I entered the Magic Tower after finishing my preparations, but I immediately felt the urge to leave. As soon as I stepped into the lobby, the nearby mages all turned their gaze towards me. It was honestly a bit frightening.

Then, out of nowhere, the Vice Master of the Magic Tower came running down the stairs towards me.

"Executive Manager!"

He even called out to me urgently.

It was rather intimidating. While younger than the Mage Duchess, the Vice Master was still a seasoned veteran mage by human standards. Although he was known for his dignity and calm demeanor befitting his age, he now rushed towards me in front of everyone.

This is bad.

Seeing that, I had a hunch. Something serious must’ve happened if the second-in-command of the Magic Tower was losing his composure like this.

Naturally, it must mean that the Eternal One was in some abnormal state.

"It's been a while, Vice Master."

"Yes, it's been a while. Let's talk as we go."

Despite my greeting, the Vice Master hurriedly led the way, barely acknowledging me.

The more he did, the louder my instincts screamed that the Mage Duchess's condition must be really serious.

"...How is Her Grace?"

It'd be better to face the blow head-on to minimize the pain. Thinking that, I cautiously inquired about the Mage Duchess's condition, and the Vice Master gave me a look that said, ‘You guessed right.’

This was unfair. All I did was comfort a lady consumed by self-pity.

"Some interesting news has come in recently, leaving Her Grace unable to focus on her duties."

The response was a failed attempt at sugarcoating the situation. So, she wasn’t even able to handle her work properly.

I gently closed my eyes. If the usually calm and collected Mage Duchess was too furious to work, then just how much anger was she holding inside?

"It's unfortunate that Her Grace seems troubled."

If I had known, I would have come to the capital as soon as the Wise Duchess mentioned it. Instead, I delayed and ended up provoking the Mage Duchess, who was already biding her time.

Of course, I didn't regret giving Marghetta the ring. But if the timing had been better, then none of this would have happened.

This was unnecessary.

In reality, although the Mage Duchess gave me a one-sided confession, I still didn't know why she liked me. She even said herself that she'd wait until the New Year's Ball, so there was no reason for me to be so cautious.

Still, the Mage Duchess had shown me much kindness over time. Though things have been awkward and difficult since her confession, that didn't erase the goodwill I had received.

Besides, it was scary to think what might happen if the Duke went off the rails.

"It's not as serious as your concern, Executive Manager."

Just as I was about to imagine the worst, I heard an unexpected answer.

Not as serious as I thought?

But wasn’t that serious enough if she couldn't even work properly?

Seeing my skeptical look, the Vice Master sighed softly and shook his head.

"Recently, Her Grace has been spacing out for long periods. She walks into walls and often loses documents."

"Pardon?"

What was that? Those symptoms sounded trivial.

"She sometimes spills ink bottles, or even starts casting spells absentmindedly."

"I see..."

"Yes. It’s just small things, but it's the first time Her Grace has shown such behavior."

Seeing the Vice Master laugh bitterly, I nodded absentmindedly.

Trivial.

It was all so trivial. I had imagined the entire tower filled with a chilling aura, or a furious Mage Duchess overturning everything in sight.

However, after hearing the Vice Master's testimony, it really wasn't as serious as I had feared. It seemed less like anger and more like sulking. The Tower's unease stemmed more from confusion over its Master's unusual behavior than fear of an enraged superior.

It's not as bad as I thought.

This provided a clear path forward. If the Mage Duchess was simply dejected and not enraged, dealing with her would be straightforward. All I had to do was cheer her up and spend some time with her.

— Nephew, if you feel like Mage Duchess is hesitating, then make the first move. She’ll be caught off guard.

I recalled the advice the Wise Duchess had given me.

Admittedly, it was too late for that now. The best time to heed that advice was when it was given.

However, it wasn't too late to fix things. While this tactic might not achieve 100% effectiveness, it could still manage 60 or 70%.

Making the first move...

It only became clear once the urgency was upon me. This was the best and only way forward.

The Mage Duchess, with her overwhelming status and experience, would normally lead me around by the nose.

But this isn't a normal situation.

For some unknown reason, the Mage Duchess harbored feelings for me. Meanwhile, I had never given her a definite answer.

I held a weapon that could reverse the current hierarchy between us.

...Using love felt a bit manipulative, but I needed every advantage I could get, especially when dealing with a duke.

"I'll take my leave now. The Tower Master has dismissed everyone else."

The Vice Master said this and quickly left when we arrived at the Tower Master's office. He probably didn’t want to stick around and face the fallout.

Seeing this, a slight unease crept in.

Is everything really okay?

The Vice Master assured me it wasn't as serious as I feared. I didn't think he lied, but his quick departure made me anxious.

No, I had to trust him. There was no way that someone of his rank would lie to someone much younger.

Make the first move.

I took a deep breath and grasped the door handle of the Mage Duchess's office.

I must be the one to strike first. I need to take control of the situation and dominate the atmosphere.

"I'm coming in, Your Grace."

With that in mind, I opened the door without knocking.

I still didn't quite know what 'making the first move' entailed, but I had to face it head-on.

After all, weren't I related to the Wise Duchess by blood? Some of her wisdom must flow through me.

Wise Duchess, lend me your strength!

Though we weren’t actually blood-related, but please!

***I'd been feeling lethargic lately, and my mind was foggy. This was the first time I had experienced this ever since my parents passed away.

I knew the reason. I wasn’t so ignorant as to not understand why.

The ring.

I found myself staring absentmindedly at my left hand. Of course, just looking wouldn't make something appear.

It was a bare hand devoid of any jewelry. How plain and unremarkable.

...A ring.

The word kept circling in my mind. Ever since I first heard the news, I couldn't forget it.

I'm envious.

That was all I could think. I felt envious. Lady Marghetta must be the most fortunate person in the world.

Receiving a ring from baby... what must that feel like? It must be a happiness beyond comparison.

I'm so envious.

I wanted to run to baby right now and hold out my hand, begging him to place a ring on it.

But I can't.

We're not anything yet.

I bit my lip slightly. Yes. Despite my overwhelming love, baby and I weren't anything yet.

I haven't received any response from baby. I promised to wait until the New Year's Ball to give him time to think, so I haven't pushed for an answer.

Therefore, I wasn’t worthy of receiving a ring from baby.

Should I not have said I'd wait?

Should I have kept pushing the day I showed him my feelings?

However, I quickly shook off that thought. No, that wouldn’t have worked. Baby would have been only confused. He wouldn’t have been able to give a proper answer.

I became sure of it. Giving baby time and space was the right choice.

I chose to do that for him.

I consoled myself with this thought. It was a choice I made for baby, not for anyone else.

Still, I couldn’t hide my sadness. Not only was it painful not to see him, but hearing that he gave a ring to another woman made it even worse.

If I could see baby, then it might at least soothe my heart a little—

"I'm coming in, Your Grace."

—if only...?

"It's been a while, Your Grace."

The door suddenly opened, followed by a greeting. In the blink of an eye, everything changed.

I was confused. This was the first time anyone had opened that door without my permission. Also, the person who shouldn't be here was standing before me.

My mind couldn't process what my eyes were seeing. When I said nothing in my confusion, baby gave a slight smile and spoke.

"Am I interrupting? If so, I can leave—"

"No, not at all."

I finally regained my senses.

Interrupting? Baby was always welcome no matter when he came. Even if I was busy, it was okay since seeing him would give me strength.

"I'm glad. I would have been disappointed if Your Grace were too busy after I made time to come."

Seeing baby smile so casually made me feel a bit resentful. After all, I had just been yearning to see him for a moment.

But I was also overjoyed that he knew my feelings and came to see me.

"I’ll need to see Your Grace often to nurture the same feelings as Your Grace does."

However, his next words left my mind blank.

"After all, love is a process of getting to know each other."

My head felt foggy, but in a different way this time.

***I couldn't regain my composure. Ever since baby arrived, I've been swept along by his pace.

"The Vice Master was also worried about you. He mentioned that you seemed to be suffering from fatigue lately. I would be heartbroken if anything happened to you, Your Grace."

Baby was unusually proactive in bringing up topics.

"It may be of no use to you, but this is a small token of my appreciation."

Then, he presented me with a white comb as a gift.

"Please accept it. Between us, this is nothing."

Baby’s smooth words, uncharacteristic of him, only added to my confusion.

One surprise after another left me barely able to breathe.

From the start, I could hardly respond. I could only answer baby’s words and nod. Each time I did, he would take the opportunity to say something even sweeter and even more embarrassing.

Some might see it as mocking a duke. They might think he was making fun of me—

But I actually like it.

Baby’s behavior made my heart race even more. He was treating me so casually, like a true companion.

I had to use all my strength to suppress my rising smile. Every time I tried to speak to regain control, my heart resisted. I feared that disrupting this moment would mean never experiencing such happiness again.

"I'm glad I came to greet you. If I had waited until the New Year's Ball, I would have missed you and felt lonely."

"Is that so?"

Seeing baby’s smile, I couldn’t help but smile as well.

***From today onwards, the Wise Duchess and I were one and the same. Her unfortunate drinking capacity was clearly a debuff from Enen meant to suppress her wisdom.

It had been an hour since I entered the Mage Duchess's office with resolve. So far, I have managed to lead the conversation without any issues.

— Nephew, if you feel like Mage Duchess is hesitating, then make the first move. She’ll be caught off guard.

It was true.

While I wasn’t sure if what I was doing counted as taking the initiative, given the results, it seemed to be.

The Mage Duchess could only respond to my words since earlier. Who would believe that this person was the symbol of wisdom?

"It's already this late."

Since the results were satisfying, it was now time to wrap things up. I couldn’t stay in the capital forever.

"I should be going now."

"Oh, I see. Time has already..."

The Mage Duchess’s ears, which had been fluttering constantly, now drooped down.

"I'll come visit again soon. Compared to Your Grace's time, mine is short, so I should see you as much as possible."

I smiled softly at the sight. Seeing the Mage Duchess today gave me confidence that I wouldn’t be swept away by her pace while I sorted out my thoughts on her confession.

It wouldn't be hard to see the Mage Duchess regularly. In fact, spending more time together would only strengthen our understanding, helping me make a better decision.

Hearing my words, the Mage Duchess's ears perked up again, and she spoke with a slightly flushed face.

"Don't worry about that, baby. Your time will become like mine."

What does she mean?

...Do half-bloods have a shorter lifespan?

For a moment, I even entertained that thought. Otherwise, how could our lifespans be the same?

"In 40 years, you will be able to live for hundreds of years as well."

...?

Still blushing, the Mage Duchess spoke earnestly.

But unlike her face, my mind rapidly cooled down.

"Your Grace."

I started to speak, then hesitated. My voice sounded so heavy, even to myself.

However, I couldn't stop. I had to confirm this.

"What do you mean by that?"

Living for hundreds of years? What nonsense was this?