I Abandoned the Male Lead Who Cheated with the Villainess - Chapter 61
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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The Southern Magic Tower had been vacant for a long time, partly because there wasn’t anyone qualified enough to take over, but also because the previous owner was a genius known as a ‘Disciple of Novnie’.
Though he had passed away, the sense of duty and greatness expected of the Southern Magic Tower’s master was immense and weighty.
“Even the current master of the Eastern Tower, Marquis Cyand, is said not to have the skills to take over the Southern Magic Tower.”
“To entrust such an esteemed position to a commoner like her…?”
The people buzzed with discussion at the shockingly fast promotion. Ivonne was too stunned to speak that her mouth was slightly open. It wasn’t until her lips and tongue felt a bit dry that she realized her heart was filled with astonishment.
‘What? This can’t be happening!’
It was a moment of newfound status. And not just any status, but that of the ‘Master of the Southern Magic Tower’, equivalent or even surpassing that of lesser nobility.
Why did Ivonne become a handmaiden in the Imperial Court? It was to gain social recognition and live safely in the Sortenic Empire, which was heavily biased towards nobility. Especially after breaking off her engagement with Blitzen.
However, she couldn’t just be happy about it. Being recognized as an ancient wizard and appointed as the master of the Southern Magic Tower meant…
‘My… my simple everyday life and peace…? Why did I hide being an ancient wizard all this time…?’
Her ultimate dream of a peaceful, single life seemed to shatter into pieces. Her head spun with the realization, but she couldn’t possibly reject the title and status bestowed upon her by the Emperor himself.
“I, I am truly honored…”
Rejecting the Crown Prince’s dance was one thing, but to refuse the Emperor’s decree could be seen as an act of rebellion.
Ivonne forced a smile and bowed her head deeply.
‘Alright…..Let’s think positively. Being known simply as ‘ancient wizard Ivonne’ could have led to being politically exploited, but as the Magic Tower Master, I’ll have to transfer from the Internal Affairs to the Magic Tower, at least avoiding such situations. And I can use magic anytime, anywhere…’
After all, it was the Emperor’s decision. She hadn’t rejected it, nor could it be revoked, so she might as well enjoy it.
‘Life really doesn’t go as planned, does it?’
Just as Ivonne sighed inside, Arnold exchanged glances with someone unnoticed by others.
That moment…
Crack!
A sound like thin glass breaking echoed.
“Your Majesty, get down!”
“Your Majesty, it’s dangerous!”
“Kyaak!”
Boom…!
The grand chandelier that had been illuminating above Arnold’s head like a halo came crashing down, shattering into pieces. The sound of breaking glass and crystals rang piercingly through the air.
Fortunately, the wizards near the Emperor quickly evacuated Arnold and created a protective barrier around him, preventing any harm. People scattered in panic, only to rush back to the Emperor, fussing over his well-being.
“Your Majesty, are you alright?”
“Examine the body at once!”
“We must investigate this matter immediately!”
“This is undoubtedly the work of another. This is treason!”
Arnold, regaining his composure, raised his hand to calm everyone.
“I’m fine. Let’s not make a fuss. Marquis Cyand, thanks to your effort, I was safe. It was worth inviting you despite the Crown Prince’s objections.”
Arnold’s words were laced with barbs, implying that the reason Herix had wanted Marquis Cyand’s family expelled from the event was to assassinate the Emperor. In other words, Arnold was now trying to frame Herix as a would-be assassin of the Emperor.
“As the Eastern Magic Tower Master, I did what was expected of me, Your Majesty. I am relieved you are safe.”
Marquis Cyand, who introduced himself as the Eastern Magic Tower Master, bowed, confirming he was the one who had exchanged looks with Arnold earlier.
“To teleport me in that brief moment and to cast a barrier where the chandelier fell to prevent further damage… indeed remarkable.”
“Your praise is too generous. However, I wasn’t the one who cast the barrier.”
Marquis Cyand turned his head, and behind him, a woman appeared, covered from neck to fingertips, yet exuding an air of tidiness rather than discomfort. Her unique green hair flowed like a stream, and her eyes, reminiscent of a glorious night, shone with intelligence.
It was Celestia Odell Cyand.
“Ah, quite commendable. To be able to cast such a grand-scale barrier.”
“It’s an honor, Your Majesty. I merely followed my father’s lead. It’s my greatest joy to be of help to you without tarnishing the Cyand name.”
Her elegant voice carried the dignity of a noble lady. As Celestia waved her hand, the lingering barrier softly dissipated, and the sound of glass pieces falling to the floor was refreshingly clear.
For the aftermath of such a shocking commotion, it was a beautifully concluded scene.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief that no one was hurt and no damage was done, except for one person.
“….Haha.”
A sharp, dagger-like laughter cut through the harmonious atmosphere.
“I wondered why you chose to wear a different dress.”
Herix, the only one displeased by the situation, murmured something incomprehensible. A chilling laugh mixed in his voice made people feel goosebumps.
