Chapter 159

Translator LN

Proofreader Nymeria

Max looked up, startled. Fireworks were cascading over the festival grounds, scattering flashes of light everywhere. Max was entranced by the magnificent scene but Riftan groaned shortly beside her ear.

F*ck, Agnes.

Max understood: clearly, Agnes had initiated the fireworks display. Then she came to her senses, panicked, and tried to push Riftan away.

W-we should go and see w-what happened.

Shes having fun again. That woman loves being a pain in the a**.

He sighed and let out a shaky breath, trying his best to calm his growing desire. He wiped his face, where his excitement was easy to read.

F**k, whats Elliot doing, letting this go on?

Y-you should help.

Again, the loud eruption of explosives resounded in the air. Riftan slammed his head against the tree and began cussing out. Max didnt know how she could help him. Her body was still leaning against Riftans, which was still burning like a hot fire. When she heard people cheer on the festival grounds, Max came back down to Earth, and a wave of embarrassment overwhelmed her.

Dear God Sir Karon must know what we were up to. What did he and the passerby think when they saw us leave quietly?

Hot steam seemed to blow out of her ears and Max began to cry out from shame, her face turning a deep red. Riftan sighed at her discomfort and reluctantly set her feet on the floor.

Damn, give me a minute. Let me calm down.

Like a small, discouraged boy, he collapsed onto the ground and pressed his forehead against his knee. Max kneeled next to him and waited for him to cool down completely. In-between her legs it was still throbbing from the desire and the roof of her mouth was dry.

She was so embarrassed about the situation that she couldnt raise her face and Riftans mood was the same, if not worse. He had dug his head over his knees only for a few seconds when another spark suddenly flashed in the sky. He gritted his teeth.

That damn woman. Ill exile her from Anatol.

Oh, d-dont say that. She is a guest from t-the royal family.

Should we let unwanted guests stay here?

Riftan said bluntly, glancing at Max.

Youve gotten pretty close to her lately, have you?

Max gave an uncertain look as the question floated in the air. Although she and Agnes were polite with each other and had played in the festival hand-in-hand, she still didnt know her true character. Max was too honest to reply that they had a good relationship, so simply said with a nervous laugh,

S-she seems like a nice person a-and is kind to me.

Arent you tired of her dragging you around?

Its okay. A-actually, I feel I have more energy than usual

, Max said trying to placate him.

She waited for his answer, wondering if it sounded convincing enough, but in response Riftan just looked down and curled a few strands of Maxs hair between his fingers, then tugged them behind her ears.

She shuddered at his touch. A few soft leaves fell and left a pale green shadow over his sharp face as they fell to the ground. Riftan, who had been staring at Max quietly for a while, muttered softly,

Today is the first time Ive seen you so happy, enjoying yourself having fun.

Th-this is my first time at a town festival

, Max answered, caught off guard by his serious gaze.

Do you want me to hold a festival every day?

Riftan said, seriously.

D-dont be ridiculous,

Ill pay for them all.

He looked like he was being too serious, so Max clasped her hands and turned pale.

Y-you mustnt. N-next year. It w-would be nice enough to c-come here together again.

Riftans eyes became unfocused. He closed his eyes, thinking deeply about what she said.

Yes, next year, the two of us

Before he could finish speaking, another BANG rang out and his brow furrowed. He stood and said distractedly,

Lets head back. I need to put this out before she burns all of Anatol.

Max clumsily stood as well. Riftan patted her clothes, took her hand, and led the way out of their spot behind the tree. She still felt light-headed, as if she were walking on a cloud. A warm, spring breeze flowed around her body, as if hugging her. She couldnt even remember why the festival was being held in the first place.

At the top of the hill, Agnes was still emitting fireworks into the sky with her magic. She only stopped when Riftan came to berate her and stuck her tongue out at him. At his terrible gaze, Sir Karon muttered his apologies for not being able to control the princess. Riftans dark mood didnt dissipate as he walked down the hill among crowds of spectators, he stared at every face who caught his eye with a menacing glare. Agnes followed him, morosely.

You neednt be so angry. Everyone enjoyed the lights

, she mumbled.

Some of these people mightve recognized you. Christ. Youre a blond, blue-eyed wizard. Isnt that typical of a Capitol citizen?

He locked eyes with the princess and said menacingly,

Please be aware. Youre a kings daughter, and some people here want to hurt you.

Dont be so stiff. If anyone tries to harm me, I can take care of myself.

She clamped her mouth shut upon Riftans cold gaze. She rolled her eyes, but eventually said softly,

I may have overdone it a bit this time since I was excited.

You went overboard

, Riftan said fiercely through his teeth. He looked around. Although he wore a hood, there were still many young townspeople who seemed to recognize him. Even worse, Agnes, the person who had magically set off the fireworks, was in his presence.

Spectators were watching them and whispering, the word was spreading among the festival participants that the Lord Calypse and an elite wizard were among them. To avoid trouble, Riftan and the group headed straight for the main road.

Please, wait one moment. Ill bring up the coach

, Sir Karon said quickly once they broke from the crowd.

Looking back, Agnes said sincerely,

I am sorry that our outing ended early because of me. I only wanted us all to enjoy ourselves more.

Oh, it was a n-nice surprise. I enjoyed your magic. It w-was amazing! I d-didnt know a technique like that existed.

Agnes beamed from Maxs praise.

I learned how to make fireworks when I was at the Wizarding Tower. The fireworks are a bit noisy, but cool to the touch. Since it burns quickly, it wont affect its surroundings either. I often conjure them for annual celebrations.

I see. T-This magic is for entertainment.

Maxi lowered her eyes, a bit disappointed in herself. A while ago, she had almost become comatose from wasting too much mana, even after trying to preserve as much magic as she could for her patients. Yet Agnes had emitted scores of fireworks and looked perfectly fine: to the princess, that amount of mana was miniscule. Max felt an inferior gap between herself and Agnes again.

While Riftan was checking the carriage, Agnes leaned in and whispered in Maxs ear,

By the way, it looked like a scene from a tale.

Y-yes?

When Riftan took the dancing Maximilian into the forest.

Maxs face began to turn as red as charcoal burning in a fire, but Agnes didnt stop.

What did you two do in the woods?

A-agnes!

Max almost screamed.

Agnes giggled and scampered into the carriage. Riftan, who was checking that the jockey was still sober, looked at the princess retreating back in surprise. Max shook her head to show that not