Thank You For The Confinement, Grand Duke! - Chapter 79.2
“Chaperil, I’ll be placing a barrier spell in your room.”
There was no need to ask why. I already knew the reason. I was well aware of how hostile the people in this mansion were toward Enfrise.
When I nodded in understanding, Garham placed his hand on the door to my room.
“I’ll need a moment. It would be best if you leave the room in the meantime, Lady.”
“Uh… Is it not okay for me to watch?”
I was curious since I had never seen magic being used before. Garham thought for a moment before shaking his head.
“Barrier magic is quite complicated and requires a lot of precise coordinate placement. Having someone nearby would only slow down the process. I apologize, but it would be better if you step out for now.”
Well, if it’s for that reason, I suppose it’s fine.
“I’ll go to the reception room then.”
“Thank you, Lady Rivette.”
“Thank you, Garham.”
After Garham politely bowed, Enfrise reached out his hand to me. I took it and was about to walk with him when—
“Uuuggh!“
A strange noise made me turn my head. The middle-aged man who had been smiling kindly just moments ago was now…
“…Excuse me, but could you….please take this child with you?”
He was holding Frii, dangling from his finger.
* * *
“I’m sorry for taking the guest so suddenly. I was rushing, trying to get things done as quickly as possible…”
“It’s okay. I was a little surprised, but I think that man was more shocked than I was. I wonder if he’s okay.”
“He’ll be fine. He’s a man of few words.”
It wasn’t that I cared about the rumors. It was more about what strange things they might say.
“Is all the important business finished now?”
“Not yet… but it should be wrapping up soon.”
“Hmm…”
“After Garham finishes his work today, we’ll sign a contract.”
“A contract?”
I’ve heard that you shouldn’t sign contracts carelessly. What kind of contract could it be?
“Garham is here as a representative of the Magic Tower. He’ll be signing the contract we discussed earlier, regarding the research.”
Ah, that…
I wondered what they’d want from me. When it came to research, I could only think of something like a scientist using a strange machine to create some unknown monster or causing strange events.
“Since it’s an important contract, it will be a magical contract.”
“A magical contract… I think I’ve read about that before.”
Was it in the history of the Magic Tower? Or was it in a book of a hundred convenient magical tools I read? It wasn’t much different from a regular contract, but with a magical contract, there were consequences if broken. That meant there would be punishment for breaking it.
For example, let’s say Enfrise has signed a contract with me, agreeing to provide one cake for me every day. One day, by accident, Enfrise drops the cake he was going to give me.
In a normal contract, we could negotiate something like, ‘I’ll give you another one tomorrow’ or ‘Instead of a cake, I’ll give you macarons today.’
But with a magical contract, it was different.
If the agreed-upon terms weren’t fulfilled as written, the punishment that both parties had agreed upon would be enforced. The punishment could range from something minor to something severe as long as both parties agree on the terms. Simply put, it could range from a light smack to death.
“I thought it was a necessary step to ensure that Chaperil feels secure.”
Well, sure, security would be nice… but on the flip side, it meant I’d be punished if I didn’t fulfill the contract’s conditions, right?
“Don’t worry. The Magic Tower won’t include any terms that would punish you.”
“Is that okay?”
“Normally, the research would have been impossible. The Magic Tower cannot go against the words of the imperial family.”
Hmm.
Wizards were people with immense power. They could take down an impregnable fortress in the blink of an eye, but what happens if those people become traitors?
I must’ve shown my confusion on my face, because Enfrise smiled and continued speaking.
“The Magic Tower was created by the imperial family in the first place. They give talented wizards privileges that no one else can receive. They also support any research as long as it doesn’t violate human ethics. But in exchange, a magical contract is required.”
A carrot and a stick approach. Well, it made sense. You wouldn’t leave such a powerful force unchecked.
“After that, do we need to leave again?”
“….”
At my question, Enfrise hesitated for a moment, tapping his knee gently with his fingertips. He carefully rose, trying not to disturb Frii, who had fallen asleep next to him.
He sat down next to me, and I reflexively leaned into his arms.
“Are you… very tired?”
“Why would I be tired? Meals come on time, cleaning is done, and laundry is taken care of. It’s not about being tired. I just miss you.”
I responded grumpily, and he pulled me into a tighter hug.
“For you to be free… this is something that must happen, so please be patient.”
You silly Enfrise. I don’t need to be free.
But I couldn’t bring myself to say that, so I quietly closed my eyes.