Chapter 5 - The Magician

Ella entered Evan’s drawing room with a wide smile, and Evan, now composed, welcomed her calmly compared to moments before. As he watched her, he realized his sister had been bluffing, and he felt remorseful for pranking her in the first place. He had known from the outset that she wouldn't be able to fend him off.

With all this in mind, Evan resolved to treat Ella like a true lady. He escorted her to the couch and presented two elaborately adorned boxes, each tied with luxurious ribbons. These gifts had been challenging for him to acquire, and he wanted her to recognize the effort he had put into obtaining them.

"I went through great lengths to obtain these. It required materials from three different cities and the craftsmanship of ten master artisans from five different temples. I even journeyed to the Tower of Magi. And yet, you mock me like that? I almost reconsidered giving them to you. Consider yourself fortunate that I am."

As Evan finished boasting, he signaled to the butler to open the boxes. Inside, there lay a wristlet corsage and a boutonniere, both exquisitely crafted. The corsage bore seven small silver flowers emitting a faint glow of cleansing powers, surrounded by golden leaves adorned with shimmering pearl droplets. Ella raised her wrist and delicately fastened the corsage onto it. As the corsage settled on her fragile wrist, it emitted a mesmerizing silvery glow.

Enchanted by the corsage, Ella became completely immersed, forgetting her surroundings. Even as the glow faded and the corsage was returned to its box, she couldn't tear her gaze away from her wrist.

For the first time, Ella felt like the protagonist of her own story. "Magic! It's real magic!"

Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

As Evan observed his sister's reaction, he completely misinterpreted the source of her excitement, assuming she was envisioning the crown prince wearing the boutonniere.

"I see you like it," he remarked.

"I love it!" Ella exclaimed enthusiastically.

Evan's jealousy stirred as he observed her reaction. It was often said that in a relationship, the one who loved more was perceived as weaker. In this dynamic with the crown prince, Ella seemed to be the one more deeply enamored. The corsage and boutonniere served as evidence of her affection for him.

Typically, a wristlet corsage was a gift from a man to his lover for her debut, not something a woman would procure for herself. However, Luciella disregarded tradition and crafted her own corsage while the crown prince was confined to the academy.

Not only that, she also prepared a boutonniere for her partner.

Previously, Evan had investigated the academy to ascertain whether the prince had prepared anything for his sister's debut. As expected, the prince had made no preparations. He wasn't one to bother with such details.

Displeased with the situation, Evan grumbled, "Can't you stop staring at it?"

"But it's so amazing," Ella responded, her attention still fixated on the corsage.

"What?" Evan questioned, sensing something was amiss.

It dawned on him then that Ella's excitement was actually directed toward Estinu, a magician. "Wait, it wasn't because of the prince?"

The realization struck Evan, prompting him to burst into laughter, which caught Ella off guard, earning him a quizzical look.

"It's nothing. I just realized I made the right choice bringing him here. I suppose this is your first encounter with a magician. Do you have any more tricks up your sleeve for my sister? I'll compensate you generously," Evan inquired, turning to address Estinu.

Although Estinu was merely a Second Circle magician, he commanded respect as one of the few remaining practitioners on the continent. Evan's ultimate aim was to secure his services for the family, and the only means of maintaining contact with Estinu was through financial means. In this era, magic didn't demand blood sacrifices but instead translated into monetary gain. Employing a magician was considered a worthwhile investment.

"It's quite alright, sir. It's an honor to meet the esteemed lady myself. I'll endeavor to bring her happiness in any way I can," Estinu replied graciously.

Estinu gracefully waved his hands, conjuring various words that materialized into golden butterflies fluttering around Ella. These butterflies emitted golden sparkles, some of which adorned Ella's hair.

As they faded away, they left behind shimmering particles that embellished her locks. With another wave of his hands, Estinu conjured a mirror reflecting Ella's sparkling hair.

Ella was mesmerized by the spectacle.

The magic display highlighted the disparity between ordinary magic and the potent sorcery of the Ledeem continent. Since the conclusion of the war, magic had lost its significance and begun to wane, except for those practices that still served a purpose.

Estinu possessed both skill and charisma, adept at captivating the mind of a woman. Not only was he proficient in charm magic, but also in engraving and alchemy. He was indeed a worthy individual, one whom Evan had been tirelessly seeking.

Ella chuckled as she noted her brother's eagerness for Estinu's services.

He holds him in such high regard, she mused.

Recalling from the novel she had read, Ella remembered Evan's persistent efforts to persuade Estinu to join the Constance family. Evan had gone to great lengths, even constructing a laboratory, storage room, and a separate residence for Estinu. Only after receiving these gifts did Estinu agree to work for the Constance family. The lavish expenditures had sparked rumors of Evan being a reckless spendthrift. Despite the family's ample wealth, Ella couldn't allow Evan to squander it all. She felt compelled to intervene.

"The magician will remain with our family regardless of your scrutiny, wouldn't you agree, sir?" Ella remarked, prompting a slight flinch from Estinu, though he quickly composed himself with a smile directed at her.

"And why do you think so, my lady?" he inquired.

"I've heard that magicians rarely venture beyond their towers, except when enticed by handsome payments, much like yourself at present. They withhold their magic unless compensated. I'm certain you have something in mind for me, don't you?" Ella stated knowingly.

Ella was aware of Estinu's desire to access the Royal library and peruse the Magic Grimoire, the sole remaining copy in the world.

In the novel, Estinu had approached Luciella with a request only after receiving lavish gifts from Evan. Luciella had been incensed upon learning his motive and had denied him access to the library. However, Ella harbored her own curiosity and intended to grant Estinu's request, eager to understand his fascination with the book.

"I'll only grant your wish if you agree to become our family's magician," Ella proposed.

"That's a rather intriguing proposition. Interestingly, I'm here precisely for that purpose. But you don't truly know what I desire, my lady," Estinu replied cryptically.

Although Ella was aware of Estinu's true intentions, she feigned ignorance and pressed, "Then what is it that you desire?"

"Are you curious?" Estinu teased.

"Of course. Did you think I wouldn't inquire?" Ella retorted.

Estinu seemed on the verge of divulging his request but instead nodded slightly and replied, "After you visit the Royal Palace, could you grant me access to the Royal library?"

"Certainly. I'll arrange it for you," Ella agreed casually, contrasting Evan's visibly cold demeanor.

Evan issued a warning to Estinu, "I don't appreciate hidden agendas. You will keep silent about what transpired here. It's in both your and Ella's best interests. Understood?"

"Yes, sir. I wouldn't have uttered a word if she hadn't asked," Estinu assured.

Evan's gaze bore into Estinu, acknowledging the potential outcome had Ella not intervened. In that moment, he reaffirmed his sister's sagacity and regarded her with tender affection. Yet, when he redirected his attention to Estinu, his demeanor reverted to icy resolve, embodying the future Duke Constance.

"I understand your intentions. I'll feign ignorance of this incident, but don't attempt such deception again. And show gratitude to Ella. If you had proceeded with your plan, the gates of the Royal Palace would have remained closed to you," Evan cautioned sharply.

"Understood," Estinu replied solemnly.

"I've arranged accommodations and a laboratory for you. Should you require anything, the butler will attend to your needs," Evan informed him.

As Estinu departed, Evan's countenance softened with relief. Initially planning to court Estinu as a guest and budgeting resources for his persuasion, Evan was pleased to have avoided that necessity. Anticipating the profits Estinu's talents would bring to the family, a smile graced Evan's lips.

"Do you hold him in such high regard?" Ella queried.

"Can you tell?" Evan responded.

"I believe anyone could," Ella remarked.

"I heard that Drolin hired a magician, so I thought we could follow suit. Father deemed my approach excessive. Yet, compared to Drolin's efforts, our acquisition was practically effortless. Father will undoubtedly be pleased," Evan commented as he savored the aroma of his lukewarm tea.

His excitement showed no signs of waning, but Ella recognized that the magician and Evan's future plans were secondary to the pressing issue at hand.

"Is Ethan still struggling to gain favor with His Highness?" she inquired.