The carriage rattled through the glittering heart of the Fiena Capital, where the Great Wizard Association stood like a city within a city.Towering spires shimmered with runes, and the air itself hummed with restrained power. This was where the continent's greatest minds — and most dangerous magic — gathered.
To most, it was an honor to even step inside.But to a prince of the Zhekiel Empire, it was unthinkable.
"It's rare for nobles from other empires to enlist," whispered a bystander. "But a prince? What's he doing here?"
Ciel — or as others called him, Prince Kiel — ignored the murmurs. His jaw tightened, his crimson eyes flicking toward Elestia.
"Tch."
Elestia felt a chill run down her spine. "W-what's with that look?"
"I'm in the mood to gauge someone's eyes out," he muttered.
Her mouth twitched. "Can you not sound like a war criminal before breakfast?"
He didn't reply — only glanced past her shoulder, where half the courtyard's wizards had stopped what they were doing just to stare.It was the same as before — everywhere Elestia went, eyes followed.
But this time, one pair of eyes burned hotter than the rest.
As they neared the entrance, the crowd buzzed with gossip.
"Did you hear? A new Saintess has appeared — black hair, blue eyes! The prophecy has begun again!"
Elestia's steps faltered. The prophecy… already?
It was too soon — far sooner than in her first life.Something had changed.
Lucia… you've arrived early this time.
A faint smile curved her lips, but her hand trembled. The memories were jagged and dim, but she could still recall that same smile — sweet on the surface, venom underneath.
"Do you mind if I blind them?"
Prince Kiel's sudden voice snapped her from her thoughts.
"Eh— NO! What's wrong with you?!"
"Can I lock you up instead?" he asked calmly, as if discussing the weather.
Elestia blinked. "Why would you even want to lock me up?"
He leaned down, his voice low. "Because you're mine."
Her entire body froze — ears burning crimson. For a long moment, neither spoke, until Elestia finally smirked, refusing to lose.
"Oh, really? That's convenient," she said sweetly. "Because I'm an obsessive person too. What's mine stays mine."
Kiel's grin widened, dark and amused. "Then be good. Otherwise… the continent might wake up to a bloodbath."
She chuckled, keeping her composure, though her heart hammered wildly. I messed up!
Inside, the air was thick with mana. Runes glowed across marble walls, and the scent of parchment and ozone lingered everywhere.
"Welcome, Lady Elestia and Prince Kiel. Your enlistment has been approved."The officer bowed and handed over two silver tags and folded uniforms.
"As requested, Lady Elestia, yours has been modified — no dress uniform."
Elestia blinked, surprised. "Wow… someone's been thoughtful. I was going to refuse if they gave me a skirt."
Her eyes flicked toward Kiel, a teasing smile tugging her lips.
"Well," he said with deliberate calm, "I am your husband, after all."
She nearly choked. "Excuse me?!"
The officer, face pale and trembling, pretended not to hear as Kiel's hand settled lightly on Elestia's waist.They walked away, leaving the hall buzzing in stunned silence.
"Did you see that couple?" one apprentice whispered. "They looked like a royal painting come alive—""Their aura was suffocating!" another sighed. "That man—those eyes—and her poise… I can't breathe!"
The gossip about the new Saintess and Duke Ronin's daughter vanished in an instant. The capital had found new legends to whisper about.
Later, Elestia stood frozen at the sight of the key in her hand."Wait… this house is enormous. Are we sharing it?"
Prince Kiel tilted his head. "Naturally."
"Isn't this going a bit too fast?" she protested, backing up until she hit the wall.
"Call my name," he murmured, stepping closer.
"W-what?"
"Call it," he repeated softly, eyes glinting with mischief. "Or maybe 'hubby'?"
Her face turned crimson. "Y-you're impossible—!"
Before she could finish, he leaned closer — not quite a kiss this time, but close enough that his breath brushed her ear.
"Be careful with your teasing, Elestia," he whispered. "You might actually make me fall."
She froze. Her heart raced. And then, to her own horror, she whispered back:"…Then maybe I already have."
Kiel's hand stilled mid-motion, eyes widening for the briefest heartbeat before he smiled — softer, but no less dangerous.
"Interesting," he murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek. "Let's see how long you can keep saying that without meaning it."
The air between them was electric — not yet love, not yet war.But everyone who saw them together could sense it:two souls bound by something older and deeper than fate, walking a line so thin it might shatter at any moment.