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The secret workshop hidden beneath the Ruelberta Mansion had been quite chaotic lately.

“The Chairman has made an incredible discovery!”

“Indeed. I can’t help but agree with Professor Puring. This is truly a monumental achievement.”

“Meow.”

After Wendy and I returned from the outside world, Puring and Albert couldn’t contain their excitement.

Thanks to Puring’s ingenious magic formulas, Albert’s seasoned assistance, Myohail’s advice, and my ideas, the underground workshop was filled with a festive atmosphere beyond mere joy.

While I was happy to have successfully escaped to the outside world, it seemed they were even more thrilled to have discovered a new world.

“Count! Take us with you too! We beg you!”

“Puring also requests it!”

Well, why not? Without them, this would have been impossible from the start.

I took Albert, Puring, and Myohail to see the outside world. However, unlike Wendy’s simple tourist mindset, these opponents were no pushovers.

As renowned intellectuals, engineers, and explorers of this world, they bombarded me with questions the moment we took a step. I felt like I needed ten mouths to answer all their questions about everything in sight.

But what made me sweat more was figuring out how to explain the connection between the outside world and them.

These three are people I can trust. They wouldn’t blabber or leak secrets even if I told them everything about my identity. But this is a separate issue.

I was originally a human named Jeong Ji-hwan, and this world was artificially created based on my younger brother’s imagination. Could they really accept that truth?

‘No matter how much they trust me, this is too much.’

In the end, as always, I decided to weave a plausible lie. The Ruelberta Family has a shady history of secretly conducting all sorts of magical experiments. I decided to actively use that background.

“Did the Chairman live in such a place? Puring envies the Chairman more than ever now!”

“To think Milliam dabbled in such fields…”

I told them that my father, Milliam, had researched magic formulas to travel to other dimensions. And that as a clueless child, I was used as a test subject for that formula, sent to the outside world, and returned years later.

The most shocked was Albert Groble, who had worked under Milliam.

“I didn’t work with Milliam for a short time, but… I had no idea he was researching such things.”

“…Father, I don’t think Milliam was the type to show off such things.”

“Well… It’s not surprising, considering Milliam. He was obsessed with all sorts of magical experiments…”

It was fortunate that Albert naturally accepted it, given Milliam’s villainous reputation.

“By any chance, do the formulas from back then still exist?”

“No. I burned them all.”

“I see. A shame, but what can you do.”

“Now we have the amazing Puring! Albert, you have nothing to regret!”

“Haha. Indeed. We have Professor Puring.”

Albert, with the face of a grandfather boasting about his granddaughter, patted her head.

‘But Count. Why are you only telling us this important fact now?’

Even Myohail’s question, transmitted through telepathy, didn’t fluster me.

‘I didn’t think you’d believe me if I told you. And back then, there was no way to go to the outside world. There was no way to prove what I had experienced either.’

‘Hmm… Indeed. Frankly, even seeing it, it’s hard to believe…’

Myohail, forgetting he had transformed into a cat, stared open-mouthed at the forest of buildings.

Myohail is a sage who has lived for centuries. I was worried he might ask some annoying questions, but he accepted it at that level.

In fact, under normal circumstances, they might have seen through my lie. But now, they were more interested in the modern civilization standing before them than my past.

“Amazing. This is the discovery of a new continent… no, a new world. No one can deny that this is a discovery worthy of history.”

‘A new world… Not entirely wrong.’

For the residents of this world, it must indeed feel that way.

A forest of buildings completely different from a fantasy world, cars running silently, and brightly lit streets even in the middle of the night. Seeing such sights for the first time, they seemed more shocked than someone from the countryside visiting the city.

“Count. If this is the capital of South Korea, where among those big towers does the king live?”

“There is no king or emperor here.”

“Then…?”

“There are representatives elected by the people, but it’s hard to say one person rules.”

“Oh? A very unique system. But it must be the most rational choice for such an advanced country? I expected the political system wouldn’t be simple… South Korea is truly an interesting country.”

“…In the end, it’s a place where people live. It’s not much different from where we were.”

Even as I said that, I felt a strange emotion.

Is this what they call national pride? I’m just stating facts, but they keep saying it’s amazing, making it hard to speak. Our country is considered the weakest, after all.

I couldn’t answer all their questions, but I answered as much as I could without getting into trouble. By the time we finished touring the outside world and returned, my throat was hoarse.

Immediately after, the three, still excited about the new world, began working on making the magic formula bigger and sturdier. Myohail, transformed into a cat, couldn’t participate directly, so I listened to his advice through telepathy and assisted from the side.

And after several days and nights of work… it was finally completed today.

“From now on, we’ll call this formula ‘Gate’!”

Puring introduced the completed formula with her shoulders squared.

‘Oh…’

As Puring said, the newly created formula was more like a gate than a formula.

The existing formula was transferred to a frame made of alloy. The completed circular door was densely engraved with glowing formulas.

“Since we were making it, I added the formula I created. It circulates magic power through the gate, so we don’t have to keep infusing magic power each time.”

Albert, also pleased with the completed work, proudly looked at the ‘Gate’ and turned to me.

“Haha. It’s an honor to have such lovely ladies as the first guests of the Gate.”

“You flatter me, Albert.”

Bella smiled softly as she accepted his greeting. Even with just a slight nod, her elegance was evident.

“I’ve heard much about your reputation, Albert. It’s an honor to meet the Empire’s greatest craftsman.”

“Greatest? Haha… I still have a long way to go.”

“Right. Our grandpa still has a long way to go.”

“Vanessa!”

Albert, about to throw a hammer at the cheeky Vanessa, stopped himself. Even he found it hard to act normally in front of Bella.

“Sorry. My granddaughter is still immature… She’s the one who will inherit the workshop, but I don’t know when she’ll grow up.”

“Inherit? I’ll surpass grandpa.”

“Haha… Is that so? Princess, you see, her ambition alone makes her worthy of being the Empire’s greatest craftsman.”

“Chuckle… Both of you seem like excellent craftsmen. By the way, I’m curious if ‘Tristan’ treats you well.”

“Huh?”

“What?”

Bella had somehow linked arms with me. I hadn’t even noticed.

Only then did Albert and Vanessa realize the situation and looked at us.

“Well, well. I had no idea… Congratulations, albeit belatedly.”

“Wow… So you two are like that…”

“Hmm.”

Bella, perhaps wanting to show off our relationship, even called me by my name.

But being called that way felt a bit embarrassing.

“Why? Are you embarrassed?”

Clearly, I hadn’t shown it, but Bella whispered as if she could read my mind. She’s so sly. So sly.

“Don’t call me by my name. Just call me Count.”

“Why?”

“It’s awkward.”

“Hmm… What if I don’t want to?”

“Then…”

“Ah, then can I call you Tristan too?”

The soft touch of her holding my other arm. Turning my head, I saw her face with a mischievous smile.

“I also want to call you Tristan instead of Count.”

“You can’t. Helga.”

“Huhu… Why can’t I, if the Princess can?”

“Because I called him Tristan first.”

What is this… It’s not like I claimed him first.

Wait? Come to think of it, Bella did say she claimed me, so it’s not entirely wrong.

Anyway, it’s nonsense.

“Pfft… You’re not a child. Shouldn’t that be decided by our husband, not the Princess?”

“Hmph… Tristan. Will you answer this foolish woman? Only I, Bella Izakhel, can call you by your name.”

“Neither of you can.”

Helga, you jumping in is making Albert and Vanessa flustered.

“Ahem, ahem… Is this what they call a double celebration?”

“No. It’s two-timing…”

It’s not two-timing.

“?!”

Then, a squirrel… no, Wendy, took advantage of the gap and clung to my side. She stared at me intently.

“Tri…”

“……”

“Tri, Tri…”

“……”

“Sorry…”

Just by looking at her, Wendy backed off on her own. The reason I favor her is that she knows when to retreat.

‘But…’

Every time I see those big eyes.

Every time I see my reflection in those pure eyes, I can’t help but worry.

“Haha… She really is like a daughter.”

“I thought you were adding another leg to your two-timing.”

Apparently, Albert and Vanessa see it that way too.

“She’s not my daughter…”

Perhaps dissatisfied with such a gaze, Wendy pouted and shook her head against my chest. Others might not notice, but I felt her head shake. And the feelings behind it.

‘What should I do with her…’

Unable to accept her feelings right now, I could only pat Wendy’s head…

I sighed involuntarily.

“Neither of you can, so let go. And I didn’t gather you all here for this.”

“Then is it okay for me?”

Huh?

Turning around at the voice from behind, a tall woman stood there.

“Blanshe…?”

“Can I call you by your name too?”

Blanshe, who couldn’t hug or link arms, grabbed my sleeve instead.

“Hmph…”

Bella didn’t even try to make eye contact with Blanshe. Since Blanshe declared she would become my concubine last time, their relationship has remained awkward.

From my perspective, Blanshe has returned to normal, but Bella hasn’t…

I can understand her complicated feelings.

But now doesn’t seem like the time for me to understand anyone.

“Cough, cough… Kid, I don’t know much, but is this what they call a triple celebration?”

“No. It’s just an octopus’s legs…”

“……”

I couldn’t deny it.

Even I can see this is a situation straight out of a harem story.

The gazes of Albert and Vanessa, who had been sincerely congratulating me, subtly changed. Their gazes are uncomfortable.

“It’s about time to leave. Let go.”

“Ah… By the way, didn’t you say you were going somewhere alone with me today?”

“Who said you were going alone with Helga? We all agreed to go together.”

“Well, the rest are just extras, so it’s practically just the two of us, right?”

“Unbelievable… Are you stupid?”

“Yes. I’m a fool who only knows the Count and myself… Ah, was that too much?”

“Yes… It’s cringeworthy.”

“…Please restrain yourself.”

Even Wendy nodded in agreement.

I didn’t feel my hands cringing, but my expression sure did.

Perhaps feeling awkward, Helga cleared her throat.

“Ahem! Enough of tormenting the Count. Let’s all let go on three. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Understood.”

“Yes…”

“Then one… two… three!”

Miraculously, no one moved.

“Why isn’t anyone letting go?”

“I was waiting for you to let go first.”

“Me? Princess, don’t you trust me too little?”

“I can trust others, but not you.”

“Why!”

“Think about what you’ve done so far.”

“Then Wendy… Wendy is… Ah, no? Why are you looking at me with such cold eyes like the Count?”

Total chaos.

There’s no progress like this.

I really don’t want to use it, but should I use ‘Wrath’ to make them quiet? As I pondered…

“Puring wants to tell you to stop flaunting your relationship!”

Puring, unable to stand it any longer, intervened.

However, unlike the other women, she didn’t approach me.

She simply infused magic power into the Gate in front of her.

Huh?

The formulas engraved on the Gate flashed. The formulas had started to activate.

“It’s past departure time!”

A wind blew from beyond the Gate. This is definitely not a good sign.

Bang-!

Light exploded.

“Wait…!”

“Eek!”

With a single shout, we were sucked into the Gate.

*

“Strange…”

Park Se-hee looked at her watch and tilted her head.

“It’s past the agreed time…”

Jeong Ji-hwan was supposed to be here five minutes ago.

He’s usually punctual. Did something happen?

Feeling unnecessary worry, Park Se-hee shook her head.

“No… He must be late because of that Gate thing they were making.”

Last time, he visited with his group and said they were building a Gate to connect the two worlds.

So for the past few days, an old man who seemed like a craftsman and a short girl had been redrawing and repairing the formulas.

Today was supposed to be the day the Gate was completed, so he should appear soon.

“Ahem…”

Park Se-hee checked her attire.

Instead of her usual suit, she was wearing a purple dress this time.

This is just…

Since Jeong Ji-hwan usually comes at night, this is the first time he’s coming during the day, so I dressed differently. Plus, it’s the weekend, so I paid more attention to my outfit than on weekdays. Anyway, that’s it.

“Hmm… Not bad.”

Park Se-hee, staring blankly at her reflection in the dress, muttered.

“Maybe I’m overthinking it…”

She didn’t want to think of it as a date, but she kept getting conscious.

Park Se-hee tapped her cheeks.

“Get a grip…”

Today isn’t a date. Jeong Ji-hwan said he was coming with his group, so strictly speaking, it’s not just the two of us. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

As she thought that, Park Se-hee suddenly felt a breeze by her ear.

“Ah!”

Finally here?

Light seeped from the formula set up in the living room.

And then…

Bang-!!

Light exploded.

“Ahhh!”

The blinding light made her instinctively cover her eyes.

“Is everyone okay?”

“It hurts…”

“Ugh… My butt hurts…”

“Ugh… I shouldn’t have worn high heels…”

Huh? Why do I hear women’s voices?

As her vision, stolen by the intense light, gradually returned…

“Ji-hwan…?”

Jeong Ji-hwan wasn’t alone.

He appeared in a pile with some women… and for some reason, they were all hugging him.

No, that tall woman landed perfectly fine but then, after looking around, clung to Jeong Ji-hwan.

What on earth is this?

“Ah…!”

Among them, Wendy was the one who recognized Park Se-hee. Wendy, rubbing her sore butt, had tears in her eyes. Even in that state, she tried to act familiar, which was pitiful.

But the other three women were strangers.

Among them, the most striking was a silver-haired woman with a radiant glow. Even as a woman, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

Is this a dream? Did some goddess descend?

But the goddess, noticing the bewildered Park Se-hee, opened her mouth.

“And you are…?”

Only then did Park Se-hee realize this wasn’t a dream but reality.

“And who might you be?”

 

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