Rowan's POV
When I returned to the place where the magician had been performing, I found him seated on the ground, his shoulders slumped, his posture heavy with defeat. The lively energy from earlier was gone, replaced by a silence that felt almost shameful—like laughter had once lived there and abandoned him without warning.
I approached him slowly.
"Lord Rowan—it's you!" the magician exclaimed when he noticed me. He scrambled to his feet at once and bowed in respect.
I acknowledged him with a nod, but what caught my attention was the sigh that followed—deep, weary, and practiced, as if disappointment had long since learned the shape of his lungs.
"I'm sorry," I said gently. "I was watching your performance earlier, and I placed a small piece of gold into your hat. But I believe I may have thrown something else in by mistake. May I take a look at your hat so I can replace it with gold?" I asked.
His shoulders sagged again.
"That is exactly my problem, Lord Rowan," he said miserably. "I was packing up my things, preparing to return home. I was distracted for only a moment, speaking with a friend. When I turned back, the hat that had been beside my feet was gone."
"I'm sorry to hear that," I said, concern tightening my chest. "But tell me—did you see anything inside the hat that wasn't gold?" I asked carefully.
"There was a heart-shaped charm," he replied.
My breath caught. "By any chance, did you touch it?" I asked, unable to keep the urgency from my voice.
"No, Lord Rowan," he answered. "I did not."
Relief rushed through me so sharply that I had to place a hand over my chest to steady myself.
"Alright," I said after a moment. "Don't worry. I'll help you find your hat. I need to retrieve that charm as well," I said.
His eyes softened, glistening with gratitude. "Thank you, Lord Rowan. That money was meant for food and medicine for my pregnant wife. But now..." His voice faltered. "Now I have nothing to give her."
I nodded, a knot forming in my throat. He had done nothing wrong. He had worked honestly, offered joy to strangers, and been repaid with theft.
"I will look for your hat," I said firmly. "And if I cannot return it before nightfall, come to our house. If I am not there, I will let my father give you gold so you can buy what you need. Do you understand?" I said.
"Thank you, Lord Rowan!" he exclaimed. "You are too kind. If you find my hat, you may take everything inside it as payment!"
"That won't be necessary," I said. "I will return everything to you. All I want is the charm inside." I paused, then asked, "Did no one around you see who took it?"
He slowly shook his head.
"Whoever did this," I said, anger burning hot beneath my calm, "is a heartless creature. Wherever they are now, I hope a sword finds its way to their foot."
* * *
Thief's POV
As I stacked the gold I had taken back into the magician's hat, my elbow brushed against something beside it.
Clang.
The sound rang sharp and sudden.
A sword dropped at my feet.
I dodged it instinctively, stepping back before it could touch me.
"Ah," I murmured with a grin as I bent down and picked it up. "So you wish to kill me."
I examined the blade—it was clean, well-kept, untouched by blood.
"Perhaps your wish almost came true," I said calmly. "If you truly prayed that I would be stabbed by your own sword... what a shame."
I placed it down gently on the table.
Silence followed.
That was when my eyes returned to the heart-shaped charm, its surface gleaming softly as it caught the light. Something about it held my attention. I picked it up, turning it between my fingers, a grin slowly forming.
I didn't know why I wanted to look at it.
"There's something strange about this gemstone," I murmured to myself. "Something... different."
And for reasons I did not yet understand—
I kept it even if it meant nothing to me.
* * *
Rowan's POV
I returned to where I had left Aurein, Serena, and General Voltaire, only to be greeted by Aurein's sharp gaze.
"You look pale, Rowan," Aurein said, frowning. "Did something happen?"
"Something terrible," I said. "Someone stole the magician's hat—the one we were watching earlier. All of his gold was in there. It was meant for his pregnant wife. I felt awful for him," I said.
"And the..." Serena suddenly spoke, her eyes widening as she stared at me.
"It's in there," I said.
"The what is in where?" Aurein asked, confused.
I hesitated. My chest tightened, and for a moment, I genuinely felt like I couldn't breathe.
"Go on, Rowan," Serena urged gently. "Say it. Don't stress yourself." She glanced at Aurein. "I promise, Aurein won't laugh. He might even help you."
I let out a long sigh.
"What is it, Rowan?" Aurein asked again, scratching his head.
"Alright, I'll say it!" I blurted out. "But don't look at me like I've lost my mind. Okay? Just a disclaimer—there's nothing wrong with believing in this. I lose nothing by believing," I said quickly.
"Just speak it out, we should have left earlier and started looking for the magician's hat already," General Voltaire said flatly, clearly unimpressed.
"Sorry..." I said awkwardly. "Because inside the magician's hat... was my heart-shaped gemstone charm. The one I bought for love," I admitted, my voice shrinking at the end.
General Voltaire's eyes narrowed as if he was weighing whether I was serious or simply delusional. Aurein, on the other hand, reacted completely differently—his eyes sparkled, and he even clasped his hands together like I had just confessed to something beautiful.
"A charm for love?" Aurein asked excitedly. "You want to find the one who will love you?"
I nodded, deeply embarrassed.
"You believe in things like that?" General Voltaire asked, as though I had just announced I believed the moon was made of cheese.
"There's nothing wrong with trying," I said defensively. "I mean... it's something I want to do. Something I need to do. It's for myself."
General Voltaire sighed heavily, disappointment practically radiating from him.
"Love does not work through charms, Rowan," he said.
"Yes it does! Don't belittle Rowan's beliefs, General Voltaire," Aurein said firmly. "Let's go find the magician's hat. We'll retrieve your charm so you can find your true love, Rowan." He stepped closer and grabbed my arm enthusiastically. "Let's leave behind the one person here who has absolutely no compassion for people simply trying to find love."
"Me?" General Voltaire said, pointing at his own chest. "I didn't use a charm to make you fall for me or to find me, Aurein."
"That's you," Aurein said, rolling his eyes. "You and Rowan are different." He tugged me along. "Come on, Rowan. I'll help you find your true love. Don't worry about General Voltaire—he doesn't know what love is."
"I—I—what?" General Voltaire stammered, visibly stunned by the accusation.
Aurein laughed.
"Let's go, Rowan," he said, pulling me forward—only to stop suddenly. "Wait. Who took the magician's hat? And where do we even look?"
"That's the problem..." I said.
"General Voltaire, you'll help us, right?" Aurein asked.
"What choice do I have?" General Voltaire replied tiredly.
"Do you think it was the same thief we've been looking for?" Aurein asked.
"That's my suspicion," General Voltaire said.
"Then he's worse than we thought," Aurein said angrily. "He even steals from people who earn their living honestly?"
Suddenly, my eyes widened. My body froze.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," Serena said, frowning. "What's wrong with you?"
"If what Aurein said is true..." I said slowly, staring into space. "If the magician's hat is really in the thief's hands... then it only means one thing."
I turned to Serena—and she was smiling. Worse, she looked delighted.
"Well, well, well," Serena said. "Who would've thought your true love would turn out to be the thief?"
"No!" I protested. "I refuse to believe that!"
"But what if he already touched the charm?" Serena said mischievously. "Then that means he's your one true love."
"What?" Aurein asked, horrified. "How does a thief suddenly become Rowan's one true love just because he touched a charm?"
"It works like this," I explained nervously. "The first person—other than me—who touches the charm and sees their reflection in it becomes my one true love. It has to happen by accident. I can't force it or tell them about it. Which means... if he already did that... then maybe it really is him."
"Oh no!" Aurein cried. "Rowan, no! You can't fall in love with a thief! Noooo!" He patted my back dramatically.
"You're all insane," General Voltaire said, shaking his head. "Just because of a charm, you're already assuming that thief is your true love? If you truly believe that, then I don't know what kind of thinking you all have."
"Right?" Serena agreed. "Even I don't believe it, General Voltaire. We really are a team."
"Don't listen to them, Rowan," Aurein said. "I believe in the power of that charm. But I absolutely do not approve of that thief if he's the one who touched it."
"Wait," Serena said suddenly. "You've already seen the thief, right? Face to face?" We all nodded. "So... what does he look like? I'm curious." She smirked. "You said sharp eyes, noticeable fang, long brown hair tied back. So... is he handsome?"
Aurein and I exchanged glances.
Neither of us spoke.
"I mean," Aurein said quickly, "he's a bad person, so he's not handsome to me."
"Oh please," Serena scoffed. "There's only one handsome man to you, Aurein. Don't pretend. It's obviously General Voltaire."
"Well... that's true," Aurein admitted shyly.
"So, Rowan," Serena said, grinning. "The answer lies with you. Is he handsome or not?"
"Maybe..." I said hesitantly. "If he fixed his personality and his life... probably."
"Then that settles it!" Serena declared. "We'll find that thief and make sure the two of you end up together."
"No!" Aurein shouted. "He's wicked! Rowan said he even sniffed your underwear and smelled like strawberry!"
Serena's eyes widened. Her cheeks flushed bright red.
"That's it!" she snapped. "We will find him—and I will slap him so hard he'll never forget it!"
"Are you done talking?" General Voltaire said coldly. A dark, ominous presence seemed to rise around him—he had clearly been waiting.
The three of us nodded instantly, like scolded children.
"Let's make a plan," General Voltaire said. "We'll retrieve the magician's hat and find the thief. For now, we'll go to Rowan's home and speak with Duke Kristoff."
He turned and began walking.
We followed behind him obediently—three terrified disciples trailing after their very intimidating leader.
* * *
We had only just stepped inside our estate when the butler greeted us, already standing at attention as if he had been waiting for this exact moment all his life.
"Lord Rowan, it is a pleasure to welcome you home," the butler said smoothly. He then turned to the others with a practiced bow. "Prince Aurein, Princess Serena, and General Voltaire—welcome to the residence of Duke Kristoff and Lord Rowan."
The three of them inclined their heads politely in acknowledgment.
"Is my father already here, or is he still at the manor working?" I asked.
"He is in his chambers at the moment, Lord Rowan," the butler replied. "He is reading through documents."
I sighed and shook my head.
"I told him not to bring work into the house. This is supposed to be where he rests," I said.
"We cannot fault Duke Kristoff," the butler said gently. "He is simply concerned about the Southern Region, especially with everything that has been happening lately."
"I know," I said, rubbing my temple. "Please inform my father that we have arrived. I'll take Aurein and the others to the garden, and he can meet us there. Also, ask the cooks to prepare a meal for us and notify us when it's ready. Thank you."
"At once, Lord Rowan," the butler said before taking his leave.
We headed toward the garden to wait for my father.
"This is my first time visiting your home, Rowan," Aurein said as his gaze wandered, clearly taking everything in.
"That's true, isn't it?" I said with a smile. "Don't worry—just feel at home. If you need anything, if you're thirsty, just let me know."
They all nodded.
As we continued walking, my thoughts stubbornly refused to let go of the charm—of the possibility that it was now in that thief's hands.
What if he had already touched it?
What if he had already seen his reflection in it?
Did that mean he was the one I was destined to love for the rest of my life?
But why him?
Couldn't it have been someone endearing like Aurein? Or principled and responsible, like General Voltaire?
Why did it have to be a thief?
Maybe General Voltaire and Serena were right. Maybe I shouldn't have believed in charms at all.
"Rowan," Aurein suddenly said, pulling me out of my thoughts. "You've been unusually quiet. Are you thinking about your charm? About whether it really is in the thief's hands?"
I startled. "Ah—no. It's nothing," I said quickly.
"For now, that's probably his only goal," Serena said with a teasing grin. "He's probably worried about the worst-case scenario—like a noble falling in love with a criminal. That's difficult enough. You're both men, and your statuses couldn't be more different." She laughed lightly, clearly enjoying herself.
"I already told you, Rowan," General Voltaire said calmly. "Do not put your faith in charms. They do not decide who you love. You do not need a charm to recognize the right person."
Aurein shot him a sharp look.
"But if that is truly what you believe," General Voltaire added with a shrug, suddenly smiling at Aurein, "then there is nothing more I can do."
Aurein nodded, though his brows remained slightly furrowed.
I sighed again.
"I just thought it would be royalty or at least a noble," I said. "Definitely not a commoner. And certainly not a thief."
"You're being harsh toward commoners," Serena said. "What if he's like General Voltaire?"
"Then maybe he would be an exception," I replied. "As long as he is honorable, that would be acceptable. But I wanted someone of high status."
"There you go," Serena said smugly. "You're too proud, so the charm gave you someone of low standing."
"Please spare me the mockery, Serena," I said, groaning.
"Oh, Rowan! You're already here," my father's voice said from behind us. "It seems the four of you are really serious about something."
We turned around.
"Prince Aurein, Princess Serena, and General Voltaire," my father said warmly, smiling as he approached. "I am glad you have finally arrived at our home. Welcome."
"It is a pleasure to see you as well, Duke Kristoff," Aurein said with a courteous smile.
"You were heading to the garden, yes?" my father said. "Come, let us talk there while we wait for our meal."
We followed him into the garden.
* * *
"How beautiful and refreshing your garden is!" Aurein exclaimed. "There are so many different kinds of flowers!"
"Ah," my father said softly, his gaze lingering on the blooms. "Rowan's mother loved flowers. Even after her passing, I make sure the garden remains well cared for and in full bloom. This is what she left behind for me—a reminder, so I can still feel her presence, even if she is no longer here with us."
His expression grew distant, lost in memory.
"I'm sorry," Aurein said gently. "I didn't mean to remind you of Duchess Hera."
"Do not worry, Prince Aurein," my father said kindly. "It is all right. How are King Lucen and Queen Crysta at the palace?"
"They are well," Aurein replied. "My father is simply concerned about the rebellion. That is why we came—to gather more information under General Voltaire's guidance."
"Then I am certain this will be successful," my father said, turning to Voltaire. "Especially since King Lucen himself entrusted you with this task."
My father exhaled slowly, his smile carrying both pride and concern.
"Father," I said, "have you received any news about the thief causing trouble here?"
He turned to me, attentive.
"The locals say he is not from the Southern Region—perhaps from another region, or even another kingdom," I continued. "Nothing is certain."
"So far, all I have received are reports of stolen items," my father said. "He appeared suddenly and has been stealing indiscriminately. Museums, armories, jewelry shops—he has taken from all of them. No one has been able to catch him. Even your sword was not spared." His voice hardened. "When that thief is captured, his punishment will be death."
"You cannot kill him, Father," I said firmly.
"Why not?" he asked, surprised.
"According to our information, he knows the rebels' hideout," I said. "And he is currently holding an important item taken from them—something they are undoubtedly hunting him for."
My father let out a short, humorless laugh. "Even the rebels are not safe from this thief, it seems."
"But earlier today, a magician was robbed of the gold he earned," I added. "We aren't completely certain it was him—but we strongly suspect it."
"So even honest locals are not spared," my father said, clicking his tongue in irritation.
"That is why we came," I said. "To plan how to capture him."
"Very well," my father said. "If you require my assistance, you need only ask."
"Thank you," I said.
"Duke Kristoff," the butler said as he approached, "the dining area is ready."
"Then let us proceed," my father said.
And with that, we turned toward the dining hall—while somewhere out there, a thief continued to unravel my fate one stolen step at a time.
* * *
We were already seated, the first courses just beginning to arrive, when my father cleared his throat with unmistakable intent—the kind that meant someone was about to be emotionally ambushed at the dining table.
"Let us change the subject for a moment," my father said casually. "I was quite surprised to learn that you are part of this mission as well, Prince Aurein. And you too, Princess Serena. I had assumed only General Voltaire would be sent to the Southern Region."
Aurein straightened at once. "Serena and I simply wished to help, Duke Kristoff," he said earnestly. "If there is anything we can do for the peace of Ardentia, we want to be among those who take action."
"Ah! Excellent!" my father said, clearly pleased. "I am very glad to hear that from you, Prince Aurein."
But of course, I knew the truth.
Helping Ardentia was only half the reason.
The other half was because he wanted to be with General Voltaire.
I sighed inwardly.
If only I could meet someone like Aurein—someone who would defy everything for the person he loved, even when it was impossible.
My father took a sip of wine, then looked at Aurein and Serena with suspicious brightness in his eyes.
"So," he said, "are you and Princess Serena preparing yourselves to produce the next heir?"
Aurein and Serena both choked on their drinks at the exact same time.
"Oh?" my father said, blinking. "What happened? Drink some water. Slowly now."
I turned away and bit my lip, desperately trying not to laugh.
Then my father pivoted smoothly.
"And you, General Voltaire," he said. "Do you already have a lover?"
The entire table went silent as Aurein, Serena, and I slowly turned to stare at General Voltaire.
"I do," General Voltaire said simply.
My father nodded approvingly. "Good. Very good. Now then—Rowan," he continued, turning directly to me. "When will you have a lover of your own? So you may bring her home. I have been waiting for years, yet you have introduced no one."
This time, I nearly choked.
"Perhaps he will introduce someone soon, Duke Kristoff," Serena said sweetly, smiling at me in a way that absolutely did not feel kind. "Very soon."
I knew that smile.
That was the smile she wore right before ruining my life.
"I can hardly wait," my father said cheerfully. "I wish to have a grandchild already—someone to play with and spoil. This house has grown terribly quiet. A child would bring me joy, at least a little."
"Rowan," Serena said brightly, "your father says you should give him a grandchild."
"Isn't it a bit early to start producing children?" I said awkwardly, forcing a laugh. "I just turned eighteen."
"I am simply bored, Rowan," my father said softly. "Your mother is gone, and sometimes I feel lonely. My attention has turned entirely to work."
That... sobered me instantly.
"And what sort of person would you like Rowan to marry, Duke Kristoff?" Serena asked, grinning wickedly as she looked straight at me.
"I want someone who will care for him," my father said, "and love him with all their heart."
"And do you have a specific type in mind?" Serena pressed. "For example—someone with long brown hair tied back, sharp eyes, and with a little bit of fangs?"
I widened my eyes at her in pure horror.
That was the thief.
That was exactly the thief.
Even Aurein had to turn away, his shoulders shaking as he struggled not to laugh.
"I do not mind what Rowan's chosen partner looks like," my father said calmly. "As long as they love each other."
I rubbed my temples.
"What if she is not from a noble or royal family?" Serena asked. "Would that be acceptable? After all, in Ardentia, it is usually only nobles and royalty who marry one another."
"To be honest," my father said, "right now, I would not object even if Rowan chose a commoner. He is the selective one. He insists on someone of high standing. As for me, as long as he marries and has a child, I will be content."
Serena immediately turned to me. "You heard your father, Rowan. A commoner is acceptable."
"But," my father added, and we all looked at him, "if my son marries a commoner, then I want that person to have respectable work, be responsible, and possess good character."
"That's all?" Serena said innocently. "Oh dear. What shall we do now?"
"Why?" my father asked me suddenly. "Do you already have someone you love, Rowan?"
"N-no, Father!" I stammered, laughing nervously.
"Do not be shy with me," he said gently. "If you do have someone, bring her here so I may meet her."
"She's actually a 'He'. And how can you bring him here when we can't even find him?" Serena whispered at me teasingly.
I glared at her.
She laughed outright.
"Look at Prince Aurein," my father said fondly. "He is fortunate to have met Princess Serena. They seem very much in love." He leaned closer, peering at Aurein. "Now that I look at you more closely—you have a kiss mark on your neck. You two seem rather eager."
Aurein clapped a hand over his neck instantly, his face burning red. Serena covered her face completely. General Voltaire, meanwhile, smiled serenely—as if he knew absolutely nothing.
"Now that you are away from the Central Region and in hiding," my father teased, "it seems your wild sides are emerging, Prince Aurein and Princess Serena. Maybe when you get back at the Central Region, Serena might be bringing your heir already."
Aurein looked ready to combust. Serena looked trapped between denial and murder.
She couldn't deny it.
Because she wasn't the one who left that kiss mark.
"Your child will surely be beautiful," my father said cheerfully. "Just look at the two of you. Your looks will certainly be inherited." He smiled brightly. "When do you plan to have a child, Prince Aurein? Princess Serena?"
"Um... when everything is settled," Aurein said awkwardly. "When there is peace. When there is no more chaos."
"I see. Fair enough," my father said with a sigh. He then turned to General Voltaire. "And you? Do you have children already? At your age, I imagine you should be already. That way, your legacy and bloodline will continue, General."
"I do," General Voltaire said.
Aurein and Serena snapped their heads toward him.
"You have a child?" Aurein asked, looking personally wounded.
"Three," General Voltaire said calmly.
"Oh!" my father exclaimed in delight. "You have so many children!"
I stared at General Voltaire in disbelief.
Did he really have children already and he kept it a secret?
And just like that, the dinner turned from a strategic meeting into absolute chaos—
and I hadn't even reached dessert yet.
"Two boys and one girl," General Voltaire said again, his voice grave as he let out a slow sigh. "And all three of them are unbearably troublesome. They insist on clinging to me at all times," he added, his expression stern—though there was a distinct trace of irritation beneath it.
Silence fell over the table.
"You mean to say you have children you've been hiding this entire time?" Aurein asked, clearly displeased. "Why didn't you tell us?"
General Voltaire merely shook his head, a crooked smirk tugging at his lips.
"My children," he said flatly, "are named Aurein, Serena, and Rowan—three unruly brats I must constantly keep an eye on while carrying out dangerous missions."
And just like that, my father burst into laughter.
"That was amusing," he said, thoroughly entertained. "Do they get in the way of your missions?"
"They behave like toddlers," General Voltaire replied without hesitation. "Especially Prince Aurein."
Aurein narrowed his eyes at him, visibly irritated.
"And Rowan?" my father asked curiously. "Does Rowan also act like a child—both in behavior and in thought?"
General Voltaire glanced at me. I beamed at him, smiling far too eagerly.
"He's acceptable," General Voltaire said. "Rowan is reliable. When the situation calls for seriousness, he knows how to deliver."
Heat rushed to my face at his words, my chest tightening in an embarrassingly pleasant way.
"Hey! You're being obvious!" Serena whispered sharply. "Your cheeks are red—control yourself! Have you forgotten? He's not your lover!"
"He praised me just once," I whispered back. "Let me enjoy it."
"That's good, then," my father said, nodding. "At least Rowan has some sense." He turned to me. "Rowan, I know you tend to be prideful—especially when those beneath you fail to show respect. But I want you to follow General Voltaire's orders in these missions."
I nodded.
Even without him saying it, my body already knew what to do.
I followed General Voltaire instinctively.
"Good," my father said. "Now, I want to tell you something."
I flinched.
"If you wish, I can arrange a lover for you," he said casually. "Shall I speak with the other noble families? I truly want a grandchild of my own."
"Um... that won't be necessary," I said awkwardly. "I'll try to find my lover on my own."
"Then I hope it will be soon," my father replied. "Because if you can't I will force you for an arranged marriage."
"Duke Kristoff, what if—" Serena began.
Oh no.
Here she goes again.
"What if," she said sweetly, "Rowan actually prefers a man?"
I snapped my gaze toward her, my brow furrowing deeply.
My father looked at her, his expression turning serious. He inhaled slowly, then shook his head faintly before turning to me.
"Rowan knows this is strictly forbidden," he said. "You know this well, don't you, Rowan?"
I nodded.
"What could possibly come from the love between two men?" he continued. "Only death awaits them as punishment." His voice faltered slightly. "That is why what happened to—" He stopped abruptly, his gaze flicking toward Aurein and General Voltaire.
I turned to him sharply.
"To whom, Father?" I asked.
"Nothing. Forget about it. Let us change the subject," he said quickly. "What is your plan for the thief you are pursuing? How do you intend to track him down?"
A strange feeling settled in my chest.
There was something he wasn't telling me.
Something he had known for a long time.
And the fact that he had looked at Aurein and General Voltaire—it couldn't be a coincidence. Perhaps he knew something about the rumored relationship between General Orion and King Lucen that Elder Henderson claimed was only hearsay.
"General Voltaire," my father said smoothly, steering the conversation with precision. "What plan do you have in mind? I'm certain you've already devised one."
"I have," General Voltaire said seriously.
"As expected," my father replied with a smile. "And what is it?"
General Voltaire turned slowly toward the person beside him.
"Prince Aurein will be the key to the success of this plan," he said.
"W-what plan?" Aurein asked nervously.
"And I have a feeling," General Voltaire added, his lips curling into a grin, "that you will like this plan very much."
"I'm suddenly very uneasy about that smile!" Aurein said, alarmed.
End of Chapter 46