Chapter Six: I'm Getting Married?
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Yohan, who had arrived at the library, couldn't stop glancing around, his eyes widening in awe.
Honestly, he hadn't expected much from the library of the mansion in the imperial capital…
'This is beyond imagination.'
The scale was immense, and the number of books was countless.
"…The library is much larger than I thought. It feels more like a grand library."
Yohan spoke his honest impression aloud. The sheer scale left him with no choice but to be truthful.
Francia chuckled, leaning her head on Yohan's shoulder with a bright smile.
"Right? My father prepared this library for me back when I was attending the academy. They're all copies, but anything you need is here."
Indeed, with a library like this, everything except books classified as forbidden by the state would likely be available.
It was the ideal environment for Yohan.
"May I take a look around?"
"Of course. Feel free."
Yohan stepped forward to browse the magical tomes. As he did so, he had to let go of Francia's hand, which made her pout in disappointment.
"Shall we look around together instead?"
"Let's do that."
Francia naturally clasped Yohan's hand again, interlocking her fingers with his. She pressed her shoulder closer to his as they walked side by side.
"The basic magic books are over there."
"Oh, I'm not interested in basic magic books."
"Really? Then—"
"I'll go over there."
The direction Yohan pointed to housed books meant for those who had surpassed ordinary magicians and reached the level of great magician.
"Uh, over there…?"
"Let's go."
Francia hurried to follow Yohan, who strode confidently ahead.
Taking a book from the shelf, Yohan slowly scanned its contents, effortlessly reading the runes inscribed within.
"This is good."
"You can interpret it?"
"It's a bit tricky, but manageable."
Yohan smiled as he returned the book to the shelf and moved to find another.
That's when he came across a peculiar book. Its cover was blank, without a single marking or title.
"What's this?"
"Oh, that? It's a rather strange magical tome. There aren't any runes written in it."
Francia began to explain.
"When I first saw it, I thought it was because my level wasn't high enough to see the runes. But even now, having reached the threshold of a high-ranking magician, I still can't see any content."
Intrigued, Yohan raised an eyebrow and opened the plain, unadorned book.
'This is….'
There were no runes, only formulas and patterns drawn across the pages. Yohan recognized it immediately.
'A forbidden book.'
A tome that required sealing. Yohan knew at a glance because Cassis, a character from his world, had a hobby of collecting forbidden books.
As a reader, Yohan was well aware of their traits.
But why was it here?
'Was this Cassis's doing?'
That didn't seem to be the case. From what Francia had said, the book had been in the library since her academy days.
"Where did you get this book?" Yohan asked.
"Hmm, I'm not sure. Should I ask the librarian?"
"Please do."
With a snap of her fingers, a bell rang out. Hearing the sound, the librarian quickly approached and asked, "How may I assist you?"
"I'd like to know the origin of this book."
Yohan handed over the blank-covered book. The librarian carefully examined the cover and flipped through the pages before tilting his head in confusion.
"This kind of book isn't something the Fervache Imperial Library handles… I don't know how it ended up here. My apologies."
The librarian bowed deeply. As a librarian, failing to recognize a book in the library reflected poorly on his capabilities.
"It's fine. This isn't your fault."
Francia, however, was forgiving. She smiled kindly and patted the librarian on the shoulder.
"Thank you for your understanding…"
Taking the book back from the librarian, Yohan silently examined its contents further. That's when he noticed a particular sigil.
'Thunder?'
A lightning bolt. It might be a book related to lightning magic. Yohan continued to scrutinize the tome.
'This isn't just a lightning magic book. Here, the earth is overturned, and there, the heavens are upended.'
From this, Yohan realized what the book was about.
'The Book of Calamities?'
A book that summoned disasters, said to have been written by those who walked the path of forbidden magic to elevate their level.
'This could be useful.'
Though Yohan had no intention of pursuing forbidden magic, mastering the Book of Calamities was another matter.
'I have to face crown princes and young dukes who've been raised on elixirs and other miraculous substances since birth.'
In that sense, learning a trump card like the Book of Calamities seemed wise.
"Francia, may I take this book to study it?"
At that, Francia gave him a sly smile. Though it hadn't been long since they'd met, Yohan had never seen such a meaningful expression on her face before.
"What?"
Yohan tilted his head slightly. Could she smile like that? Since they hadn't known each other long, he wasn't entirely sure.
"Sure, you may take it. After all, it's a book the Fervache Imperial Library doesn't usually handle."
"Thank you."
Yohan smiled as he tucked the book into his arms.
'If I can master this…'
Even if he faced dire situations against the crown prince or the young duke, he'd be able to find an escape route.
Though he didn't yet fully grasp the power contained in this Book of Calamities…
'Every single one of them contains incredibly powerful magic.'
It wasn't labeled a forbidden book without reason. Surely, it held spells of immense strength.
"Shall we look at some other books?"
"Sure."
Yohan walked alongside Francia as they gathered the magic books he immediately needed, finally embarking on a proper study of magic.
* * *
Late evening arrived. Before Yohan returned to his family's estate, Francia took him to the terrace to enjoy one last moment together after dinner.
Unfortunately, the duke hadn't joined them for the meal, having many matters to attend to before leaving to the territory.
Seated on the terrace, Francia smiled as she pointed to the sky.
"There are so many stars tonight."
"Indeed. Watching them brings a sense of peace."
The night sky seemed like a deep, dark velvet curtain enveloping the world.
Countless stars sparkled like diamond dust scattered across the heavens.
The Milky Way stretched across the sky like a mystical river, while the moon shone softly like a giant pearl emerging between clouds.
Occasionally, shooting stars traced fleeting arcs of light, as if carrying someone's wish.
"The moon is beautiful tonight," Yohan remarked.
"It is. In a month, when you join the imperial Bureau, we can look at the night sky together like this again, right?"
Francia held his hand tightly. Yohan smiled lightly in response.
"I won't take long. I'll quickly settle matters at home and return to the capital."
Before becoming an official in the imperial Bureau, Yohan had to resolve things with his father, the head of the family.
"Lord Harsen, the carriage is ready."
The voice of Enrique, his steward, called from behind. Yohan nodded immediately and rose from his seat.
Francia, still seated, didn't let go of his hand.
"So, the time has come…"
Yohan smiled gently while stroking the back of her hand.
"As I said, it won't take long. I'll wrap things up quickly and come back to the capital."
"Alright…"
Francia nodded but pouted her lips.
"Then, I'll be off. I'll save the farewells for when we meet again."
With that, Yohan departed the Fervache imperial estate and returned to the Harsen family estate.
* * *
It took an entire day to reach the Harsen estate.
Though the Harsen mansion was far humbler than the Fervache estate, to Yohan, it was the most comfortable place in the world.
"Welcome back, young master."
"Yes."
As he stepped down from the carriage, a butler greeted him with a respectful bow.
"And Father?"
"He's in his study."
"I'll see him immediately."
Yohan handed his coat to the butler and strode into the mansion.
As he entered, the female servants blushed as they caught sight of him.
'Let's do this.'
Before long, Yohan found himself at the door to the study. Taking a deep breath, he knocked.
Knock, knock.
"Come in."
Click.
With a click, the door opened, revealing Valder Harsen, the family patriarch, inspecting documents through a magnifying glass.
"Did you enjoy the party?"
"Yes. Thanks to you, I was able to participate in the social gathering without issue."
"Good. That's what matters."
For the third son of a viscount, the support Yohan received was exceptional.
But given the path Yohan had taken so far, Valder Harsen's decision was undoubtedly wise.
After all, Yohan had graduated top of his class in the social studies department of Saint Rozino Academy, the empire's most prestigious institution.
Sending him to social gatherings to broaden his horizons and build connections was a necessary step.
"Father, I'm deeply sorry for suddenly bringing this up…"
"Sorry?"
Valder Harsen sensed something unsettling and removed his magnifying glass, lifting his gaze.
"I believe I need to get married."
"…What?"
Valder blinked, wondering if he had misheard.
"The date isn't set yet, as I'm not sure when it will happen…"
Scratching the back of his head, Yohan continued.
"But I've found someone I must take responsibility for."
"Wha-what?!"
With a thud, Valder Harsen sprang up from his chair with all his strength.
"What are you saying, Yohan? You…"
"I know what you're going to say," Yohan interjected and continued.
"But I must take responsibility for what I've done."
"Haa…"
The viscount leaned on his desk and pressed a hand to his forehead.
"Is breaking up not an option?"
"No, it's not."
"You've done something you shouldn't have, haven't you?"
With a heavy sigh, the viscount asked, "Who's the other party?"
Yohan hesitated before carefully saying the name.
"The Lady of Fervache."
"What?!"
The viscount's eyes widened once more. It was already shocking enough that his promising son announced he needed to marry, but the fact that the other party was that Fervache…
"You've lost your mind."
"I apologize."
"Haa…"
The viscount sank back into his chair, his legs suddenly feeling weak, and asked, "So, the most important question—what about the Duke of Fervache? Did he give his permission?"
"He said he would consider it once I enter the Imperial Bureau."
"The imperi Bureau…?"
The viscount tilted his head.
"What qualifications do you have to enter the Imperial Bureau?"
"I plan to join as an special-class mage."
"Hah. A mage, when you've never even studied magic?"
The viscount rubbed his temples. His third son had always been like this—impossible to predict, overly precocious, and entirely his own person.
"I won't bring disgrace to the family," Yohan added.
"Trust me."
"…"
Even if his son caused trouble, it was a father's duty to support him. With great reluctance, the viscount nodded.
"You've conducted yourself well up until now, so I'll trust you to handle this. Don't let me down."
The reason he could trust Yohan was simple: Yohan had graduated at the top of his class in social studies from Saint Rozino Academy without any family support.
He had also successfully predicted market trends, reviving the family's fortunes on multiple occasions. His efforts had even helped his older brothers secure positions as aides in count families.
'He's always been someone I've had high hopes for.'
But if he said he would take responsibility, what choice did the viscount have?
"I'll leave all decisions regarding the marriage to you," the viscount said, gesturing for Yohan to leave. "However, don't expect any special support from the Harsen family aside from the wedding itself."
"Thank you."
"Good. You must be tired from the journey. Go and rest."
"Yes."
With a smile, Yohan left the study.
'Father allowed it, thankfully.'
In truth, the moment the Fervache name was mentioned, refusal was hardly an option.
'And I don't need any help beyond the wedding anyway.'
As before, he would learn magic on his own and become an special-class mage.
'Now, all that's left is…'
The Book of Calamities.
It was time to delve into the forbidden book designated as such by the empire.
'I'll learn it in preparation for the future.'
Surely, Crown Prince Fedelian and Young Duke Cassis would target Francia.
In fact, they might already be plotting something, even now while Francia was serving in the Bureau.
'That's why…'
He would grow stronger and Overwhelmingly so.
* * *
In the east wing of the palace was the crown prince's residence.
Beyond the grand, gilded doors, a crystal chandelier cast a soft light across the room.
Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with rare volumes, and at the center stood a heavy oak desk with quills and parchment atop it.
"Francia…"
The man seated at the desk quietly murmured her name. It was Crown Prince Fedelian Rozino, the sole heir to the empire.
He was in love. Though he had a fiancée promised to him, his heart had been stolen by Francia Fervache.
'How can I make her look at me?'
Fedelian furrowed his brow, stroking his chin.
Whenever he wanted something, all he had to do was ask, and it would be his. Women he desired were always eager to please him.
But Francia Fervache didn't even spare him a glance.
For the first time, Fedelian didn't know how to handle the situation.
Yet, the answer came to him soon enough.
'Why bother playing these games? I'll just make her look at me by force.'
With a sly smile, he tilted his head back arrogantly.
From the shadows, a figure emerged and knelt before him.
"You called for me?"
"Recruit Dark Mages. They'll be needed for the Demon's Lair reconnaissance a month from now."
"Understood."
With a soft rustle, the figure disappeared.
Fedelian grinned.
'Francia, now that you've caught my eye, you're mine.'