“So, where is this relic now?”

“Well, that’s the problem.”

A troubled smile appeared on Liandry’s lips.

As he fidgeted with his hair, stalling for time, Noel, unable to wait any longer, spoke first.

“What kind of problem is it that makes you act like this?”

Liandry finally opened his mouth reluctantly.

“Ahem, ahem. You see… it seems it was stolen while being transported to the Imperial Palace.”

“What?”

Noel looked at his lord with a bewildered expression.

“How on earth was it managed that such an important item got stolen?”

At Noel’s reproach, Liandry made a sulky face.

“You think I wanted to lose something so precious? If only that thief hadn’t been a mage, this wouldn’t have happened.”

“…A mage? Are you saying the thief was a mage?”

Noel’s expression hardened as soon as he heard the word ‘mage’.

“According to the investigator, there were traces of magic use around the safe where the map was stored.”

“…Have you contacted the Magic Tower?”

“I’ve already requested help from Viscount Magnus. Among those stubborn old men, he’s at least someone I can talk to.”

Liandry muttered, sighing along.

As if the mere thought gave him a headache, deep wrinkles formed between his brows.