But if it is like that, then maybe they should be apart for a while. It’s not like he has said anything directly. Yet, she recalled his expression. Maybe she overdid it with her teasing. She didn’t think she would be able to drive him to a corner that easily. That was the first time she saw him look so surprised.

Lilian buried her face on the pillows. ‘When I first met him, I didn’t think it would become this way.’

…

Five Years ago

“Sister, sister! Did you know? They say there is a very powerful magician tower in the forest.

Lilian looked up from her paperwork. “A magician?” Her little sister, Seira’s source of information, was very good for her young age.

A powerful magician. Lilian knew which tower her sister referred to. That forest is the best place to go hunting. Due to the strange rumors regarding it, normally people don’t go near. But recently, they have cleared the area out, and more people go there now. They must have discovered that tower too.

The rumors never stopped her from going there all these years.

So in that tower, there is a magician?

‘I have gone inside before but not explored everything.’ Perhaps, she can give it a try?

“Thank you for that information Seira; then I will go for a bit.”

“Right, sister!”

….

Forest – Magician’s Tower-

The lobby was as quiet as ever. She thought there would be more people curious. But, Lilian recalled the sight of the entrance. It doesn’t look very welcoming from the outside. So perhaps people stayed away, that is a good thing.

Lilian navigated through the place easily. She has been here so many times already. But there was a place she never went to. The barrier around that room is far too strong.

But, if people have seen this mysterious magician, then the barrier must have vanished.

It did not take long before she reached the stairwell at the end of the sixth floor. The seventh floor, she never went up because of the barrier before, but now Lilian calmly stepped forward. Sure enough, she did not feel that familiar repelling light.

Although the barrier was no longer around, she felt something else. ‘What is this feeling?’ It took Lilian a moment to recognize what it was. It’s mana, but it’s so strong. She has never felt anything this powerful before.

Seira did say the magician in the rumors was strong, but she took that information with a grain of salt. Why would such a powerful magician remain here after so many people have discovered him?

It did not make any sense; that is why she wanted to see for herself.

After she walked for a few minutes, she eventually reached the top. It surprised her when she saw the door wide open. It’s like an invitation to come and see what is inside.

Lilian took a deep breath before she stepped forward. Rows and rows of bookshelves covered the room, bottles of different potions scattered on the desks. The more she looked around, the more amazed she was.

‘I have never seen such a wonderful place before.’ Her gaze fell on a platform in the center with a gorgeous vase on top. That looks like a flower? Her mission was to find the mage, but it will not do any harm looking around.

“Who?”

Lilian froze when she heard the voice. ‘A male?’ Not that she expected a female magician, but she still thought there would be a chance.

“I am asking you a question.”

Lilian turned around when she felt the mana around him increase. The moment she did, however, he grabbed her wrist.

“What? What are you?”

Huh?

The man had long black-colored straight hair and ruby-colored eyes similar to her own. It surprised her how red his eyes were. ‘Red eyes? Is he a member of the Ageha family too?’ There are some siblings that she has not met yet. But if that were the case, then she would know.

“Come to my side.”

The words left her lips before she even understood what she was saying.

The man looked at her, surprised. “Come to your..”

“Join me.” Lilian rephrased her words.

‘I need this man.’ Even though he isn’t actively using his magic, she can sense how strong he is. She needs a person like this with her.

In the next second, he slumped in her arms, and she froze. “Oh?”

“…”

“Perhaps are you hungry?” Lilian immediately understood.

“Ugh..” He groaned weakly.

Lilian brought the man over to the couch by the window. She pulled out her pouch and took out several buns.

“Here, eat something.”

“Lucas.”

Lilian blinked and, for a moment, didn’t know what he was saying.

“Name.”

“Ah.”

Lucas weakly brought his hand over to the bag. “You?”

“Lilian.”

“The one from the Ageha family?”

“You know my family?”

“When I woke up a few days ago, I went out and did some research. It was difficult, though, since a lot has changed.”

Did he venture out of the magician’s tower to town? ‘But he needs a permit to enter.’ He must have used magic. Is he that powerful?

“You learned about me?”

“A ruthless general who probably doesn’t have a heart? Yeah, I’ve heard of you.”

Lilian sighed deeply when she heard those words. Well, that was what she was going for. It is better if there is nobody left alive who underestimates her.

“But to me, your just a lost girl who has wandered into my power for the past few years.”

She blinked when she heard those words. “You’ve seen me around?” Lilian said, understanding.

“I wake up every three years.”

Every three years, now that she thought about it, there were times where she thought somebody else was around.

Lucas spun an apple in his hand. “But you know, I didn’t expect anybody bold enough to enter my tower and use my stuff.”

“I put everything back!”

Lucas rolled his eyes. “But you still walked into somebody’s home and trespassed.”

“Gah.”

She didn’t think he would be so unreasonable! However, what is this? Why is there a blank gaze in his eyes? It is like she is talking to a doll. Lilian looked over at him curiously.

“How old are you, sir Lucas?”

“Isn’t it common courtesy not to ask another person’s age when they first met?”

“I’m sure that rule only applies to asking girls.”

Even though he is talking to her, he looks bored and uninterested. She wonders how many people have strolled into this place and tried to speak to him.

Lilian awkwardly sat down beside him. “I didn’t touch anything that looked too important.”

“It doesn’t matter. I expect people to break in when I’m not awake. This place is too tempting for any magic-user.”

“There is a lot of mana in this area.”

“Yeah, and a lot of sacred beasts too. Normally people think twice to approach.”

She noticed his gaze on her and paused. ‘Is he curious?’

“I heard you were scary, but you seem very normal.”

Lilian sighed deeply. “In order to survive in this place, one has to be ruthless. But, even I need a break.”

“Is that why you come here?”

“Indeed.” Lilian paused and chuckled. “I didn’t think you would continue talking to me. The others said you turned them away.”

“Those people were boring.”

‘So is he admitting that I’m not boring?’