Chapter 23: The Mages of the Mage Tower (3)

Looking back on Riel’s behavior, there were moments when she stood out.

Although she treated her master with respect, there were times when her attitude was subtly rebellious. She would obediently listen to instructions but then act on her own whims, displaying an unpredictable nature.

‘Is it because of her Fairy blood?’

That was the only guess Chloe could make. Since Riel wasn’t fully human but a hybrid, Chloe let it slide without much thought.

But there was no denying that the relationship between Riel and Isrion was peculiar. This was evident even when Chloe was first introduced to Riel by him.

<Say hello, Chloe. This is Riel. She’ll be like family to you.>

<…Hello, Chloe.>

<…>

<She might look like a teenager, but she’s actually quite old. But don’t worry. Her mental age is similar to yours—ouch.>

<Nice to meet you. Just call me Riel, and drop the formalities.>

Riel’s first impression had been shocking. Chloe had only been at the Mage Tower for a few days, and she never imagined there would be someone bold enough to step on the foot of the Grand Mage.

She must be terrifying, Chloe thought, shrinking back instinctively. Riel’s pale apricot-colored eyes blinked lazily, scanning Chloe’s face before glancing at Isrion.

And then, a sigh.

Chloe couldn’t read her thoughts, but after that, Riel stopped openly scorning Isrion—at least in Chloe’s presence.

The fact that Riel consistently called him “Master” and followed his orders was enough to soften Chloe’s initial impression of her. A friend who shared the same master. Someone who always looked sleepy, like a narcolepsy patient. Strange but kind and intelligent. The best teacher and companion. That’s how Chloe came to see her.

‘But that doesn’t mean her true nature has changed.’

To be honest, Chloe had forgotten how harsh Riel could be toward their master.

Realizing that this behavior wasn’t surprising, Chloe chuckled softly.

“Do you hate it that much? That Master passed me off to you?”

“No. I’m just annoyed about something else.”

“Hmm.”

Chloe closed her mouth, unable to think of any other reason. She didn’t know the complicated dynamics between Isrion and Riel or the conversations they had shared.

“…Anyway, Chloe.”

“Yes, Riel.”

Chloe answered nervously.

‘Will she allow it?’

She looked at Riel with earnest hope, but Riel firmly rejected her request.

“I’m against it. The Grand Duke takes up too much of your time.”

“Please, I’m begging you. I admit that I mismanaged my time because this is my first time liking someone. But I can improve.”

“He’s rude.”

“That’s because you were rude to him first. You know Tess was polite at first. Why do you act like that?”

“He’s ugly.”

“Are you serious? Have you ever seen anyone more handsome?”

“I just don’t like him.”

“Riel!”

Chloe inadvertently raised her voice but froze when she saw Riel’s expression. Her lips were pressed tightly together, and she looked as though she might cry.

It was the first time Chloe had seen that look on Riel’s face. Instinctively, she lowered herself and gently took Riel’s hands.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell. Did I scare you?”

Riel didn’t answer. Her usually dreamy eyes now held a deep sadness.

Her watery gaze dropped to the hands Chloe was holding before traveling up her arm to meet Chloe’s eyes.

Finally, her small lips moved.

“…I don’t like him, Chloe.”

I don’t like that the Grand Duke is taking you away from me. I don’t like that he’s pulling you away from the Mage Tower. I don’t like that he’s hindering your achievements, and I don’t like that he’s receiving your help.

Her resentment toward the man spilled out in waves. Though she didn’t voice every thought, her face, filled with bitterness, said it all.

“You’re all I have.”

In Riel’s world, there was only one person who mattered. Not Isrion, bound to her by contract. Not anyone else in the Mage Tower.

Chloe. … Daughter of…

Riel was a life that was meant for Chloe from the beginning. The lingering sensations in her soul led her to love Chloe at first sight.

From then on, Riel’s actions became remarkably simple. Having met the child she had been waiting for, all she had to do was devote herself to raising her.

Her youthful appearance and her official relationship with Isrion made this easier. Without crossing the line as a friend, she subtly played the role of a parent by Chloe’s side.

She gave her abundant affection and taught her a wealth of knowledge. Even the research papers she published often revolved around topics Chloe had shown the slightest interest in.

Everything she did was for Chloe.

As Chloe grew and became more independent, Riel was fine with seeing her less often. In fact, she felt proud of Chloe’s natural development as a mage.

But things started to go wrong when Chloe met the Grand Duke of the Empire.

<Are you getting married?>

It was a lighthearted question, meant as a joke. As expected, Chloe vehemently denied it, and Riel was satisfied.

<Are you getting married?>

The second time, Riel learned of some kind of contract. She didn’t like the idea of it being a romantic contract, but she didn’t take it too seriously.

<Chloe.>

<Yes?>

<…Never mind. Come back soon.>

And the third time, she couldn’t bring herself to ask.

The affectionate gazes Chloe and the Grand Duke exchanged were far more tender than she had anticipated. The way their hands naturally intertwined was too comfortable.

She felt an impending sense of doom, as though asking would make things worse. For the first time, she desperately hoped she was wrong.

<Riel, your worries won’t come true.>

<…What exactly do you mean?>

<In every possible future, Chloe stays in the Mage Tower.>

Stupid Isrion. Making such a prophecy and then sending Chloe to me with a contradictory request?

‘I should’ve turned him into a eunuch long ago.’

Riel was sad and angry. She hated Isrion, and she hated the Grand Duke of Escalante. Her usually dull emotions bubbled to the surface.

As the space around her trembled with the mage’s fury, a warm hand touched her cheek.

“Riel, I’m not leaving you.”

Two gentle thumbs brushed the corners of her eyes. A soft voice spoke with quiet assurance.

“I’m not leaving the Mage Tower. That’s why I came to you.”

“But you…”

“It’s true that I love Tess. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to give up on the other things I love.”

Chloe’s lips curved into a confident smile. It was the boldness Riel loved so much about her.

“You know that, Riel. How greedy I am.”

“…”

The little mage didn’t respond. She stared at Chloe for a long time, her apricot-colored eyes gradually softening. The air in the room grew calmer and more serene.

Returning to her usual dreamy expression, Riel muttered.

“I still don’t like the Grand Duke.”

“Okay.”

“And I’ll kick Master in the shin the next time I see him.”

“Okay.”

“If you go out to have fun, take me with you.”

“Of course.”

“…What do you need me to do?”

Chloe smiled.

***

Getting Riel’s approval didn’t mean Chloe was free from the Mage Tower’s rules. It merely satisfied the minimum condition for Isrion to convene an Elder Council meeting.

Currently, there were five Senior Mages in the Mage Tower, including Chloe. With Isrion, six people would participate in the meeting.

To achieve her goal, she needed a majority vote, meaning she had to persuade at least one more person.

‘First, I should contact Tess.’

After all, an Elder Council meeting couldn’t be convened at will. Notices had to be sent out at least a few days in advance so everyone could arrange their schedules.

Thus, Chloe finally had time to speak with Tehis. Leaving the legendary creatures to amuse themselves in their private quarters, she sat alone in her lab, clutching an artifact.

All she had to do now was activate it.

‘…What should I say?’

Her mind went blank. It had only been a day since their tearful parting. It felt like days had passed, but now that she was about to contact him, she agonized over her opening words.

Should I apologize? No, I was supposed to talk about the bracelet. Should I act like nothing had happened? Or should I explain everything about the Elder Council meeting?

‘But if the proposal doesn’t pass…’

Chloe bit her lip. She consciously relaxed her slightly furrowed mouth and slumped onto the sofa.

It seemed safest to stay quiet until the results were in and then inform him afterward. She could explain that she had been momentarily conflicted but had resolved everything.

‘So should I just act like nothing happened for now?’

What bothered her was the long letter Tehis had sent. Ignoring it might hurt him unnecessarily.

“Sigh…”

A deep sigh escaped her as her thoughts tangled.

For her, relationships were incredibly difficult. As a mage, she was more inclined to focus on her own work than on human connections, so it was rare for her to even like someone.

‘Never mind.’

She decided to contact him before it was too late. She’d figure it out somehow.

Chloe opened her pendant and infused it with mana. A sparkling light indicated the connection was being established.

One second, two seconds. Before three seconds had passed, a man’s voice came through.

“Chloe?”

“Tess.”

She reflexively bit her lip. Just hearing his voice made her miss him.

If she could’ve greeted him easily, she wouldn’t have agonized so much earlier. After their tearful goodbye, she struggled with what to say first.

How have you been? What happened after I left? Did everything go smoothly? Are you upset with me?

She had only worried about the topic of conversation earlier, but now that she heard his voice, countless questions flooded her mind. She had so much to say that she couldn’t choose.

In the end, silence was all that remained. Sensing her hesitation, Tehis spoke first.

It was the same greeting he always used when they met.

“Good morning. It’s almost lunchtime.”

That simple, kind greeting struck her heart.

Chloe wanted to laugh. Maybe she wanted to cry too.

No matter what happened in this uncertain relationship, it felt like he would always wait for her. Amid countless changes, that one thing seemed unchanging.

She pushed down the sudden surge of emotion. Though he couldn’t see her, she gave her best smile.

“Good morning. I’ll have lunch soon.”