“…Bianca del Castana.”
In the depths of the imperial palace, Iris el Devhart leaned back in a chair in her private room, deep in thought.
Currently, the ‘Bianca del Castana’ Iris was contemplating was not the present Bianca. Instead, she was thinking about the Bianca who shared the joys and sorrows with her on the expedition before time went backwards.
Known as one of the five greatest mages in the empire and an unparalleled genius, Bianca was revered not for her title as the daughter of the Marquis of Castana, but for her magical prowess. Despite her eccentric personality, Bianca was a weak woman who struggled to express herself to others. She was also the only woman in the expedition who treated Iris without hesitation.
The woman Iris knew, Bianca del Castana, was a very contradictory being. On the outside, she appeared confident and composed, but in reality, she was a pitiful woman who was weak in nature. She always pretended to be strong and acted indifferent to others’ opinions, but Iris saw her behavior as nothing more than a defense mechanism—a hedgehog erecting thorns to hide its weakness.
In a sense, Bianca was a very pitiful woman. She couldn’t be honest with herself, often repeating sharp words and actions toward others. She sought affection from people she didn’t even care about and feared contact with others.
Iris understood that the world admired the splendid side of Bianca, the unparalleled genius, but she knew that such a notion did not fully constitute the woman named Bianca. As a prominent figure in the Empire, Iris was aware of secrets that normal people would never know.
For instance, Iris knew how Bianca del Castana came to be, how the Marquess of Castana used her, and how she was treated by her family. Iris felt a sentiment that shouldn’t be felt—sympathy for Bianca. She was a woman who had lived a life of being shunned and ostracized. She had never received affection from her family. This was the past of Bianca del Castana.
And one day, Bianca met Cain von Estel. Even Iris didn’t know what happened during that insignificant meeting, but she knew that for Bianca, meeting Cain was not trivial.
For Iris, Bianca’s attitude towards Cain was quite disrespectful. Though she kept a distance from others, she was open and close only to Cain.
Sometimes, this behavior annoyed Iris. To Iris, Bianca seemed spoiled and dependent on Cain.
However, Iris could relax because Bianca was not honest with herself. She was an immature woman, swayed by her emotions and unaware of what she wanted. Competing with such a childlike woman, Iris believed she couldn’t lose.
Yes, until yesterday.
“…umm.”
Iris felt she had to revise her thoughts. Bianca del Castana was not someone to be taken lightly. While reviewing data from the Black Tower, the birthplace of black magic, Iris realized this.
“Memories…”
Bianca hadn’t bothered to hide her tracks, making it easy for Iris to know Bianca’s purpose in visiting the Black Tower. Bianca was researching ‘memory.’ This revelation was devastating because Iris hadn’t expected Bianca to show off her magical prowess more freely than the saintess, Ariel Thiers.
“…what the heck is it?”
What was Bianca’s goal? Why was she researching memory?
Iris didn’t know. There were so many aspects to figure out that she couldn’t easily determine Bianca’s intentions. The simplest inference was that Bianca wanted to bring back memories from before time was reversed.
But was that realistically possible? No mage in the world could perform the miracle of rewinding time, not even the legendary dragons. So Iris was certain it was an impossible task for a mere human.
Despite her efforts, Iris couldn’t find the answer. Frustration doubled as it was impossible to discuss issues related to ‘regression’ with others. As Iris was deep in thought, there was a knock on the door.
“Who is it?”
“It’s Kris, Your Highness. I have urgent news to tell you.”
“…come in.”
After Iris gave her permission, her guardian knight, Kris, entered the room.
Iris looked at him with a questioning expression. Kris wouldn’t come at such a late hour unless it was extremely urgent.
“What brought you here at this hour, Kris?”
“…it’s about Cain von Estel.”
“…about Cain?”
“Yes.”
Iris felt her anxiety amplify tenfold. What had happened that Kris was hesitant to speak?
“Between Cain and Bianca del Castana…”
Kris’s words felt unbearably slow.
Iris urged him to continue.
“…between, what did you say happened?”
Unable to hold back, Kris finally revealed the news.
“They are holding an engagement ceremony. In a week.”
At that moment, the chair Iris was sitting on shattered, but she paid no attention and stepped towards Kris, her voice tense.
“…Kris, recount the incident in more detail. Without missing a thing, right now.”
****
“Young Lord, I have a question.”
“What? Whatever you want to know, I’ll answer.”
Old Carol looked at Aria, who was lost in meditation, and then asked me a question.
“What do you think of Aria?”
“What do you mean?”
“Just answer.”
What kind of question was this? But Carol’s serious expression made me answer sincerely.
“She’s a cute girl, like a lucky charm of the Estel Duchy. She has a genius talent for magic. You even begged me to make her your disciple.”
I smiled, but old Carol shook his head.
“…I don’t think so. Aria is not a genius in magic.”
“What do you mean? You called her a genius who appears once in a hundred years.”
“Yes, I did. I thought Aria was a great genius. But I was wrong. Aria is not a simple genius. She cannot be measured or defined by the term ‘genius.’”
“…..”
“Do you know that geniuses can learn ten things from one? But even geniuses need to learn something from someone. It’s impossible for a human to create something from nothing. But Aria already knows a hundred, even though I only taught her one. She can learn a thousand and apply ten thousand. I realized Aria was not just a genius but something far beyond my understanding.”
Old Carol trembled as he spoke.
“I am truly afraid. How far will Aria go? Where will she end up? This old man can’t stand the fear.”
I felt I understood his concern. He worried that Aria might become like a witch in ten years. Though his realm was limited, he accurately guessed Aria’s potential future.
“…therefore?”
“Yes?”
“So, do you regret taking Aria as your disciple? Do you lament your decision?”
Old Carol gently closed his eyes.
“…no. I do not regret it. But I have one request.”
“Request?”
“Yes.”
Old Carol looked at the meditating Aria with warm eyes before turning to me.
“If that child goes astray, please stop her. I believe you are the only one who can fulfill that role.”
It was as he said. If Aria transformed into a witch who brought winter to the world, it was my responsibility to save her.
“i…won’t let that happen. I will take responsibility for Aria until the end.”
Old Carol smiled quietly at my answer.
“That’s reassuring. Thank you, Young Lord.”
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imagine her hearing it