Chapter 24
“Shall we have our final tea time, then?”
Derion spoke lightly, unaware of Ashlyn’s burning turmoil.
Ashlyn silently prepared the tea. This routine had become second nature for them both.
She handed him a cup and picked up her own, unfolding the newsletter like always. She forced herself to read the words.
Time passed quietly.
“Oh, that.”
Derion, squinting at the back page of the newsletter, spoke.
“What?”
“That article on the back page.”
She turned to where he pointed.
〔Enchanted Melody – Where is Rohart Zelkins now?〕
Ashlyn’s eyes widened.
‘Rohart Zelkins?’
He was the Empire’s greatest pianist, a legendary figure in high society.
Ashlyn had once heard his performance—piano notes that felt like a glimpse of heaven.
‘What shall I play for you today, Ashlyn?’
That voice echoed from memory.
“Why is he missing? What a fool,” Derion muttered, chin propped in hand.
Ashlyn instinctively looked at him.
“Missing? What do you mean?”
“Oh?” Derion flinched, an awkward glint in his reddish-brown eyes.
“Just talking to myself. Forget it.”
Ashlyn gripped the paper tightly.
“Please tell me, Magician. I… I’m a fan of his.”
Derion hesitated, then sighed.
“You say it with those eyes—I can’t refuse.”
He covered his teacup with the same hand that had supported his chin.
“Rohart and I served the same master. Like I said, we lost her… and well, the one we were up against—her enemy.”
Ashlyn bit her inner lip.
‘If it’s my enemy… it has to be the First Prince.’
A shadow fell across her pale face.
“He was harassed by that enemy. Rohart’s arm was broken. It was made to look like an accident, but anyone could tell it was intentional.”
“Thankfully, I heard he recovered. But after that… no word.”
He cast another glance at the paper and fell silent.
Ashlyn felt cold at the back of her neck.
‘After I died, the First Prince went after my loyal followers…’
Even if he claimed to protect them—Ashlyn was no longer part of this world. The First Prince was at the height of his power. Her people wouldn’t stand a chance.
Ashlyn clenched her teeth.
‘Reveal my identity? Return with Derion?’
The thought immediately soured.
‘How foolish. I’d be returning as a powerless maid, only to burden my people.’
She looked at Derion.
‘He would be happy. He’d try to protect me… but that’s my job.’
The bitterness was overwhelming.
“Your face looks gloomy. Don’t worry! I’m sure he’s out there being a scoundrel as usual,” Derion said hurriedly.
“That guy’s not the type to mope or get bullied. I guarantee it—as a former comrade.”
She looked down, unable to face him.
“I’ll make more tea.”
She spoke like a sigh, rising from her seat.
The carriage rolled away.
The magician had searched around restlessly, then finally departed—just as he came, alone, with only the butler to see him off.
“What are you doing out here?”
A gentle voice. Ashlyn turned slightly.
She had felt someone behind her for a while. She didn’t even need to look to know who it was.
“I was watching the magician leave.”
“That useless fool doesn’t deserve even your farewell,” Tevet sneered.
Ashlyn looked up at him.
Under the lamplight, his sharp jawline and nose were illuminated.
Suddenly—
“Your face looks pale. Are you feeling ill?”
He moved in front of her and bent slightly, studying her face with clear concern.
Ashlyn gave a faint smile and shook her head.
“No. I’m fine.”
At that, Tevet’s throat bobbed.
“Take this.”
He handed her something fragrant.
A bouquet of lilacs, wrapped in white paper.
“It matched your hair color.”
His lips curled slightly.
“And indeed, it looks perfect.”
His whisper was overly sweet.
The world turned violet. It felt like she was cradling a full lilac field in her arms. The scent enveloped her.
“Eshi.”
He finally spoke again.
“Yes, my lord?”
She waited quietly.
“As you’ve heard, a new monster habitat has been discovered.”
“So I must leave the estate for a while.”
Ashlyn gently touched a lilac petal.
“I see.”
“I’ll return quickly. Within two months—no, one if I can.”
He looked nervous, like someone awaiting judgment.
“Please wait for me at the manor.”
He smiled as always—but tension swirled in his crimson eyes.
“Before summer, I’ll summon the magician again. Then we can retrieve your memories.”
“So please promise… to wait for me.”
It was a desperate plea. His eyes shimmered under the faint lamplight.
“Once you remember, and I return…”
He didn’t finish.
Ashlyn inhaled deeply—the lilac scent was dizzying.
She looked at him and smiled.
“My lord.”
He instinctively took a step toward her.
A gaze full of blind, unwavering affection.
“Where would a maid like me go? I’ll be here, waiting. Don’t worry.”
“I’ll wait.”
Her calm voice was exactly the answer he wanted. Yet unease lingered in his eyes. He said nothing more.
The lilac fragrance lingered. Ashlyn knew she would never forget it.
Duke Tevet Laperion departed for the monster war.
Not long after the previous battle, the Emperor sent weapons and letters of encouragement. Everyone expected another victory.
The capital buzzed with talk of war.
But in the northern Laperion estate, life continued calmly—except for one significant change.
“All access to the estate is now restricted. Do not be alarmed. Stay in your places until the Duke returns.”
The butler addressed the staff.
The estate was now under lockdown—an unprecedented move.
Not even the Emperor could enter at will.
The gates would remain shut until their master returned.
“Not so bad, actually.”
“Yeah, less work too.”
Servants had few complaints. With work postponed, it felt like a holiday—except for one person.
“…”
Ashlyn stared at the floor.
A tightly packed bag sat by her feet, ready to go at any moment.
‘Got the ticket too…’
She looked at the paper in her hand.
A ticket for a southern-bound public carriage. Valid within one month.
She’d secured it quietly through a tight-lipped servant, just before the estate locked down.
‘I’ll head south… and cross the sea.’
She gripped the ticket.
Everything was ready.
All that remained was to open the door… and leave.
