The Runaway Maid is Loved by the Archmage - Chapter 71
Roina was an exceptional student.
“In this case, what happens then? Based on what you explained earlier, this direction should be correct, but it seems difficult to apply in this method.”
“Oh, that’s right. That particular issue has long been considered one of the greatest challenges in the existing academic field, but a recent theory was published that finally clarified it.”
In just three days of learning from Josef, she was already engaging in heated discussions.
“This is actually pretty fun.”
The magical formulas of this world were much like mathematics—at a level she could understand.
“And now that I’ve learned the theory, I feel like I can finally grasp how the mana inside me is structured.”
The biggest problem she faced was the conflict between miasma and mana. The more she bonded with Lutan, the more she could feel the miasma gradually neutralizing and fading away. Yet, she often felt that something was still missing. Now, she could vaguely understand why. The intangible energy that had always slipped through her grasp now felt within reach.
Josef also turned out to be more entertaining and pleasant than she had expected. He did his best to explain things clearly to her. Though their time together had been short, thanks to him, she was able to form a rough outline of this world—the political dynamics between nations, the history of the empire, and even the flow of its economy. Her own ability to absorb knowledge quickly played a role, but without him, it would have taken much longer and been far more difficult. It wasn’t easy to provide just the right knowledge someone needed while also answering their questions immediately.
That day, she was tidying up after Josef had left when a man approached her, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. A warm, comforting sensation.
“Was it helpful?”
It was the Great Archmage, who had given them space for a while. Roina lifted her head to look at him. As if it were the most natural thing, Lutan placed his lips over hers. Roina tilted her head up, accepting his kiss. A pleasant coolness and an affection so tender it made her heart tingle poured over her.
Roina liked it. And yet, deep down, she held a small sense of unease.
Was she truly someone worthy of receiving this kind of love? She wasn’t sure.
Lutan had treated her this way from the very beginning, from the moment they first met. He had always cherished her. But—
“The First Mage.”
The one who was nowhere to be found in the empire’s founding myths.
It could be that he cherished her not for who she was now, but because of that person from her past life—the one he had spoken of.
In other words, it was possible that the one he truly loved wasn’t Roina herself, but the First Mage.
A dull ache throbbed in her heart.
Whether he knew her feelings or not, Lutan only invaded her more deeply. His hands naturally trailed along her back and waist, sending a shiver down her spine.
“Mm…”
Without realizing it, Roina let out a dampened voice. Everywhere his fingertips passed felt overly sensitive. She was reacting to everything about him.
Soon, Lutan pulled away and gazed at her. Roina took a moment to steady her breath, short from their kiss.
“It was helpful. Very much so.”
“Is that so?”
He murmured as he traced the corner of her lips with his thumb. His eyes had darkened slightly.
“Roina, if I was able to help you, I’m glad. But—”
He lowered his head and lightly nibbled the edge of her ear. A warm breath slipped in against the sensitive skin, and immediately, Roina felt a sharp tension prickle deep in her lower belly.
“Aren’t you spending too much time with him?”
“Wait, hold on—”
Startled, Roina widened her eyes and gently pushed him away.
“Are you jealous right now?”
“…Yes.”
There was a slight pause, but his answer was slow and clear.
“I am jealous.”
“What? That’s ridiculous—”
As she opened her mouth to refute, Lutan seized her lips again. Strangely enough, she found him… adorable. Like a child throwing a tantrum.
Still, she had to say something. This time, Roina pushed him away more firmly, and this time, he slid back easily at her resistance.
“Josef is still a kid!”
Does he really think I could feel anything romantic toward a child?
For the first time, Roina found herself utterly dumbfounded in front of Lutan.
“He is not a child. Seventeen is nearly an adult.”
“Is that what matters? He’s still not an adult yet!”
Not to mention, she had absolutely no such intentions.
Roina cupped both of Lutan’s cheeks and lifted his head. Though his expression remained impassive, he somehow looked a little sulky.
“Lutan, you of all people know that’s not what this is. You saw our entire conversation, didn’t you?”
He had once told her that nothing in the Magic Tower escaped his knowledge. Normally, she didn’t dwell on it, but in moments like this, it came to mind immediately.
“That arrogant human male keeps monopolizing you…”
“…What??”
Roina was so speechless that her jaw nearly dropped.
Taking advantage of it, Lutan playfully nipped at her lips, pecking her upper and lower lip in turn, as if begging for attention.
He has a childish side like this?
Roina was genuinely astonished at this unfamiliar side of him.
Despite saying such absurd things, he still maintained his usual polished, perfect, and coolly handsome appearance.
That a man so beautiful and refined could utter such childish words—it was almost unbelievable.
“Lutan, I have no interest in Josef.”
He stared at her intently, as if that alone wasn’t enough.
Roina sighed and spoke again.
“I like you.”
