---

On Johan’s first day as a temporary Archmage at the Public Affairs Office, a welcoming party was held.

The Party Hall, rented from the Royal Office of Public Affairs.

Colorful carpets were spread over the marble floor. The ceiling soared high and majestic, boasting an awe-inspiring grandeur that seemed to pierce the sky.

Chandeliers lit with candles dangled from the ceiling, their light gently shimmering as it reflected off the walls.

The tables were filled with lavish dishes made from rare ingredients, tempting people’s palates with wine in crystal glasses and various fruits.

Alongside the luxurious food and strong yet pristine liquor, it could be said to be the perfect party hall.

‘It rivals the parties held at the Marquis House.’

Is this perhaps due to the Second Public Affairs Officer being run by the Imperial House? Or is it influenced by the Crown Prince’s authority?

Well, whatever it is, it’s clear that the financial backing is remarkable.

“Are you not accustomed to such party halls?”

At that moment, Deputy Head Tersis approached Johan, holding a glass of wine. His face was flushed, clearly quite inebriated.

“I’m not accustomed to it, as you know, my status is merely that of the third son of a Baron.”

“Haha, a face like that and you’ve never been invited to such gatherings?”

“…I have been invited, but I can’t attend every time.”

“Cough! You’re quite a cautious one, aren’t you?”

Tersis patted Johan on the shoulder and downed his glass. The full glass of wine disappeared in one go.

“Today is your welcoming party, Johan! You can enjoy yourself as much as you like. We’re not that strict of a group.”

“I’ve felt that as well. Thank you for your consideration.”

“A careful friend indeed. I’ll go grab another glass of wine. I hope you have a fun party.”

With that, Tersis sauntered off toward where a servant was circulating with wine.

Johan settled down, collecting his thoughts.

‘Careful, huh.’

He couldn’t help but be careful. Adapting to this world with a modern mindset was impossible, and what he thought was a carefree noble life came with more responsibilities than he had anticipated.

Especially if one had an atypical appearance for the occasion. To others, it might be a life to envy, but to Johan, it felt like walking on thin ice.

‘If I catch the eye of a femme fatale from the Marquis or Count houses, it could mean death for me.’

Hadn’t he almost been killed by Duke Ferbache just a little while ago for being a bit too relaxed?

Thus, Johan always had to err on the side of caution.

“Johan?”

At that moment, he heard a woman’s voice from behind. Johan turned his body in the direction of the sound.

“Oh, it’s you, Archmage Ratalen.”

Violet Ratalen tilted her head slightly and looked at Johan. She flashed a sticky gaze as she smiled and lightly patted his shoulder.

“You can just call me Violet. If you keep your distance, I might think you dislike me.”

“…I had no such intention. It’s just that I’m not yet used to life as a public affairs officer.”

Within the Public Affairs Office, titles are disregarded in favor of ranks. After all, it’s public (公) and affairs (務).

“Don’t you drink?”

“Not particularly.”

“Hmm. That’s unexpected. I didn’t think women would stop drinking.”

Violet maintained her interesting gaze with a smile that felt a bit too sticky.

“What do you say about getting a separate room for just the two of us to drink?”

“It’s my welcoming party; it wouldn’t do for the main guest to leave.”

“You sure know how to decline politely. But, it’s not so bad. Hehe.”

Violet’s hand, which had been resting on Johan’s shoulder, slowly wandered down to his chest.

“……”

His expression turned icy.

‘Isn’t she interested in Kasys?’

A question arose in Johan’s mind. There must be a man she likes, yet here she was, casting flirtatious glances at him.

‘Is this a jealousy tactic?’

Sometimes, women do this. When they can’t catch someone’s interest directly, they pretend to turn their affections elsewhere to make the first person jealous.

Was her being flirtatious towards him for a similar reason?

“Thank you for your concern. I’m still adapting as a new public affairs officer, so it’s a bit challenging.”

Johan smiled lightly. He had just drawn a line, not as man and woman, but as senior and junior colleagues.

“Hmm.”

Violet slightly arched her eyebrows but soon regained her alluring smile.

“Alright. That’s fine.”

Then, with a chuckle, she continued.

“Since it’s your party, I shouldn’t keep you tied down. I’ll take my leave.”

“Yes. Thank you for your consideration.”

Violet shrugged her shoulders as she passed by Johan, turning her gaze backwards for a moment to think about him.

‘No matter how I look at it, he’s the best.’

Not easily swayed, possessing decent conversational skills, and being quite attractive.

‘Hehe. This will be interesting.’

She quickly devised a plan and walked cheerfully toward where others were gathered.

*

In a corner of the party hall, Fransia was intently watching Johan, biting her nails.

‘Violet Ratalen.’

She had approached Johan and flirted with him, only to saunter off smoothly afterward.

She knew that he wouldn’t fall easily for such pathetic advances.

‘How dare she, my man.’

It was the issue of Violet having touched Johan’s chest, where she ought to bury her face.

Moreover, she wasn’t the only one trying to get close to him.

‘Really, it’s infuriating.’

The female officers from the Second Public Affairs Office were getting too close, subtly touching his chest, resting hands on his shoulders, and leaning in closely.

Some donned crafty smiles and tried to seduce him, while others wore outfits that showcased their figures excessively to catch his attention.

Johan, slightly intoxicated with half-lidded eyes, was responding to them, allowing them to engage in contact due to not being in full control of his senses.

The female officers seemed delighted that Johan wasn’t rejecting their touches, giggling as they stroked his body and attempted to flirt with him.

It was quite the vexing situation.

‘This won’t do.’

Just as she was about to stand up and shake off the lingering fragrances of those other women,

“There you are, Princess Ferbache.”

The Crown Prince, Fedelian Rojino, came over to speak to her. Unlike usual, he flipped his flowing golden hair back and held a glass of wine in one hand.

“I’m not Princess Ferbache but Archmage Ferbache now.”

“Ha ha, no need to be so stiff even at a party like this.”

Fedelian shrugged his shoulders and casually sat next to Fransia.

“By the way, who have you been looking at for so long?”

“That’s not a concern for the head officer.”

“Hmmm.”

She appeared tense and defensive, akin to a hedgehog on edge.

Fedelian casually shifted his gaze to the table. Despite having had quite a bit to drink, her attitude towards him hadn’t changed since earlier.

“Well, by following where you’re looking, I’m sure I can guess who’s caught your eye.”

He turned his head in the direction Fransia was staring. A dazzling man, surrounded by other female officers, was engaged in lively conversation.

“Oh?”

Fedelian narrowed his eyes slightly. The new Archmage, Johan Harsen, had just arrived.

‘He’s perfect in appearance but from a low-ranking noble house? Certainly. This new guy is garnering a lot of attention from the ladies.’

It wouldn’t be strange to play around with a third son of a Baron before tossing him aside.

Even if they were to spend a night of forbidden passion together, they could easily make him sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Of course, it was essential to keep a woman’s first experience safe.

But among the female officers brought here, most were cast-offs from their families.

In any case, having a romance with a low-ranking count’s third son was no concern for them.

Though being a third son of a Baron with the title of Archmage could prove to be more complex.

Fedelian asked, “Were you interested in that new guy too?”

“Not at all.”

“Didn’t seem that way.”

A broader smile spread on his lips.

“Well, you turned him down, so I guess I understand.”

“……”

Fransia’s brows twitched at that statement.

‘What a disgusting man.’

Does he really think he’s handsome? Compared to Johan, he was no different than a pumpkin, yet he had an inflated sense of self-worth.

“Since it’s a rare party, why not have a drink together?”

Fedelian grinned as he reached out a glass toward Fransia.

“Not interested.”

“Ha ha, another rejection.”

Despite her firm denial, Fedelian simply smiled and moved on.

“Well, you─”

“Here you are, Fransia.”

“…?”

Fedelian turned in surprise at the man who casually called Franisia’s name. It was Johan Harsen.

“Oh, Johan!”

Fransia’s previously gloomy face brightened in an instant. She leapt up from her seat and walked over to Johan.

“Have you finished your discussions?”

“Yes. They’re all good people.”

Johan offered a soft smile and turned to look at Fedelian.

“Nice to meet you; I’m Johan Harsen, here to take the Archmage exam.”

Fedelian, though slightly taken aback, managed to maintain his composure and forced a genial smile.

“So, you’re the new Archmage, Johan Harsen? Nice to meet you. I’m Fedelian Rojino, head of the Second Imperial Public Affairs Office.”

As Fedelian extended his hand, Johan smiled silently and shook it.

Crunch.

An oddly tense handshake. Though his smile was genuine, his eyes were icy cold. Fedelian could sense Johan’s intentions.

‘He’s claiming what’s his and warning me not to touch it.’

Only then did he begin to understand why Fransia had turned him down so harshly.

‘Didn’t realize she had someone.’

It was an unexpected revelation, but so what? He could simply take what he wanted.

If the situation called for it, he could discreetly dispose of this Johan Harsen right then and there.

True, while the title of Archmage had its weight, what of it? He was just an apprentice at this point.

It would be troublesome later on, but at least not right now.

‘What on earth gives him the nerve to challenge me?’

Fedelian smirked.

“Since you two seem to be getting along, I’ll step aside. Continue your conversation.”

“Thank you.”

Johan Harsen slightly bowed his head and politely expressed his gratitude.

Fedelian gave a light smile and left to continue on his way.

‘I’ll need to revise my plans a bit.’

Earlier, when he saw the honey dripping look in Princess Ferbache’s eyes, he felt certain.

If he didn’t deal with this man—Johan Harsen—it would certainly complicate his efforts to pursue her.

Thus, he would change old plans and arrange to assassinate him during the upcoming dungeon reconnaissance mission.

‘No issue there. The spellcasters have already been recruited, and we’ll have no choice but to head out for reconnaissance in a few days.’

Though he hadn’t expected Fransia to have a man, there was a calm confidence on Fedelian’s face.

*

“What are you thinking?”

Fransia asked with a face full of worry.

“You could have just let it go. Johan might be getting into trouble.”

“What trouble could he possibly get into? He’ll be an Archmage soon anyway.”

“That’s true, but that man would sell out the country─”

“Sell it out?”

“No, no.”

Fransia hurriedly cut off her words.

“I must have mistaken it for a dream I had last night. Haha. It’s nothing serious.”

“…That’s quite the bizarre dream.”

Johan found her words a bit strange, but since she sometimes spoke nonsense, he didn’t pay it much mind.

“At any rate, you don’t have to worry about this. I’ve got my own ideas.”

The reason Johan dared to provoke Crown Prince Fedelian.

‘He needs to shift his gaze toward me.’

Once the reconnaissance mission begins, he’d inevitably meet Kasys. Then, Fransia would be caught in the middle, bouncing back and forth.

It was better for Johan to shoulder that burden himself. His handling would certainly be much cleaner than hers.

‘If I can redirect Kasys’s attention towards me during the next reconnaissance mission, it’ll be perfect.’

Dealing with their little power struggle was somewhat burdensome alone, but Johan didn’t worry at all.

He was confident in his power and skills to overcome whatever tricks they may try.

He wouldn’t deny using a bit of a rough approach due to the alcohol.

“Whatever will happen in the future is fine. So don’t worry. Shall we have a drink together?”

Johan smiled brightly. Seeing that smile, Fransia felt relieved.

“Okay. If Johan says so….”

As they clinked their glasses, she thought.

‘I must do everything I can to ensure that damn Crown Prince can’t scheme against us.’

That was the duty of a future wife, something she was originally meant to take care of.

Fransia vowed to do everything within her power to protect both her life and Johan’s.

Even if that meant touching upon the taboo that had formed her very self.

“For our future.”

Their glasses clinked together.

“…So, how much have you drunk today?”

“Two glasses, I think? That’s all.”

“Hmm…?”

As she watched Johan, whose gaze was slightly dazed from the drink, Fransia grinned.

‘Today, it can happen.’

Though she couldn’t confide in him that she felt quite bold, Fransia wanted to recreate their first night together.

‘Once he gets a bit more tipsy, I’ll take him to a hotel.’

Though that night of acceptance had been her first, the intimacy they shared on that night was so special that it made her forget even the pain of a first experience.

‘…But, is it just me who wants this?’

Whether it was their first night or this moment, it still felt like she was the one doing the devouring.

But she didn’t care about that.

Fransia loved Johan to that extent.

She craved Johan instinctively, like someone addicted to the overwhelming feeling of love that filled her heart.