Chapter 57
Heeheehee-.
Arian, in a very, very good mood, hummed a tune. It was because she was going out with Franz.
Of course, she had gone out with him before. They would often go together when purchasing supplies for the Magic Tower.
But the situation now was completely different from then. In the past, she had to beg and plead just to go out with him, but this time, Franz himself had suggested they go out!
Moreover, the reason for going out wasn't official business, but a very personal errand.
He said he wanted to buy a robe.
In other words, it was no different from his saying, “Pick out a robe that suits your taste for me.” So how could she not be excited?
Of course, all of this was purely Arian's personal interpretation. Her love for Franz was distorting her thoughts. But ultimately, Arian was extremely happy, so one could say her heart had done its job well.
*Did my makeup go on well today...?*
Arian pulled out a small hand mirror she kept in her pocket.
Her reflection in the mirror wasn't much different from usual, which was a pretty good result considering she hadn't slept well.
It was all because of that embarrassing incident last night...
Why Arian couldn't sleep was obvious: she had shown Franz her underwear. Just thinking about that moment filled her with a strange excitement, making it impossible to sleep. His gaze, as he looked at the underwear on the floor, felt as if he were looking at her own body.
However.
This isn't the time for that.
Arian had entered the Magic Tower at the same age and time as Franz. In other words, she was the same age as him, already twenty-seven years old.
But unlike men, a woman's time flows a little faster. The proof of this was that the prefix 'old' was starting to attach itself to 'maid' for a twenty-seven-year-old woman.
An old maid. The simple addition of 'old' before 'maid' transformed it into a truly dreadful word.
*How did it end up like this...?*
In truth, when she first entered the Magic Tower, she had no particular worries. She had the social standing of a Young Lady of the Ducal House of Phrygia and the title of an elite Mage with a promising future. She thought she could marry any man she liked, whenever she wanted.
And surprisingly, it wasn't long before a man she liked appeared. Franz Gilbert, the current Magic Tower Lord.
Yes, until then, everything was fine. He was a man from a Baronial House, and even the youngest son who didn't need to inherit. If she, a Young Lady of a Ducal House, were to charm him, he should have been bowing in gratitude.
But now?
“Haaah—”
A sigh escaped Arian's lips.
Reality was truly this bleak.
Time was passing, and her family was pressing her to choose a husband quickly.
It was only natural. With a healthy daughter remaining an old maid at this age, her family must have been going crazy.
In fact, her invitation to Franz to attend the party was for that very reason. She thought if he attended the party and showed his face beforehand, her family might be convinced that she was putting in effort to catch a <F1>proper catch</F1>.
“...”
Arian silently watched Franz walking beside her.
He was handsome.
Handsome enough to turn every other man in the world into a frog.
Just then, Franz, sensing Arian's gaze, turned his head.
Their eyes naturally met in the air.
“Hm? Arian, why? Is there something you want to say?”
“Y-you're just so handsome... Ah, no, it's nothing.”
Arian, flustered, blurted out her true feelings.
Though she belatedly tried to deny it, most of the words had already spilled out.
Since things had come to this, Arian decided to hold onto some hope.
Perhaps, just perhaps, he might give an unexpected answer.
Franz gave an awkward laugh, then opened his mouth.
**
“If only my face were truly handsome, I'd have no other wish... And you, don't tease people by calling them pretty. I get hurt too.”
Despite speaking casually, Franz was in a state of extreme confusion.
Firstly, he was flustered because he wasn't used to receiving compliments. If it had been about magic, he would have just shrugged it off with a laugh. But a compliment about his appearance was something he'd never heard before, except from his parents, so he didn't know how to react.
However, even in his confusion, Franz understood Arian's intention.
He had heard somewhere that when a woman compliments someone, she usually hopes to be complimented on that same aspect herself. It's just like complimenting someone else's new dress first if you want to show off your own.
So, if Arian complimented his appearance, he figured she probably wanted to be complimented on her own appearance.
And it seemed he was right.
“T-thank you...”
Arian bowed her head deeply in thanks.
But for some reason, her lowered head showed no sign of rising.
Is she embarrassed by the compliment? Franz could fully understand that feeling. He, too, had been pleased, but too shy to respond properly.
Just then. Someone carrying a large box approached from the opposite side of Arian.
But Arian still had her head bowed low.
“Arian.”
Franz called her name and gently pulled her by the shoulder furthest from him, as if to embrace her.
“H-huh...?”
Arian startled and lifted her head. Since he had pulled her outer shoulder, their bodies were almost touching. To exaggerate a little, their eyes met at a distance where they could feel each other's breath.
“Arian, you should watch where you're going.”
“I-I'm sorry...”
Arian quickly turned her head and moved away from Franz. Her ears, peeking out from her hair, were flushed crimson as if they might burst, but Franz didn't notice.
However, Franz wasn't entirely unaffected either.
*Awkward...*
He had acted too boldly without thinking. It would have been fine if he'd done it to a man, but it was different with a woman. He should have been more careful, but he couldn't help himself.
Of course, it wouldn't matter if he were officially dating Arian, but their relationship was merely that of a Magic Tower Lord and his Secretary who were a bit too close.
“Arian.”
“...Yes?”
Arian's reply was strangely delayed. It seemed she was pondering the same issue.
“I'm sorry if I startled you earlier.”
“Oh, no. It's rather I who should apologize.”
Arian showed a faint smile. It was the happiest expression he had seen from her recently, so Franz felt a sense of relief.
However, he wondered why she looked so happy. Without Franz realizing it, a tiny question bloomed in his mind.
Soon, Franz arrived at the clothing shop with Arian. It was a place Arian had recommended, and at a glance, it looked so expensive that only a considerable noble would dare set foot inside.
If one were to ask why such a shop was near the Magic Tower, it was because most of those who worked at the Magic Tower were nobles.
Occasionally, talented individuals would emerge from among the Commoners, like a rare gem among commoners, but magic, by its very nature, was largely an innate gift, so it couldn't be helped.
And it would be strange for the meritocratic Magic Tower to promote something like a “Commoner track”.
“Oh my, what distinguished guests we have. Magic Tower Master, Young Lady, welcome. I am Ruby Franc of the House of Count Franz.”
The young woman, who appeared to be the shop owner, greeted them with polite deference.
Franz gave a slight nod in return.
“Pleased to meet you. I am Magic Tower Lord Franz Gilbert.”
“Thank you for visiting. Please let me know if there's anything you need assistance with.”
At the shop owner's words, Franz's gaze turned to Arian. For a black-haired Korean from the 21st century, having a shop assistant cling to him was a terrible situation he couldn't handle himself. If he had come alone, he probably would have pretended to browse for a bit and then left.
Fortunately, Arian noticed Franz's gaze.
“Ah, we're looking to buy a robe. For the Magic Tower Master, not for me.”
“Yes, then would you please come this way?”
The shop owner led them somewhere, and the two began to follow her.
By the way, Ruby Franc was the wife of Count Franz. He never imagined she would be running a clothing shop here. Perhaps he should pay a little more attention to the Territory.
Just then, the shop owner suddenly spoke.
“By the way, Young Lady, does your coming here with the Magic Tower Master mean that wish you always spoke of has finally come true?”
“W-when did I ever say anything...?! I-I don't remember...?!”
Franz didn't know what they were talking about, but Arian seemed quite close with the shop owner.
Thinking about it, Arian wasn't just friendly here. She had deep connections, not only with shops within the Territory but also with the residents, greeting them warmly. As his Secretary, she was taking care of things that he, the Magic Tower Lord, couldn't pay attention to.
*Maybe I should get her a gift.*
He always felt grateful but had never expressed it. He wondered if she would like it if he got her an accessory before the party.