99. Villain (3)
“…I know that too.”
Bella, having hired a driver with a tight-lipped nature even on Earth, was well aware of this fact.
She responded with a puzzled expression and resumed walking.
The three of them stopped walking once they reached a spot in the middle of the field, where Kyle’s blue magic spread from his fingertips.
A massive amount of mana surged like waves, incomparable to moments before, as it drew a large magic circle on the field.
The intricate and elaborate magic circle was filled with ancient runes.
In an instant, a magic circle large enough to encompass a decent-sized house was completed, and Kyle spoke, “Step up.”
Bella took a moment to catch her breath at the flickering flame-like mana.
If by any chance that magic circle were to malfunction or deviate due to an error, it would be a disaster.
But because it was Kyle.
He was said to be the greatest mage in history.
Bella whispered to herself as she stepped onto the magic circle.
Instantly, blue mana clung to her ankles as if to restrain her.
She shook off the clinging mana and walked towards the center.
“Owen.”
The thought that this world might truly be the end crossed her mind.
And so, she turned back to bid farewell.
Kyle was focused on maintaining the magic circle, while Owen quietly observed the situation.
The indifferent gaze of Owen’s black eyes shifted at Bella’s call.
Bella met his dark eyes and said, “You know it’s always been Owen and Bella, right?”
If this was her final stand, then let it be.
Realizing that nothing could be achieved in this world, she must go back, hoping for something to await her in the other world.
Since there was no one among people like that, she could only rely on “Empire’s Flower.”
The novel had been completed for a while, but the webtoon was still ongoing.
At least she could enjoy that.
“That will never change.”
With those words, Kyle activated the magic circle.
The verdant mana rose up like a geyser from the magic circle.
As the intense mana engulfed Bella’s body and seemed to swallow the empty space like shooting light into the sky.
“Yes.”
Owen replied, “Take care.”
It was a farewell.
“I hope you return safely.”
Kyle’s voice added, and Bella closed her eyes tightly at that.
The light obscured her vision, turning everything a new color.
“….”
How much time had passed like that?
The mana that shone brightly in a bluish hue as if to erase everything gradually subsided.
The massive magic circle drawn on the field also disappeared.
Bella opened her eyes again.
Then she looked at her hand, clenching and unclenching her fist.
As if slowly grasping reality.
Confirming her hand moved well, she soon touched her neck.
“Ah.”
She laughed brightly at the voice that escaped her.
The fabricated smile was clear and bright.
Bella, the protagonist of this world, wore the same expression as in “Empire’s Flower.”
“Thank you, Lord Tower.”
Turning around, Bella warmly greeted Kyle.
Bella, basking in the sunlight, looked refreshed.
“Ah, um, yes.”
Was it because of her clear and gentle smile?
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Kyle blinked in confusion and stammered.
“It’s nothing special….”
His ears even turned red, as if that wasn’t enough.
Owen tilted his head at Kyle’s embarrassed state, then burst into laughter.
“You were so sure it wouldn’t be you.”
“Enough with the teasing.”
“You have to pay the price for teasing, Kyle.”
Owen teased Kyle lightly, laughing.
Then he looked at Bella and said,
“It’s the first time I’ve seen you formally. Welcome back, Saint.”
Bella had returned.
The real ‘Bella’.
And the one who had dreamed of this world had returned.
To her world.
What remains are only those who can think and care for each other.
So the world will become peaceful.
Just like the happy ending painted in ＜Empire’s Flower＞.
There is only one other thing.
That Lucia is part of that happy ending.
“Thank you for your help.”
“It wasn’t a big help, really.”
“It meant a lot to me.”
“If that’s the case, then I’m glad.”
That was enough.
If Lucia could be happy, and the rest could all smile.
Without anyone getting hurt, without feeling sad.
If the story could end like that, wouldn’t that be the perfect ending?
Owen turned around with a smile.
The journey had come to an end, now it was time to return.
What remained would be the beginning of a long happy ending.
* * *
“I like it.”
As usual, Lucia was sitting on the sofa in the study of the Duke of Verdin’s mansion.
Since the royal banquet that week, Lucia had been visiting the mansion frequently without prior notice, and after the engagement ceremony, her visits had become much more frequent.
Now, it was almost daily.
The servants were even suggesting to allocate a private bedroom for her at the Duke of Verdin’s mansion.
Saying that it would be less troublesome to make a room for her to stay in.
It was a tempting offer for Lucia, but she couldn’t bring herself to accept it.
After all, Owen and Lucia were still only engaged.
“I heard stories about black pearls, but they look much prettier than I thought.”
Lucia murmured while looking at the engagement ring on her ring finger.
In response, Owen, who was going through documents, looked at Lucia and said, “If you liked it so much, you should have bought all the black pearls.”
“Oh, are there that many available in the market?”
“I thought I could fill a drawer with them.”
Despite Owen igniting the desire to buy, Lucia simply asked if she could afford more.
By now, it seemed that Owen was quite sincere in his affection for Lucia.
“I’ll get them all next time.”
“Well, I don’t need all of them, just about a quarter would be fine.”
“Would that be enough?”
“Then. That would be perfect for making earrings and a necklace.”
Owen nodded in agreement with Lucia’s words.
Then, after signing the documents he was holding, he stood up from his seat.
“It’s already November. Is there somewhere you want to go?”
After the engagement ceremony, and with Bella’s return in October, the month had already passed.
The moon was already red, and the yellow leaves were falling, turning into autumn leaves in November.
Although it was still early November, the weather was starting to get chilly.
“Are you talking about a birthday trip?”
In November, it was Owen’s birthday.
His day was on November 23, and Lucia’s was on December 3.
Originally, the two had planned to go on a trip together on Owen’s birthday.
They had planned to leave on the 23rd and return on the 3rd.
However, Logan suggested that it would be a shame to only use the day for traveling, and thanks to him, the schedule had changed.
Leaving on the 18th and returning on the 9th, almost three weeks with the capital empty.
“Shall we go to the countryside?”
Lucia, who had been pondering earnestly, made that suggestion.
It was an unexpected answer, as Owen looked at her with a puzzled expression.
“The countryside?”
“Yes, it’s the Marquis of Verdine’s domain.”
The Marquis of Verdine’s domain lay at the eastern edge of the Empire.
It was an area bordering the frontier, with a suitable expanse of farmland and towering mountain ranges.
Although sizable, a third of the domain was comprised of mountains, adding to its grandeur.
“It may not be the ideal resort destination.”
Owen’s confusion stemmed from this reason.
The Marquis of Verdine’s domain was not a place for leisurely retreats.
It was a region of farmland, rivers, and mountains, nothing more.
At best, it was a less bustling neighborhood than the capital, with the Marquis’ residence being the focal point.
“I just want to go see. After all, it’s your land.”
In response to Owen’s inquiry, Lucia quietly replied.
Then, she took Owen’s arm and gently guided him to sit beside her.
Almost instinctively, she raised her hand and caressed his cheek.
Running her fingers through his soft, ebony-like hair, she spoke softly.
“Of course, next year I’ll be the mistress of that place with you.”
Under Lucia’s calm and composed touch, Owen slowly closed and opened his eyes.
His long eyelashes fluttered with his movements.
“That’s right.”
“I wish next year would come sooner. I want to leave Edelt behind and become Verdine as soon as possible, but time seems to drag on.”
Lucia expressed her negative feelings towards Edelt openly.
She was so comfortable with Owen that she shared her secrets and innermost thoughts without hesitation.
And Owen quite liked that.
“The wedding is in April. It won’t be long before that.”
As October passed, the two had already set a date for their wedding.
April, when cherry blossoms bloomed, was the month they first met, and it would be their wedding month.
“There are still a few months left.”
Lucia sighed and lowered her head.
Then, she wrapped her arms around Owen’s neck.
“I don’t think I’m the only one eagerly waiting, am I?”
“…I’m waiting too. But…”
Suddenly, Lucia lowered her head.
Their breaths mingled as they came close enough to almost touch each other.
“But?”
Swiftly, Lucia kissed Owen on the lips.
Even with the light, fleeting kiss, Owen’s ears turned red.
Lucia burst into laughter at his innocent reaction.
“Still not used to it?”
As Lucia frequently visited as the Marquise of Verdine, the frequency of their physical affection had increased.
Light embraces, holding hands, and kisses were almost daily occurrences.
They had even slept together a couple more times.
Yet, Owen still blushed and felt awkward.
Lucia seemed to enjoy this, as she chuckled and gently caressed Owen’s ear.
“You’re adorable.”
As Lucia softly murmured, Owen let out a short breath.
Then, he pulled her waist, seating her on his lap.
“As much as you’re waiting, I’m also looking forward to the wedding. But I enjoy this time we spend together.”
He replied while stroking Lucia’s hair.
Her red locks shone like the first day he saw them.
“…Honestly, when you say that, I’m left speechless.”
As Lucia playfully grumbled, Owen lightly kissed her forehead, lifting her chin.
“I love you, Lucia.”
Owen’s voice was filled with deep emotion.
Even though he uttered those words almost daily, Lucia smiled at him.
As if completely satisfied.
“Yes, I love you too.”
As the words ended, Owen kissed her.
Their lips met, parted, and their breaths intertwined.
The air, initially cool, quickly warmed up.
Their breaths mingled as if they were trying to swallow each other, only separating after some time had passed.
“As you say, let’s go to the domain.”
Lucia nodded as she regulated her breathing, and Owen spoke.
“Go to the estate and survey the land that will be yours.”
“Okay.”
As her breathing calmed, Lucia nodded.
“I will.”
However, she once again swallowed Owen’s breath.
Following the second kiss was a long night.
The two stayed awake until dawn, only falling asleep together after the moon had set.
It was a very peaceful and tranquil night.