NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 53.2
“Yes, just the two of us.”
“Why…?”
“Because right now, the only person around me who is literate, numerically skilled, knowledgeable in magic, handy with crafts, and unrestricted in teaching is you, Mary. At least, as far as I know.”
“…!”
As I explained, Mary’s ears slowly turned red.
***
The proposal from Arad to stay late in the evening for one-on-one study sessions.
“I understand. I’ll definitely make time for it!”
In response, Mary spoke with enthusiasm and determination, her previously gloomy demeanor completely gone.
“Indeed! Mary’s passion for learning is truly remarkable. As expected of the future Grand Witch of the Snowfields.”
Watching her, Arad smiled in indescribable satisfaction.
“The more I see, the more I feel it’s a shame. If not for her personal circumstances, I could work even harder… No, use her even more efficiently.”
It seemed that Mary wasn’t thrilled about her new position because she feared fewer opportunities to learn by my side.
‘But surely Mary doesn’t harbor romantic feelings for me, does she?’
The thought suddenly crossed my mind, like an axe-wielding maniac barging into my rational thoughts. It wasn’t the first time a fleeting suspicion had surfaced, but I had always dismissed it.
Yet now, seeing her unusually happy demeanor in front of me, I couldn’t help but consider the possibility more seriously.
‘Hmm…’
I reflected on my own feelings toward Mary.
Whenever I saw her, there was a warm, fuzzy feeling in my chest. A strange sense of familiarity and joy.
‘It’s far from romantic interest. It’s more like… the excitement of discovering a remarkable talent. If not that, then it’s akin to how one might feel toward family.’
Oddly enough—really oddly—I couldn’t imagine having romantic feelings for Mary. It just didn’t sit right with me.
‘And conversely, I don’t get the sense or certainty that Mary harbors feelings for me either.’
The reverse seemed to be equally true. I couldn’t pinpoint why, but mentally, that was how it felt.
As if dealing with family.
‘Could it be that the enchantment on that necklace includes some sort of mental magic?’
I had a vague idea of why this was. Likely, it was due to Mary’s necklace, the one concealing her power and identity. That necklace probably played a role.
It must have an enchantment designed to shield its wearer from scandals by subtly dampening certain emotions.
‘So Arina trusted that and assigned Mary to me? Is this some kind of otherworldly version of the Pence Rule?’
I let out a quiet chuckle.
Of course, I didn’t know. Nor did Isabelle, the creator of the transformation necklace.
Enchantments involving mental magic required exceptional skill and mastery. Unbeknownst to anyone, there was a flaw in the necklace Mary wore—an unintended safeguard that made it difficult for either party to develop romantic feelings unless the love was extraordinarily deep.
***
Evening fell, painting the sky with the hues of sunset.
“Ready, Mary?”
“Of course, President.”
After finishing dinner, I headed to the first factory with Mary (or rather, Arina in disguise).
On the way to the factory, we passed employees returning to their lodgings after the day’s work.
The witches were nowhere to be seen; they had flown off on their brooms to leave work earlier than anyone else.
“Good night, President!”
“Thank you for today’s work and the meals, sir!”
The employees, though visibly tired, greeted me warmly with bright smiles.
“Mary, aren’t you leaving work? Are you staying with the President instead?”
“Have a great time, you two!”
They threw playful comments at Mary, who was walking beside me.
“…”
Dressed as Mary, Arina felt her face flush with embarrassment at their teasing. Lowering her head to hide her burning cheeks, she followed me into the factory.
Inside, we were greeted by Theo, who had been the last to stay behind.
“Ah, President? I was just about to lock up.”
Theo looked puzzled as he asked, “Do you still have work to do?”
“No. You can head home now, Theo.”
“Is that so? Then why are the two of you here…?”
“I’m here to teach Mary magical engineering to prepare for the academy.”
“Ah, I see…! Hmm, well then, enjoy your evening.”
“…?”
“…”
Interpreting my words far too enthusiastically, Theo quickly excused himself, leaving the factory entirely.
Now, only Arina and I remained in the vast factory.
‘Was the magic lesson just an excuse?!’
Arina, meanwhile, was overwhelmed with thoughts that left her unsure how to react. Her hand instinctively fiddled with her necklace.
‘Oh no… I thought I was prepared for this!’
The significance of my suggestion, combined with the reactions of the employees we encountered on our way, seemed to point to something more than just tutoring.
Even someone as inexperienced in romance as Arina couldn’t miss the implications.
“Shall we go in?”
Just then, I guided Arina to a separate room prepared inside the factory.
“Y-yes!”
Trying to calm her pounding heart, she followed me into the room.
‘If the first child is a boy, I’ll name him Luin. If it’s a girl, Luna. Our family has always had few descendants, so I’ll need to have many children. I should come up with more names, just in case.’
The Renslet ducal line had a long history of sparse progeny, but Arina was confident.
‘I’m the first Grand Duchess of Renslet!’
She was brimming with resolve to break the curse of single heirs and short lifespans that plagued her family.
‘With true love, anything is possible!’
During the short walk to the room, she had already named six children and several grandchildren.
Moments later—
“…”
Arina found herself deep in thought.
The northern principle was clear: grace and grudges must always be repaid. Yet she was conflicted about how to interpret this situation.
Should she consider it a blessing? Or a grudge?
“What do you think so far?”
“…”
“You don’t look like you understand. Very well, let me explain again. In this circuit, the formula…”
“…”
‘When is that supposed to happen?’
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