CHAPTER 2
Rustle.
As the rolled-up paper was unfurled from top to bottom, rows of densely written text were revealed.
“Wow, that’s so cool!”
Clap clap clap! With Anna’s cheers and applause, my shoulders couldn’t help but rise with pride.
“Alright, Anna. Want to read the title out loud?”
“Yes, my lady. Operation: Win Over the Archmage!”
“Good. Very well done.”
“Hehe. Thank you!”
That’s right. This was the time to explain the plan to get the Flower Archmage—also known as the Archduke—to join my side and help me willingly. Of course, it’s something only I really need to know, but as they say, to execute something perfectly, you must be able to explain it to others too.
That’s one of the skills I picked up while carrying out all 100 Ways to Exorcise a Demon.
“Now then, the so-called ‘Flower Archmage’! More beautiful than flowers, more dazzling than gems… Ugh, never mind that part.”
Seriously, out of all possible nicknames, Flower Archmage? Give me a break. Might as well throw it to the dogs.
“Name: Ian Crichton. Archduke of the Brookshell Empire, and an Archmage.”
“Archduke Crichton! The Archmage!”
“Black hair, golden eyes, and a face so gorgeous it’s almost… Ugh, no matter how stunning he is, he’s still a demon in the end.”
“Huh?”
“No, never mind.”
There were so many annoying details that I wasn’t making much progress. Time for a quick stretch and—focus again!
“He likes wine, particularly Charo Lafion. His hobbies include reading and browsing the newspaper. He especially enjoys checking horoscopes.”
Seeing Anna nodding enthusiastically with her mouth agape spurred me on to explain even more passionately.
“So, at the banquet, I’m going to keep an eye on the Archmage and approach him the moment I see an opening. I’ll start a conversation on a topic he’s likely to find interesting.”
“Then you should start with wine.”
“Exactly! Great thinking, Anna.”
“Hehe. Thank you. It’s all thanks to how well you explained everything, my lady.”
She’s adorable. I shot her a sweet, honey-dripping look and wrapped up the briefing before sitting back down at my desk.
Five days until the banquet! I needed to be so well-prepared about Ian Crichton that if someone poked me, I’d spill facts about him like a broken faucet.
And as I prepared, time flew by—until finally, the day of the banquet arrived.
“I hope this helps…”
Anna said worriedly as she tied a ribbon around my waist.
I had chosen a red dress because demons supposedly hate the color red. (Though it probably wouldn’t help at all—but still, it gave me some peace of mind.)
I had forgotten that I stormed out of the fitting room without getting my measurements last time, so I had to wear a pre-made dress that turned out to be a bit too big.
“I think it looks prettier with the ribbon tied like this, actually.”
I spun around once in an extra cheerful voice.
“You look beautiful no matter what you wear, my lady. I’m not worried about that at all.”
That should’ve made me feel good, but Anna’s drooping expression somehow took the joy out of it.
“Don’t worry. This could be the last banquet I attend with that demon.”
“You have to succeed.”
“Of course I will!”
I’ve practiced a hundred times and made every preparation—I’m flawless!
Trying to ease Anna’s worry, I headed down the stairs—and saw someone standing in front of the carriage.
“Brother?”
“……”
“What are you doing here?”
Eric, a knight of the Imperial Guard, being here on the day of such a big banquet was strange. Weren’t all the knights assigned to palace security today?
“……”
As always, Eric just looked at me with his red eyes without saying a word.
“The Viscount and Viscountess have already left for the palace. The young master stayed behind to escort the young lady.”
Since Eric remained silent, the butler beside him explained instead.
He didn’t look pleased, as if he was forced into this. Did it really bother him that much to accompany me alone?
“I could’ve gone by myself… Stepmother’s such a worrier.”
Tsk, tch, hmph.
Then suddenly—
“…What the heck?”
Eric held out his hand.
“Get in.”
Wait—was this an escort gesture? And—did he just talk to me? I blinked, stunned. Eric frowned slightly and spoke again.
“Get in.”
“……”
Sigh.
He lowered his hand with a sigh and turned to board the carriage first. I quickly blocked him.
“Okay, okay! I’ll get in. Hand, please.”
Without a word, Eric held his hand out again.
It took me three years to get him to talk, and he can’t even wait a few seconds? Unbelievable.
Accepting his hand, I stepped into the carriage with Eric’s escort. Our carriage headed straight for the imperial palace.
“……”
“……”
Naturally, neither of us spoke a word the entire way. Normally I’d tease him into saying something again, but today was too important. I didn’t want to jinx it.
Just as the long line of carriages had me bored out of my mind, we finally arrived at the banquet hall entrance. Eric escorted me inside, and as expected, a demonic dance party was already in full swing.
“The owner of a most tempting soul has arrived.”
“She’s wearing red—how pathetic.”
“Come dance with us.”
Even demons far away rushed over to whisper in my ears. Pretending I didn’t hear them? That’s child’s play by now…
I closed my eyes.
“Brother, I’m feeling a little dizzy. Can you take me somewhere quiet?”
Eric didn’t respond, but I thought I heard him click his tongue in disapproval. Maybe it was just my imagination. These demons were making it hard to hear.
Anyway, with my eyes closed, I couldn’t see the demons, so that was nice. Even if their voices were annoying, I could focus and tune them out. If I ignored them long enough, some would give up and leave. And this was a banquet—plenty of distractions for them.
“There’s a chair. Sit.”
We must’ve reached a corner. Eric gently pushed my shoulder down.
“Thanks. Now go do your thing.”
“All right.”
Wow, he talks so well when I close my eyes. Maybe I should keep my eyes shut whenever I talk to him.
I was starting to get the hang of communicating with Eric—and had a good feeling about tonight. Once the demons got bored and left me alone, it would be time to find the Archmage and recruit him to my side.
Seems like things are quieting down…
As the whispers faded, I slowly opened my eyes. And saw… someone’s broad back?
“Brother?”
“……”
Eric was sitting right in front of me, effectively blocking me from view, like he didn’t want others to see me.
Was he embarrassed by me?
Makes sense.
When I called him, Eric looked back, gave me a once-over, and then stood up and walked away.
“Oh my! Lady Riley, you were here?”
“You seem close with Sir Eric. It’s so lovely to see.”
The women who had been chatting with Eric earlier suddenly swarmed me, making small talk. Just three years ago, they used to avoid me. The reason they were talking to me now was obvious.
They’re just trying to get on my good side to get closer to Eric.
Ever since joining the Imperial Guard, Eric had become the rising star of high society.
His formerly “cold and scary” looks were now praised as “cool and mysterious,” and his once “too quiet” demeanor was now “calm and composed.”
“Well, um, I was just—”
In moments like this, retreating is best. I mumbled an excuse and stood up.
What’s so great about Eric, anyway?
Sure, he’s good-looking—even if a bit fierce-looking.
And yes, he’s diligent. He trains with a sword nonstop.
And because he’s so focused on training, he has no scandals and excellent swordsmanship.
Hmm.
…Not bad, I guess.
“Look—it’s the Flower Archmage!”
Just as I was wandering away from the crowd of girls and demons, slowly scanning the room for Ian, someone’s shout made every head in the banquet hall turn toward the entrance.
Even the demons stopped dancing to stare. At least, that’s how it felt to me.
“My goodness, if I could just fall into those arms once, I’d die happy.”
“Hmm. He really does live up to the rumors.”
Clutching my suddenly racing heart, I slowly turned toward the entrance—and saw him.
A glowing face framed by raven-black hair. A strong, sharp jawline beneath it, and features so exquisitely sculpted they looked like art. Most of all—his eyes. Those brilliant golden eyes that suited the phrase “more radiant than jewels” perfectly.
A deadly beauty that no one could forget after a single glance—man or woman, young or old.
The entire banquet hall fell silent, as if under a spell, bewitched by his mysterious charm.
Who was the one who scoffed, “No matter how enchanting someone is, they can’t outshine a demon”?
Oh, right. That was me.
Well—everyone, step aside. That one’s mine.
