I Was Meant to Be the Evil Wife, But the Cold Marquis Fell for Me - Chapter 10

“So, what kind of work do you do at the castle?”

Liliana asked, sitting across from Leivis in the library. It felt almost like a job interview.

(How did it come to this…?)

They had agreed to talk more, and now sat facing each other by the wall. Leivis paused thoughtfully before answering.

“I’m developing barriers for national defense.”
“…Are you sure you should tell me that?”

She blurted out, worried it was a state secret.

Leivis smiled faintly, almost boyishly.

“Not really. Keep it between us.”
“O-okay…”

She had just been entrusted with a secret. His gentle smile reassured her.

(He doesn’t seem like the ‘Cold Marquis’ at all…)

Enemies feared him, allies respected him, and he was said to show no emotion. Yet here, he looked like a kind young man.

Still, she reminded herself: if she ever harmed the household, he would surely show no mercy. The thought made her shiver.

Leivis suddenly raised his hand. Light swirled around his palm, condensing into a transparent crystal pillar.

“This is a Pillar—solidified magic. I’m researching how to enlarge them and suspend them in the sky.”
“It’s beautiful! To see them floating in the air must be breathtaking.”

Her genuine awe surprised him.

“They’re already around the castle.”
“Really? I hadn’t noticed…”

She explained that her old room at the Valentin estate had no view of the sky.

“I see! I was presumptuous,” he said, opening the curtains.

“Look. From here, you can see them clearly.”

She joined him at the window. Outside, the castle stood against the sunset, surrounded by glowing Pillars like a crown of ice.

“They protect the castle, keeping evil away.”
“Amazing! Magic can be used for something so beautiful.”

For the first time, she truly felt the wonder of magic.

(Could I use my magic to earn money somehow…?)

She asked hesitantly: “Could I make one too?”

Leivis studied her. “Have you ever received magical instruction?”
“…I don’t think so.”
“Then, may I hold your hand?”
“Eh?!”

He quickly added, “Only if you’re comfortable. It’s the simplest way.”
“…Yes. Please.”

They sat together in a large chair. His closeness made her tense. He gently cupped her hand.

Warmth spread through her, calming her nerves.

“Relax. Try to feel my magic.”

His voice resonated softly. She closed her eyes. A strange, tingling sensation flowed from his hand into her body like something awakening inside her.

Her breath caught. It felt as though he was touching her very core, guiding something hidden.

A small crystal Pillar formed before her, glowing brilliantly then crumbled away.

“…It broke.”

She sighed, disappointed.

“That’s normal. It was more impressive than my first attempt,” he said.
“When was that?”
“…Around age four.”
“That’s no comparison!” she laughed.

They shared a smile. Her body still felt warm, her heart racing.

Leivis released her hand. The absence of his touch felt strangely lonely.

“Are you all right? Drawing out magic can be painful.”
“I’m fine. It was surprising, but not unpleasant.”

The sensation lingered inside her, as though something had changed.

“…Perhaps we’re compatible,” he murmured, looking pleased.

He handed her the crystal Pillar he had made earlier.

“This is for you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I can make more.”

She gazed at it, entranced. It was more beautiful than any jewel.

“Thank you. I’ll treasure it.”

Leivis only smiled in reply.