Chapter 42

After returning from the eastern expedition, Viela was immediately summoned to the Magic Bureau.

She was required to report on the details of the layered magic formula used to summon monsters, the sensation of its removal, and the amount of magical energy consumed. Additionally, she was asked to explain why she was more skilled at removing the magic formula compared to others, along with the reasons and her background. Thanks to a preliminary report sent via magic communication from the expedition site and the supplementary explanations provided by her superior, Director Dressel, who was present, the report session did not drag on.

Furthermore, the one-week special leave granted to those who participated in the expedition was also given to Viela.

"Viela, are you okay?"

Lukas, a handsome young man with lustrous black hair in a braid hanging over his shoulder and narrowed blue-gray eyes, sat on the bed and peered down at his lying fiancé. Viela's heart skipped a beat as she lay on the pillow.

"The fever has gone down, so I'm fine now. I can move."

Feeling uneasy with the angle from which she was being looked down upon, she quickly sat up.

In fact, Viela had collapsed after giving her report to the Magic Bureau. After depleting her magical energy, a magician tends to fall into poor health for a while. The body consumes physical strength to recover magical energy, and even after recovery, it takes time for the magic to stabilize again. The reasons for this are not yet fully understood, but it inevitably leads to a weakened state.

"Still, it was a good decision to ride back on Tina. If we had been moving through the Barrier Division, you might still be suffering from a fever in the carriage."

"Actually, I might not have developed a fever at all…"

"Hmm?"

"It's nothing."

Thanks to being carried by Lukas and riding on Albertina's back, Viela was able to return to the capital much faster. However, traveling in the sky where many people could see, she spent two whole days in close proximity with her fiancé. Since she had become aware of her feelings, the hugs from behind, which made her heart race, were particularly unsettling.

The large hands that supported her stomach, the close contact of her back to his chest, and the high-quality voice whispering in her ear made her even more aware of him. Her heartbeat was faster, and her body remained tense. When they arrived in the capital, Viela was so exhausted that she could barely walk—essentially in a zombie-like state.

Of course, as he had declared, "Even if you become a zombie, I will carry you," Lukas carefully carried her to his private room in the Ambrosch residence. However, this was embarrassing in its own way.

Anyway, after returning and the next day, she had to focus on her report to the Magic Bureau. Once she accomplished it, she was done for. The tension that had been building up completely snapped, and Viela fainted as soon as she sat down at her desk in the Technical Division.

"What a waste of a precious vacation… sigh."

A week-long break with no plans was something Viela had never experienced since joining the Magic Bureau. It was a shame to spend half of it in bed.

Well, she didn't have any specific plans, but "time is money," and as a poor young lady, Viela wanted to use her time meaningfully. It was especially regrettable that her fiancé, Lukas, who was also on vacation, didn't seem to go anywhere with her.

"Lukas, I'm sorry. Thank you for taking care of me."

Indeed, Lukas did not leave the care to the servants but attended to Viela himself, giving her water and changing the towels on her forehead.

"The Ubert family has only one servant. Don't you usually take care of each other when someone is sick?"

"That's true, but—"

"Then there's no need to apologize. For me, it was good practice for when you get a cold after we start living in the Ubert territory."

Lukas smiled softly, as if to comfort Viela.

"Lukas—"

Despite being a duke's son, he was adapting to the poor environment of his new family. His kindness moved her.

(Future husband, you're too wonderful. To think I blamed you for my fever. Of course, deciding to have me ride on Tina was really out of concern for my health.)

She had heard from her mother and Emma that, "Men are always looking for opportunities to touch the women they like. They hide their fangs and gradually get closer." She had even suspected Lukas. She shouldn't think of such a kind fiancé as a beast.

Viela held Lukas's hands with both of hers and reaffirmed her resolve to her future husband.

"I'll take good care of you, Lukas!"

Her handsome fiancé was slightly taken aback by the sudden declaration but soon smiled.

"If you can take care of me, getting a cold might not be so bad."

Saying this, Lukas kissed Viela's cheek. The natural flow of events left Viela momentarily confused. It wasn't until she saw his satisfied expression that she realized she had been kissed. Her fever had already gone down, but her cheeks were still hot.

"If you're going to do it, please give me some time to prepare."

"Who was it that kissed first without any prior notice during the expedition?"

"I'm sorry. It was me."

She had no comeback. It was fortunate that they were in love; otherwise, Viela might have been seen as a lustful woman with unfulfilled desires.

"Since it's mutual, I'll kiss you whenever I want from now on."

Even though Lukas made this bold declaration with a mischievous smile, Viela couldn't argue. She didn't mind being kissed by someone she liked; it was just embarrassing, and she found it difficult to suppress her blush. Viela looked into his blue-gray eyes and nodded.

Lukas slowly leaned in again, their gazes locking. Just as she was about to be kissed again, this time on the lips, there was a knock on the door.

They quickly pulled away, and Lukas swiftly moved to sit in the side chair. After clearing his throat, Viela responded. A female servant entered the room and, upon seeing their situation, tilted her head slightly.

"…Should I come back later?"

"N-no, it's fine! Is there something you need?"

"A magic express message has arrived for you, Viela. Here it is."

"Thank you."

She took the card from the servant, maintaining a calm demeanor. Reading the message, Viela's expression brightened.