Grand Ducal Couple’s After Marriage Love story

When Erna, surprised, stared at the man he said to her with an embarrassed look on his face, Do you have a problem with me?

N-no Its just you look like someone I know, she replied.

The mans eyes grew in shock, and he said back, That cant be. Its not common to find someone as good-looking as me.

come to think of it I think your personality is more like him than your looks. Have a seat. Erna smiled and offered a seat to the man who dared to reply like that.

Meanwhile, Orp was staring at the man, when she asked Erna in a low voice, He looks like someone.

Doesnt he resemble Kalion? muttered Erna.

At those words, Orp turned around to Erna with a face that said she couldnt disagree more and asked, Where do you see that?

His eyes, his lips when he smiles

Well. Ive never seen Lord Kalion smile so heh-heh

Erna shut her mouth at the way Orp smiled bashfully. Judging from Orps expression now, it seemed that she was saying I dont think so.

Orp then whispered to Erna, I shall go get some tea now. Spend some time chatting.

After Orp left, Erna offered the man a seat once again. When he sat down after she brought over the papers regarding him she stared at him sitting opposite her.

Erna asked, Your name is Abel Perding?

Yes, madam.

I have heard from Orp that you temporarily took over the wizards class while I was away.

That is correct. I think I have to do something rather than sitting idly if I want to receive a better score. Abel grinned as he replied in a quiet voice.

Good choice. I cant deny that that made me give you a better score.

He would be quite busy teaching wizards in this place. If he was just looking for high pay and was going to come and play around, Erna would have given up on him first, but he was doing his job on his own accord, not merely waiting for instructions.

On top of that, from what I heard from Orp the students say your class is great. Frankly you know it isnt easy to find someone to instruct wizards. So, Im thinking of hiring you, if I can. Before I do, can I give a few tests? asked Erna.

Of course, madam. Still, Im a little nervous that Your Grace, who is said to have the skills of a genius, will test me directly.

Abel did not show signs of panic or displeasure even though he said he was going to take the test out of the blue. This only meant that he was confident in his abilities or that he was good at hiding his feelings. It could even be both.

Erna summoned a magic orb in the air and made it float.

Tell me what kind of magic this is.

***

Ernas test went on for quite a long time. She summoned over five types of magic orbs until the tea Orp had brought in had turned cold. Abel calmly studied what she summoned, and he continued to admire her after she explained what kind of power she used.

There is no wizard even in the tower who can arrange these orbs so efficiently. So, the rumor I heard wasnt an exaggeration. Abel repeatedly exclaimed, amazed at the magic that Erna had summoned.

And he wasnt the only surprised one. Erna also was impressed by his knowledge. After erasing the last orb, she took one sip of cold tea, then asked him a question.

Frankly, your knowledge of magic is perfect. Rather, thanks to you Ive learned a lot. By the way, if your skills are to this degree, why did you come to Hessenguard? If youre in the tower I think youd earned more money and honor.

Abel drew a bitter smile at her straightforward question. My magic skills are weak.

Oh

With that response, Erna was persuaded why hed come to Hessenguard. She asked, Is it hard staying in the Wizards Tower?

Yes, it is, but I never intended to stay there in the first place. That place is dominated by power, so people like me, with only theoretical and academic knowledge, just keep rolling like cogwheels. However, when you leave the tower, everyone looks for wizards who can be put into the war right away. Those with weak skills like myself cant earn a lot of money even when we complete our courses.

Thats what Erna had expected. The only place where anyone could do academic research on magic was the Wizards tower. Most countries try to take the strongest magicians produced in the tower. As that happened, most of the kingdoms had to keep an eye on the Wizards Tower. This was because it was easy to obtain a strong wizard only when they watched well enough.

But when they mentioned the high pay To be honest, I would have gone to the island beyond the continent, not Hessenguard, he continued.

I see. Erna put down the papers shed been looking at. Ill say this since I dont want to keep dragging you along. Youve passed. I want you to officially become a member of Hessenguard and immediately take charge of the wizards basic education.

I am grateful for your quick decision. Then may I stand up now? In fact, I had expected to pass so I booked a class in the afternoon ahead of time.

Erna laughed at his brazen reply and stood up from her chair.

Good. Go on. By the way

Pausing for a moment, she looked at him again. She had been scolded by Orp but couldnt get rid of the thought that Abel looked like Kalion.

The problem was she hadnt been able to explain when Orped asked where exactly did the two men look alike.

Well, Kalion isnt the type to normally go around smiling.

She didnt know how he behaved around his knights, but from what shed seen in the meantime she thought thered rarely been times when he went around smiling outside the training grounds.

H seems to be smiling only when hes with me.