Chapter 110

Ariel flinched when Lexius’s hand touched her.

“Don’t be scared. I’m just healing you,” he said calmly as he firmly placed his hand over her injury.

Ariel felt a firm pressure from his hand, but there was no pain. It seemed he wasn’t lying about healing her, as the throbbing pain gradually faded. All she could feel against her skin was the weight of his heavy hand and its warmth.

“Th-thank you!”

“You’ve been thanking me a lot today. Oh, but it’s past midnight now, so I guess it’s technically a new day.”

Lexius, with a calm expression, pulled his hand away from her wound. The spot where his hand had been now showed smooth, flawless skin instead of the nasty bruise that had looked so painful. Then, after confirming the injury was completely healed, he stood and extended his hand toward her, silently inviting her to take it.

Ariel cautiously took his hand and spoke.

“You’re really an amazing person, Senior.”

“What’s with the sudden praise?”

He shrugged it off, easily pulling Ariel to her feet with one hand.

Even after being lifted so quickly, Ariel kept a firm grip on Lexius’s hand. When he glanced down at her, puzzled, she locked eyes with him.

“The more I learn about magic and mana, the more I realize just how skilled you are, Senior. And how lucky I am to be able to learn from you.”

“What’s with the sudden flattery?”

“It’s just a continuation of my gratitude.”

She offered a shy smile as she spoke without hesitation.

“Sometimes you’re a bit harsh and intimidating, Senior… but to me, you’re still a good person. So, thank you. I’m really grateful.”

She finally voiced the thoughts she had been holding back. Her lips, now more relaxed and sincere, curved into a warm, genuine smile.

“For guiding someone like me, for setting up my schedule, for healing me today. I’m truly grateful for everything. And someday, I hope I can do something for you in return.”

Ariel concluded her words with a radiant smile. It was a moment of genuine sincerity, untainted by any pretense or strategy.

Lexius stood there, momentarily stunned, his hand still extended toward her. After a beat, he finally snapped out of it.

“…If you’re that thankful, then I expect you to be really helpful in the future. Keep it up.”

His voice was stiff and almost cold as he yanked his hand away from her grasp. For someone responding to sincere gratitude, his tone was so indifferent it bordered on cold. Ariel couldn’t help but notice that Lexius was acting strangely. He had seemed restless and preoccupied all morning.

Bzzz—

Her phone vibrated in her pocket again.

Did his favorability drop again? Ariel’s stomach churned with anxiety.

“It’s past midnight. Hurry up and get inside.”

He spoke to her from the entrance of the reading room. Then, without waiting for her, he left the library first.

She quickly followed him out.

Back in her dorm room, the first thing she did was turn on her phone.

The favorability had gone up, and not just once, but twice in a row.

Ariel’s eyes widened as she stared at the screen. Not only had she regained the half-heart she lost, but she had also completed the other half-heart she had been aiming for while the imperial siblings were away.

In just one day, she had gained a full heart.

Memories of Lexius’s behavior throughout the day flickered through her mind like a rapid slideshow—snapping at her, taking back his words, forcing himself to eat food he clearly didn’t like, acting colder than usual, and seeming unusually on edge.

“This must be the reason.”

With the favorability spiking so much, it was clear that his emotions had been all over the place as well. No wonder he couldn’t maintain his usual composure, and that was why even Ariel had been able to pick up on his agitation.

‘Then… what will Lexius do now? With his favorability increasing so much, will the way he treats me change too?’

Even though she couldn’t say for sure if things would change, she couldn’t shake the feeling that his behavior might shift somehow.

When Skylar’s affection level hit two hearts, he started pushing the idea of her becoming the princess consort.

Now that Lexius was at two hearts as well, she wondered if he would start doing the same. Normally, she wouldn’t think Lexius would propose something as serious as an engagement, even if his affection level matched Skylar’s. Still, after what happened today, she couldn’t shake the thought. She couldn’t forget the moment during the duel in advanced magic warfare when Lexius had mentioned the term ‘grand prince’s wife.’

“I can’t let things go the same way.”

‘If it turned out like it did with Skylar…’

Ariel bit her lip anxiously.

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

In the dead of night.

Lexius slipped out of the dormitory and made his way toward the annex of the faculty building. He didn’t bother calling for a carriage or using teleportation, but it still didn’t take him long to get there. Even at a casual pace, he moved incredibly fast, weaving through the rose-colored brick buildings like a predator stalking the night.

Soon, he found himself in front of the annex door. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and gave the door a couple of light kicks.

“Ray.”

At the sound of his friend’s name, the heavy wooden door swung open. Racine appeared, his hair a tousled mess and his eyes slightly drowsy.

Lexius raised the corner of his mouth in a small smile as he looked at him.

“Your hospitality’s really improved. You’re even opening the door yourself now.”

“What do you want?”

“Oh, nothing much.”

Racine, who could instantly tell it was definitely something by the way Lexius started talking, let out a small sigh without changing his expression.

“What is it?”

“I’ll tell you once you let me in.”

“Shut the door and come in.”

With a sigh, Racine reluctantly stepped aside to let him in, then started climbing the stairs without another glance. Lexius locked the door behind him, as requested, and followed him up.

A spiral staircase wound its way up the circular interior of the annex. Most of the middle floors were completely empty.

On the top floor, Racine flopped down on the mattress he had just been sleeping on. Aside from that, the only furniture in the room was a low table and a tiny bookshelf. The brick walls were bare, and the air smelled faintly of dust. The only light source was a single oil lamp, casting a dim and dreary glow over the room.

Lexius scanned the dismal room and clicked his tongue.

“You can actually sleep in a place like this?”

“It’s not as bad as it looks.”

“Well, it’s not like you’re picky anyway.”

For a noble, this room would be unbearable even for a brief stay, but Lexius stepped inside without hesitation. After all, his friend Racine could sleep here for hours without a complaint. He had known Racine long enough to be accustomed to such environments.

Lexius settled in quickly and sat down on the corner of the mattress.

“The Duke’s residence is still relying on your mana?”

“Only during this time.”

“What do you mean ‘just for now’? They’re taking your mana in advance to make up for your absence. It’s practically like they’re relying on you all year round.”

“It’ll get better once I sleep.”