357 – Afterword: Urensto -1

Prince Irid, generous of heart and handsome of face, had been preparing to visit the Urensto Earldom to enhance my own standing. However, he received an urgent message from his crystal ball and his expression hardened.

From what I overheard, it seemed several things had occurred.

He spoke to me with a rather apologetic look.

“It seems difficult to visit the Urensto Earldom together. More incidents than expected are cropping up in the provinces, and I need to go down there immediately and coordinate things. For instance, that Baron Port is apparently suffering from hallucinations…”

“I didn’t give you the instruction manual, thinking it might be fun to figure things out yourself, but maybe I should have. If you see him, tell him to stand in front of a mirror and try operating it with touch.”

“Yes, I knew this was your doing.”

One might think, if something came up for Irid, I could simply wait. However, I had already made an appointment with the Urensto Earldom by letter.

To postpone it would be, well, wouldn’t that be too transparent?

‘The Prince, who was supposed to accompany me, has had an urgent matter arise, so I will be arriving a few days late. I ask for your understanding.’

That would broadcast my desire to show off my connection with the Prince to the entire neighborhood. That’s a little… much. It’s better to show that I keep my promises, even without Irid, or so I thought.

Besides, the plan wasn’t entirely ruined.

“But worry not. It won’t take long. As soon as the work is done, I will rush to the Urensto Earldom. It will probably take about three days.”

“Ooh.”

Yes, if Irid arrives later, there’s no problem at all. It might even serve to emphasize that I’m so cherished that he came running the moment he finished his pressing official duties.

Though three days is a bit of a concern.

“The Urensto Earl won’t chase away his prospective son-in-law in just three days… unless someone causes trouble.”

“Of course, of course. No problem.”

I’m a man who knows how to time things right. I have no intention of acting foolish even when meeting my future in-laws. I smiled with an innocent expression.

Irid, feeling somewhat apologetic for breaking our promise to go together, thought for a moment and added.

“Dress well. It’s about time to grant you a title, so let’s hold the investiture ceremony there.”

“You’re even giving me a title?”

When I asked with wide eyes, Irid said as if it were nothing.

“Considering your achievements and abilities, it’s strange you haven’t received one yet. Do you perhaps need a fief as well?”

“Nah. Don’t particularly *want* a fief, and if I feel like messing around with fiefdom development stuff, I can just go hang out at a friend’s. Not *that* appealing…?”

“I figured.”

A title, huh. From the moment you become a mage of the Magic Tower, you’re basically treated with the respect of a Baron, but that feels more like an honorary thing. Can’t even pass it down to your kids.

But what Irid is talking about now sounds like a proper, inheritable title. Becoming someone of higher status doesn’t really do much for me, but I appreciate the thought behind what Irid’s trying to do.

He wants to boost my name value so I won’t feel small as a plain mage in front of my future in-laws, doesn’t he?

Thank you, my liege…

I gave a light salute.

“Then I’ll see you then, Your Highness!”

“Yeah, try not to cause any trouble.”

*Clop, clop.*

The carriage carrying the Crown Prince moves further away. I stared at its retreating form for a moment, then turned around. I should probably start preparing for the formal meeting with the parents, too.

Parents…

Through the matter with Yuna’s younger sister, Sisell Urensto, I learned that the Urensto family’s affairs were completely messed up. Her father and mother were obsessively fixated on the family’s honor.

You could say they didn’t value anything beyond reputation. Maybe they even saw their children as trophies.

That’s why Yuna doesn’t really like her parents all that much, either. They don’t exactly keep in touch. But… a faint hope lingered in a corner of Yuna’s eyes.

Blood is thicker than water, as they say. It would be ideal if her family could change their minds and live harmoniously together.

I had already commissioned a famous tailor to make a special outfit for this day. I asked for a luxurious suit in line with current trends, and he came up with a snazzy one that had a slightly military feel.

A feathered hat was included, which was a bit of a unique touch. Where have I seen this before… I saw it when Roderus transformed.

Apparently, the “Azure Rose” fashion had a cult following. To me, it felt like a lucky charm. Like it was infused with the power of Daesururu’s pure love.

I take off the Magic Tower robe that I feel like I’ve worn for almost my entire life and change into the suit. I attach the gold braid decorations and neatly style my hair.

“Thermal Ray.”

Fire magic came to the rescue again. Fire mages can use just two fingers as hair curlers. I tame the unruly, sticking-out ends of my hair, normalizing them.

I also put on a bit of makeup. Depending on the person, my face seems a bit gloomy or suspicious, so I added a little touch to bring out some color.

After smoothing out my outfit one last time, it’s done.

Fully equipped, I put on a natural and bright smile, one that makes me look approachable, and left the changing room. Yuna, wearing her usual robe, was waiting in front of the door.

Her stray hairs were sticking out all over, and her clothes had a lot of signs of wear. To put it bluntly, she looked a little scruffy. But Yuna looks cute in whatever she wears, so it’s fine.

I gently adjusted my voice and spoke to her.

“Yuna, are you ready?”

Yuna’s eyes widened.

“…Wh-Who are you?!”

“Ah, geez… even as a joke, don’t say things like that. If I got amnesia at this timing, I can’t even imagine how tangled things would get. Are you ready? Should we go?”

“Ah, n-no, your, your face…”

My face? Is my blush a bit too much?

—

They say a person transforms when they doll themselves up, and it was really true. The fully armed, crazy mage was acting out handsomeness with his entire being. Yuna was completely overwhelmed by the radiant glow.

Even after riding the teleportation magic circle and arriving at the Earinstone County, she still couldn’t quite adapt to the crazy mage’s total makeover.

Is this really the same guy who was all disheveled and crumpled? Not believing it, she glanced up once.

“Hm?”

“U, uh…”

Yuna had to turn her head away hastily, like someone who had stared directly into the sun. Her heart was thumping wildly, uncontrollably. His looks were hazardous to her heart health.

“… …!!”

Then, she abruptly snapped to her senses. What she felt was a sense of crisis. What if another woman came up to ask for his number? What if someone threw him a flirty look while passing by?

…Should I fire off a dispel or something?

Yuna raised her staff and began to survey her surroundings warily.

“What’s wrong?”

“…Don’t… don’t go around looking so dolled up. It’s too much.”

“I did dress up to show your parents, Yuna, but truthfully, I wanted to look good for you too. Still too much?”

“…It’s too much!”

Yuri was right, he really lacks restraint. Yuna grasped his hand tightly and started walking. He’s mine. She wanted to make it clear.

Because he was the first lover she had ever gained in her long, long life.

Just a short walk away was the Earinstone County residence. The garden and mansion, decorated with purple lavender, were built on a low-lying hill.

“… …”

Thinking back on the past, there weren’t any particularly good memories.

The Earinstone couple had forced perfection upon their children, demanding that they be superior to others at all times. But how could they? All that could be achieved with misguided effort and flawed education was just a handful.

Regarding their educational policy, the youngest, Jöel, adapted, Sissel conformed, and Yuna rebelled. Even at a young age, she knew that what they were doing was wrong.

Her rebellion amounted to nothing more than shirking. Ignoring the tutors’ teachings, holding hands with Jöel and Sissel to go play, stubbornly loafing around even when beaten with a whip.

The Earinstone couple looked unfavorably upon Yuna’s rebellious streak, and so… when the mage from the old ivory tower visited and praised her talent.

‘Try to work hard there, at least. Be careful not to tarnish the family’s honor.’

They entrusted her without hesitation.

Yes, they wouldn’t have known.

They likely knew nothing of the ancient magic tower harboring wicked secrets, nor could they have imagined the agonizing time Yuna would endure after entering it. They probably just thought Yuna, with her exceptional talent, had become the youngest Violet Tower Master.

Yuna knew. She understood.

It was because of this understanding that the Urensto Earldom hadn’t been erased. If there had been even the slightest connection otherwise, she would have wiped them out long ago. Therefore… the feelings she harbored for her parents were complex and intricate.

A sliver of unjustified resentment – if they had been ordinary parents, doting on their children without such stubbornness about honor, she wouldn’t have had to suffer such a terrible fate…

A sense of disappointment and anger towards parents who, after she became the Violet Tower Master, leveraged her status in social circles, boasting about their daughter’s achievement, yet never sent a single personal letter…

A hope and expectation that perhaps, with so much time having passed, they might have changed, even a little…

And that expectation.

“Welcome, I am Evele, Countess Urensto. Thank you for visiting the Urensto family. You are quite the vision! Our daughter has certainly found an excellent groom!”

“You’ve finally returned to the main house, Yuna Urensto. You have no idea how long we’ve been waiting for you! Your room has been maintained all along. Cleaned and kept immaculate every day. You must see it.”

“Ah, um… y-yes.”

It seemed like she was being rewarded.

—

Hospitality.

The entire staff of the Urensto Earldom came out to attend to Yuna and her groom upon their return, and a lavish array of dishes, enough to fill the long, long table, illuminated the evening banquet.

The chandelier cast a soft glow, bathing the central hall, and the orchestra’s music, flowing quietly from the crystal speakers, created a luxurious atmosphere.

The mad mage blended in seamlessly. He dined with meticulous grace, as if properly educated in etiquette, his movements impressing even the Earl.

It was Yuna, born a noble, who seemed more awkward.

“The chef’s skill is truly remarkable. Might I inquire as to the name of this dish?”

“That is Quidets, a traditional southern pork dish. I will have the recipe prepared for you before you depart, Mage.”

“I am grateful for your kindness, Countess.”

While the mad mage conversed with the Countess, Earl Urensto spoke to Yuna in a gentle voice.

“How have you been? I heard that the Violet Tower has been in dire straits lately; I hope you’ve been eating well.”

Yuna flinched. Partly because it had been so long since she’d spoken with her father, and partly because she’d never heard such a gentle tone from him before.

A little awkwardly, she opened her mouth and spoke softly.

“…Ah, you knew?”

“Of course. How could I not? You may have left home, but you are still a precious daughter of the Urensto family. I considered sending support to the Violet Tower, but I worried it might wound your aristocratic pride, so I refrained.”

“U-um. I see…”

“It seems my judgment was correct. You revived the tower through your own efforts. Had I assisted, it would have cast doubt on your abilities. I am very proud of you.”

“…………”

She was being acknowledged.

The man who used to rage, demanding she fill the 『Wall of Glory』to bursting, who acted like a hungry whale, forever pushing her to achieve more no matter what she accomplished… he was acknowledging her.

A strange feeling. Was this what it meant to feel a lump in one’s throat, a churning in the stomach? “I am proud of you.” Why did these few, simple words resonate so deeply?

Yuna lowered her head, her face flushed slightly. Her eyes threatened to moisten.

After that, she relaxed somewhat and began to engage in casual conversation with the Count and Countess, whom she hadn’t seen in almost ten years. Recent updates, amusing anecdotes, delicious dishes they’d enjoyed—

The small joys that families could share and relate to.

The Mad Mage watched with a beaming smile. *Yes, people change with time.* Perhaps the Count and Countess were even reflecting on their past selves.

Smiling brightly as she chatted, Yuna suddenly recalled something and asked,

“What about Jewel?”

Jewel. Jewel Jurensto.

In their childhood, the child who had received the most love from the Yurensto couple, surpassing both Ciel and Yuna. The child who had somehow managed to fill the 『Wall of Glory』.

Now that she noticed, Jewel was absent from the meal. As far as she knew, Jewel still lived in the Count’s residence.

The Countess replied casually, as if it were of no consequence.

“Jewel is undergoing body correction.”

“Body correction…? What do you mean?”

“She’s only eating one meal a day to lose weight. Her wedding is fast approaching, so she must look her loveliest, mustn’t she?”

“Oh….”

A wedding, was it.

“Since you and the Magician are also in a serious relationship, Yuna, how about a joint wedding if the timing works out? Our family would have two celebrations, so a joint wedding would be even more magnificent.”

“That’s…”

She wanted to refuse. As Yuna struggled to find the words, the Mad Mage smoothly intervened to defuse the situation.

“We will consider it positively, Countess. However, as servants of the Second Prince, it is difficult to set a date rashly before our liege ascends the throne. We would like to think it over carefully. I hope you will understand.”

“Oh my, if that’s the case, there’s nothing to be done… I only suggested it because I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity, so don’t worry about it too much.”

The harmonious family meal concluded in that manner.

“Magician, it’s alright if you share a room with Yuna, yes?”

“I have no objections… but I would never want to cause any offense.”

“Nonsense. As it happens, Yuna’s room has a large bed, so there won’t be any discomfort. I’ll instruct the servants… not to wander about at night. Then, I’ll see you again at breakfast tomorrow.”

“…Yes.”

She had even received permission for them to share a bedchamber.

Though laughter had bloomed throughout the gathering, a shadow lingered on the faces of Yuna and the Mad Mage as they returned to her room.

“…”

“⋯⋯⋯⋯.”

They both had the same thought. An unsettling feeling. Something was amiss.

A subtle unpleasantness kept rising, again and again.