5. Will You Be With Me?
The unexpected intrusion clearly annoyed Count Ermeinz.
“You really have no business here. Where do you, a wet-behind-the-ears brat, get off meddling in my affairs? How rude.”
“Why would I have no business here? This is my ‘Mage Tower,’ and this is my private resting space.”
“Oh, then step aside for a moment, will you? I’ll move elsewhere to continue our conversation.”
Gibnen didn’t reply; instead, he cast a sharp glance at Riley, who was standing behind him.
She crouched low, trembling with fear. Her already pale skin had turned even paler, making her look like she might faint at the slightest touch.
And this was their first meeting. Though he had attended countless social gatherings and knew many faces, this woman was clearly a stranger to Gibnen.
No prior acquaintance. Not even a name known.
For a brief moment, he wondered if it was worth intervening. After all, it was already a tiring day, filled with enough worries, and he had no desire to add work-related troubles to his plate.
But then he spoke.
“That won’t do. I have something I need to discuss with this lady personally.”
“You barely know each other. What’s there to discuss? I am very close to her, after all. So if there’s something to discuss, postpone it and yield to me for now.”
“Close? That doesn’t seem to be the case at all.”
To anyone observing, it was obvious: a terrified, timid woman and a disgusting predatory beast.
Still, Count Ermeinz spoke with confident arrogance, stroking his beard.
“The lady and I are engaged, you see.”
Engaged?
Gibnen, who had been watching Riley shiver with indifference, finally understood and smirked.
He was well aware of the rumors surrounding Count Ermeinz—he had heard them so often that they were tiresome.
The Count had a notorious habit: choosing women younger than his own children as wives, only to discard them for a new bride shortly thereafter. It was common knowledge throughout the kingdom.
Families who married their daughters to him were usually financially struggling, of middling social standing, or had many daughters. Any sane parent would hesitate to send their child to a perverted old man counting down the days until their demise.
It was marriage in name only; in reality, it was more like a transaction for family prestige or political gain.
“Is it true what Count Ermeinz says?”
“…It’s a one-sided engagement.”
“Seems so.”
If they were truly engaged, there would be little reason for him to interfere.
Yet Gibnen didn’t back down. He couldn’t—not with Riley clutching his arm so desperately. Her gesture was too earnest to simply ignore.
And of course, the man he faced was Count Ermeinz. Somehow, the thought of yielding to him didn’t even cross Gibnen’s mind. After enduring the Count’s earlier rudeness, Gibnen’s temper was just as provoked.
Amidst all this, a thought occurred to him.
“The engagement hasn’t been publicly announced yet. Can we really call it a confirmed engagement?”
“All the arrangements are done. The announcement is next week.”
“Even a day before, a marriage can fall apart.”
“What?”
“I’m just saying—don’t be so certain. Nobody knows how things will turn out. Isn’t that what you’ve always told me, Count? To remember it to my bones?”
Gibnen smiled playfully and gently took Riley’s hand.
“Then, Lady, you may choose for yourself.”
“…Excuse me?”
“Choose.”
“…Choose what?”
“Who you wish to spend tonight with.”
The Count’s face reddened as he shouted.
“What are you doing right now?!”
“Can’t you see? I’m formally asking the beautiful lady out.”
“She’s my fiancée!”
“The marriage hasn’t been officially announced. Talking about it aloud doesn’t make it binding.”
“You—how dare you! What kind of etiquette is this? This outrageous behavior—it’s absolutely scandalous!”
“Formally asking a lady out at a party is common practice. How is it scandalous?”
Gibnen was thoroughly enjoying the sight of Count Ermeinz losing his composure.
Riley, watching this unfold, felt a strange sense of satisfaction as the Count fumed.
Gibnen gave her a subtle nod, urging her to make a choice. Understanding perfectly, Riley extended her hand, and Gibnen softly kissed the back of it.
“Oh my, I regret to inform you, Lady, that you have chosen me.”
“…You’ll regret insulting me like this.”
Gibnen simply smirked.
Seeing him intentionally taunt the Count, Ermeinz grabbed his collar, breathing harshly.
“It seems the rumors about me will spread faster than the marriage announcement!”
“You scoundrel! I never knew you had such a vile hobby.”
“Then consider this your revelation. I have a penchant for stealing other men’s women.”
Ignoring the Count’s furious outburst, Gibnen cheerfully led Riley onward.
“Come now, let’s go be scoundrels.”
How did things come to this?
A woman who had contemplated jumping from the top of the Mage Tower and a man who had simply been helping someone leave the tower—now, for entirely different reasons, were thinking the same thing.
Eventually, Riley, who had been quietly following Gibnen, could no longer contain her curiosity.
“…Um, where are we going?”
Without looking at her, Gibnen replied indifferently:
“To a hotel.”
“…Excuse me?”
“Wouldn’t it be strange to stay here after boasting so boldly to Count Ermeinz?”
“That may be, but the reception isn’t over… is it alright to leave?”
“This is a good excuse to slip away. Wait here briefly; I’ll fetch some clothes.”
He left her outside his office and went in to grab an extra coat, then picked up a quill and left a note for Sak, who would soon be frantically looking for him.
Returning, he draped a coat over Riley’s bare shoulders.
“It’s cold outside. At least put this on. Better than going out bare.”
With that, he touched the teleportation portal and instantly arrived at the central hall on the first floor, striding boldly across it.
Riley, unable to speak, just stared at the back of his head.
What is he thinking?
By blatantly holding her hand in public, he attracted every eye in the hall. No one could be unaware of the scandalous implications of the Mage Tower’s young master walking out with a stranger in hand.
Riley lowered her head, terrified of the attention.
Had he wanted to show off to Count Ermeinz, he could have left quietly. Yet he chose to be conspicuous.
Why?
Even as they boarded a state-of-the-art floating carriage, his movements remained unhesitant.
“Where to, Master?” asked the driver.
“To Insignia,” Gibnen replied calmly, casting a fleeting glance at the chaotic reception outside.
It was a scandalous spectacle, yet he was completely unfazed. Riley, seated beside him, felt both stunned and awed.
Hotel Insignia
Built as part of Mage Tower Horizon’s expansion, this hotel was staffed entirely by wizards and equipped with the latest magical devices.
Riley’s head spun at the grandeur of the entrance.
How did I end up here…?
Just an hour ago, she had been contemplating jumping off the Mage Tower’s top. Now she had entered a luxury hotel, accompanied by its young and powerful master.
“Welcome, Master. It’s been a while.”
“Are preparations ready?”
“Yes. Everything is prepared for your immediate use. Please follow me.”
The manager led them to a royal suite at the top floor via teleportation. Gibnen moved as if it were his home, removing his coat as he entered.
The coat floated midair, neatly landing on a hanger. A basket with bathrobes and towels moved to the display by the bathroom, and the bathtub filled automatically.
Riley’s eyes widened in astonishment, though she tried to maintain composure.
“Ladies first?” he gestured to the bathroom.
Riley blushed and shook her head.
“No, you go first.”
“Very well.”
He paused before entering, then spoke aloud:
“Please help our guest change comfortably.”
Immediately, staff appeared with clothing for Riley, assisting her to change into a temporary outfit.
“Enjoy your time,” they said before leaving.
Hearing the sounds of water alone left Riley feeling strangely tense.
When Gibnen emerged in just a shower robe, Riley couldn’t help but stare.
Ah.
His chest was solid and muscular, a striking contrast to the typical frail body of a wizard. The wet droplets on him made it even more captivating.
Riley swallowed nervously, embarrassed.
“Go shower.”
“…Yes.”
Inside the bathroom, her mind went blank. The situation was overwhelming, paralyzing her thoughts.
When she emerged, wine and desserts had been set on the table. Gibnen gestured for her to sit across from him.
The air was tense. He exuded calmness; she felt awkward.
Breaking the silence, Gibnen spoke first:
“Stay here until tomorrow morning and rest comfortably.”
“…Yes…”
“And it’s best to avoid going out for a while. Things are likely to get noisy.”
Young, high-profile wizards were a hot topic. By tomorrow, rumors would flood the kingdom.
“Why did you walk across the hall? You could have left unnoticed…”
“I couldn’t risk another incident in my tower. You might try to end yourself again.”
“…Incident?”
“Better to be safe than have another death at Horizon, don’t you think?”
Riley realized the extent of the trouble her plan had caused.
“Thank you… for helping me.”
“The scandal will likely prevent Count Ermeinz from publicly announcing the engagement. Handling the aftermath is entirely your responsibility.”
“…I’m deeply grateful… but this scandal will also trouble you…”
“It’s fine. These matters are common for me.”
Gibnen had been involved in countless scandals with various noblewomen; this would be just another.
“Thanks to you, I’ve witnessed a rather amusing scene I couldn’t have seen even by paying.”
He sipped his wine, pleased. Even just unsettling the Count was satisfying.
“Anyone would have acted in this situation. You looked like you were about to die; I couldn’t ignore it.”
Riley had no words. She worried about her uncle, Count Ermeinz, and the potential fallout. Yet for now, she had no time to dwell on it.
…Helping me like this.
Even ignoring the situation would have sufficed. Yet he had gone above and beyond, acting as if there were no fear at all.
He’s like a savior… if not for him, I’d be…
Dead.
The wine continued to flow, and the two shared it in awkward silence. Slowly, Riley’s initial tension dissolved into a warm, euphoric intoxication.
This feels so good.
Her heart raced, her body warmed, and she felt lightheaded and giddy. It was a rare freedom, a temporary escape from her stifling reality.
She glanced at Gibnen, noting the flush on his cheeks and surmising he too had indulged. The sight was mesmerizing—his relaxed, artful posture, the casual way he sipped wine.
Suddenly, she dared to ask a reckless question:
“…Um… can I ask you something?”
“Go ahead.”
“…Will you… be with me?”
It was reckless, even borderline impossible sober; alcohol had loosened her tongue.
Gibnen put down his glass and studied her intently.
“Well… shall we?”
Her appearance—the delicate wet hair, flushed cheeks, the faint scent of soap—captivated him.
Just moments ago, he hadn’t intended anything intimate, but her bold question changed everything.
“Shall we?”
And so, lips met, bodies entwined, and they moved toward the soft bed. The robe fell, revealing his sculpted chest beneath the dim light.
Riley felt the weight of his body above her, the soft press of the mattress below, and the tingle of electric pleasure where their skin met.
Her first encounter with such overwhelming sensation, fiery warmth, and dizzying excitement.
Reason faltered.
