“Wow, to think I’d see Harzen getting married. It’s truly moving.”

“Brother.”

“Congratulations, Harzen. Ah, Lady Rizel, you look much more beautiful and impressive than the rumors suggested. Though my brother might seem a bit cold, he’s a good person, so please get along well for many years to come.”

“Ah, yes.”

Rizel nodded reflexively as Delion earnestly held her hand while making his request. It was Vivian who restrained the Marquis Carter as he was about to pour out more excited words.

“Darling, that’s enough. It’s impolite to the couple about to be wed.”

“…Alright, Vivian.”

Delion became dejected but obediently followed his wife’s words. The eyes of the Marchioness Carter, who maintained a gentle smile, gleamed sharply as if assessing the other person.

“First, congratulations on your marriage. Since you must be busy, it would be better to save our conversation for when we meet later.”

“Indeed.”

Harzen smoothly accepted Vivian’s words. Meanwhile, Isabella didn’t speak at all, but no one pointed this out. His gaze turned toward the Marchioness Dowager.

“Mother, you came as well.”

“…Yes.”

The conversation ended with her bleak response.

After the Carter Marquis couple and the Carter Marchioness Dowager went to their seats, a handsome man wearing a black robe embroidered with gold thread patterns approached with a swaggering gait.

His curly sky-blue hair, golden eyes, upturned cat-like eyes, prominent nose, and curved lips were striking. The thin, short rod-shaped topaz earrings in his ears sparkled.

‘Ian Dennis.’

Rizel recognized him immediately. He was the Tower Master and the secondary male protagonist of “The Beloved Flower of the Empire.” She was already acquainted with Ian, but meeting him again after becoming aware of the original story made her feelings complicated.

‘To think that topaz earring was an auxiliary magical tool for controlling mana. He never showed any signs of instability on the outside.’

Due to her vague memories, Rizel suddenly became aware of the Tower Master’s hidden secret.
In the original story, Ian was indeed a magician with genius talent as she knew, but he had the flaw of occasionally becoming unstable due to his excessive mana.

Of course, he had never shown it because he suppressed it well with magical tools or his own techniques, but when an accident nearly caused a disaster, the female protagonist helped him with her power of light.

That incident sparked Ian’s interest and curiosity in Parsene, and as they frequently crossed paths, he fell in love with her.

However, he ultimately wasn’t chosen and ended up alone, though he always helped when requested by the female protagonist. He was the epitome of a devoted secondary male protagonist, as if drawn in a picture.

‘I really can’t imagine it. Is Parsene Latis some kind of human stabilizer? What exactly is this power of light?’

The novel only mentioned it as Parsene’s unique ability that didn’t manifest outwardly much, making it special, so she couldn’t know more. While she was lost in thought with her eyes downcast, Ian bluntly addressed Harzen.

“Marquis of Darkus, so you’re finally getting married.”

“Yes.”

Harzen nodded. The conversation between the two was so devoid of sincerity toward each other that it could hardly be disguised as a businesslike attitude. The golden eyes filled with curiosity turned toward her.

“Hello, Rizel.”

“It’s been a while, Tower Master.”

Rizel calmly received his greeting. He used to call her by her occupation as a mercenary rather than her name, but today he was showing some courtesy because it was a wedding.

Ian carefully examined her appearance, beautifully dressed in a wedding gown, and tilted his head.

“It’s quite surprising to see you as the Marquis of Darkus’s bride. I heard you weren’t taking jobs due to personal reasons, but I didn’t expect you were getting married.”

“Well, that’s how it turned out.”

Rizel responded casually with a shrug. Indeed, after contracting with Harzen, she had declined all requests and other related communications, using personal reasons as an excuse.

Ian narrowed his eyes and asked directly.

“Didn’t you say you disliked being tied down?”

“I overcame that with the power of love.”

Rizel demonstratively moved closer to her employer and leaned against him. Harzen affectionately wrapped his arm around her waist and nodded. Ian burst into laughter, clutching his stomach.

“Wow, you’re quite smooth with words.”

“It’s the truth. Instead of bothering my wife, just express your congratulations and move along.”

“Alright, alright. Congratulations on your marriage. You spirit contractors should get along well.”

Ian gave a slight side-eye before swiftly returning to his seat. Next, an elegant man with silver hair, purple eyes, and a noble aura approached.

‘It’s Gerard.’

Gerard, the Crown Prince, was mentioned in the original story as having moderate ability and ambition, and playing the role of caring for his sickly younger sister.

‘That sister was Princess Jenael, right?’

Jenael had feelings for Harzen. She tried to get along with him, considering their mutual interests, but was overshadowed by Parsene, causing her to feel jealousy and resentment.

However, Parsene helped her with the power of light, transforming her from an ambiguous villainous supporting character to a friendly supporting character.

‘I wonder if it could get a bit annoying if I’m unlucky? Well, I’ll manage somehow.’

Rizel dismissed it casually. The villains in “The Beloved Flower of the Empire,” even when they interfered with the female protagonist, seemed petty by her standards and not particularly vicious.

‘At least they seem better than the trash group I encountered as a beginner.’

She had thought it was a decent party since everyone looked proper and had gentle impressions, but she was backstabbed. She barely survived thanks to her mentor’s teachings and her spirit.

She later discovered they were people who built trust by moving with unsuspecting beginners a few times, then deliberately drove them into dangerous situations to kill them and profit.

It was a scam that exploited the fact that inexperienced newcomers get injured and die while exterminating magical beasts. Since everyone except one person was part of the same group, there were no eyes to see, ears to hear, or mouths to speak, so no one could know.

She shook off the chilling memory and bowed politely with her employer.

“We greet Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“Yes.”

The Crown Prince acknowledged their greeting and carefully examined the two with sharp eyes. Then he soon smiled benevolently.

“Marquis of Darkus, congratulations on your marriage.”

“Thank you.”

“My sister and the young ladies who were hoping to form a connection with the Marquis must be saddened. His Majesty the Emperor also expressed regret, saying your decision was somewhat hasty.”

The Crown Prince subtly probed with his words. Harzen boldly countered without blinking an eye.

“It’s fine since she’s someone I didn’t want to lose, enough to rush into marriage.”

“Hmm, His Majesty was planning to recommend Jenael or another princess.”

“Princess Jenael is too frail to handle me. I prefer to marry someone with whom I share love and mutual understanding.”

Harzen smoothly deflected. The Crown Prince’s playful expression became somewhat serious.

“That’s an unexpectedly romantic reason for a Marquis. I thought you were formally marrying to withstand pressure and maintain full ownership of your magic stone mines.”

“You’re free to think what you wish.”

Harzen’s face remained calm as he gave an ambiguous answer that suggested the Crown Prince should make his own judgment. Rizel, who had been waiting quietly, subtly interjected.

“I apologize for interrupting, but it’s uncomfortable to hear about other women at our wedding. Wouldn’t it be better to just offer congratulations and move on?”

“Oh my, I’ve been rude in front of the bride. I apologize.”

“Yes. Please don’t do that next time.”

Rizel sent the Crown Prince back to his seat with a refreshing smile. She secretly winked at her employer beside her.

[Did I do well?]

[Yes.]

Harzen laughed silently.

After appropriately greeting the key figures, they proceeded with the wedding ceremony. The two stood on the platform, completed their marriage vows, and faced each other.

Eventually, Harzen’s lips touched hers. It was a kiss that felt warm and soft, brushing lightly like the flutter of a butterfly’s wings. His eyes curved gently.

“I look forward to our future together.”

“Me too.”

Rizel responded with a gentle smile.

* * *

Night fell after the wedding ceremony. Rizel lay on the bed in the bedroom alongside her employer, both in light, comfortable attire.

The bluish moonlight entering through the window settled on their bodies. They turned to their sides and faced each other. In the awkward silence, Harzen was the first to speak.

“Rizel, thank you for your hard work.”

“It’s nothing. Everything went smoothly thanks to your guidance.”

“Is that so?”

Harzen played with her hair with an enigmatic expression. Rizel gently stroked his cheek and narrowed her eyes.

“You look like you have a lot on your mind.”

“Having someone else lying beside me feels a bit unfamiliar. I’ve always slept alone since childhood.”

Harzen answered in a calm voice, but he subtly exuded a bitter atmosphere. Rizel lightly tousled his hair and slowly opened her mouth.

“Ah, I see. Are you uncomfortable lying with me?”

“No. How about you?”

“I’m fine. Though it feels strange to fall asleep in the same place with someone other than my
mentor or Romari without summoning my spirit for the first time.”

Rizel reflexively touched the finger where she used to wear her ring-type auxiliary magical tool. She felt empty since she had removed it yesterday because her employer in front of her was uncomfortable with it.

Harzen’s hand gently covered hers. Rizel inadvertently flinched at the sudden touch, but he continued the conversation in a languid tone.

“Do you summon your spirit at such times for surveillance and vigilance?”