Chapter 27

In a corner of the capital city, where the noble families gather, there was also the mansion of Clement's family, the House of Bartel.

Since his grandmother was a former princess, the direct lineage of the Bartel family is valued more than that of other families. Especially when it comes to choosing a wife for the heir, Clement, the scrutiny is even more severe—

"Unfortunately... I think it's best to give up on Viera, the daughter of the Count of Ubert."

The current head of the House of Bartel, the Bartel Duke, called his son Clement into the study and told him this. Clement, sitting on a high-quality sofa, clenched his fists on his knees.

"Father, was it Grandmother who made this decision? Is it because Viera's bloodline is not suitable for a dukedom?"

"No, Mother approved Viera the other day. She said Viera has the talent of a mage and possesses blood that is so excellent it can overlook the difference in status... But the reason was that Duke Ambrochus recognized her. Moreover, the third son of the hero himself took a liking to her. To think she was a lady that even that father and son would accept—Mother sighed."

"Really?"

"It's my judgment that you should give up. I don't want to make the Ambrochus family our enemy. If Clement gives up, Mother's interest will likely wane."

Hearing about his grandmother's attitude, Clement's frustration was further provoked.

(For years, I've been telling her that Viera has talent, but she didn't believe me. Now she regrets it because of another family's evaluation!? Damn it.)

Resisting the urge to slam his fist on the table, his hands trembled slightly.

(I can't. I need to calm down.)

Clement excused himself to "cool off" and left the room. He strode down the corridor, heading for the garden to feel the night breeze.

(For so long... I've always wished for Viera...)

Clement's attraction to Viera began during their student days. At fifteen, he entered the magic school as the top student and, being the heir of a dukedom, was celebrated. His nose naturally turned up, but no one pointed it out because he had the talent to back it up.

After a year of such behavior, in the seminar he joined as a second-year student, his high nose was broken.

"I was worried about the new talented students, but I'm relieved that you can act like a senior."

Viera Ubert, who demonstrated the magic assignment that Clement couldn't achieve, was the one who did it effortlessly.

Her flawless magic extraction, adhering to the basics, and neatly arranged magic formulas were the very embodiment of the beautiful magic Clement aspired to. It made sense that the seminar instructor chose her as the example instead of him.

She was confident yet slightly bashful, and her small, cute figure was charming—

"Clement is the heir of the House of Bartel. It's impolite for a senior to act this way, even if you're in a higher grade, isn't it?"

"Wh-What!? A dukedom!?"

When Clement's entourage pointed this out, Viera seemed to realize for the first time that he was a noble heir. Instead of fawning, she smiled wryly and tried to return to her desk, saying, "Then I'll avoid interacting with you."

"Viera, can you teach me the tricks of magic!?"

Before he knew it, he had called out to her, stopping her.

"Me? The teachers would give you individual lessons, wouldn't they, since you're from the House of Bartel?"

Many of the seminar instructors also served as royal mages and were very busy. They provided group instruction in small classes but rarely gave individual lessons. The instructor of the seminar Clement joined was no exception, and when Viera looked at him, he shook his head.

"Your current level isn't enough for individual lessons. Viera, can you take my place and guide this enthusiastic student in the basics?"

"Me? I'm just one grade above, and there are other seniors—"

"Regardless of the grade, Viera is the most skilled in the seminar. You were acting like a senior just now, weren't you? I expect a lot from you. I have work to do in the barrier department, so I'll take my leave."

"Wh-What!? I was just being overconfident! Mr. Teacher—"

Before Viera could reach out to the instructor, Clement quickly grabbed her hand.

"Viera, please guide me in magic."

With his brightest smile, he made the request, and Viera, shoulders slumped, nodded.

From then on, the after-school lessons became a fulfilling time. Despite her initial attempt to keep her distance, Viera earnestly taught Clement the tricks of magic, especially the control of magic power.

Though she usually kept a distance, during the lessons, they grew closer, and she gave him personal advice on the magic formulas he struggled with. Her equal treatment, unlike that of the heir of a dukedom, made Clement feel comfortable.

Unlike his entourage, she didn't give unnecessary praise. Her evaluation of his magic was strict.

This allowed him to return to his初心 and strive to improve his skills.

Clement was quickly drawn to Viera's straightforward and admirable character, her kindness towards her poor territory, her talent and diligence in magic, and her carefree and cute smile.

"Viera, what do you plan to do after graduation? I know the Ubert family has two daughters, and you, as the elder sister, are the successor?"

"It's not decided yet. But my younger sister Emma, though she has no magic power, is very smart and cute, so I think she will find a good husband and take over. I plan to work as a royal mage, send money home, and think about the future as it comes."

"I see."

Marriage between successors is not allowed, and the successor of the House of Bartel is already decided to be Clement, with no room for refusal.

However, if Viera does not become a countess, it is not impossible to marry her. If he can convince his grandmother, the de facto ruler of the House of Bartel...

Of course, it wouldn't be easy, and his grandmother gave him a task.

"If the rank is low, show some talent that matches the bloodline of the House of Bartel. Become the most beautiful in the social circle, or show business acumen and build wealth, or demonstrate your magical prowess. If you can show that she is a lady of value, I will recognize her."

"Her magical prowess is already—"

"Your biased opinion won't do. Let's say that Viera, as a daughter of Ubert, achieves something as a mage and earns the respect of those around her. As young people, there should be no mistakes until then. Clement must not show any affection or accept it. If he breaks the rule, I will immediately arrange a marriage with someone I choose."

"---I understand."

Thus, Clement, having made a deal with his grandmother, began to ask Viera to teach him more advanced magic. He knew that to teach him, Viera would try to improve her own skills in secret.

As expected, she became even more skilled.

When Clement became a royal mage and secured a leadership position through his abilities, he used his authority to increase Viera's workload, hoping to boost her achievements. Despite feeling guilty about the dark circles under her eyes, he had been hiding his true feelings for years to win her.

Gradually, the upper echelons of the magic bureau began to highly evaluate Viera, and his grandmother also took an interest in her.

Rumors spread that Clement favored her, and naturally, his rivals decreased. His sister Sara played the role of a helper, making it easier for Clement to step in.

Just when he thought he was close—Lucas Herring, the third son of the Duke of Ambrochus, swooped in from the side.

Clement, who had gone to the garden, sat on a bench and sighed heavily.

"I can't just give up... I've been pining for her for years."

Honestly, he understood that there was no immediate solution to the current situation. But he couldn't accept it.

Especially, he didn't like the reason why Lucas had taken an interest in Viera.

Moreover, while he called Viera a pawn in front of Clement, he spoke to her as if she were someone he truly loved.

Viera seemed to fully believe that Lucas was a good person, casually using his nickname. This made him even more frustrated.

"It's just an engagement... not a marriage yet. There must be a weakness somewhere—Viera, please look at me."

Clement's words were carried away by the night breeze.