Teleportation gates had been created several decades ago.
The first public trial was conducted in the very heart of the Imperial Capital of the Thronheim Empire.
This manifestation of magic subsequently spread throughout the Empire before eventually being commercialized on a grand scale.
Such a development was hardly surprising, considering that the bond between the Magic Tower and the Imperial Family had been firmly established for generations.
That deeply rooted alliance brought immense benefits to both parties.
Particularly to the Thronheim Empire, which secured this valuable opportunity far sooner than any other nation across the Continent of Vanaheimr.
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The carriage they rode in finally came to a halt before a towering structure that seemed to pierce the heavens.
A magnificent tower stood proudly before them, its tiered architecture both imposing and awe-inspiring. At its summit rested a glass dome crafted by the Alchemists' Guild, its surface reflecting the sunlight that danced across it.
The tower's first floor was entirely open to the public. Although anyone could access the gate, the cost of using it was exceedingly expensive.
A traveler had to spend several gold coins for a single teleportation. For commoners, making use of such a facility was little different from emptying their life's savings.
Each floor of the tower possessed its own advantages in facilitating magical transportation.
Their destination was the third floor. In addition to offering greater efficiency, the fewer travelers involved in a single spell activation, the shorter the transfer process to the intended destination would be.
Furthermore, complete control over the teleportation process rested in the hands of the travelers themselves.
This stood in stark contrast to the first floor, where every aspect of the procedure was determined by the attendants of the magic gate. If the number of travelers had not yet reached the required quota, they would be forced to wait until the teleportation chamber was filled.
For wealthy merchants and members of the nobility alike, waiting was a waste of time with no value whatsoever.
Meanwhile, the fourth floor was reserved exclusively for the aristocracy. The facilities available there were nearly identical to those of the third floor. The primary distinction lay in its far stricter security measures, while the remaining differences were scarcely worth mentioning.
Above the fourth floor was the fifth, a level accessible only to the Imperial Family's inner circle.
As time passed following the official operation of the Teleportation Gate Tower, various unwritten customs began to emerge among the nobility.
In the end, these customs gave rise to an increasingly rigid social hierarchy. One of the clearest examples was the exclusive privilege of the fourth floor, which could only be trodden by those who possessed a noble title.
So long as the profits remained worthwhile, the Magic Tower had no objection whatsoever to such divisions of social class.
***
We arrived on the third floor.
Aunt and Dorothea promptly made their way toward Door Number Two, a counter responsible for identity registration, destination assignment, and the collection of teleportation gate fees.
Yet there was something else occupying my thoughts.
A strange sensation persisted, constantly warning me that someone was trailing our movements.
My intuition continued to sound the same alarm without pause.
That unsettling feeling had been present ever since we passed through Brandenburg's outer gate.
My gaze swept carefully across the area, observing every individual entering and leaving through the main entrance of the third floor.
The result was the same.
Nothing.
Not a single figure among the flow of travelers appeared remotely suspicious.
Charlotte seemed to notice my unease before anyone else.
"What is it, Ian?"
"Hmm... I feel as though someone has been watching us."
"You sensed it as well?"
"Yes. Since we left Brandenburg. I can't confirm anything yet. Even my clones haven't discovered anything worth suspecting."
The fact that Charlotte felt it too only confirmed one thing.
My instincts were not playing tricks on me.
Someone was indeed keeping us under surveillance.
Who exactly was this mysterious observer?
What purpose lay behind this scrutiny?
And was the target Aunt, or Charlotte and me?
"For now, ignore it, Ian. Whoever it is has concealed their presence remarkably well. It will be difficult to uncover their identity under these circumstances."
Her reasoning was sound.
The ability to evade both our senses suggested that this observer was a highly trained expert in espionage.
Whether acting alone or under the command of some faction, excessive vigilance would only make it harder for us to determine their position.
So long as they chose to remain hidden within the shadows, dragging them into the open would be impossible unless they made a mistake themselves.
"Ian."
"Yes?"
"I'm still angry."
I see.
Last night's incident had not faded from Charlotte's mind in the slightest.
I understood that perfectly. Charlotte was not the sort of person who easily forgot something that had disturbed her peace of mind.
In the midst of the bustling third floor of the Teleportation Gate Tower, was she truly intending to continue this argument?
"About last night?"
"Hehe. I thought you might have forgotten, Ian. Or were you hoping I would suddenly lose my memory?"
"Perhaps."
Charlotte clicked her tongue in annoyance.
"Say it again. Tell me that what you said last night was only a joke."
"I was serious. You truly are very beautiful. It's only natural for a man to admire your charms. I'm no different."
"You! Didn't I warn you not to think about such things? We are siblings."
A rosy blush once again spread across her cheeks.
Sincere praise regarding her appearance always seemed capable of awakening the feminine side she rarely revealed.
I let out a sigh.
At times, my sister enjoyed making outrageous jokes, yet she often took the return jest far more seriously than necessary.
"I never said I had any romantic interest in you. Why are you taking that statement so seriously?"
"Because you almost never say things like that. For a moment, I genuinely thought you had lost your senses and started liking me."
"Well, I do like you. That's only natural since you're my sister."
"...?"
Perhaps Charlotte had a point.
My teasing had gone a little too far.
Then again, she was hardly innocent herself.
"Are you not the more excessive one? You've asked me to become your lover countless times. That truly made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up."
"Hey! I was joking back then too!"
"So was I."
"Ian, you've become quite bold lately."
"Very well, Sister. You win."
The pout adorning her face looked unexpectedly adorable.
Father and Mother had always adored the childish side of Charlotte that never truly disappeared.
She was nothing like Karina, who rarely displayed her emotions so openly unless she was mocking someone.
"Ian. I know you're joking, but... am I truly beautiful?"
The question came out much softer than before, as though embarrassment forced her to restrain every word.
"Do I need to shout it here so that everyone can hear that Charlotte is beautiful?"
"Bah! What sort of nonsense is that?! Don't even think about doing such a thing! I really will hit you."
Her head immediately turned from side to side in alarm, making certain that no one was paying attention to our conversation. Only then did her sharp gaze return to me.
"And that would be completely inappropriate, Ian."
"Not really. Look, it seems someone who shares my opinion has just come over."
"Where?"
From behind Charlotte, a blond-haired young man approached our position.
He stood slightly taller than I did. Judging from his appearance, he did not seem much older than Charlotte.
Combined with his composed bearing, refined mannerisms, and the noble aura surrounding him, I could easily guess that the young man hailed from an aristocratic family.
"Behind you, Sister."
"Oh."
Charlotte turned around just as the stranger came to a stop, leaving roughly three paces between them.
The young man immediately displayed a courteous smile so flawless that it seemed as though the curve of his lips had been forged through years of noble education since childhood.
Nobles were not so different from seasoned merchants.
Behind smiles that appeared warm and amiable often lurked intentions that were never voiced aloud.
Displeasure.
Anger.
Resentment.
Countless emotions could be concealed with remarkable skill beneath a seemingly sincere smile.
The young man studied Charlotte for a moment before offering a graceful bow.
Every movement he made was nearly impeccable, reflecting the refined etiquette of high society that had become second nature to him.
"It is an honor to encounter a lady as beautiful as yourself in a place such as this, Miss. My name is Fabian."
Fabian's gaze remained fixed upon Charlotte without the slightest wavering.
Charlotte's pink hair was naturally eye-catching.
Combined with her striking beauty, it was hardly surprising that many found it difficult to look away from her.
At the same time, I sensed dozens of eyes throughout the spacious hall gradually turning toward our location.
Their attention was focused entirely on Charlotte and the unfamiliar young man.
From the very beginning, I had suspected that this blond-haired youth belonged to the nobility.
The fact that he deliberately omitted his family name suggested that he was a cautious individual.
Still, the combination of his hair and eye color reminded me of a particular noble house.
Before long, whispers began spreading through various corners of the hall.
"Isn't that the noble from the Imperial Capital who recently visited Duke Glutstein's estate?"
"Then who is that young lady? To attract the attention of a noble from the capital..."
"No idea. Aristocrats are always like that. The moment they find a woman they deem attractive, they can hardly look elsewhere."
"Careful. He might hear you."
"So what if he does? We're inside the Teleportation Gate Tower. It's not as though he can act recklessly simply because I criticized the nobility. I didn't even mention him by name."
"Even so, he's a noble. You said that immediately after talking about him. Who else would people assume you meant?"
"Then you'd better watch yourself. Your business could end up facing pressure from places you cannot see."
"Stop trying to frighten me."
"I'm only giving you a warning."
"Fine, fine."
***
Charlotte remained silent for several moments.
This was certainly not the first time a stranger had approached her with the intention of becoming acquainted.
Over the years, she had received countless polite greetings and similar compliments.
The praise Fabian had just offered felt no different.
There was nothing particularly special about it.
If anything, Ian's compliments were far more dangerous to her peace of mind.
For some reason, whenever her younger brother said such things, Charlotte always felt as though his words carried a truth that was difficult to deny.
From childhood until now, Charlotte had never paid much attention to the beauty she had inherited from Irene.
Her spirit was free.
Full of vitality.
And unwilling to be confined simply because she had been born a woman.
In her eyes, men and women stood as equals.
The only difference was who possessed the stronger fist.
Simple.
And absolute.
Fabian's brow twitched slightly.
The formal greeting he had offered had not received the prompt response he expected.
For a young noble accustomed from childhood to receiving attention and respect, such silence was well outside his expectations.
Since his earliest years, he had lived in an environment where people almost always responded the moment he spoke.
Yet the pink-haired young lady before him merely remained silent and regarded him calmly.
There was no surprise.
No nervousness.
Not even enthusiasm.
It was precisely that lack of reaction that gradually began to make Fabian uncomfortable.
After a brief pause that felt unexpectedly long, Charlotte finally replied with a polite smile.
"My apologies, Lord Fabian. My thoughts wandered for a moment. Your compliment truly flatters me."
"It is quite all right, Miss. If I may be so bold, could I learn your name?"
"I am Charlotte."
"A beautiful name. Perfectly suited to its owner."
"You praise me far too highly."
"I merely speak of what I see."
Fabian briefly swept his gaze across the surroundings before returning his attention to Charlotte.
"Look around us. So many people are looking your way. Even without my presence here, I am certain others would say the same."
Charlotte remained composed.
Not the slightest change appeared on her expression.
She had learned much from Ian about maintaining her composure in certain situations.
"So, in your opinion, Lord Fabian is no different from the ordinary people gathered here?"
"That..."
For the first time since the conversation began, the perfect smile on Fabian's face showed the faintest crack.
Fabian fell silent for a moment.
The young noble immediately caught the subtle rejection hidden within Charlotte's words. Even so, retreating so easily was not part of his nature.
A low chuckle escaped his lips.
Over the years, countless women had attempted to approach him because of his aristocratic status and considerable wealth. Without much thought, Fabian had rejected every one of them.
Yet the young lady before him was a fascinating exception.
Fabian suspected that his decision not to reveal his family name had prevented Charlotte from recognizing who he was, which explained why she remained so composed in his presence.
Rather than feeling offended, that realization only deepened his curiosity.
Aside from Charlotte's remarkable beauty, Fabian sensed something else about her that felt strangely familiar.
The instinct of a noble.
Charlotte was clearly not a commoner.
"Miss Charlotte, we have only met today. Surely it would be impossible for you to know my true character so quickly, would it not?"
"That is true, Lord Fabian."
"Then how were you able to reach such a conclusion so easily?"
"My apologies, Lord Fabian. I had no intention of slighting you. It is simply that the compliments you offer are not new to me. I have heard similar words from many gentlemen before. Unfortunately, their characters were rarely as admirable as the sentiments they expressed."
"Ahem. I trust you are not placing me in the same category as those gentlemen."
"I do not know, Lord Fabian."
Ian continued observing the exchange before him.
Charlotte's repeated, subtle refusals repeatedly collided with Fabian's efforts to maintain his footing within the conversation.
Strangely enough, it was rather entertaining to watch.
Around them, travelers had begun whispering among themselves, each forming their own judgment as the situation gradually became more intriguing.
Fabian...
Was the man genuinely interested in Charlotte?
Ian considered the matter carefully.
If that was indeed the case, this situation had the potential to become far more troublesome than it appeared.
The blond-haired noble differed from most aristocrats Ian had encountered.
From a broader perspective, he was arguably more difficult to deal with than a duke.
As he weighed various possibilities, Ian continued monitoring the situation closely.
Should matters begin moving in an undesirable direction, he would have to intervene immediately.
Meanwhile, Fabian once again displayed his polished smile.
This time, he chose a bolder approach.
His hand slipped into the pocket of his finely tailored long coat.
A moment later, he produced a thick envelope adorned with an elegant wax seal and extended it toward Charlotte.
Without hesitation, Charlotte accepted it.
"An invitation? May I open it now?"
"Of course."
A brief silence followed as Charlotte broke the seal.
"A horseback riding invitation?"
"Indeed, Miss Charlotte. Would that trouble you?"
"Trouble me? Refusing an invitation offered personally by you would seem rather discourteous. Besides, I do enjoy horseback riding."
"I am becoming increasingly convinced that you are a most interesting lady."
"And the same could be said of you, Lord Fabian."
"Would that not mean we share something in common, since we both find one another interesting?"
"Perhaps. However, are you not a busy man, Lord Fabian? The people accompanying you seem to be growing restless after waiting for so long."
Fabian cast a brief glance toward the group standing a short distance behind him.
"You are correct. I shall eagerly await our next meeting, Miss Charlotte. However..."
His words trailed off.
His gaze slowly shifted toward the figure who had been standing behind Charlotte all this time.
A black-haired young man whose eyes bore a striking resemblance to hers.
With a single glance, Fabian noticed something.
It was not merely a physical resemblance.
There was a deeper similarity between them.
Their instincts.
Their bearing.
And the aura each of them projected.
"Who is the gentleman standing behind you, Miss Charlotte? Before I approached, the two of you appeared to be conversing quite intimately."
A faint smile curved Charlotte's lips.
She turned toward her younger brother.
Then, without warning, she seized Ian's arm and pulled him to stand directly beside her.
"Oh... This gentleman is my fiancé."
Fabian's expression froze instantly.
A flash of disappointment crossed his eyes.
Only for a moment.
A very brief moment.
Yet it was clear enough for both Charlotte and Ian to notice.
Ian released a quiet sigh.
In the end, he extended his hand.
Fabian immediately accepted it, their palms meeting in a firm handshake.
As though he had already designated Ian as a rival, Fabian deliberately increased the pressure of his grip.
Ian did not respond with excessive force. He merely matched the pressure, preserving his own dignity without escalating the exchange.
"My name is Ian. Charlotte's younger brother."
"Your brother? Not your fiancé?"
"Please forgive my elder sister, Lord Fabian. She has a rather unfortunate habit of making peculiar jokes when meeting new people."
Beside him, Charlotte immediately let out a quiet laugh.
The young lady hastily turned her face away.
The blush beginning to bloom across her cheeks made it abundantly clear that she had not expected her lie to be exposed so quickly.
Though she tried to maintain her composure, the slight tremble of her shoulders rendered any attempt to conceal her embarrassment utterly futile.
"So Miss Charlotte is bold enough to make such a jest at my expense."
"I hope you will not take it to heart, Lord Fabian."
"And what is your opinion, Ian?"
"I believe your own judgment would be the more accurate one."
Fabian let out a soft laugh.
"You truly are an unusual pair of siblings. Very well, I shall not make an issue of it. After all, Miss Charlotte was gracious enough to accept the invitation I offered."
"You have my gratitude for your generosity. I only hope that you will look after Charlotte properly."
Ian's tone shifted slightly at the end of his sentence.
At the same time, the pressure he maintained through their handshake subtly increased, causing Fabian's body to stiffen almost imperceptibly.
"May I interpret those words as a blessing?"
"Certainly not."
"Hehehe. Very well, then."
In the end, the two young men released their handshake at the same moment.
Fabian's crimson gaze returned to Charlotte, who still appeared somewhat awkward after her little performance had collapsed so completely.
Strangely enough, he felt no offense whatsoever.
In his view, every person possessed their own character and unique qualities.
And Charlotte's charm seemed to lie in her unpredictability.
A moment later, Fabian recalled the numerous matters awaiting his attention elsewhere.
Delaying his schedule would only lengthen the list of obligations he would have to address later.
Although his curiosity toward the pink-haired young lady had grown even stronger, now was not the right time.
"Miss Charlotte, Ian, until we meet again. And as for you, Miss Charlotte... I shall eagerly await your arrival."
"I shall not disappoint you, Lord Fabian."
"Excellent. I look forward to our next meeting."
After offering an elegant formal salute, Fabian turned and walked toward the entourage that had been waiting for him.
Yet in the midst of his departure, he glanced back one final time.
His eyes once again settled upon Charlotte.
The young lady's pink hair was truly captivating.
Its color complemented her graceful silhouette perfectly.
Moreover, the occasional flashes of embarrassment that surfaced upon her face created a sight that was difficult to ignore.
Beautiful.
Elegant.
And refined.
"Interesting... Charlotte, is it? I hope our next meeting proves far more memorable than today's. And regarding that invitation... it seems I owe the Eastern Duke my sincere gratitude."
Watching Fabian's retreating figure grow more distant, Ian immediately turned toward Charlotte.
An opportunity like this was simply too tempting to let pass.
"This is the first time in my life I've seen Charlotte lose her confidence in front of a stranger."
"Be quiet, Ian!"
"You're not actually interested in that blond nobleman, are you?"
"I told you to be quiet! I'm only embarrassed because you immediately announced that you're my brother! Wouldn't it have been far more entertaining if we had kept teasing him a little longer?"
"That would not have been a good idea. Besides, your joke went far beyond reasonable limits."
"At this moment, I genuinely want to hit you!"
Ian struggled to suppress his laughter.
Charlotte had truly exhausted every other option and resorted to physical threats in an attempt to silence him.
Then a new curiosity gradually surfaced in Ian's mind.
"Is the location mentioned in the invitation within the capital's territory?"
Charlotte nodded lightly.
She immediately handed him the invitation so he could read it himself.
"Are you planning to attend?"
"Of course."
"Then be careful."
"Me? Shouldn't that warning be directed at you instead?"
"Do not try to change the subject. Look around you. The young ladies on this floor have been staring at you this entire time. It's genuinely irritating."
"That is hardly something I do on purpose."
"That does not matter! And do not add any more women to the list surrounding you besides Rose and Cecilia!"
Ian could only shake his head helplessly.
Truly, he had no idea how the conversation had leapt to such a conclusion without any reasonable transition.
From the corner of his eye, Ian noticed Adela and Dorothea walking back toward them.
It seemed their administrative matters behind Door Number Two had finally been completed.
Which meant their transfer through the teleportation gate would begin shortly.
In an effort to steer Charlotte away from a topic that was becoming increasingly dangerous, Ian pointed to the side.
"Enough, Sister. Let it go. Look, Aunt and Dorothea have returned."
Charlotte let out an annoyed huff, though she still followed the direction Ian indicated.
That day had truly concluded with an unexpected encounter.
A meeting with one of the most influential families within the Empire.
And more remarkably still, Ian had managed to witness Charlotte lose her composure in front of someone else.