* * *
The food didn’t taste bad—in fact, it was made with quality ingredients, healthy, and quite delicious.
Yet, for some reason, it felt like a battle of pride—like whoever ate more somehow lost.
The plates went back and forth between us several times.
Eventually, when they ended up in the middle, I seized the chance and quickly grabbed the tongs.
I heaped food onto Klen’s plate.
“……”
“……”
Realizing the battle was meaningless, he began eating the food on his plate.
Thanks to that, I was able to quietly continue my meal as well.
We had wasted enough time that the food was already cold, but with the earlier tension gone, it tasted good again.
Especially the soup filled with assorted seafood—it was served cold, and its refreshing flavor really stood out.
By the time I was starting to feel full—
“I’ll check it before it’s sent out.”
“……”
Klen suddenly said that out of nowhere, calmly placing another piece of meat into his mouth.
Since I was already chewing, I simply nodded in response.
But I was still puzzled.
…Did he really need to personally check it?
The next morning, an elderly tailor came to visit me.
He opened a thick notebook filled with small sheets of paper tied together, placed a quill and ink on the table, and bowed lightly.
Every movement spoke of a seasoned professional.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Adrian. I am Arks.”
“Adrian Valuncio.”
Seated, he picked up the quill and began jotting things down.
Even though it was our first time meeting, his notebook was already filled.
I glanced at it with mild curiosity, and just then, Arks adjusted his glasses and spoke.
“I wondered why Lord Klen was being unusually picky this time… But now that I’ve met you, I understand.”
“Ahem.”
I awkwardly turned my head.
So the message had already been delivered.
Of course—it had. Anything that reminded her of me shouldn’t make it into the dress, no matter what.
“I’ve already looked into the healer’s preferences. Fortunately, she seems to favor modest styles over flashy or bold ones. That gives us plenty of room to work within the conditions.”
“I see.”
Her usual clothes were plain robes.
But for a ball, surely she could wear something a little more ornate?
“Still, I’d like you to keep it from being too plain, while staying true to her taste.”
“A difficult request. You and your companion seem to share the same challenging tastes. Haha…”
Even as he chuckled and jotted notes, I could tell he wasn’t discouraged.
In fact, there was a sparkle of excitement in his eyes—like he welcomed the creative challenge.
Even the simple sketches in his notebook looked promising.
There probably wasn’t anything to worry about.
I turned slightly and murmured,
“…If possible, I’d also like to avoid reds or amber tones.”
“Oh ho. I had already planned on that.”
The tailor let out a meaningful chuckle, and I couldn’t meet his eyes.
I hadn’t even said that much, yet my throat felt dry.
I took a sip of tea, letting the subtle fragrance soothe me.
The conversation continued for quite a while after that.
The specific design would be discussed with the healer herself; my role was only to confirm what shouldn’t be included.
Any more banned elements, and the dress might not be feasible at all—so the tailor did most of the talking.
Overflowing with enthusiasm, he offered ideas nonstop.
The tea had long gone cold, and neither the cookies nor the cake were touched.
His notebook now had several pages filled with detailed sketches and notes.
“Next, I’ll send a proper draft based on this.”
“Please do.”
It would’ve been nice to proceed with the fitting directly, assuming the healer approved of the design.
But since Klen insisted on checking it first, there was no helping it.
Even though time was short, Arks didn’t seem bothered in the slightest.
He gave me a polite farewell, then rushed out to meet with the healer and take her measurements.
His steps were light with anticipation.
At last, I had a brief moment of peace.
I leisurely sipped my tea and took a bite of cake.
Its soft, sweet flavor melted in my mouth.
‘So, what now?’
The hope that the teleportation spell might have weakened a little was a small comfort.
But why was it that most mages didn’t even suspect that the vast magic field could be one single enormous spell?
Was it just that well-hidden?
Well… I did know what was coming next.
‘I suppose it’s still too early to let my guard down.’
If war breaks out, I should warn Count Valuncio and Fabian hyung… but even if I do, they’re not likely to take it seriously.
In the end, I’ll probably be the one who has to handle things.
I also need to secure a way to contact the capital.
The Count might decide it’s nothing and not report it at all.
‘Is there no way to contact home?’
Still, nothing would be better than finding a way to contact my hometown, Caldrich, directly.
It would be faster than someone riding in from the capital, and definitely more reliable.
Besides, it’d be nice if I got a chance to stretch my body a bit.
“……”
With the last sip, my teacup was completely empty, and the cake was down to its final piece.
As if she’d been waiting for the timing, Linda stepped inside.
I lifted my hand to signal I didn’t need more tea and then spoke.
“I need to go see Klen.”
“Pardon?”
“Do you know where he is?”
Bis, who had followed Linda in, widened his eyes and asked.
“He’s probably at the training grounds.”
Fabian hyung told him to come back, so that’s where he’ll be.
I’ll need to keep the act going—for the sake of his comfortable future.
And if he’s not there, then that’s fine too.
I’ll just use it as an excuse to watch a few sparring matches while I’m at it.
Their expressions clouded immediately.
“I do understand not wanting to be apart for even a moment, but… are you sure it’s alright?”
Well, it’s not quite like that.
“Adrian, how’s your body feeling?”
“Maybe it’s all the good food I’ve been eating… I’ve been feeling fine lately.”
I should look healthier than usual.
The two of them studied my face a little more carefully, and their expressions relaxed just a bit.
Linda poured a bit more tea and set a new piece of cake in front of me.
She wasn’t trying to stop me.
It was more like… a suggestion to rest a little longer before heading out.
“You do seem stronger than before, but… of all places, the training grounds?”
“Even if the fainting spells have decreased, that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down.”
“……”
Maybe I’ve been moving around too much with all the investigating.
Still, I’m glad they’re not outright refusing to let me go.
But maybe I’ve given them too strong an impression of being healthy.
I raised my brows slightly and looked up at them with a soft, slanted gaze.
“Then… is it alright if I go?”
“…It should be fine, as long as Klen stays by your side.”
“Please return together.”
“Got it.”
It was permission… laced with subtle concern.
As expected, even if they say otherwise, these attendants clearly have a deep affection for Klen.
No matter how healthy I seem, someone like me—who’s known for having a weak constitution—couldn’t possibly stay long at the training grounds.
Yet they still asked me to bring Klen back with me.
That was their true intention.
They must think the training is pretty much pointless.
And… they’re right.
Though not quite for the reason they think.
* * *
