“That person… was his name Gelvin, right? As mentioned before, we’ll be receiving knowledge on carriage manufacturing from Miss Amelia’s family. Once that’s completed, we’ll head toward Lepent as planned. But—.”
Isabelle raised her teacup and took a sip. The fragrant scent of grapes filled the air before she set the cup down again.
Her slightly suspicious crimson eyes gazed across the table.
“Is he truly someone reliable? Just looking at him, it’s hard to believe…”
Gelvin Mecatoni.
He was the person Glenn had personally investigated through the Knights of Glenn and invited to the ball. That was why Isabelle had been quietly looking forward to this individual. After all, this taciturn man named Glenn had deliberately sought him out and brought him here.
But he was nothing like what she had expected.
More than anything—
“Is it true that you have reservations about him because he’s a Magic Engineer?”
Glenn faced Isabelle and gave a faint chuckle.
He seemed to think it wasn’t such a big deal.
“If I said otherwise, it’d be a lie.”
His shabby attire and unkempt first impression were indeed problematic. But the greater issue was that this man named Gelvin was a ‘Magic Engineer.’
Strictly speaking, they fall under the category of magicians. Yet magicians themselves vehemently insist that Magic Engineers are not true magicians.
Their field is closer to everyday invention than typical magic. To put it kindly, that’s all it is; more precisely,
‘magicians who cannot use Destruction Magic’—that’s the summary.
It’s not the path ordinary magicians take. Their innate mana capacity might be too low to use Destruction Magic, or their talent lacking—regardless, they’re often seen as failures.
Moreover, Magic Engineers are always seeking patrons to support their research. Yet even with support, their studies rarely yield lucrative results. Since funding magic research is no small expense, aristocrats tend to avoid them.
They aren’t exactly criminals, but eccentric recluses obsessed with their studies. Or disgraced failures who gave up on magic.
That’s the general public opinion of Magic Engineers.
“Don’t worry. He is indeed a Magic Engineer, but he’s different from those street bums. I personally guarantee it.”
Isabelle sensed a hint of irony in the confident green eyes.
“You’ve met him before? How can you be so sure?”
“Well…”
Have I met him? Of course.
In his previous life, he was a renowned figure across the continent.
‘Gelvin Mecatoni.’
A great Magic Engineer, later called the ‘Posthumous Inventor.’
He lived nearly half a century in cold disdain and neglect, but never wavered in his beliefs. A great man with a firm conviction to make the world better through his inventions.
He was even scouted down from the rank of Marquis in the empire. And it’s true that his inventions played a major role in halting the Orcs’ Grand Invasion.
After the invasion, Gelvin provided his inventions free of charge to the devastated northern regions. Though the empire soon forbade this.
Glenn was one of the few who truly respected Riclang.
“Well… his theories are quite interesting. It’s hard to explain—something like a kind of intuition, perhaps.”
Glenn, who was about to answer straightforwardly, faltered for a moment, then dodged the question. He couldn’t bring up his past life here and now.
“Are you joking?”
“Regardless, he’s trustworthy. I guarantee it.”
His answer implied, ‘don’t ask further.’
Fortunately, Isabelle only shrugged.
“…Very well. So you’re heading toward the Riberton estate now?”
“That’s right. We’ll probably depart within a few days. Both Lepent and Arian are sensitive about the Rems River toll and tax negotiations.”
“Is the entourage still the same?”
“It’s still me, the Lion Knights, Sir Kyle, and Miss Tessa. And lastly… Princess Sophia is accompanying us. Your thoughts haven’t changed, have they?”
Isabelle’s request to Glenn was to have Sophia accompany them on the journey to the Riberton estate.
Currently, Sophia’s parents were serving as diplomats in the Riberton estate under contract orders. So Isabelle asked Glenn to take Sophia to her parents.
But Sophia was only seven years old. The long journey itself was troublesome, but the bigger issue was the poor security situation in the northern region.
Princess Isabelle was likely aware of this as well. Yet she entrusted Sophia to Glenn.
“Yes, nothing has changed. More than anything, the palace isn’t very safe for Sophia right now. It’s better for her to be with the Prince.”
“…Is this because of Princess Britani?”
“Of course that’s part of it. Alexius also owns a carriage… At this ball, the Prince and I drew more attention than we expected.”
“You mean—.”
“Oh, don’t misunderstand. It was intentional anyway. It’s not that we did anything wrong. As you know, the manhunt for the ‘Wyvern’ was my father’s will. But the spotlight was obviously on the two of us. That was the plan from the start.”
Raoul and Edmund would surely walk the path of destruction. They were the manhunters targeted by Contract, so that was certain. But among the many gazes they received during the plan—
Some might have had less-than-friendly intentions.
Isabelle was telling this story now.
“A troublesome topic.”
“The fact that I’m close to Sophie isn’t a secret in the palace. So it’s too dangerous for Sophia there.”
“Hmm… I see.”
“Besides, this journey will be a good experience for her.”
It was Isabelle’s personal opinion, but Sophia showed considerable talent as a diplomat. Riberton was truly the center of continental diplomacy, so this would surely help her somehow.
“I understand. But… is the Princess alright with this?”
At Glenn’s question, Isabelle’s eyes widened.
“Hmm? Why would I not be?”
“You just said the two of us, you and the Princess, are the ones drawing the most attention.”
“Oh, that story…”
The tip of her fan twitched slightly. She quietly smiled, covering her mouth.
“I never thought I’d say this myself later on… but do you know one of my nicknames?”
The Flower of the Kingdom? No, that wasn’t what she meant.
She was probably referring to—
“… ‘The Black Serpent.’”
“Don’t say it aloud. She’s right here listening.”
“My apologies.”
Glenn looked at her with a wary gaze.
Perhaps the ones who should be careful were those targeting Isabelle.
Knock, knock.
The sound of knocking interrupted the conversation.
“Princess, and Prince. Princess Sophia—.”
“Wow, sister, Glenn!”
Before the steward finished speaking, Sophia dashed over, running full speed, and hugged Glenn and Isabelle in turn.
“Shall we end the serious talk here?”
“Yes, let’s.”
The two smiled warmly, grateful for Sophia, and reached an agreement.
***
The day after the ball.
This day was typically reserved for the children of noble families to receive etiquette and manners training in the ballroom.
Naturally, it wasn’t a day that significantly influenced the social scene.
It was simply a day for children. Therefore, unlike yesterday, the ballroom was rather quiet. But despite that, Sophia was in an exuberant mood.
Holding Glenn’s hand with one hand and Isabelle’s with the other, she couldn’t stop talking as she admired the lavish decorations.
“Wow—Glenn, Glenn! Look at that! The ceiling is sparkling!”
As soon as she spotted it, Sophia almost started to run, but Isabelle held her back.
“Sophie, what did your sister say earlier?”
“Hmm? Don’t eat too much chocolate?”
“No, not that.”
It was etiquette training time, after all. The finer details were taught by the palace officials and stewards, but Isabelle couldn’t remain silent.
She couldn’t let Sophia be called rude anywhere.
“…Ah, your sister told you to be careful in your actions!”
A completely uncareful answer.
At least she hadn’t forgotten the warning. Actually putting it into practice was another matter.
“…Yes, be careful with your actions and speech—be graceful—.”
“Sis, what does ‘careful’ mean?”
Earlier, when told, she had confidently nodded.
Isabelle felt a slight sting of betrayal.
“Wouldn’t it be fine to just do as you please?”
Glenn glanced sideways and asked cautiously. Isabelle’s eyes flashed sharply.
“Is that even something to say?”
“Anyway, since it’s palace etiquette and proper manners, you’ll be learning it over and over, even if not now. Isn’t that so?”
“I’m really curious who taught the Prince etiquette.”
“A very strict person. Quite strict indeed. So I used to peek out the window every day.”
Glenn smiled playfully as he spoke.
Sophia, who overheard that amusing reply, quickly responded.
“Wow! Prince, can I do that too?”
“Absolutely not, Sophie. Remember what your sister said, alright?”
“Okay.”
Isabelle warned Sophia with a very serious gaze.
A princess who ran out the window to avoid etiquette training?
Just imagining what rumors would spread in the palace was terrifying.
At the same time, she frowned and glared at Glenn.
“Well, I’m just saying.”
“Prince?”
“…Be careful.”
Sigh.
It felt like taking care of two children.
Isabelle somehow felt weary.
***
“Ah, hello. Princess Sophia. I’m Rina Dell from the Lindelway family. Please take care of me.”
A young lady, appearing about Sophia’s age, approached and greeted her.
With brown curly hair and an innocent appearance, Rina Dell seemed slightly intimidated by the presence of Isabelle and Glenn beside Sophia.
“Wow! Rina Dell, I—.”
Perhaps delighted to meet someone her own age, Sophia rushed over to hug her—but Isabelle stopped her.
“Sophie.”
“Hmm… um, I’m Sophia—. Nice to meet you. Play with me?”
“What language is that?”
Isabelle sighed again beside her.
“You’ve had a hard time. Princess Isabelle, and Prince Glenn.”
One of the two young adults who came with Rina Dell stepped forward and greeted them.
A woman with soft features and brown hair.
Tessa Lindelway.
She was the young lady who had danced with Glenn three times on the first day of the ball.
“Good to see you again, Miss Tessa. And—.”
Glenn’s gaze shifted to the man standing next to Tessa.
At the same time, his brow furrowed reflexively.
“Sir Kyle.”
Kyle de Riberton.
A man in his mid-twenties with dark brown hair and clear blue eyes. His face rarely displayed emotion, which gave him a rather cold impression.
“Why do you furrow your brow the moment you see me?”
“That’s an illusion. What about you?”
Kyle’s expression wasn’t any brighter.
Well, this man hadn’t shown much of a bright expression since their first meeting. It was astonishing how he managed to court Miss Tessa with that expression.
“I usually have this expression.”
“Did you happen to enjoy a special menu for breakfast?”
“Huh?”
“Even ballet dancers smile sometimes, you know.”
Kyle frowned again.
Isabelle jumped in this time.
“The two of you? You have a keen eye. Will you stop bickering like children every time you meet?”
“Ahem.”
“Hmm.”
“Actually, from the first meeting, it felt like you two were like close friends constantly teasing each other.”
Tessa’s evaluation made both men frown again. They wanted to retort, but Isabelle’s sharp gaze stopped them.
“P-Princess Sophia, shouldn’t we start with etiquette practice first?”
Sophia had already grabbed Rina Dell’s hand and was wandering around the dining table. She had been babbling nonstop since earlier because she was hungry.
Naturally, her focus was on the chocolates. The stewards around were flustered but dared not intervene. After all, Sophia was a princess of Arian.
“Shh! Here’s some chocolate. Isabelle won’t let me eat much, so I sneak it like this—.”
“…Sophie? Sorry, everyone heard that.”
“Hmm? Do you want some too, sister?”
Mumbling shyly, Sophia already had one piece in her mouth. The sight was rather endearing. Isabelle forced herself to suppress the smile tugging at her lips.
Then she spoke what needed to be said.
“No chocolate for the next three days.”
“Eh?!”
“Why the surprised look? You promised me earlier. If I catch you sneaking chocolate, no chocolate for three days.”
“But I only ate one!”
A truly wronged expression.
…Was this child shameless, or did she know she was adorable and was doing this on purpose?
“One or two pieces, it doesn’t matter. It’s not allowed.”
Sophia’s expression instantly turned pouty.