Chapter 2: The Grand Duke’s Lady (1)

They quietly cut their steak, which was served shortly after. During the meal, they only exchanged small talk about the taste of the food.

After finishing their meal quickly and leaving the room arm in arm, the manager hurriedly greeted them.

“Is there anything else you need?”

“No. Send the bill to the Grand Duke’s residence.”

“Yes, Your Grace. It was an honor to serve you.”

The fake couple left the restaurant, leaving the bowing man behind. Once they boarded the waiting carriage, the scenery began to move.

Tehis informed Chloe of their destination as she absentmindedly looked out the window.

“We’ll go straight to the warp gate. Thank you for spending time outside.”

“It wasn’t a hassle. It was rather fun.”

However, feeling the effects of staying up all night, Chloe yawned, and Tehis handed her two small pouches. He had kept them in a corner of the carriage to give her when they parted.

“It’s late, but please take these.”

“What are these?”

Tehis explained to Chloe, who took them without suspicion despite her curiosity.

“One contains the promised magic stones. I’ve put three high-grade ones in for now, but if you exceed the usage limit of the gate, I’ll give you more.”

“That’s almost a year’s supply. Thank you.”

Her eyes sparkled as if her fatigue had vanished, and she fiddled with the hard pouch. While she busily thought about how to use it, Tehis continued.

“And the other contains Herbia petals. I’ve included instructions, so brewing it into tea shouldn’t be difficult.”

“Oh…”

Honestly, she had forgotten about it. He truly is meticulous.

Chloe hid her true feelings and smiled brightly.

“Thank you. I’ll think of you every time I drink it.”

Tehis, unsure how to respond, hesitated before giving a familiar and ordinary reply.

“Yes, Chloe.”

* * *

Chloe spent the next few days holed up in the Mage Tower’s library.

Since no book accurately described how to hatch a fairy, she read every ancient text related to magical creatures she could find. Despite trying various methods based on vague phrases she remembered and reasonable deductions, she had no success.

When she consulted her master, Isrion, she struggled to fend off his attempts to acquire the fairy egg. The Herbia petals she used during their tea time felt wasted.

“Sigh…”

Returning to her private room in a disheveled state, Chloe sprawled weakly on the sofa. The loud sound of the communication sphere made her wave her hand.

“What is it?”

• A letter has arrived from Grand Duke Escalante. Shall I send it to your private room…?

“Send it, please.”

She activated the magic circle on the living room floor to allow the transmission, and soon a letter flew in from the other side.

‘There are still a few days left. What’s this about?’

Chloe flicked her fingers to bring the letter closer and tore open the sealing wax with the Grand Duke’s crest to read the contents.

[Chloe,

The weather is gradually warming. The North is still cold, but there is no frost.

Next time we meet, we should dine at a restaurant in the Imperial Capital. I want to know if you’re comfortable eating in an open space.

Though I couldn’t get Kraken legs, please tell me if there’s anything else you’d like to eat. I’ll make a reservation accordingly.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Tehis Escalante]

‘It seems he’s finally going to make me act like a proper lover.’

Chloe snapped her fingers, and paper, ink, and a quill flew from one side of the table.

The quill, dancing in the air, quickly stopped moving after writing the sentences.

[Tess,

It’s fine. Let’s meet at the warp gate of the Grand Duke’s residence at noon.

For food, anything delicious will do.]

Chloe folded the letter, which contained only the necessary information without any pleasantries. She placed it in stationery with the Mage Tower’s seal and flicked it onto the transmission magic circle, where it disappeared with a flash of light.

“Please send this to Grand Duke Escalante.”

• Yes, Miss Chloe.

* * *

Chloe swept her weary face with her palms a few times and sighed. With the fairy egg showing no signs of hatching and her research progressing slowly, two weeks had already passed.

‘Where did my time go?’

Groaning, she stretched and went into the bathroom. After a leisurely shower, she dried her hair with magic while rummaging through her wardrobe.

Since they would be dining in the capital in a way that drew attention, she felt she should dress up, but she didn’t put much effort into it. She assumed the Grand Duke didn’t expect much, as he hadn’t made any specific requests.

‘Or maybe he anticipated a refusal.’

Not caring either way, Chloe pulled out the second dress. She chose it simply because she had worn the first one last time, picking the next in line.

“Oh.”

She was a bit surprised to find the fabric more comfortable than the previous dress. She had thought that fancy clothes would restrict movement, but that wasn’t the case.

After spinning once in front of the mirror, Chloe rummaged through the storage box next to the bed. She took a few sips from a bottle of Mushri extract, feeling instantly awake. This liquid, which acted as a stimulant, always had a somewhat intense effect.

‘Didn’t someone say they were developing it into a milder tea?’

Is it still in progress? When will it be available?

Shaking her head, Chloe left her private room and almost bumped into a woman standing at the door.

Riel, who had raised a fist to knock, greeted her blankly.

“Hello, Chloe.”

“Riel.”

The shorter mage looked Chloe up and down. Seeing her friend, who almost always wore a robe, dressed up nicely, she couldn’t help but be curious.

“Getting married?”

“No!”

Good grief, what is she saying?

Startled, Chloe felt a strange sense of déjà vu and explained. There was no need to act in front of Riel, who was completely cut off from the outside world.

“It’s just a date. I have something to give.”

“I see.”

“I have to leave soon. What’s up?”

Riel, still quick to accept things, blinked at her question.

“I heard from Master. About the fairy egg.”

“…You’re not asking for it too, are you?”

“No, I’ll help you.”

Chloe’s eyes sparkled at her friend’s words, and she grabbed her shoulders, leaning in uncomfortably close.

“Do you know how to hatch it?”

“No. But I’ll be helpful.”

You don’t know how, but you’ll be helpful?

Chloe didn’t understand what she meant but trusted Riel.

After all, she was the true disciple of the Mage Tower Master.

“Thank you, Riel! I’ll come to you right after I get back.”

“Not right away. Next week.”

“Got it. See you then!”

Chloe, excited, hugged Riel tightly before letting her go and left with a spring in her step. Though the fairy’s hatching wasn’t confirmed, the support of a reliable ally seemed to wash away the stress of the past month.

Riel, standing where Chloe had left, slowly headed to the lab. There were a few things to prepare to help her only friend.

* * *

Pop-.

Appearing amidst a cluster of light, Chloe spotted Tehis a few steps away.

The Grand Duke, waiting for her without even a single attendant, greeted her as soon as their eyes met.

“Good afternoon, Chloe.”

“Good afternoon, Tess.”

Exchanging the same greeting, Tehis extended an arm. Chloe naturally approached and linked her arm with his, smiling brightly as she looked up.

“Shall we depart right away?”

“Yes, Chloe. If you’re ready.”

Instead of using the magic stones, they implicitly agreed to directly infuse mana into the warp gate, and Chloe made a joke.

“You must be happy to have such a capable lover. Enjoying such luxuries.”

“I’m grateful.”

“Just with words?”

“…Is there something you want?”

It was just a joke, but his predictable response made the mage laugh.

“I’ll think about it.”

Before Tehis could respond, she activated the warp gate.

Whoosh-.

The bright light engulfed them and transported them to the Imperial Capital. Though quite a distance from the bustling plaza or commercial district, the liveliness could be felt from afar.

‘It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. I think about seven years ago?’

As Chloe looked around the quiet surroundings, her eyes met those of a man in a guard’s uniform.

“Please present your identification… Y-Your Grace, the Grand Duke!”

He stopped mid-sentence, his face aghast. His gaze followed the arm linked with the woman’s, leading to someone who shouldn’t be there.

Black hair darker than the night sky, deep blue eyes, a scarred face, and a neatly dressed uniform.

Even the emblem on the sword at his waist marked him unmistakably as the Lord of the North.

‘Why is Grand Duke Escalante here?! Doesn’t he only come during the Grand Festival?’

His visits to the capital were so rare that even their frequency was publicly known. At most, he came once or twice a year.

So why now?

As the young man, pale and bowing his head, trembled, the Grand Duke’s voice fell upon him.

“I vouch for this lady’s identity. In the name of Escalante.”

“Oh my, how dashing! I might fall for you again, darling.”

“…?!”

Stunned, the guard couldn’t even respond, doubting his ears.

‘What did I just hear…?’

Looking up with a slack-jawed expression, he saw the Grand Duke, averting his gaze slightly from the woman, finally reply after a pause.

“…If that’s the case, I’m glad.”

“…?!”

Leaving the doubly shocked guard behind, the fake couple walked away amicably.

Beside Tehis, whose lips were oddly tense, Chloe chuckled.

“Darling, you’re more cooperative than I thought.”

“It’s thanks to my capable lover’s training.”

“You’re well-spoken, too. Truly perfect, whoever’s man you are.”

“…”

The Grand Duke, who had barely managed a retort, felt defeated by the smiling mage.

Ignoring his silence, Chloe tugged his arm and cheerfully passed through the checkpoint. The coachman waiting beyond gasped at the sight of the affectionate couple.

“What’s the plan for today?”

“We’ll dine at the restaurant and return immediately.”

“Tess, are you free this afternoon?”

“I can make time until dinner. Do you need anything?”

When he returned the question, Chloe stopped in front of the carriage and leaned on his arm.

Mischievous eyes. A meaningful smile directed at the Grand Duke.

“Tess, you.”