Seeing the annoying witch leave the room, the sorceress relaxed her guard. She walked up to Ryan, lifting her head, her silver eyes behind butterfly-patterned glasses reflecting his image. "Ryan? Thank you. I must have caused you a lot of trouble these past few days. I apologize."
"Not too much," Ryan smiled, patting Theresa's shoulder. "It wasn't ideal, but it wasn't too bad either. Considering this was your first adventure, I'll give you a passing grade."
"Just passing? How about this then?" She wrapped her white lace-gloved hand around his neck.
Her thin cherry lips brushed against his, leaving only a faint lavender scent.
"Ryan, don't forget me. We'll meet again soon, I'm sure." As the teleportation circle's light faded, Ryan was left alone, a wry smile on his face, his emotions indiscernible.
The door opened, the crisp sound of high heels approaching Ryan. The voice was filled with jealousy and sarcasm. "That bitch kissed you?"
"Just a peck," Ryan said, demonstrating with a small gap between his fingers.
Before he could finish his gesture, a pair of hands in black lace gloves wrapped around his neck, and Ryan instinctively hugged the approaching figure.
This time, the kiss lasted over two minutes.
"Doesn't Trovik know that I am your true partner?" Veronica panted slightly, leaning against Ryan's chest, holding him tightly. "I was here first!"
"Haha~ I don't know why she likes me," Ryan embraced the woman in his arms. "We're just partners. Don't get any ideas. I'm pure."
"You? Pure? Don't make me laugh, Ryan."
Yes, one crucial reason Ryan didn't accept Theresa as a partner was the woman before him, Veronica Bernadotte, a twenty-five-year-old councilor of Garland and his true partner for many years.
Veronica Bernadotte, the strongest young female caster in the Garland Council, a fire and light witch, and a recipient of the Violet Medal, had been active in many battles.
Unlike Theresa, Veronica had no prestigious background or powerful bloodline. She rose to her current position by standing out among apprentice wizards and being taken as a disciple by the council president, Margarita. However, Margarita's attitude was laissez-faire, teaching magic but otherwise ignoring her.
Ryan met her when he went to Skydome Fortress to report a mission to Dieter Lindt. They had an unexpected fight, leaving a deep impression on Veronica with Ryan's strength and physique. Thus, the witch secretly became his partner.
Aiming to make a fortune quietly, Veronica never revealed their partnership. Few knew about their relationship, including Theresa's mother, Aurora Trovik. This puzzled Ryan when he learned his partner was Theresa, not Veronica, but he didn't think much of it.
"Hmph! Aurora knew about us, but when Archbishop Innocent found us, she recommended her daughter instead of me!" Veronica seethed with resentment, having only discovered this later.
"I see."
"We in Garland know what a legendary noble in their twenties means. Lady Aurora was using public resources for private gain!" Veronica was still upset, especially now that Ryan was a hero who repelled the barbarians, his legendary feat of repelling thousands of barbarians already spread across the continent.
Instinctively protective, Veronica seized the chance to switch places, leading to the earlier confrontation.
"Theresa doesn't understand our relationship. She even asked if I wanted to partner with her." Ryan began walking outside, Veronica holding his hand and following closely. "That pampered lady barely knows the outside world. Lady Aurora wouldn't tell her."
Wherever people gather, there's politics. Any organization has power struggles. Ryan understood this, so he changed the subject. "I have a new place. Do you want to live with me?"
"That depends on where it is. If it's not good enough, I won't stay!" Back by Ryan's side and rid of the annoyance, Veronica smiled brightly. "Or should I arrange a servant's room for you in the mansion?"
"Is that your idea of a joke?" Ryan chuckled. "It's on Amber Avenue. Is that good enough?"
"Oh! That's wonderful. I love it, and…"
"And…?"
"Ryan, you've become stronger. I almost don't recognize you."
"...But you're still the same, Veronica." Ryan smiled nonchalantly.
Hearing what she wanted, the witch's smile bloomed like a summer rose.
They strolled the commercial street, buying many things. Marienburg's location meant it didn't get dark quickly. By the time they returned to Amber Avenue 53, the sky had darkened.
"Oh! This is amazing!" Veronica exclaimed, walking into the luxuriously decorated house. The sandalwood furniture, exquisite wooden floors covered with carpets, and numerous household items showed that Muller had sent people to tidy up and bring supplies.
The spacious living room was perfect for hosting many guests. The dining room's long table was set with silverware. Veronica happily explored the first floor, then returned to Ryan's side. "Tell me, Ryan, did you blackmail the Duke of Marienburg? How else would he give you this house?"
"I can't explain the reason. Just be satisfied with it." Ryan recalled how different things were from noon, now accompanied by Veronica instead of Theresa. Though not particular about his living conditions, he appreciated a nice place.
They climbed the wooden stairs to the second floor. Veronica naturally opened the master bedroom and began placing her things in the room, putting her clothes in the wardrobe, opening the curtains, and lighting the magic lamps.
Has she already assumed she's the mistress of this house?
"Why are you standing there? Put your things down. We can relax on the third-floor balcony, or if you prefer, stay on the second floor." The witch stood in the bedroom, letting the sea breeze blow through her hair and dress.
Unlike Theresa's aloofness, Veronica's beauty was bright and vivid, like a summer rose—beautiful, striking, but thorny.
Veronica had fought her way up through schemes and struggles as an apprentice. She was far more formidable than Theresa, who had a smoother upbringing. Ryan had witnessed her methods, knowing she had an exceptional grasp of atmosphere and situations.
Through the window, the distant lighthouse guided nighttime ships. The starry harbor saw ships constantly arriving and departing. This was Marienburg, a city bustling with life and allure around the clock, attracting creatures from all over the world.
"We'll stay here for now. Remember, don't use magic or alchemy at home. If you don't like living here, you can move back to your mansion." Ryan raised his hand, patiently emphasizing the rules.
"I promise." Veronica turned, looking slightly aggrieved. "It's been months, and this is the first thing you say to me? Do you find me that troublesome?"
Keep acting! Ryan ignored her complaint. "If you like it, stay here. Tomorrow, we'll attend Duke Schultz's banquet together. We'll likely meet our target, the leader of the Cult of Pleasure, Anieta Klausner."
"A very beautiful woman," Veronica remarked, lounging on the bedroom's soft sofa, motioning for Ryan to join her. "She never sought a husband, though many men pursued her and failed. Even many great nobles are infatuated with her beauty."
"That's normal. Beautiful women are always pleasing to the eye. Though there were things Theresa did that I wasn't satisfied with, she was surprisingly acceptable. I feel your attitude toward her is…"
Ryan didn't finish before Veronica threw a cushion at his face.
The White Wolf Knight caught it, saying, "I wasn't wrong."
"Enough, Ryan. I don't want to discuss this. Trovik's background and bloodline far exceed mine. See those two mage towers? Lady Aurora could transport gold from her family treasury to build them anytime. But me? I only have you, Ryan." The witch's tone softened as she extended her hands, signaling for a hug.
Ryan sighed inwardly. Though some of her words were theatrics, Veronica indeed lacked Theresa's family background and bloodline. She had worked hard to make a name for herself in the Garland Council, only relaxing after becoming a legendary witch under Ryan's guidance over two years ago.
Under such circumstances, Garland choosing Theresa over her must have deeply hurt her. Ryan was the only one she could trust and vent to. Just as she knew Ryan, he knew her.
Through the silk dress, Ryan embraced her. "You live too hard."
"Don't give me that. You have ambitions too, even bigger than mine." Veronica didn't accept his sympathy, gently caressing his handsome face. "Don't lie to me. You can't fool me."
"Everyone has responsibilities and missions. That's my fate," Ryan said softly. "Our immediate goal is to capture the fallen hunter hiding in Marienburg…"
"Yes, but that's not the focus now."
"What is?"
Her lips silenced his.
... (Details omitted) ...
The next morning, as the cold sea breeze blew into the second-floor room, Ryan woke from his dreams. The fireplace still burned, embers flying. He reached beside him, finding Veronica absent.
"Ow~" Sitting up, the Garland witch was already dressed in a pink rose-patterned half-skirt, accessorized with pearl earrings and an emerald necklace. Her impressive figure filled the dress, the hem about six inches above her knees, revealing her slender legs in black stockings. Unlike Theresa, who disliked wearing stockings, Veronica always wore them, partly due to her independent nature and maintaining distance from others.
The other reason, Ryan mused, might be related to him.
Leaning on the soft sofa, Veronica rubbed her sore waist. "Are you satisfied? Get up and help me. I'm aching."
"Hahaha!" Ryan laughed heartily,
his face full of pride. After a quick wash and change, he helped the witch with her back. "Just a reunion. Don't be surprised. Here, let me help."
"So, I don't understand why council members mix with witch hunters. They're dirty, always dealing with chaos, and poor. Isn't my partner better than those hunters?" Veronica said, watching her partner with satisfaction.
"Try finding another partner like me?"
"That's why I acted quickly! Remember our first meeting? You were a wandering knight delivering something to Dieter Lindt. And then…" Veronica, rubbing her sore back, reminisced.
"Your friends can't find a partner like me. Alright, I'm going to the Holy Maiden Convent to deliver Beirag's head to the Lady. Want to join me?" Ryan asked after helping her.
"Of course. By the way, it's too lonely with just us here. Let's visit the slave market for some maids?" Veronica suggested, standing with Ryan's help, putting on her high heels. "My apprentice, Catherine, can also be a maid."
"We'll see. But before going out, I must correct you." Ryan said seriously.
"What's wrong?" Veronica already knew but wanted him to say it.
"That skirt is too short!"
"Hmph, petty partner. Do you think I like wearing this out? Who else would I wear it for at home?"
"Good."
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