Chapter 63
“Lutan-nim.”
At Roina’s quiet words, both Lutan and Maili turned to look at her. Her tone was calm, yet within her eyes, flames burned fiercely.
“We cannot simply stand by and watch the Crown Prince any longer.”
“I think so too.”
Lutan answered immediately and took her hand. Roina flinched slightly at the touch. It reminded her of the passionate man who visited her every night.
“I… I’ll learn magic as quickly as possible. If I can wield it freely, will it be alright for me to leave the Magic Tower?”
Roina gently twisted her hand free from his grasp. His affection was still too overwhelming for her. The golden-eyed man simply gazed at her hand in silence, as if understanding her response was only natural.
“That is—”
“I think so too.”
Maili suddenly interjected. She had intentionally cut Lutan off, but since his expression didn’t seem particularly approving, no one pointed it out.
I’ll have to talk to him separately later. Roina thought to herself.
A spirit fluttered over and landed on her head. It was weightless, yet its touch was soft and velvety.
“In the meantime, I’ll gather more information. If necessary, I’ll even secure the cooperation of other noble houses.”
Clink.
She fastened her sword back onto her waist. It was a beautiful blade, its white body adorned with elegant curves. It suited Maili perfectly, Roina thought.
Maili abruptly stood up and waved her hand. The spirit, noticing her intent to leave, flitted ahead to guide the way.
“Maili, see you next time.”
A casual farewell between friends. It was something she used to say all the time years ago, but directing it toward Maili now felt strange and awkward.
“See you!” Maili replied brightly before disappearing, her golden ponytail swaying behind her.
She had likely stepped away to give Roina and the Great Archmage a moment alone. She was someone well-versed in noble society—while she didn’t use aristocratic speech, she had an innate ability to withdraw smoothly without making her absence feel abrupt.
“Lutan-nim, do you dislike the idea of me leaving the Magic Tower?”
“No, not at all.”
His response to her direct question came out sharp and immediate.
Roina stared at him. He seemed to be carefully choosing his words.
“It’s not that I dislike you leaving the tower… I’m afraid of losing you again.”
“Again?”
His lips pressed firmly shut.
It seemed he had no intention of answering that question.
“I appreciate that you wish to protect me, but isn’t that the same as saying you’d rather I never leave the Magic Tower?”
“……If you leave, I will accompany you.”
Ha. Roina unconsciously let out a breath of disbelief.
“I want to exist as a person. As an individual who can choose where to eat, sleep, dress, and take my own steps.”
Lutan couldn’t easily respond. He only gazed at her with solemn eyes.
“To me, Lutan-nim, you are my greatest savior and benefactor. Because you pulled me out of that mire. But even so, I want to choose my own life for myself.”
No matter who he was, he could not own her. She was tired of living as someone else’s possession.
“I’d like to be alone for a while.”
With those words, Roina left the drawing room. The spirit wavered briefly before fluttering after her. Soon, Lutan was alone.
“Ha…….”
Lutan covered his face with one hand.
A fresh spring had come to the quiet Magic Tower. Green buds sprouted, and a gentle breeze stirred the air. The ancient stone tower, which had always carried the chill of time, now held warmth for her sake.
Even this drawing room had changed greatly since she arrived. It had once been merely a formal space, but now, the white curtains swayed in the cool breeze, a vase of flowers sat atop the table, and a delicate tea set with tiny floral patterns adorned the surface. A lace tablecloth completed the scene. Everything had changed after she came.
He sank onto the sofa with a heavy thud. Silence surrounded him. Loneliness was his old companion. Without her, he was nothing more than a stagnant presence within this cold stone tower, without purpose, without warmth.
Idiot. He muttered to himself with self-mockery.
It wasn’t fear that she might get hurt or fall into danger. It was the realization that he could no longer endure a life without her.
Savior and benefactor—those words were not meant for her to say.
They were his to speak.
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