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Johan arrived at the library, his eyes wide, constantly darting around.

Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations for a library in a mansion located in the Royal Capital…

‘This is beyond my imagination.’

The scale was impressive, and the number of books was countless.

“…The library is much larger than I expected. This could easily be considered a grand library.”

Johan expressed his honest impression. The size left his mouth agape; he couldn’t help but be truthful.

Francia giggled, leaning her head on Johan’s shoulder with a smile.

“Right? This was the library my father prepared when I was at the academy. They’re all copies, but everything you need is here.”

Certainly. In a library of this size, besides books on banned magic, most would be available.

It was the perfect environment für Johan.

“May I take a look around?”

“Of course! Feel free to explore.”

Johan stepped forward to examine the magic books. In the process, he had no choice but to let go of Francia’s hand, which made her puff up her cheeks in disappointment.

“Shouldn’t we just look around together?”

“Sure.”

Francia naturally took Johan’s hand again and intertwined their fingers, walking even closer together.

“The basic magic books are over there.”

“Ah. I’m fine with basic magic books.”

“Really? Then—”

“I’ll go that way.”

The direction Johan pointed was an area filled with books that surpassed those of ordinary wizards, reaching the level comprehensible only to archmages.

“Whoa, what’s that over there…?”

“Let’s go check it out.”

Francia followed Johan as he walked briskly.

Johan pulled a book from the shelf and, without any trouble, casually read the runes written within.

“Seems doable.”

“Can you interpret it?”

“It’s a bit tricky, but no problem.”

Johan smiled, placing the book back. He then moved on to search for new books.

Suddenly, he discovered a peculiar book—it had no illustrations on the cover, not even a title.

“What is this?”

“Ah, that? It’s a rather strange magic book. There are no runes written on it at all.”

Francia continued her explanation.

“When I first saw that book, I thought I couldn’t see the runes because I wasn’t skilled enough. But now—having reached the entry level of an Archmage—I can’t see any content either.”

Intrigued, Johan raised an eyebrow and opened the book that had no adornments or cover.

‘This is…’

There were no runes but only equations and symbols drawn within the magic book.

Johan recognized it immediately.

‘It’s a forbidden book.’

Moreover, it required sealing.

He knew this instantly because Kasys had a hobby of collecting forbidden books.

As a former reader, Johan was well aware of the characteristics of those forbidden texts.

But why was this one here?

‘Did Kasys set this up?’

It didn’t seem likely. From what he’d heard, this book had been around since Francia attended the academy.

Johan asked, “Where did you get this book?”

“Hm. I’m not sure. Should we ask the librarian?”

“Let’s do that.”

Snap! Francia snapped her fingers, and a bell rang. Upon hearing the sound, the librarian hurried over.

“What summons you?”

“I want to know the origin of this book.”

Johan handed over the book with no cover. The librarian examined the book’s cover, opened it, and scrutinized the contents before tilting his head.

“This type of book isn’t handled in the Ferbache Royal Mansion library… I’m not sure why it’s here. I apologize.”

The librarian said this and bowed deeply. Not recalling a book in the library indicated a lack of ability on his part.

“It’s alright. You haven’t done anything wrong.”

However, Francia was magnanimous. She gently patted the librarian’s shoulder with a smile.

“Thank you for your consideration…”

Receiving the book back from the librarian, Johan examined its contents in silence.

Then he discovered a symbol.

‘Thunder?’

It was lightning. This could be a book related to thunder energy. Johan continued to examine the book.

‘It’s not just a straightforward thunder magic book. Here, the earth is overturned, and there, the sky is flipped.’

Johan realized what this book signified.

‘The Book of Calamities?’

The book written by those who walked the path of magic to elevate their level and bring about catastrophes.

‘This could be useful.’

Though Johan had no intention of walking the path of magic, the ability to study the Book of Calamities was a different story.

‘I’ll have to face the crown prince and duke, who have been munching on elixirs since childhood.’

In that sense, it would be wise to learn at least one ultimate technique like the Book of Calamities.

“Francia, may I take this book with me to study?”

Francia grinned, a smile with a depth he hadn’t seen before since they hadn’t known each other for long.

‘What’s this?’

Johan tilted his head slightly. Did she even know how to smile like that? He hadn’t been with her long enough to gauge.

“Sure. You can take it. After all, it’s a book not handled by the Ferbache Royal Mansion library.”

“Thank you.”

Johan grinned as he cradled the book.

‘If I just learn this.’

Even if he faced a dire crisis against the crown prince and duke, he could find a way out.

He still wasn’t clear about the magic power contained in the Book of Calamities, but…

‘The Book of Calamities surely contains powerful spells one after another.’

It wasn’t labeled a forbidden book for nothing. There had to be some strong magic contained within.

“Shall we look at other magic books?”

“Of course.”

Johan walked side by side with Francia, gathering the magic books he needed at that moment, and studied magic for the first time properly.

*

Late in the evening. Before Johan returned to his family, Francia, wanting to savor their last moments together, finished her meal and stepped out onto the terrace.

Sadly, the duke did not attend the meal. He had too many matters to attend to before returning to the territory.

Sitting on the terrace chair, Francia smiled and pointed at the sky.

“There are a lot of stars out tonight.”

“Indeed. It’s soothing to look at.”

The night sky looked as if it was wrapped in a deep, dark velvet curtain.

Countless stars sparkled as if powdered with diamonds.

The Milky Way flowed across the sky like a mysterious river.

The moon appeared, shining with a soft light like a massive pearl, revealing itself through the clouds.

Occasionally, shooting stars passed by, seemingly carrying someone’s wish, flickering briefly before disappearing.

“The moon is beautiful.”

Johan remarked.

“It is. A month from now, when you join the Public Affairs Office, we can look up at the night sky together again, right?”

Francia tightly grasped Johan’s hand. He chuckled lightly as he replied.

“I won’t take long. I’ll finish things with my house quickly.”

Before entering the royal public affairs office, he needed to meet his father to settle things.

“Harsen Young-Sik, the carriage is ready.”

At that moment, a voice from behind came from his aide, Enrique. Johan nodded and stood up.

Francia, still not letting go of Johan’s hand while sitting in her chair, said,

“It seems this time has finally come…”

Johan drew a line of comfort on his lips as he gently stroked Francia’s hand.

“As I said earlier, it won’t take long. I’ll wrap up quickly and come back to the Royal Capital.”

“Okay….”

Francia nodded but pouted her lips.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave. We can save the farewell for later when we meet again.”

With that, Johan left the Ferbache Royal Mansion and returned to the Harsen family.

*

It took him a full day to arrive at the Harsen Mansion.

Compared to the Ferbache Royal Mansion, it was a rather lacking abode, but to Johan, it was more comfortable than any other place.

“Welcome back, young master.”

“Thanks.”

As soon as he got off the carriage, the waiting butler bowed politely.

“Where is Father?”

“He’s in the office.”

“I must meet him right away.”

Johan took off his coat, handed it to the butler, and strode into the mansion.

When he appeared in the mansion, the female servants hurriedly flushed their faces.

‘Shall I go in?’

Having arrived at the office door, Johan took a deep breath.

Knock, knock.

“Come in.”

Click. As he opened the door, he saw his father, the Harsen Duke—Valder Harsen—looking over documents with a magnifying glass.

“Did you enjoy the party?”

“Yes. Thanks to you, I could participate in the social gathering without any issues.”

“Good, that’s all that matters.”

It was unusual for Johan, the third son of the duchy, to receive such support from his father.

However, considering the path Johan had walked so far, Duke Harsen’s choice was indeed wise.

After all, he graduated as the top student in the Social Studies department at the Imperial Academy of Saint Rojino.

Sending him to social parties where nobles gather to broaden his knowledge and network was essential.

“Father. I’m really sorry for this sudden thing.”

“Sorry?”

Duke Harsen’s expression turned strange as he felt an unusual anxiety. He removed his magnifying glass and looked up.

“I think I need to get married.”

“…What?”

Duke Harsen blinked in confusion, as if he couldn’t believe his ears.

“I don’t know when it’ll be, so I haven’t set a date yet…”

Johan scratched the back of his head and continued.

“I have a partner I need to take responsibility for.”

“What?!”

Duke Harsen jumped up with all his might, surprise written all over his face.

“What do you mean?! Johan, you…”

“I know what you’re about to say.”

However, Johan kept speaking.

“I have to take responsibility for what I started.”

“Ugh….”

The duke placed his forehead against the desk in frustration.

“Is breaking up not an option?”

“Yes.”

“…You shouldn’t have done that.”

Duke Harsen sighed heavily and asked.

“Who is the partner?”

“…”

“Why are you so quiet?”

Johan carefully spoke up.

“Princess Ferbache.”

“What?!”

Once again, the duke’s eyes widened in disbelief. It was overwhelming to hear that his son, who had a promising future, had to get married, and that the partner was the Ferbache princess…

“You’ve lost your mind.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Phew.”

The duke collapsed back into his chair, his strength completely drained.

“Anyway, does the most important Duke Ferbache give his approval?”

“If I join the royal Public Affairs Office, he said he’d give me a chance.”

“Public affairs…?”

The duke tilted his head.

“What have you learned that makes you think you can join the Public Affairs Office?”

“I’m planning to enter as a Special Archmage.”

“Huh, a kid who hasn’t even learned magic yet.”

The duke rubbed his temples. His third son had always been this way. He was impossible to figure out, overly precocious.

“Your actions won’t bring shame to our family.”

Johan continued.

“Please trust me.”

“…”

Yet, as a father, it was his duty to protect his son even if he got into trouble.

Reluctantly, the duke nodded.

“…You’ve been on your best behavior thus far, so I trust you’ll handle it well.”

The reason he had to trust his son, Johan, was due to his achievements.

He had graduated at the top of the Social Studies department at the Academy of Saint Rojino without any assistance.

He had also predicted the town’s future, which allowed their family to rise again.

This wasn’t just once; it also helped his first and second sons enter the Count family as advisors.

‘For someone I’ve had high hopes for.’

There was nothing he could do since he was taking responsibility. The duke waved Johan off.

“I’ll leave all the necessary arrangements for marriage entirely to your discretion. However, you’d better not expect special support from the Harsen family outside of marriage.”

“Thank you.”

“Alright. You must be tired from your journey, so go rest now.”

“Yes.”

Johan left the office with a smile.

‘Father, thankfully, gave his approval.’

The fact that the name Ferbache came up meant there was no option for disapproval.

‘Besides, I didn’t really need anything other than marriage.’

As always, he could learn magic through self-study and become a Special Archmage.

‘Now, what remains…’

The Book of Calamities.

It was time to read the book designated as forbidden by the Empire.

‘Let’s learn it just in case.’

Surely, both Crown Prince Fedelian and Duke Kasys would be aiming for Francia.

In fact, they might already be targeting her since she had entered the Public Affairs Office.

‘So.’

He would build his strength to prepare for them.

Overwhelmingly.

*

In the prince’s quarters located in the east wing of the palace.

Passing through a lavishly gilded door, a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling softly illuminated the room.

Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with precious tomes.

In the center was a heavy oak desk, on which lay a pen and parchment.

“Francia…”

The man sitting at the desk softly called her name—Crown Prince Fedelian Rojino.

He was in love. Although he had a promised fiancée for the future, his heart was captivated by the woman Francia Ferbache.

‘How can I make her look at me?’

Fedelian stroked his chin, narrowing his eyebrows.

Up until now, whenever he wanted something, all he had to do was say it, and the women he desired would fall for him.

However, Francia Ferbache wouldn’t even glance his way.

Fedelian had no clue about what to do in this situation.

Yet, that unease didn’t last long.

‘Is there really a need for this? I could just make her look at me by force.’

Fedelian smirked meaningfully and arrogantly nodded his head.

At that moment, a shadowy figure emerged from behind him.

“Did you call for me?”

“Recruit magic practitioners. We will use them for the dungeon reconnaissance next month.”

“Yes.”

A soft sound accompanied the shadowy figure, which quickly disappeared.

Crown Prince Fedelian grinned.

“Francia, now that you’re in my sights, you’re mine.”