More than anything, I realized that Ian knew so much about awakening, to the point that he knew things I didn’t.

“Have you been studying awakening? I’ve read quite a few books, but none of them mentioned that.”

“I didn’t read it in a book—it’s just my conclusion after putting together various ideas.”

“But you… you were against it. You even watched over me to make sure I wouldn’t hurt myself again.”

I had clearly said it wouldn’t work, but no one believed me. Just thinking about it irritated me. Did they think I’d try a failed method over and over, stabbing my thigh unnecessarily? I’d only tried because Raphael had given me holy water—otherwise, I wouldn’t have even dared. Ian had poured all of the rare holy water on my thigh, something so precious that even the emperor had only a few vials. With a somber expression, Ian spoke.

“It was the method I was against, not the awakening itself.”

“…I only used that method because it seemed the most certain. I heard all divine wizards awaken that way. Priests also awaken through self-flagellating penance.”

“There must be another way.”

Ian frowned, looking serious.

“If people could awaken simply by wanting to escape pain, wouldn’t there be many more divine wizards in this world? Statistically, there should be more who awaken in battle than through self-harm, but that’s not the case.”

“…Now that you mention it, that makes sense.”

What could the difference be?

“I was actually planning to tell you if I found even one divine wizard who awakened a different way. I haven’t found one yet… but I’ll keep looking. I promise.”

Ian’s voice was soft and calm, yet his words carried a surprising intensity. It made me smile, realizing he might want my awakening even more than I did. Perhaps that’s why he had told me to fall in love.

Ian, I already have fallen for you. I just hadn’t realized it. But I suppose my love isn’t beautiful enough even for the goddess to acknowledge. You’re willing to divorce me and let me love someone else, but in truth, I don’t want to see you remarry. I’d rather leave before that happens.

I knew that ever since the talk of divorce came up, I hadn’t been the only one receiving attention. Every noblewoman who approached Mother at parties was someone with an unmarried daughter. Not wanting to dwell on this, I changed the subject.

“Anyway, are you going to work today?”

It’s not like Cade would mind if he took a day off. Ian looked ready to go, likely because he was stuck with me.

“Oh, yes. There’s something I must take care of. I’ll be back soon.”

Ian left with a smile and returned shortly afterward, looking unusually bright. He laughed and said, “Liv, shall we leave before the rainy season?”

“What?”

“I handed in my resignation.”

“…What?”

I blinked in shock. Ian spoke seriously.

“Let’s run away before Cade comes after us.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Then Ian scooped me up and carried me somewhere. After placing me down in my room, he said:

“Ian?”

“Just pack the essentials. We’re leaving today. We can buy anything else we need on the way.”

“Wait, are you serious?”

“Yes.”

He left to pack his own things. I met Jane’s wide-eyed stare, and we both broke into laughter. When I came down with my hastily packed bag, an unfamiliar carriage was waiting.

“This isn’t a travel carriage, is it?”

“A regular carriage is less noticeable. Once we’re out of the capital, we’ll switch to a travel carriage. Where would you like to go?”

“You haven’t decided where to go yet?”

“I have—it’s wherever you want.”

Where I want to go… I thought for a moment and remembered the upcoming cathedral dedication ceremony.

“What about the cathedral dedication ceremony?”

“What about it? We’ll be traveling, so we’ll miss it.”

“That makes it sound like we’re actually running away.”

I laughed in disbelief, but Ian replied seriously.

“If you want to attend, we can. But there’s no need to force ourselves. The dedication isn’t worth our time.”

Even the bishop was supposed to attend, though. After a brief hesitation, I responded.

“If we vanish, only to show up at the dedication, won’t His Majesty be shocked?”

“…Yes, he would.”

“Appearing and disappearing at will might annoy him a bit.”

Ian smirked. “Probably.”

They’d kept Ian as a pawn, preaching the need for noble duty, and he’d submitted his resignation and vanished. They’d surely be seething.

“Then shall we go see the cathedral? We can stop by there, then Dallow, and maybe Venitilli… Oh, and there’s something in Hillford as well.”

“Liv, that sounds more like a tour of the territories.”

“I’d also like to visit the Keppel family’s main estate.”

Although Ian seemed somewhat displeased, he didn’t oppose it. As soon as we decided on our destination, we began riding towards the city gates without stopping. There was still a long line of people waiting at the capital’s checkpoint, which remained strictly regulated, but we were able to pass through due to the prime minister’s privilege. Seeing the people waiting in the hot weather, I commented,

“Isn’t it time to ease the checkpoint measures?”

Ian cleared his throat, as if embarrassed. “It’s hard to change since the system itself has been overhauled.”

But before long, soldiers at the checkpoint suddenly raced towards us on horseback, blocking our way.

“Please, just a moment, Your Grace!”

Ian suddenly shouted at the coachman, “Run!”

“Ian?”

“Hold tight.”

The carriage started to speed up, far faster than before. I quickly understood why.

“You crazy bastard!”

It was Cade’s loud shout. When I looked back, Cade was charging toward us on his horse. I looked at Ian in surprise, and he was smiling.

“What should we do?”

“What do you mean? Keep going.”

Ian added casually, “He’s out of shape, so he won’t be able to keep up for long.”

Out of shape? Cade’s the main character here. My heart pounded as I considered taking some medicine. I hadn’t thought much about it up until now, but seeing Cade foaming with rage as he raced toward us made me worried.

“No need to worry. Phillip will take care of things from here.”

“What about Phillip? I feel bad for him.”

“Getting promoted isn’t so bad for him.”

“Promotion?”

“Phillip will probably be the next prime minister.”

Did he really resign? In disbelief, I looked at Ian. Cade let out one last shout but couldn’t keep up with us any longer. Even after Cade was out of sight, the carriage continued at full speed for quite some time.

“Why are we running away all of a sudden? Did you two have a fight?”

“…”

“Is this because of me? Because of yesterday?”

“What did Cade say?”

I suddenly realized that Ian might not yet know about my conversation with Cade since Ian came for me right after I got sick.

“Nothing much. Just that he wouldn’t approve of the divorce…”

Whether Ian believed me or simply wanted to believe me, he didn’t press further. He merely sighed and said,

“He’ll need to learn to manage on his own now, without me.”

“How can the Emperor do that alone…?”

“He’ll find someone to help him. Benjamin or someone else. It’s his job as Emperor. As for us, we don’t have time to waste.”

I felt odd. I’d stepped back because of the greater good and the notion of duty. I thought I had to endure it for the people. But Ian was willing to give all of that up for me.

“What if people criticize you for being irresponsible?”

“I don’t mind.”

But I did. Ian worked harder and with more responsibility than anyone I knew, quietly going about it without any recognition. The thought of people criticizing him made my heart ache.

“We’re here.”

At Ian’s words, I looked ahead to see a travel carriage waiting, with Greta and Sir Leonard standing guard. Clearly, Ian hadn’t prepared for this trip overnight. The travel carriage he’d arranged was very spacious, with seats that converted into a bed and even state-of-the-art magical equipment on the ceiling.

“When did you have this carriage made? There are even magical lights…”

“It also has this.”

Ian pressed a gemstone on the ceiling, and cool air began to flow. I was genuinely touched.

“Air conditioning!”

“What?”

Ian gave me a puzzled look. I laughed it off and explained, “It’s nothing, just a word that came to mind. The cool air makes it comfortable. I thought ‘air conditioner’ would be a good name.”

“It doesn’t have a name yet; that sounds fitting.”

Ian smiled and added, “I remembered how difficult last summer was for you, so I had it made. The patent isn’t registered yet, so I could apply for it under the name you suggested.”

I was genuinely surprised. Although the Keppel family had recently started investing in wizards, I hadn’t expected results so soon.

“I thought there weren’t any capable mages left outside the Imperial Wizard Corps?”

“They got better with better pay.”

I burst out laughing, and Ian didn’t seem surprised anymore by my strange laughter. In fact, he seemed happier the harder I laughed. Bit by bit, my self-restraint was slipping, but his admiration for me seemed as strong as ever. I was glad.