Episode 13
To be precise, I was the one who had grabbed his hand.
‘Of course, it was to remove his hand from my cheek, but I missed the chance to let go.’
However, because Ren approached me—or more precisely, Callisteon—with an unprecedented, intimidating attitude, I was so startled that I froze for a moment.
Callisteon was the first to let go of my hand, clicking his tongue.
“It seems you left your manners back at the Magic Tower. Can’t your eyes see that Rue is frightened?”
As he spoke, Callisteon’s fingers also brushed against the hilt of the sword at his waist.
The fireplace, which Ren had just stepped out of, roared menacingly with a strange sound of wind.
“Manners? You, who speaks of manners, used a cheap trick to separate us?”
Callisteon scoffed.
“Just how long have you been waiting to be this angry? My land that burned down due to your childish fire-setting was worth quite a bit.”
Ren retorted sarcastically without backing down.
“It was too barren to be of any use anyway, wasn’t it? Who knows? Maybe some slash-and-burn farmers will settle there with my help.”
“How dare you speak of slash-and-burn farming in Barbenberg…?”
One was one of the greatest Sword Masters on the continent, alongside Rurik, and the other was the sorcerer known as the Genius Tower Lord.
Pity me, stuck between these two, but I couldn’t just stand by and watch.
“Both of you, stop it.”
The density of the indoor air, which had been stifling, instantly returned to normal.
I breathed a silent sigh of relief and spoke to Ren first.
“Ren, even if you are my brother and have returned, you can’t just appear through the fireplace anytime. You at least need to give me a warning.”
“What?”
The genius mage looked shocked as he questioned back, but even if he were her real father or Louise’s one and only lover, my opinion wouldn’t change.
‘How can he just appear in a lady’s chamber whenever he pleases?’
What if I were changing clothes, dealing with private matters, or in some unsightly state!
“Can’t you give a warning?”
“It’s not that I can’t.”
Callisteon cut in mockingly.
“He’s more than capable. It’s just the manners of an unlearned brat.”
As the atmosphere grew dangerous again, I turned to Callisteon.
“Ren went back to Barbenberg at my request. But ditching him like that was too much, Cal.”
“Rue, but—”
I didn’t give him room to make excuses and continued.
“Of course, Ren was wrong for what he did a few days ago… But don’t do that again, okay?”
I persuaded him as kindly as I could, and Callisteon gave a slight nod.
“…I’ll try.”
Ren gritted his teeth, reached his hand out toward Callisteon, then pulled it back with an expression as if touching him would be like touching poison ivy.
“I’ve agreed to another truce with Erni. You promise it too, in front of Rue.”
Callisteon looked utterly unwilling, but when I deliberately looked at him with expectant eyes, he reluctantly nodded.
He made sure to add, however:
“Make sure you refrain from any cowardly tricks.”
Ren also gnashed his teeth.
“Look who’s talking.”
So, it seemed the relationship between these two was much worse than that between Ren and Ernst.
‘Well, I guess it’s a case of a strong character and an even stronger character.’
I was somewhat satisfied with having mediated between them and brought up what I needed to say.
“Anyway, I’m glad you’re both here. I have a request.”
“You want to go to the Caesarea Monastery?”
I nodded in response to Callisteon’s question.
“As I said, my brother seems deeply troubled. I’ve heard the monk Didio residing there is very wise.”
Callisteon shrugged.
“But judging by you making a request of me, it seems His Imperial Highness the Second Prince is not too keen on the idea.”
It’s so great when people understand you quickly.
I beamed and replied.
“I can persuade my brother, but I’m not sure how His Majesty the Emperor would react.”
“Do you have a map?”
At Callisteon’s words, Ren rummaged through his clothes with an irritated expression and unfolded a map.
