As I strolled the garden with the magician, I observed him. His form moved a step ahead. I noted his attire: a deep violet robe, almost black in the shadows, a sheer black sash cinching his waist, and black heels that resembled tall boots. A two-tone cape, black on the exterior with a light purple lining, completed his striking look.
'His fashion sense is incredible.'
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Epsilon asked, clearly annoyed."I'm just admiring your appearance." He snapped his head toward me with a slightly judgmental look, then gave me a once-over. Clearing his throat, he said, "You're not bad yourself."
'What the hell is that supposed to mean?'
I forced a polite smile. "Thank you." Apparently, I sounded sincere, because I noticed a hint of guilt flash across his face.
"Do you like it?"
"Like what?" he asked, flustered.
"The garden."
"Oh…" He looked around. "It's not bad, but the Duke's estate garden is much better."
'Why are you bragging about that now?'
I smiled. "Then maybe someday you could take me around there."His face showed brief surprise, then he looked away, slightly embarrassed. "I don't live there. If you want to visit, you'll have to ask Lady Cynthia yourself."
'That's a lie.'
Even in the novel The Way to Save Her, you lived in the same building. You haven't even set foot in the Magic Tower anymore. What kind of "Great Magician" abandons royal assignments to hang around a duke?
Still, I was kind of enjoying this little stroll. After all, he was my favorite character.
"Is it time to go back yet?" I asked. I figured we had walked long enough. Even though we didn't talk much, I wanted to return to Leyla's side.
"I haven't seen over there yet." He pointed toward a distant part of the grounds, past the tea party garden.
"Are you trying to stall?" I asked skeptically. Honestly, that whispered exchange between him and Cynthia earlier was suspicious. I was worried he was deliberately keeping me away from Leyla so Cynthia could do something to her. But wouldn't that be risky for him too? Even if Leyla wasn't the type to retaliate, from his point of view, isn't she still a threat to Cynthia?
'What's their plan?'
"Why are you silent? I said I want to go that way. What, are you deaf now too?" he snapped.
"Isn't that a bit far?"
"So what? I want to see the plants over there."
"…"
"Are you really going to deny a request from a Great Mage like me? You're just a low-ranking knight."
"Do you… want to spend more time with me?"
"W-What?" his voice cracked. His expression changed.
"I mean, do you want to extend our time together?" I asked seriously.
"Why does that sound so ambiguous? I just want to look over there. If you don't want to come, I'll go alone."
He stormed off ahead. Honestly, I just wanted to test his reaction, but that response… felt different.In the novel 'The Way to Save Her', there wasn't any interaction like this between Keith and Epsilon. The only thing they had in common was that they both loved someone in silence—Keith loved the female lead, and Epsilon loved the main villainess. But their paths didn't really cross.
Maybe... this is what their relationship was like before the timeline of the novel began.
"Wait, Lord Epsilon," I said, grabbing his arm. "I'll come with you. So, can we be friends now?"
"W-What? You just called me by name?" Epsilon looked at me, visibly surprised by my sincerity.
"Ah, sorry… That was rude of me." I let go of his arm. "I hope you're not offended. I just didn't expect you to be willing to walk around with a lowly knight like me."
Guilt began to surface on his face. "No… I was out of line. Sorry for calling you that. You're a capable knight."
"Capable? You don't need to exaggerate. You're the genius with massive mana capacity. You graduated from the Magic Tower at age ten. A once-in-a-century prodigy. How could I be so forward?" His expression stiffened a little—he clearly enjoyed the compliment.In the novel, one of Epsilon's defining traits was his overwhelming pride. And I intended to use that.
"No need to overdo it, Keith. Don't flatter me too much."
'Did he just call me by name? kyaa~.'
"I'm just happy you're using my name. Especially after you slapped my hand away when I offered you a candied apple."
"Ah—that… I just don't like sweets."
"My apologies, I didn't know. Then what kind of food do you like?" Epsilon paused, furrowing his brow in thought, like he had to really think about that. He always took questions seriously—even the trivial ones.
"I don't have a favorite food. Besides, it's not important."He turned his head. "Let's keep walking. Are you coming now or not?"
"Alright... but don't stray too far from me."
We continued toward the far end of the garden. Unlike the earlier one filled with colorful flowers, this part was plain, with shaped trees and green foliage. I saw his eyes scanning the area. But I could tell—he wasn't really enjoying it.
This is all just an excuse, isn't it? Just a plan to keep me away from Leyla. Heartless bastard.
I spotted a single flower growing from the grass. I plucked it and stared at it—it was truly beautiful. But it stood alone, isolated.
Then I handed it to Epsilon. He looked surprised. Was he going to reject it again?
"Do I look like someone who would accept something like this?"
I shook my head. Of course he didn't like flowers or gardens. He was just helping Cynthia carry out her plan—whatever it was.
I dropped the flower to the ground. "Let's go back." Epsilon saw the irritated look on my face, then picked up the flower and handed it back.
"You should give this to someone else."
I stared at the flower in his hand."What exactly are you and Lady Cynthia planning?" He looked stunned by my question.
Then he smiled. "Lady Cynthia just asked me to spend time with you."
"So she could do something awful to Leyla again?"
"That's just your delusion. Why are you so worried? Lady Cynthia isn't like that."
"Hah…" I clutched my head.That's just how he is—even in the novel. Blind as ever.
"I'm going back to Lady Leyla." I spun, the rough fabric of my cloak flapping against my legs as I ran.
A quick look back—but he was gone, vanished. 'That bastard teleported.' Gasping for air, I raced toward the tea party, and then I froze, my breath catching in my throat at the scene.
Tea had spilled all over Leyla's dress, leaving it drenched and stained. Remy's hand was mid-swing, about to slap her, but a man had grabbed it.
'He is...'
I recognized him instantly: the male lead, here too soon. His silver hair gleamed, contrasting with his gray eyes that held a hint of steel. He wore a formal black outfit, a fur-lined cape adding a touch of luxury that I could almost feel.
I also saw Epsilon now standing beside Cynthia. Cynthia had been calmly sipping her tea, but when she saw the man, she stood abruptly, eyes wide in shock.
Xerta von Helming was holding Leyla's shoulder protectively. "What exactly were you planning to do to my future wife?"
A classic rescue scene… and yet, somehow, I felt nothing but anger and resentment.
'Why is he here already? He wasn't supposed to appear for another two weeks. And what's with that heroic entrance?'
My heart shattered into pieces.The appearance of the male lead meant… the novel had begun. And with that… my death felt one step closer.