‘All the unreasonable things you’ve had to endure will soon come to an end. For every tear you’ve shed along the way, you’ll find happiness waiting for you in the future.’
‘From this moment on, the battle I fight is one for your freedom—and also an act of atonement for failing to recognize your suffering over the past twenty years.’
‘Before the regression, I had no choice but to let you marry an idiot like Lucian von Tournigen. But this time, I will help you find your way to the person you truly love.’
…It wasn’t that Lucian behaved the way he did out of malice. No, never. It wasn’t like that.
Just then, Aria’s voice flowed through the communication device Cain carried.
[Young Lord. The hounds from Count Cernard’s estate have begun their pursuit. I estimate they’ll reach your location within the next few minutes.]
“Yeah, thanks for letting me know, Aria.”
Cain had been waiting for this moment, keeping an eye out for their arrival.
Now that the time had come, he quickened his pace slightly, ready to welcome his guests. Still, with a bit of time left, he decided to ask Aria a question.
“By the way, Aria.”
[Yes, Young Lord?]
“The magic you used on Lady Decaraznan just now… wasn’t it a bit too powerful?”
It was true that Aria’s timely snipe had allowed them to escape unharmed. But to be honest, the flash had been too strong—even if it was effective.
If an ordinary person—or even a regular knight—had been struck by that attack from a blind spot, they might have been vaporized on the spot.
Had the princess not had the black dragon by her side, Aria’s magic might have left her severely injured, if not worse.
[The situation was urgent. I think I misjudged the power output. And… I thought such a strong spell would scare the princess into abandoning the pursuit. If that was out of line, I apologize.]
Aria’s answer was calm and sincere, leaving Cain uncertain how to respond.
On the surface, she admitted to misjudging the strength of the spell, yet at the same time, she’d used that level of power intentionally. It was contradictory.
“No, well… I don’t think it was overstepping. It’s true you helped.”
Cain responded with hesitation, but even so, he could sense Aria’s joy through the magic tool.
[So you’re saying I did a good job? Is that what you mean? No—yes? That’s it, right?]
“…Well, I guess so.”
Cain gave a small nod, only for Aria to immediately hit him with an unexpected question.
[So… how would you compare it to Lady Bianca?]
“…What?”
Why was Bianca’s name coming up now?
[Well, Lady Bianca and I are both mages, aren’t we? Lately, I’ve been wondering if there are similarities in our positions. Of course, I’m not like her—she’s terrifying, learning all kinds of destructive magic. I study useful spells to support you, Young Lord. But if I had to ask… who do you think is more helpful?]
“….”
As Cain listened to Aria, he couldn’t help but think that the fierce rivalry between Aria and Bianca was far from over.
No—perhaps it wouldn’t end until one of them drew their last breath.
Even after their bloody confrontation that day, something still felt unfinished.
But at this moment, only Aria was by his side. Bianca was not. So there was only one answer he could give.
After silently offering his condolences to the absent Bianca, Cain shamelessly responded.
“…Well, I think you did better.”
[So, I’ll be of help to you, Young Lord? That’s what you meant, right?]
“Yeah, right. You’ve helped me a lot lately.”
After returning, all Bianca had done to him was deceive, kidnap, tamper with his memories, and use magic to punch several beautiful holes through his body.
No matter how he looked at it, this had to be Aria’s overwhelming victory.
‘…Sorry, Bianca.’
It felt like this might just be karma coming back for her.
***
‘I won.’
At that moment, Aria felt elated. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Bianca’s face when she told her this back at the Duke of Estel’s estate.
***
“…Hmm, Cain?”
Just then, Sarah—who had been unconscious all this time—began to stir, slowly regaining consciousness.
For a moment, she seemed confused, unsure of why she was here.
Realizing Cain was still holding her in his arms, she quickly squeezed her eyes shut.
“…Ca-Cain…”
“Yes, Sarah?”
Seeing her hesitate, unable to voice her thoughts, Cain tilted his head slightly in confusion.
“…That… that’s…”
It was the first time in her life she’d been held in the arms of someone outside her family for so long. Everything about it felt strange and overwhelming. She worried whether Cain found her heavy.
Was he frowning because she smelled bad?
Sniff—
‘…I think my body smells normal.’
Thankfully, it didn’t seem like there was any strange odor. If she’d known this would happen, she would’ve sprayed on some perfume before leaving the room!
“…Why are you sniffing all of a sudden?”
“…I think I caught a cold.”
As Sarah stammered to make excuses, her face turned bright red.
Aria’s voice came through the receiver once more.
[Young Lord, you’re not thinking weird things, are you? Hmm?]
“….”
Cain rubbed his temple.
His head ached. He was already starting to miss the comfort of his cozy room at the Estel estate.