Episode 7
The place was so high up that the entire village could be seen below.
People looked like little black dots — like birds flying far away.
“Caw—!”
And then… there was a real bird. Flying through the air right at her eye level.
“Ah, ah, ah, ah…”
Bella’s voice trembled uncontrollably.
It was a kind of fear she had never felt before — different from when her mother disappeared, or when her father was taken away by the knights.
She gathered her courage and peeked out the window again.
‘Wait… from this angle, it’s right where my old house used to be?’
Far below, she could see the familiar hill entrance.
Across from it was the farmhouse that used to deliver milk to her family.
Then there was only one possible conclusion—
“Did I… actually do it again?”
Her wish for a mansion had really come true.
She almost screamed but barely held it in.
Just then, Rie, who had been standing quietly nearby, carefully approached her.
“Miss Bella, this is your home.”
“Ah… yes…”
The confirmation was both sweet and confusing.
“Please have breakfast first, miss. The food’s getting cold.”
Rie gestured toward the trolley full of dishes, guiding Bella’s gaze.
Even though the situation was unbelievable and her mind was in chaos, Bella’s stomach made a small noise.
‘Can I even eat right now?’ she thought—
But then—
Gulp.
The trolley was loaded with a grand feast, and Bella couldn’t help swallowing her saliva.
After using all her power yesterday, her body was weak and hungry.
Still, she hesitated.
‘Wait… is this maid also a summoned being I created?’
Otherwise, why would someone she just met show her such devotion?
Judging by the kindness Acares had shown her yesterday, this maid was probably part of the mansion conjured by Orasion.
Just as Bella was about to move toward the food trolley—
‘Forgive me, Bella.’
“…Huh?”
She heard Acares’s voice echo faintly, as if whispering in her ear.
A blurry image of him appeared before her — his expression looked strangely sorrowful — and then faded away like a mirage.
“Where’s Acares?” Bella asked in a shaky voice.
Rie flinched while arranging the table.
“Ah, Lord Acares stepped out for a bit. He said he’ll be back before sunset.”
“I see…” Bella murmured softly.
‘Maybe this is just a dream.’
Following Rie’s gesture, Bella sat down reluctantly on the edge of the bed.
“By the way, Rie… did anyone come by? I mean, if such a huge mansion appeared overnight, wouldn’t people be suspicious?”
“Oh, you don’t need to worry about that, miss. From the outside, it still looks like your old, modest house. Only the inside is a grand mansion.”
“Huh?”
Rie smiled gently as she served Bella’s plate.
…Right. For now, just eat and think later.
***
Meanwhile…
“Haa…”
Eiden let out a long sigh.
In the spotless office, a man covered in dirt sat casually on the couch, looking straight at him.
“What’s wrong this time, Your Highness?” Eiden asked dryly.
“I just wanted to see you,” Acares replied.
It was the same question, the same answer—for the sixteenth time.
Eiden’s face twitched.
“…Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
“Mm?”
“…Have I done something to offend you?”
Acares looked at him properly for the first time.
His crimson eyes burned like fire — and then curved with amusement.
“Of course not.”
“Then why are you tormenting me like this?”
Acares had appeared before sunrise, saying nothing, just… staring.
Every time Eiden asked him something — if he wanted tea, if he was feeling unwell — he only answered, “Just because.”
If that wasn’t harassment, then what was?
Eiden had been told the prince would be away for a while, yet here he was, wandering around and showing up uninvited in his office.
Then Acares stretched his arms with a sigh.
“Sir Eiden, something’s happened.”
“…Something?”
Eiden’s expression turned serious.
“Don’t tell me Prince Vylon found out—”
“No,” Acares cut him off. “It’s Bella. I think she can’t use Orasion on herself.”
“…What?”
The unexpected words made Eiden blink in confusion.
“Excuse me, Your Highness? Bella Isis can’t use Orasion?”
“She can, but not on herself. See for yourself.”
Acares leaned his head forward, gesturing for Eiden to read his memories through magic.
Eiden tapped his wand lightly on Acares’s head, and a soft breeze swirled around them as Acares’s memories flowed into his mind.
***
In the memory…
“Bella?”
Acares called softly.
The small body leaning against his lap was burning with fever.
“Damn… there’s no healer awake at this hour.”
He wanted to summon Eiden or even the palace physician, but that would risk revealing Bella’s identity.
So instead, he carefully lifted her and laid her on the bed.
“Mom… why can’t I do it?” she murmured weakly.
At the word “Mom,” Acares’s hand froze midair.
Tears streamed down Bella’s pale cheeks.
“Why won’t Orasion grant my wish?”
Under her trembling lashes, tears soaked the pillow.
‘She really can’t use it on herself?’ Acares thought, stunned.
It did make sense — she had the incredible power of Orasion, yet lived in a small, worn-out house, working for scraps.
Why hadn’t she used her magic to change her own life?
That was why he’d started the “pretend husband” game — she needed someone dependable, and he thought he’d be the perfect partner for it.
Taking her to the palace without testing her powers first could have caused chaos.
But now, he’d learned something completely unexpected.
He rested his chin on his arm, watching her murmuring in her sleep.
“Mom… I want to do so many things… but I can’t even make a big house…”
“A big house? Bella, do you want a mansion?”
When her breathing softened, Acares smiled faintly.
“A mansion, huh? I can make that wish come true.”
He couldn’t build one instantly, but magically creating an interior like a grand mansion was easy.
Besides, if he was going to play the role of her husband for a few months, a tiny house was far too risky.
“Tell me more, Bella,” he whispered, brushing her hair aside. “Whatever you wish for, I’ll grant it.”
But the next words out of her mouth shook his heart—
“…End the war.”
***
“L-late! I’m so late!”
Bella clutched her bag straps and ran down the street.
People stared as her small figure kicked up dust behind her, and she slowed down, embarrassed.
“Ugh… why did I waste so much time staring at it…”
Only after leaving the house did she understand what Rie meant.
The inside was a massive five-story mansion — but from the outside, it looked just like her old, simple home.
She’d stood there for half an hour, staring in awe at her own magic.
That’s why she was now in trouble.
“If I’m late today… they’ll definitely fire me!”
Snapping back to reality, Bella sprinted toward the workshop again.
By the time she reached the front gate, she was out of breath, leaning against a pillar.
Just as she sighed in relief—
“Oh my, look who finally showed up — our dusty little teacher!”
A woman’s teasing voice called out as she approached Bella, arms crossed.
