30 minutes has passed…
The tension had softened into quiet conversation.
Steam rose from the untouched cup of coffee and tea between
Alice had explained everything — or at least, half of it.
She spoke of how Lucretia had been researching a new theory of magic—a teleportation formula derived from a mysterious riddle inscribed on an ancient scroll she had obtained during her travels across the Mediterranean.
Curiosity turned to obsession as the two of them—Lucretia and her disciple—worked tirelessly to decipher its meaning. During one of their experimental trials, an unexpected magical distortion erupted, and before they realized it, Alice's body had been transported across realms by accident, appearing right in front of Lucretia's workshop.
It was a miracle, but also the beginning of a misunderstanding that led to today
I was slight impressed by Alice-nee creating such an excuse in such a short time like it was planned a few days ago.
Her voice was calm but sincere, explaining every detail carefully to her father.
"And as for my health…" she continued, smiling faintly, "it improved because of Red's food — and, well… a rather unique ingredient."
"Unique ingredient?" the Duke repeated, brow furrowing.
Lucretia sipped her tea elegantly before answering, her tone carrying a hint of teasing amusement. "Dragon's meat, Your Grace. Of course."
Lucretia sipped her tea elegantly before answering, her tone carrying a hint of teasing amusement. "Dragon's meat, Your Grace. Of course."
Duke Gododdin froze, "...You fed her dragon meat." He knows how rare dragon meat is and the effect of it.
Alice nodded innocently. "It worked, Father. My vitality returned almost instantly. I can stand and use magic freely now."
For a moment, silence hung between them — until the Duke exhaled deeply, covering his face with one hand. Then, to both their surprise, he rose abruptly and bowed his head toward Lucretia.
"I'm truly sorry," he said solemnly. "It seems I've gravely misunderstood the situation. I accused you unjustly — and yet, you've done nothing but save my daughter's life. For that… you have my deepest gratitude, Lady Lucretia Zola."
Lucretia blinked, a bit caught off guard, before a small smile softened her features. "Apology accepted. Though next time, perhaps send a letter before surrounding someone's house with less people, yes?"
The Duke chuckled lightly, rubbing the back of his neck — the stern commander replaced, for a moment, by a father who'd nearly lost what he loved most.
Alice reached across the table, resting her hand atop his. "It's all right now, Father. Really. I'm safe."
He looked at her, eyes trembling, and managed a small smile. "…Yes. Im glad."
As the atmosphere settled into something calmer, Alice turned toward her father with a gentle smile.
"Ah, Father — there's someone you should meet properly."
She gestured toward me.
"This is…Red. Disciple of Lady Lucretia Zola… and one of the contributor of the research teleportation magic theory. He's also the one who helped me recover my health."
I blinked.
Ha?
'...Wait, Red? contributor? Hold on—since when? Hey woman, what do you think you are doing? We have an agreement!' I thought while staring at her sending this message in disbelief.
Wasn't I supposed to stay low-key here?
Meanwhile, Lucretia-nee sat beside me, gracefully sipping her hot chocolate as if this entire conversation was a pleasant morning chat.
Alice just smiled at me — that soft, knowing smile that made it impossible to argue.
I sighed inwardly. So much for staying under the radar…
Duke Gododdin turned his gaze toward me, studying me closely.
His sharp blue eyes held both authority and curiosity — the kind of look a seasoned commander gives a soldier he can't quite read yet.
Before I could introduce myself, he extended his hand toward me.
"Duke Gododdin," he said formally. "Father of Alice. It's a pleasure to meet the young man who not only aided my daughter's recovery but also contributed to such an extraordinary magical theory."
I hesitated for a heartbeat, then took his hand.
"Just, R-red," I replied simply. "Im just… a student under Lady Lucretia. It's a pleasure to meet you sir."
The Duke nodded and his grip was firm — the kind that carried respect.
He released my hand slowly, giving me another assessing look.
"To think someone your age could contribute a working formula for spatial transfer magic…Do you know how revelation of that magic is." he said, almost to himself. "Even among our scholars, that level of comprehension is rare. Truly, you must be a genius."
I scratched my cheek awkwardly, feeling Lucretia's amused gaze from the side.
"Eheh… I just helped with some equations. The real genius is sitting right there."
Lucretia smiled slyly without denying it, raising her cup slightly as if in a silent toast.
"Fufu~ modest as ever, my dear disciple."
Alice laughed softly, the sound light and genuine — a warmth filling the room that even the Duke couldn't resist smiling at.
His sharp gaze softened as he looked at his daughter — not as a noble or a commander, but as a father who had almost lost something irreplaceable.
"Alice," he began, his tone firm but not unkind. "You've caused quite the commotion, you know."
Alice tilted her head innocently, though a trace of guilt flickered behind her eyes.
"I didn't mean to… it was an accident, Father. I only wanted to test the new theory—"
He sighed, the weight of responsibility pressing into his shoulders. "Be that as it may, London is in chaos. The moment word spread that the Speaker of the Witenagemot had vanished, panic erupted across the royal factions."
"The Speaker…?" I muttered, looking between them. My expression must've been priceless, because Lucretia only smiled knowingly behind her teacup.
"Yes," the Duke confirmed gravely. "The Queen herself has issued a direct order to retrieve you. The Royal Magic Bureau is mobilized, and the other noble families are restless. If this continues, it could spark a political upheaval."
Alice lowered her gaze, hands tightening on her lap. "I… I see."
Her voice was small — reluctant. Then she looked at Lucretia and me, her emerald eyes filled with apology.
"I'm sorry, Lady Lucretia, Red. I truly wanted to stay longer, but it seems I've caused enough trouble."
Lucretia waved a hand gently, her tone soft but teasing. "No need for apologies, dear. You've brought quite the excitement to this quiet little house."
I smiled faintly, scratching my cheek. "Yeah, don't worry about it. Just make sure to stay safe, okay? You still owe me."
Alice giggled softly, her smile bright though her eyes shimmered faintly. "Fufu… I promise. Next time, I'll do my very best for sure."
The Duke stood, offering a polite bow to Lucretia. "Lady Zola, Mr. Red. You have my gratitude for your care and guidance toward my daughter. I owe you more than words can express. I will be sure I will pay the dragon's meat you used for.."
Lucretia inclined her head gracefully. "Think nothing of it, Duke. She's a remarkable girl. Take care of her — and do try to keep your knights from trampling my territory next time."
A faint chuckle escaped the Duke's lips — the first sign of humor in his otherwise stoic demeanor.
He then turned to me, and for a brief moment, our gazes locked.
"Until next time, Mr. Red," he said quietly, extending his hand again.
I nodded and shook it. "Likewise, Duke Gododdin."
His grip was steady, polite… but then something flickered across his face — the faintest look of confusion.
Everyone gave their good bye, Alice and his father went to their car along with their subordinate.
Before Alice entered the car she looked back again and waved at me and Lucretia-nee and went inside.
Lucretia and I standing outside until the shadow of their cars seeing in the road.
"Well then," She looked at me and said with a small smile. "Looks like our little peace and quiet has come to an end again."
I looked at the spot where Alice had stood moments ago and exhaled.
"Yeah… Guess so."
—-
While traveling in the car…
Alice looks at her father looking at his hand. "Is something the matter? Father?"
The Duke shook his head lightly. "...No. It's nothing."
But as he glanced back toward the house one last time, his brows furrowed.
That boy… name Red.
When he touched him — there was nothing. No mana signature, no aura, no trace of magical presence at all.
His grip
It was as if he were shaking a big boulder.
That boy…
The convoy engines roared to life, and soon the cars disappeared down the road, leaving only the faint scent of mana and exhaust in the air.