𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕: 𝐄𝐮𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜
“I should be captivated, you say?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Perhaps feeling relieved as his fever subsided, Eugene adjusted his clothes.
“You must know that those of us called mages are born with high magical power.”
“Y-Yes.”
“High magical power is synonymous with beauty.”
According to Eugene, those who possess a large amount of magical power have some kind of “beauty” that manifests. Whether it’s exceptional intelligence, extraordinary physical abilities, or a captivating face and voice, even if they cannot use magic, individuals with such qualities are said to have higher magical power than others.
“Your master, what was her name again? Well, the fifth sister, she must also possess magical power.”
“You mean Lady Mable?”
“Yes. I heard she is an exceptionally beautiful princess. The other sisters probably possess some form of magical power as well, even if they don’t use magic.”
Upon hearing this response, Mabel felt a complex mix of emotions.
Indeed, each of her sisters had some aspect that captivated others. And according to Eugene, it was due to their magical power. But if that were the case, it meant that Mabel, who had nothing special to her, was just a useless princess.
Unaware of Mabel’s state of mind, Eugene continued speaking.
“You can get a good idea of how high someone’s magical power is by taking a look at their face.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t like using this expression, but it means we are ‘too good-looking’.”
If an ordinary man were to say such a thing, one would simply brush it off with a smile. However, as Mabel looked at the man speaking these words, she couldn’t help but feel that it wasn’t an exaggeration.
‘Indeed, he looked so perfect that he didn’t seem human.’
“This face is accompanied by magical power. So, if someone stares at it without any precautions, they can easily fall into a state we call [Charmed].”
“Charmed?”
“In simple terms, they deeply fall in love. They might have intense dreams or their hearts will go crazy with beats.”
These words immediately made Mable think of Kathreen
Any man who saw her face would be instantly captivated by her beauty and would do anything to court her. There had even been instances where court musicians called her the “bewitching beauty.” It seemed that wasn’t an exaggeration.
“That’s why we all wear masks. We can’t have people collapsing left and right.”
“Well, there are some exceptions,” Eugene added.
“I see, now I understand the reason for wearing masks.”
“That’s why it’s strange.”
“What do you mean?”
“Why aren’t you infatuated with me?”
Surely, if Mabel integrated all the previous stories and seen Eugene’s true face, she should have been captivated by him.
However, when he took off his mask, he was desperate, and even when she saw his face again with the mask on, Mabel did not feel any excitement or thrill.
“W-Why could that be?”
“How should I know?”
“M-Maybe it didn’t work because I just woke up!”
Upon hearing Mabel’s words, Eugene showed a slight gesture of contemplation. However, he quickly realized that they had woken up some time earlier and had a conversation without the mask, and he bluntly dismissed the idea.
“No, that’s not it.”
“Hmm…”
Mabel, who had been desperately thinking, could only think of one possibility.
Perhaps, she herself didn’t possess the ability to fall in love.
Calling it an ability might be an exaggeration, but it meant that she couldn’t develop romantic feelings for others.
‘Indeed, I’ve never fallen in love with anyone before…Does that mean I’ll never be able to fall in love?’
The two of them sighed simultaneously, each carrying their own thoughts.
After a while, Eugene removed the blanket and placed his shoes on the floor.
“For now, forget about everything that happened last night.”
“Y-Yes.”
After hastily responding, Mabel quickly added,
“Oh, but wait a moment!”
“What is it?”
“I don’t want you collapsing like that again. Please make sure to eat properly.”
“Whether I collapse or not, it’s none of your concern.”
“No, I do care! It would be unsettling if something happened to you and I had bad dreams!”
Who do you think carried you all the way here? Mabel became angry, and Eugene’s voice softened, seemingly feeling apologetic.
“N-No, I…”
“Listen. Eat your meals properly; clean your room; change your clothes.”
“Fine, fine. Anything else?”
“N-No! Starting from tomorrow, okay?”
Mabel declared firmly, then smiled sweetly. Seeing that, Eugene still had his mouth half open but eventually resigned himself and closed his lips, looking frustrated.
