Chapter 18
This society still remains relentlessly harsh toward women. Despite progress in women’s rights, they were still barred from inheriting noble titles.
In moments like these, society was always crueler to women. Fernandez pressed his eyes shut with his fingers once again. Just then—
Knock knock.
A neat, gentle knock sounded at the door. Fernandez sprang up from bed. At this hour, there was only one person who could be at the door—Titania. He hurriedly opened the door connecting his chambers.
Standing there with a startled expression was Titania.
“You’re up early.”
“…You are too…”
“Oh, I went to bed early last night,” Titania replied, smiling with a contented glow on her face.
“I’m thinking of heading into the forest this morning.”
“You mean the Charley Forest behind the manor?”
“Yep.”
Titania nodded. The second thing she liked most about the Agaphelia estate—after her study—was the forest nestled behind the mansion. The gardener who lived nearby had cultivated a wondrous collection of flora there.
Among them were rare plants, ones that couldn’t be found anywhere else. Titania often gathered materials there for her research, and there were even specimens that could only be collected at dawn.
“Actually… I’m preparing to write a new paper.”
With a focused expression, Titania began to explain. Fernandez couldn’t fully grasp the field she studied, so she chose her words carefully, keeping it simple.
“It’s nothing too complex… I’m experimenting with combining plant extracts to create a new reagent. It’s used when casting magical formulas. Right now, I’m using sap from ash trees. I want to balance the active compounds and add a catalyst to maximize the effect.”
“You’re… writing a paper?”
“Oh, I do that from time to time. The Academy accepts them under my name.”
She gave a small shrug.
“That’s actually really important. In this era, there aren’t many patrons willing to support female researchers. And even fewer positions for them to occupy. But thanks to the parents I was born to, I’ve never faced that kind of injustice.”
“…”
“That’s why I need to do even better. I want to show people just how far a female researcher named Titania can go.”
Titania, as she spoke, glowed like a pearl catching the morning light.
“Publishing papers with the Academy and submitting them to academic journals doesn’t bring in any profit. But it helps spread my name. I want to become someone others can dream of becoming.”
Her voice was solemn with purpose.
There had been other researchers at the Celestial Fortress who had mocked her for submitting papers for free. According to them, if it didn’t make money, what was the point?
They weren’t wrong—just different. Titania’s values didn’t align with theirs.
In her previous life, she had suffered countless injustices—often at the hands of her own mother. In this life, she’d been born into a loving family and hadn’t faced such cruelty. And that contrast had made her realize—how much of life came down to the luck of birth.
Titania wanted to become a beacon for those who had only known despair. In a world where women were routinely discriminated against, she wanted to succeed spectacularly, boldly.
She wanted the mistreated to dare to dream. To believe.
“And someday, I want to be someone who can support them.”
Ultimately, she dreamed of becoming a guide—a leader.
That was the life Titania envisioned.
“I don’t know if I’ll do well. But anyway, that’s why I’m heading to the forest now, to collect research materials. You’ll probably have to eat breakfast alone.”
“…May I come with you?”
To Fernandez, Titania looked like a beautiful flame burning bright. She had a dream. And even if that dream didn’t yet include him, the fact that it existed was a beautiful thing.
Titania’s dream had value.
“Yes, of course. On one condition—you don’t get in the way.”
“I swear I won’t.”
Titania readily agreed to let him accompany her.
“Then go get ready and meet me outside.”
“…Titania.”
“Yes?”
“You can do it. You’ll achieve your dream. You’ll become a pioneer for researchers like you.”
“I hope so.”
“I believe in you.”
Titania smiled faintly and stepped back, closing the door behind her. Only then did Fernandez step toward the mirror to change—and realize he wasn’t wearing anything on his upper body.
He pressed a hand to his forehead with a groan.
“Hah…”
As he pulled on his shirt, his thoughts lingered.
Dreams, huh. Had he ever seriously thought about dreams? Had he ever embraced a shining vision for the future the way Titania had?
He had been born a young lord, destined to become a duke, and had lived his life following that rigid path.
My dream…
If only he, too, could have a dream with meaning like hers. Titania was the kind of woman who made others want to dream—including Fernandez.
Titania rubbed her cheek with her palm.
What a body.
Ahem.
She rolled her eyes. She didn’t think she’d ever seen such a beautifully proportioned physique before.
Does he always sleep shirtless?
If so, then clearly Fernandez was performing a public service for the world. Even if she had no romantic interest, it was basic human instinct to appreciate a man who was handsome and well-built.
Even so, she had been able to talk about her dreams in front of him with pride—because he had listened. Truly listened.
Aside from her parents, Fernandez was the first person who hadn’t laughed at her dreams.
Most people reacted with scoffs: “A woman doing that? Absurd.” Titania had expected the same, but Fernandez listened sincerely. He understood—and even told her she could achieve it.
It was clear Fernandez was unlike any of the men from her past.
Still, when it came to love, she remained skeptical. Love was an abstract thing, and yet sometimes it wielded terrifying power. It could drive people mad—or even kill them.
I don’t want to go through that again.
As Titania made that vow to herself, Fernandez finished getting ready. The two of them walked side by side. By the time they reached the edge of Charley Forest, the sun had already begun to rise.
Titania walked ahead with practiced ease, clearly familiar with the path. Fernandez narrowed his eyes.
The dawn light spilled over her like a divine offering, and Titania herself shone like a sacred flame.
Every day since she returned had felt new.
Fernandez brushed his lips with his fingers, trying to soothe a thirst he couldn’t name. Seeing Titania always left him deep in thought.
When he thought of what she must’ve endured, he felt guilt. For leaving her alone, he felt shame. For her honesty, he felt grateful. And for the fact that she still shared her light with him, he felt moved.
And then—he was captivated all over again.
He wanted to share in all her struggles. To carry her burdens with her.
Even Fernandez was surprised by the depth of his feelings.
Apparently, he’d been watching Titania quietly for a very long time.
“Wow. This one finally bloomed! Fernandez, could you help me? Since you’re here.”
“Of course. But only if you promise to bring me next time too.”
“Hm? Sure! I don’t mind at all.”
Titania answered cheerfully, her voice bright and bubbling. Beneath the early morning light, she looked like a forest fairy melting into Fernandez’s world.
