Rachel’s research lab in Rose Castle featured antique furniture throughout.

She sat at her desk, flipping through magical books from the Imperial Palace.

During her repeated regressions, she had already read all the advanced theses and magical texts from the Magic Tower. However, having never served as an imperial mage before, she carefully examined the materials left behind by previous imperial mages. 

The research books preserved in Rose Castle contained new and diverse information.

Rachel immersed herself in a thesis, approaching it with a fresh perspective and reading intently.

Knock, knock.

Someone knocked at the door.

Initially, she didn’t hear it due to her deep concentration, but when the knocking repeated, Rachel lifted her gaze from the thesis and looked toward the door.

“Who is it?”

After she called out, a maid’s voice promptly replied.

“Lord Hestein and Lady Hestein are here to see you.”

“Let them in.”

With Rachel’s permission, Edward and Viola entered the lab.

Rachel closed her book and stood up to greet her visitors.

“It’s been a while, Edward. And Viola.”

“I heard you’ve become an imperial mage. I thought I should come by to congratulate you.”

“That’s right! My goodness, Rachel. How could you not tell me about something like this first? Did I really have to hear about it through Tervan?”

“Sorry. It’s a temporary position, so I wasn’t sure if I should announce it.”

“No, it’s fine. At least I know now. Here, this is a gift I picked out myself to congratulate you.”

Viola handed over a gift box she had been holding. Rachel took the luxurious-looking box with surprise.

“You even prepared a gift?”

“Of course. Naturally.”

“Thank you. I’ll gladly accept it.”

When Rachel smiled, Viola returned the smile.

“And here’s mine.”

Edward also handed Rachel the bouquet he had brought.

“Thank you, Edward.”

“Congratulations.”

Edward’s warm voice made Rachel smile gratefully.

“Can I sit down?”

Viola asked as she plopped down on a sofa in one corner of the lab.

“Go ahead. Edward, please sit as well.”

Rachel gestured for Edward to take a seat.

“Then I won’t hold back.”

After confirming that Edward had sat down next to Viola, Rachel handed the gifts to Catrin and sat across from them.

“Catrin, could you bring some tea?”

“Yes, my lady.”

Catrin quietly left the room, and Rachel finally turned her full attention to the two visitors.

“You said you heard the news from Tervan?”

“Yes. I met him a few days ago for something, and he told me you had become an imperial mage. Do you know how shocked I was?”

Even while speaking, Viola seemed to gauge Rachel’s reaction, worried that mentioning Tervan might make her uncomfortable.

“I didn’t expect to become an imperial mage either. It happened suddenly.”

“How did it happen? Can I ask?”

“It’s nothing special. A few days ago, His Majesty invited me to lunch, and during the meal, he suggested I take on the role of an imperial mage.”

“His Majesty himself?”

Rachel nodded in response, and Viola’s eyes widened.

“Rachel, you’re incredible. That’s amazing!”

Rachel smiled faintly at Viola’s sincere admiration.

“Thank you for saying that.”

“To be honest, I was surprised. You even turned down the position of Magic Tower Master candidate. But now, you’re suddenly an imperial mage.”

Edward spoke cautiously, treading lightly.

“Is it because of me?”

Edward’s voice filled with guilt, but Rachel shook her head.

“No, it’s not. Please don’t think of it that way.”

“Then why?”

“The item I’m looking for could just as easily come to the Imperial Palace as it could to the Magic Tower. After all, the Imperial Palace attracts all sorts of valuable items. That’s why I decided to come here. Besides, the Crown Prince suggested I try it for a year and decide afterward whether I want to continue.”

“The item you’re looking for? What is it?”

Hearing Rachel and Edward talk about something unfamiliar, Viola immediately joined the conversation.

Edward, feeling awkward about explaining, looked at Rachel.

Rachel nodded in understanding and continued the explanation.

“It’s called the Tears of Licorice. It’s said to be a transparent jewel. Have you heard of it?”

“Hmm? No, I don’t think I have.”

Viola tilted her head in confusion.

Rachel, who had been holding on to a sliver of hope, quickly let it go.

“What is it? What does it look like?”

“All I know is that it’s a transparent jewel. But it’s not like other magical artifacts. They say anyone who handles mana would notice something unusual about it.”

At Rachel’s explanation, Viola nodded with apparent understanding.

“I don’t know what it is, but it must be something special.”

“You could say that.”

“But why do you need it?”

“…I have a use for it.”

Rachel’s vague answer made Viola look at her with curiosity.

“A use? Can I know what it is?”

“It’s nothing big. I promised someone who helped me a lot that I’d find it for them. That’s why I’m looking for it.”

“Someone who helped you… Does it have to do with your magic?”

“Yes.”

As Rachel answered, Edward nudged Viola with his elbow. When Viola turned to him in confusion, Edward gave her a look, suggesting she shouldn’t pry.

“What? Are Rachel and I strangers?”

Viola frowned, feeling hurt, and turned back to Rachel.

“Rachel, was that an uncomfortable question?”

“A little.”

Viola’s expression clearly showed she wanted Rachel to say it wasn’t, but Rachel answered honestly.

Viola looked hurt.

“I see. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”

“It’s okay. It wasn’t that uncomfortable.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Only after hearing Rachel’s confirmation did Viola smile shyly.

“By the way, when His Majesty invited you to lunch, did you meet the Crown Prince as well?”

“Yes, he was there.”

“Did you talk to him more?”

“He’s the one who guided me here.”

“Ryan? Oh my goodness! Are you on a first-name basis with the Crown Prince now?”

Viola exclaimed in surprise when Rachel mentioned Ryan.

“It just happened. But don’t misunderstand. We agreed to be friends.”

“Who’s misunderstanding? Anyway, becoming friends so quickly—things are moving fast, aren’t they?”

“What?”

Rachel, startled by Viola’s unexpected reaction, asked again, and Viola burst into laughter.

“I’m joking, I’m joking.”

Rachel couldn’t help but chuckle at Viola’s cheerful laughter.

“I’m joking, but it’s true that things are moving fast. I can’t believe you’re friends with the Crown Prince.”

“I can’t believe it either. I don’t know how this happened.”

Rachel found the situation just as surprising as Viola did.

To Rachel, Ryan represented the male lead meant for Viola. Always upright, kind, and willing to sacrifice anything for Viola.

That defined the Ryan Rachel knew.

In the original story, which Rachel hadn’t overturned, Ryan had hated and despised her. Now, however, he claimed to be drawn to her. It seemed strange, to say the least.

“At this rate, our Rachel might become the Crown Princess.”

Viola asked playfully, her eyes sparkling.

“That won’t happen.”

But Rachel answered firmly.

Viola pouted in disappointment.

“Why? Don’t you like the Crown Prince?”

“I’m not thinking about meeting anyone right now.”

“Oh…”

Viola, belatedly realizing Rachel’s situation, fell silent.

She guessed that Rachel, who had given up on a deep, decade-long unrequited love, must still feel overwhelmed by emptiness.

“I keep being tactless. I’m sorry.”

This time, Rachel accepted Viola’s apology.

“By the way, I heard you met Tervan a few days ago. Are you… okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“That’s good. If you ever have a hard time, let me know. I’ll do my best to help.”

“I’ll do that. But not yet.”

“Okay. Whenever you’re ready, just let me know.”

Viola emphasized twice to ease Rachel’s burden.

Rachel felt grateful for Viola’s effort.

“By the way, Rachel.”

Edward, who had remained quiet until then, finally spoke to Rachel.

“Yes?”

Rachel shifted her gaze from Viola to Edward.

“The Tears of Licorice.”

Rachel focused intently, hoping Edward might have information about it.

“Is it related to monsters?”