On Official Duty with My Tower Master Ex-Boyfriend - Chapter 44

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 44
“When you see her up close, her magical power is so deep and clear that it feels like you’re looking at a Crystal Whale.”
“A Crystal Whale? Really?”
“It’s not just me—everyone feels the same way. With that level of magical power, it makes sense the Imperial Family would treasure her.”
A Crystal Whale carried primordial magical power within it.
The most pure and pristine energy from the beginning of all things—clear magical force untainted by time.
To sense such an aura from a person was extraordinary and fascinating beyond measure.
‘The Grand Duke has an air of sanctity about him. Perhaps it’s all thanks to that clear energy. I can’t wait to see him up close.’
Yet my expectations and curiosity were to be bitterly disappointed.
“Your Grace, the Grand Duke of Melgote. I am Vivian Solling, of the Magical Beast Ecology Survey Bureau.”
I struggled even to meet his eyes, quickly lowering my gaze as I bowed.
“It’s been far too long since I last had the honor of seeing Your Grace. I should have called on you more often, and I apologize for my negligence. It’s only natural that you’ve forgotten me, given how long it’s been. Allow me to introduce myself properly—I am Simona, eldest daughter of the Hart Count Family, of whom you may have heard as being both capable and charming.”
Under normal circumstances, Simona’s remarkable social grace would have left me astounded, but not now.
The Grand Duke smiled gently and gestured toward the dining room.
“Come in, come in. I’m delighted you’ve come to visit.”
……
I bowed once and sat quietly at the long table.
Then, wondering if I had somehow misunderstood something, I stole a careful glance at the Grand Duke.
From a distance in the Imperial Palace, there had been a palpable air of mystery about him—utterly beyond approach.
Now I felt only something chilling and murky.
‘How on earth is this a Crystal Whale?’
Much as I disliked Crystal Whales, I had never sensed such an ominous presence from that vast, majestic creature.
‘Unless it were a stuffed Crystal Whale.’
Yes. That was precisely the sensation—standing before a taxidermied whale.
Yet Simona gazed at the Grand Duke of Melgote with eyes full of affection, as if that sinister aura didn’t exist at all.
Then the Grand Duke suddenly addressed me.
“There are no particular troubles in the Imperial Capital?”
“Ah, no—of course not. Things are peaceful and pleasant as always. The Bureau Chief sent no word of anything unusual, so all remains peaceful.”
Startled as though burned, I answered rapidly, and a look of bewilderment crossed the Grand Duke’s face.
“You look unwell. Did you push yourself to come despite poor health?”
“No, no. Nothing of the sort.”
I smiled through a nervous sweat.
The aura emanating from the Grand Duke was suffocating and deeply disturbing, but that wasn’t my only concern.
Throughout this manor, I sensed the presence of many Magical Beasts, all equally listless.
It was as though this weren’t a comfortable home but a long-occupied prison.
There was caution in them, yet no will to attack; they feared something, yet no will to flee.
‘What’s going on?’
Unable to ignore the emotional resonance that struck me, I glanced cautiously toward one corner of the dining room.
Two small bird Magical Beasts sat placidly in an open cage.
“Is something the matter with the Magical Beasts in my care?”
Startled by the Grand Duke’s question, I tore my gaze from the creatures.
“No, not at all. They’re just nervous, perhaps, with two strange visitors arriving at once. Sensitive Magical Beasts are often like that.”
“The Magical Beasts are uneasy? Why do you think so?”
“It’s… I simply sensed instability in their emotions.”
My answer seemed to displease him—his expression hardened ever so slightly.
As I hesitated, unsure how to proceed,
Simona laughed softly and spoke in my stead.
“Vivian here is an Attuner, so she’s quite sensitive to the emotions of Magical Beasts. The observatory has benefited from her insights many times.”
“Ah. An Attuner, I see.”
The Grand Duke’s gaze swept slowly over me.
Though his expression was gentle and refined, his eyes seemed to pierce through to my very heart, and my spine went cold.
Desperate to look away from that gaze, I retrieved the gift earlier than planned.
“This was specially prepared by the Bureau Chief, and he said he would be truly delighted if Your Grace would use it comfortably.”
Mercifully, the Grand Duke’s attention fixed on the red paper box.
He turned it over curiously, then untied the ribbon and opened it.
Inside was an ornate quill pen made from the feathers of a Magical Beast with wings.
“How lovely. I shall send word of my gratitude directly.”
“Thank you.”
If the Grand Duke sent such a letter personally, the Bureau Chief’s shoulders would remain high with pride all the way until my return to the Imperial Capital.
The dishes served were clearly delicious, but I found it difficult to truly taste them.
Dining with a dead Crystal Whale looming before me robbed me of appetite.
Still, I could hardly make the gathering awkward, so I did my best to match Simona’s cheerful tone.
When soft fruit pudding arrived for dessert,
the Grand Duke, who seemed to be in good spirits thanks to Simona’s company, looked at me and asked,
“I hear you’ve been frequenting the Magic Tower quite often since your dispatch to Melgote? You look perfectly unharmed, though.”
Having worked to settle into the conversation, I could now answer with a smile that felt reasonably natural.
“I was fortunate.”
“Fortunate?”
“Arriving with an Official Document as a Magical Beast Ecology Surveyor seemed to intrigue them rather than trouble them.”
I repeated what I’d told the administrative official I’d met outside the Magic Tower.
“Hmm. He’s quite willful, so that’s possible enough.”
I’d anticipated the Grand Duke would accept this explanation readily.
“I hear you’re already returning to the Imperial Capital. That must be disappointing. Melgote is a pleasant place to live.”
“I met many wonderful people, and seeing Your Grace was truly an honor.”
After reciting a few more polite pleasantries, the meal concluded.
While I’d perspired nervously throughout dinner, Simona had been nothing but radiant.
Even as the servants bade us farewell and we made our way to the carriage, her good cheer lingered, and she wore a contented smile.
“See? I’ve made a fine acquaintance, and now I’ve dined at the Grand Duke’s residence.”
“Weren’t you uncomfortable sitting so close to the Grand Duke?”
“Uncomfortable? How could there be?”
Simona opened her eyes wide at me in surprise.
Looking at her blank expression, I realized I seemed to be the only one sensing the Grand Duke’s unsettling presence.
“Ah, no. I just meant… he’s a formidable person. Even as a Civil Servant of the Imperial Government, one rarely dines with the Imperial Family.”
Even as I made excuses, I spotted a familiar face among the manor’s guards.
‘What…?’
I almost acknowledged him before hastily climbing into the carriage.
Simona, confused by my behavior, followed me in.
“Why are you acting as though you’re hiding?”
“I suppose I’m not one of those people comfortable dining with royalty. I’m eager to return.”
I deflected the question while carefully observing the grounds through the carriage window.
‘I didn’t imagine it. That person was definitely there.’
Among the guards stood a mercenary from the Eastern Continent.
The very one who’d torn through my room at the inn, claiming a thief had struck.
‘Could the Grand Duke have hired him? Did His Grace order him to intercept my document?’
I couldn’t be certain.
Perhaps he’d been employed by the Imperial Government, completed his work in Melgote, and was only now hired by the Grand Duke anew.
Still, if the 3rd Princess married Cade, it would benefit the Grand Duke.
Through Cade, who would then be part of the Imperial Family, the Grand Duke could easily command the Magic Tower’s resources.
‘But it’s all mere speculation. I shouldn’t overthink this.’
The Grand Duke had seemed strange and unsettling even before dinner, but it was none of my concern.
‘It’s fine. I’ll be leaving this place at first light tomorrow.’
***
At dawn, I loaded my bags into a carriage I’d summoned and departed.
In the distance beyond the window, the peak of the Magic Tower was visible.
……
I drew the curtain and pulled a book from my bag.
It was my habit to read in the carriage whenever I could, but today the words refused to register.
‘It’s because I’m still in Melgote. Once I leave, everything will be fine.’
It hadn’t been a long stay, yet so much had happened during my time here.
Yet nothing had truly been resolved.
I hadn’t discovered the truth about the strange power I’d experienced when attuning with the Crystal Whale, nor had I obtained the Tower Master’s seal.
I’d never properly greeted Tris, and my parting with Cade…
‘Everything left unfinished.’
The only thing I could say was truly concluded was my faith in Cade.
With dampened spirits, I shut the barely-read book with a snap.
I sat motionless for some time, lost in my thoughts.
Suddenly, the carriage lurched and swayed.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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