The Innocent Mage's Spellbinding Nights - Chapter 9
“Why else? You came into my office without the owner’s permission. Did you waste your time in front of that shop since morning?”
“Of course, I would do anything for you, Senior Sister. But it would be problematic to neglect my duties without taking leave. So, I got a bit of help from someone else.”
‘Oh, right. He’s the second son of the Clarke Marquisate. He can command servants and maids with just a word.’
Asking if he had waited a long time to get it himself was a silly question.
With a slight pout, Irina watched Hesed put on a sad expression like an actor in a play.
“Still, isn’t it commendable? Remembering your preferences and buying dessert.”
“I appreciate the dessert, but I would like it if you were more respectful.”
“I will keep that in mind, Senior Sister.”
He always responded well. Irina shook her head.
“By the way, aren’t you going to offer me a cup of tea?”
“If you had contacted me in advance, I would have moved to the reception room. Who knows when Celsia will return? Tea, you say.”
“If that’s the only concern, then I’m relieved.”
Hesed smiled and added,
“I ran into Celsia before coming here and asked her to give us some time alone for an important conversation. We should have at least 30 minutes.”
This was precisely why Irina disliked Hesed’s slyness.
Despite sighing, she started preparing tea. The subtle aroma of tea soon filled the office. She also placed the cake Hesed brought on a plate.
“I’ve mentioned before, but your tea is the best, Senior Sister.”
“It’s nothing special. I’ve just gotten used to handling tea leaves and herbs frequently.”
A few years ago, after their magic training sessions, she used to prepare tea for their master and fellow disciples.
“By the way, I heard you haven’t been sleeping well lately, Senior Sister.”
“Are you interested in such stories too?”
Irina’s casual response caused Hesed’s expression to momentarily harden. The atmosphere between them felt a bit colder. Surprised by his unexpected reaction, she blinked quickly.
“Hesed…?”
“Why would you think I’m not interested in you, Senior Sister?”
Whether it was her poor condition affecting her perception, but his eyes seemed to burn as he asked that question.
“No, I meant… Do you care about other people’s gossip?”
When a startled Irina slightly changed her words, Hesed’s expression returned to normal.
“I don’t particularly like loud gossip, but I do listen to interesting stories, keeping in mind they might be rumors.”
“Ah, I see.”
As Celsia mentioned, perhaps Hesed does care about his fellow disciples in his own way.
Irina picked up a strawberry and a piece of cake with her fork and put them in her mouth. The sweet and tangy taste spread in her mouth, lifting her spirits.
“The cake tastes just the same as always. Thanks. It cheered me up.”
“I’m glad to hear that, but you haven’t properly answered my question, Senior Sister.”
“I’ve just been losing some sleep, it’s nothing major. I don’t know why everyone is so concerned.”
“How can we not be concerned?”
“Because I’m the White Tower Master? I know that self-care is important for someone in my position.”
“…You’re a smart person, but I don’t understand why you ignore what’s truly important.”
Hesed responded with a darkened expression.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I mean you should pay more attention to your health.”
Liar. Does he think I’m a fool?
But Irina knew that Hesed wouldn’t give a straight answer, so she didn’t press further.
“Senior Sister, did you perhaps develop insomnia as a side effect of testing a new potion?”
“W-What?”
Half struck by his guess, Irina dropped her fork. Hesed looked at her with narrowed eyes.
“Senior Sister…”
His ruby eyes were filled with deep certainty. It was clear he wouldn’t believe any denial.
‘Then I must hide the most important information!’
If anyone found out that the side effect of the potion wasn’t just insomnia but increased s-xual desire, and learned what she had been doing at night…
‘I’d have to drown myself in the bathtub immediately!’
With a stiff face, Irina spoke.
“Yes, you’ve always been perceptive. Are you happy to uncover my mistake by interrogating me like a criminal?”
“Of course not. I just…”
Hesed shook his head in apparent confusion, his tone flustered.
“I’m just worried about your health…”
For a moment, Irina almost said that everything would be fine if only he and the mages of the White Tower would behave. She managed to swallow those words and replied in a cold voice.
“The antidote is almost finished, so you don’t need to worry. I’ll have all the paperwork done by the end of the week.”
“Senior Sister, I…”
Hesed seemed like he wanted to explain further, but when Irina put down her fork and started clearing the dishes, he fell silent. Her actions clearly signaled that she wanted him to leave.
“I’m sorry. But please remember one thing: I am always on your side.”
With those final words, Hesed left the office. Once the tension eased, Irina leaned back in her chair, feeling drained.
‘I have so many things to hide… I was too harsh on him. What should I do? Irina, what’s wrong with you these days?’
Her chest felt tight and her head throbbed painfully. Irina wanted to escape from this place that weighed heavily on her shoulders, from the ill-fitting role of the Tower Master.
