Chapter 14

“So, how was your day?”

“Not bad.”

“Did you feel dizzy or nauseous?”

“No.”

“Good.”

The Mage Tower Master, jotting notes in a small notebook, smiled charmingly as he removed the bracelet from Avgenia’s wrist.

“Then, from tomorrow, please wear this.”

‘Your ankle, please.’ At the Master’s brief instruction, Avgenia peeked out her foot from the bath bubbles. A delicate bangle engraved with magical runes was fastened around her ankle. Click—the tiny clasp closed, and the aquamarine that replaced the mana stone glimmered.

“This controls magic differently, so it even helps with menstrual pain.”

“…Master. Did you deliberately cause an accident in the experiment just to have me test and observe these?”

“Of course not. We may be crazy about developing new magic, but we know our limits.”

Limits… not so sure about that… Avgenia’s cheeks, flushed from the steam, stiffened in discomfort.

It had already been three nights since the Mage Tower Master started visiting Avgenia’s room.

Young Master Ramantus, no doubt restless next door, couldn’t imagine that the two were spending their time strictly as investor and researcher—academically.

“Besides, I wouldn’t joke around with contraceptive magic tools. If I hadn’t gone through menopause, I’d try it myself, but since I can’t, I need your help, dear investor.”

Again, Alexei, who was probably cursing the Mage Tower Master as a ‘pretty b*stard’ at this very moment, couldn’t imagine that this was all woman-to-woman.

Avgenia had commissioned the development of contraceptive magic tools from the Mage Tower four years ago, when she came of age. It was a highly personal matter, not something to go through the aide’s office, so Alexei only met the Master now, because of the rain magic project.

Thus, Alexei had no way of knowing that the Master gladly accepted Avgenia’s commission as a fellow woman. The Mage Tower, being a neutral institution, kept everything about the Master strictly confidential.

“Just try this one, and take whichever feels most comfortable for half a year.”

“So, is it finally complete?”

“Not until it’s successfully tested on general volunteers. The first version is only now being mass produced.”

“…Complicated.”

“That’s how research is.”

The Master’s smile was gentle.

In truth, Avgenia’s clinical trial of the contraceptive magic tool wasn’t fully finished. Her goal was a semi-permanent product, widely distributed to commoners who couldn’t afford regular purchases.

That meant even the tool Avgenia herself used was imperfect, and yet, despite her never turning away a man, she’d had no problems so far…

Such details didn’t matter to Avgenia. All she cared about was the rumor that she was so addicted to pleasure she’d spent a fortune at the Mage Tower for irresponsible enjoyment.

The problem was, she’d spread that rumor so thoroughly that even the person she most wanted to impress now believed it…

‘Whatever. Be happy with your virtuous bride. Having seen a mess like me up close, she must seem even more lovable.’

‘What a tearful one-sided love, Avgenia Ronchilati e Gronov.’

She’d even made herself the counterexample, so his love for his partner would deepen…

To keep from sinking further into self-mockery over Alexei, Avgenia quickly moved. Splash—the sound of her rising from the bath bubbles made the Master turn her head.

Unable to reach the bath towel draped over the stool, Avgenia’s gesture ended up flailing.

“Could you hand me the towel?”

Instead, the towel soared and landed neatly folded atop the console by the door.

Avgenia’s thick silver lashes formed an uneven arch.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Call the male servant since the maid is absent. Even if I touch you with just a scrap of cloth, Young Master Ramantus would declare war on the Mage Tower.”

“That’s not it. Lex—Young Master Ramantus has a fiancée.”

“Really?”

Not facing Avgenia, the Master’s face showed amusement. Thanks to her mana circle, she looked young, but had lived several times longer than her appearance suggested, and trusted her own eyes more than childish talk.

“There’s no news of a Ramantus engagement. Even so, what does it matter if he has a beloved?”

“…Master.”

Avgenia’s brow furrowed deeply. How could anyone say such things about her sweet Lexie?

“All men, virgin or not, don’t show it. Try him out, and if he’s no good, just spit him out.”

“I’m telling you again, Young Master Ramantus has a fiancée… Actually, it’s not even like that.”

The Master shrugged. Kids always needed extra care.

“I’ve lived three times as long as you as Mage Tower Master, and what I’ve learned is that sometimes the greatest magic is…”

Turning her head, the Master glanced at Avgenia with red eyes. In a place where no one could see, the Empire’s Second Princess wore a face as unstable as her position.

“…Love.”

That thought had come while researching life-creating magic, which she’d ultimately abandoned… Still, maybe such a sentimental remark would help this kid.

“I’ll be leaving the tower from tomorrow.”

With a flick of her fingers, the towel Avgenia had playfully tossed away flew over and covered her wet hair.

“Things should be settling down soon, so I need to check on the mages sent out and wrap things up.”

“In that case…”

“Spend some cozy time with the male servant?”

With a sweet smile, the Master vanished. She could have chosen to walk out the door, but knowing the boy next door would be listening for every sound, she left quietly.

Seriously.

‘She just says whatever she wants, even when I say it’s not true.’

Avgenia irritably stood up from the bath. Splash—the sound of water dripping down her curves echoed quietly in the room. And then…

‘Ah, I forgot.’

The towel the Master had placed on her head fell into the bath, soaking in soapy water. Having spent her life being waited on, she wasn’t used to such simple tasks.

Dripping water, Avgenia trudged out and flopped onto the bed. It was all the same cloth anyway; she could just use it to sleep. There were plenty of towels piled up, but everything felt exhausting.

The rose vines on the undecorated ceiling looked like entwined lovers.

‘She’s talking nonsense. We haven’t even reconciled.’

She’d tried to find time alone with Alexei for two days, but he never gave her a chance. Not knowing he was avoiding her because of the Master, Avgenia just felt frustrated.

Her heart, her fingertips, her throat ached.

“…Ha.”

Avgenia’s dew-covered chest rose and fell deeply.

‘He really doesn’t know how I feel.’

If only it were possible, none of this would have happened.

If only…