Lania folded her arms and looked down at the sorcerer with tant interest on her visage.


    The wizard instantly snapped at her, If you are really the daughter of Evendell of the Northern Lands,e to your senses now! If you are being manipted by this guy, Ill try my best to vouch for you. In that case, His Majesty may grant you clemency


    No, Im not seeking clemency from His Majesty.


    Lady Lania! If people found out that you coborated with someone like him and held me captive here, how are you going to handle the consequences?


    Oops. I think theres some misunderstanding here.


    Do you think that, after seeing me here, you can really return in one piece to His Majesty to tell on me?


    Lania let out a chuckle as she walked over to Ronin; the twos eyes briefly met. Even if it was just for a brief moment, it was enough to send goosebumps over the wizards body, despite him having received higher-level education at the Magic Tower.


    At this rate, he will bite his tongue off before anything. So before that, we should get an answer, no matter what. Ronin remarked.


    Crazy bastard! Stop this nonsense! Even if I were to die, I wont speak a single word about His Majesty!


    Such amendable spirit. However, words dont necessarily trante to actions. See.


    Walking slowly, Lania stuck her head out from behind Ronin.


    Ive heard that there is a magic that can control the mind of another without much effort. Is that true? Lania asked.


    But Lady. The price


    That seems to be what we have agreed on, Ronin, isnt it?


    Gulp.


    At Lanias question, a meaningful smile crept onto Ronins face after some time.


    Any magic that was rted to humans mind was strictly prohibited, regardless of the reason of its use. Also, users of such forbidden magic would have to pay with their life force if they invoked the spell, even if they were doing it in secrecy.


    Though Im the one using the spell, I wonder whos the true dark wizard here when you are casually asking others to use up their life force, Lady Lania.


    I dont like that, Ronin. Thats not my style of doing things.


    Whats there to worry about? You will soon be receive thepensation for all the life force you had used to till date.


    Well Of course.


    Recalling the day when he first met Lania, Ronin bowed his head down. Then, ck smoke began to rise from his fingertips. Contrary from before, a chilling frost started to prate the tied man, deep into his bones like a spear.


    Sweetie, dont hide your thoughts. Think carefully. What was the real purpose of His Majestys visit?


    Arghhhh!


    The ck smoke dug into the wizards forehead.


    Due to the identity of his opponent, it wasnt easy for Ronin as well, as his expression distorted.


    But soon, the swirling fogpletely enveloped the tied man. The unexpected dark energy overpowered the wizard and caused him to vomit blood.


    A satisfied smile appeared on Ronins pale face.


    Indeed, despite my current circumstances, I was supposedly the next-in-line to seed the Magic Tower.


    ***


    Catherine, whats wrong?


    Your Majesty.


    Rashids indifferent gaze that was directed outside the window soon stopped at me. The supposedly rtively spacious carriage suddenly felt extremely tight as his overwhelming presence diagonally opposite from me made my knees tingle.


    Whats making you so depressed? Rashid repeated himself.


    Do I look that bad?


    Dont y innocent. Im saying this now, youre bad at acting.


    Hes just tantly saying that Im just getting fooled because its you.


    Rashid spoke in such a straightforward manner with his direct gaze and crossed legs, that I suspected if he was an x-ray machine(raws used deboner, but I couldnt think of the upation rn. Referring to those who can see through others immediately). Despite being the only one and self-conceited emperor, he should feel slightly awkward being alone with the wife of an aristocrat, but not a trace of it could be seen on his face.


    What? Am I wrong? He prompted.


    Instead, the smile that one would have while seated in the living room grew on the corners of his mouth. Others might mistake that he was out for a pic. His smile softed, adding a slight pout. Others might think that Ive kidnapped you.


    Well, Your Majesty came over knocking on my door, asking me toe out; why wouldnt I be surprised? I retorted.


    I recalled how shocked I was hearing the rapping on my door in the wee hours of the morning. Ever since Laniast visited, I havent been able to sleep a wink since I had to protect my poor little girl. His rapping had sent my heart racing even faster when Lania stormed into my ce.


    Y-Your Majesty! Why are you here! Could it?!


    I had jumped to the worst conclusion thenthat he had noticed something and was here to capture me. Otherwise, what other reason was there for him toe looking for me personally?