Chapter 42
“Then I have a lot of work to do.”
“Yes. We’ll meet again next time. Please be sure to send my regards to Prince Aserian as well.”
The master of the Mage Tower and the sibling most cherished by Crown Prince Aserian.
Although he had left the royal family long ago to live solely as the Mage Tower’s master, those who know understand.
Cheian—his words are never ignored by either the Emperor or the Crown Prince, and he continues to receive their boundless affection.
He is the only one capable of moving them.
That is Cheian.
“Of course.”
Cheian himself knew this better than anyone.
He understood all too well that the reason they approached him wasn’t solely because of his position as Mage Tower master. So today as well, he wore a perfectly practiced, mask-like smile.
“Seems like you know each other well?”
It was only after the head of the Ellysia family departed that Seres spoke.
“Well… ‘know’ is a stretch. We’re only acquaintances, really.”
“Still, wouldn’t that be closer than meeting just for work?”
“…Huh?”
“But, I don’t really know what work we’re supposed to do? Was I the only one unaware?”
“Wait, wait! That’s…!”
Reacting to Seres’ slightly twisted comment, Cheian hurriedly tried to explain, recalling his earlier conversation with Count Creel Ellysia.
“It’s just… I didn’t want that man to bother you for no reason!”
He knew all too well what kind of situation Seres would end up in the moment anyone realized they were close.
“Enough. Why are you making excuses like we’re just work acquaintances?”
…Seres.
“From now on, let’s not get too close. We’re only meeting because of work, after all.”
…You hold grudges, huh.
Leaving a flustered Cheian behind, Seres turned his gaze to the head of the Ellysia family, who had already disappeared into the distance.
“But…”
“Hmm?”
“Why are you wearing a fake one?”
“Fake? What’s fake?”
“Never mind. Forget it.”
Even when Cheian asked, Seres didn’t take his eyes off Creel Ellysia.
To be more precise, he was staring at the ring on his right hand.
“How peculiar.”
The Ellysia family ring.
To be recognized as the head of the family, one must properly inherit this ring from the previous head. Even the royal family cannot interfere with this—this is the law of the Ellysia house.
If I’m not mistaken…
That ring is a fake.
