Chapter 36
“A potion…?”
There was no record of providing the young lady with a top-grade potion. However, the three nobles, oblivious to Marcel’s bewildered expression, spoke excitedly.
“That’s right! We’re the ones who saved her life. Though she showed no gratitude and even attacked us… We brought this in case you doubted our words.”
The nobles presented an empty top-grade potion bottle. Marcel inspected it closely.
‘This is unquestionably the Magic Tower’s bottle.’
The three nobles fawned over him.
“Ahem. Not that we expect any reward…”
“We merely hope this connection leads to frequent dealings with you, Vice Tower Lord.”
Their attempts to ingratiate themselves fell on deaf ears. Marcel’s attention remained fixed on the bottle’s open mouth.
“How… was this opened?”
“Huh?”
“Who opened this?”
Sensing the shift in Marcel’s demeanor, the nobles hurriedly confessed.
“It was Lady Ophensa who opened it!”
“The young lady herself?”
“Yes!”
“…Impossible. You wouldn’t dare lie to me?”
Under Marcel’s intense scrutiny, the nobles abandoned their flattery and grew fearful.
“It’s true! She just opened it! He saw it too!”
“Of course! Oh—she struck the bottle’s neck sharply with her palm first. Strange, but that’s all she did—”
“She struck it?”
“Yes! Lady Ophensa did it, not us!”
“…….”
Marcel’s disbelief had reason.
‘Most wouldn’t know,’ he thought, ‘but top-grade potion containers require magical infusion to open.’
Infusing magic was a fundamental skill—one many failed to master, barring them from magehood.
But…
‘If the magically inept young lady achieved this… Everything changes!’
It meant traces of her magic remained, contrary to post-accident assumptions.
Marcel pressed urgently: “Did she show adverse effects? No fainting or nausea?”
“Fainting from that? She just smirked like always.”
“Thank you. You may leave.”
“Wait! Vice Tower Lord—?!”
They vanished from Marcel’s concerns. He sprinted to Calypso’s annex, addressing the head maid barring his path:
“Relay a message: Does she consent to magical verification at the council?”
The meeting’s outcome might reverse. Marcel’s heart pounded with rising hope.
The first council convened since Marquis Ophensa’s collapse. With Vice Tower Lord Marcel and senior retainers present, this gathering would decide critical house matters—now more pivotal than ever, as it determined the house’s future without its patriarch.
Kaiman had awaited this day.
‘Finally, I’ll remove that eyesore, Calypso Ophensa.’
When Calypso lost her magical aptitude, Kaiman sensed destiny’s call—the marquisate was his rightful seat. The incompetent direct lineage merely required removal.
By systematically eroding Calypso’s standing, he’d proven her unfit to lead. Using the reckless heiress as contrast, he’d elevated himself until even non-allies addressed him as “Viscount Kaiman”—despite lacking official heir status.
‘After today, House Ophensa becomes mine. A fallen noble’s ascent.’
He’d abandon the Magic Tower’s neutrality and wield the house’s full power.
‘The marriage alliance and succession are practically settled.’
Exchanging courteous nods with arriving retainers, Kaiman shared covert glances with pledged supporters. The final footsteps echoed—
Click-clack-click-clack!
At the rapid heel strikes, Kaiman smirked.
‘Can’t even hide her desperation.’
But then—
Click-clack… Thud.
Calypso entered with heightened hauteur, scanning the room.
“How tedious. Let’s begin.”
Kaiman’s smile faltered.
‘What’s this attitude?’
His gaze flicked to Marcel’s empty seat. The insolent half-elf had signed a support agreement before departing—no issue there.
‘Clutching at final shreds of pride? No matter. The outcome’s fixed.’
With Kaiman’s sneer, the council commenced.
As proceedings unfolded, Calypso felt retainers’ piercing stares—
‘They see a family disgrace.’
Some openly jeered; others simmered with resentment. The icy glares belonged to Kaiman’s faction. The resentful ones…
‘Will side with me today.’
Their lingering bitterness proved they still valued House Ophensa—prioritizing its benefit over personal feelings.
After routine agendas, the arranged marriage surfaced.
Viscount Gallard, Kaiman’s lackey, seized the moment:
“Lady Calypso has reached marrying age. Time she establishes her own household, freeing Viscount Kaiman from guardianship.”
“Please, Viscount Gallard—” Kaiman feigned discomfort.
“The direct lineage belongs to Lady Calypso. How could I—”
“You’re already House Ophensa’s future!”
“I’m not formally viscount yet. This might distress Lady Calypso.”
“Such humility!”
Calypso slammed the table.
“Enough theatrics! State your purpose!”
“A bride-to-be should mind her decorum!”
“Well said. Let me introduce my groom.”
“Baron Lorton, no?”
“You’ve heard the rumors. Why pretend?”
Calypso’s lips curled.
“At my engagement banquet, I declared another.”
Retainers scowled.
“Such frivolity!”
“Even trashy tabloids decry your conduct! How much more will you tarnish us?”
Kaiman raised a pacifying hand.
“Lady Calypso long enjoyed prestige as the direct heir. Naturally, Baron Lorton disappoints.”
“…….”
“But he’s the only noble accepting her. His wealth aids our house.”
“Aids the house?” Calypso tilted her head.
“Then none will object if I marry someone more advantageous?”
“…Meaning?”
Calypso inhaled sharply before shouting toward the doors:
“D-Druwa, darling!”
Darling?
All turned as doors burst open—
Thud.
A tall, striking man entered.
