Great Magician (1)

Living as a knight isn't easy. Count Nerwine and his secretary had just interrogated me about the party's events, primarily due to Leyla returning home with puffy eyes.

I could see the veins on Count Nerwine's forehead popping multiple times while I recounted the story. Honestly, I was grateful it was me who got dragged there and not him. If Count Nerwine had been there instead, I fear he might have killed everyone on the spot.

I shuddered. Count Nerwine is infamous for his cruelty. He's a former war hero who earned his noble title thanks to his exceptional leadership in past wars. Unfortunately, in the novel, he dies because of a curse.

To be honest, knowing everything about the novel is a burden. I've known the Count for a long time, and he once saved my life.

I can't deny it—I've lived as Keith, who deeply admires Count Nerwine and sincerely considers him a father. That fact won't change, even if I remember my past life.

'Jung Cha Ri. I was on the train heading to CSAT... Did the train crash and I died?'

Whatever the case, I don't remember that part. Instead, I remember the contents of the novel vividly. For Jung Cha Ri, "The Way to Save Her" was everything. But not for Keith.

After finishing the interrogation session, I went back to my room, reflecting on today's events. Still, I started wondering about yesterday, was my behavior at the party a bit too much? It's hard to think rationally when I'm with Leyla. At this rate, I'm going to end up like Keith in the novel, dying while protecting her.

At least, the event where the two main characters meet won't happen until two weeks from now, so I don't need to panic just yet. I'm going to change the story. I'll win Leyla's heart before she meets the male lead.

I couldn't wait for tomorrow. With that thought, I fell fast asleep.

—

"Let's go to the shopping district!"

That's what I told Leyla today at 10 a.m. I had a mission: to make Leyla fall in love with Keith. He needed to be proactive.

Keith in the novel was way too passive—it frustrated the readers. He showed affection subtly. But I'm different. I'm going to be bold.

It took a while to convince Leyla to come with me, but eventually she agreed—especially after I pitched it as a way to relax and unwind.

Our district's shopping area has plenty of street food and even theater performances. This would be the perfect date.

Or at least, that's what I thought, until for some reason Leyla had completely vanished from my sight. 'Damn it… how did we get separated?'

From what I remember, everything had gone smoothly when we first entered the district. The problem was, neither of us had been here before. So while I got distracted by a sword shop, Leyla must've gotten caught up looking at something else. That's when we lost each other.

I slapped my forehead. 'My perfectly planned date was ruined.'

What do you expect from Jung Cha Ri, a total bookworm who only focused on studying and reading novels? Never dated anyone. Zero experience—especially with girls.

I decided to look around, buying some food and candy along the way. At least if Leyla gets mad, I'll have something to bribe her with.

Ah… I spotted a familiar silhouette standing in front of a bookstore, staring intensely.

"You?!" He flinched upon seeing me. Epsilon quickly put on his usual composed expression.

"What's a great magician like you doing here?" I asked sarcastically.

"Everything that comes out of your mouth is rude," Epsilon huffed, annoyed, then started to walk away. I thought teasing him might be fun.

"You're not going inside?" I followed him as he walked off, muttering under his breath.

"Who said I was going in?"

'Hmm… he looked like he really wanted to.'

"And why are you following me? Go away."

Epsilon snorted, trying to chase me off. At least he looked sincere in how much he hated me.

"Who's following you? I just happened to be going this way."

Epsilon slowed his pace, then glanced back like he was hesitating about asking something.

"Do you… know the way to the theater?"

'Wait a second… don't tell me he's lost?'

"Hmm… where is it again? I have no idea either."

I decided to mess with him a bit more. At least I'd enjoy this.

"Well, if you don't know, forget it…"

"Wait—don't tell me you're lost?"

Epsilon froze, his face turning red.

"Who said I was lost!? I was just asking."

"Then… is there anything else you'd like to ask? Like the name of the person you've been talking to this whole time?"

Epsilon went quiet, his expression unreadable.

"…Why would I?"

'Wow… this brat.'

"I already know your name. it's Keith, right?"

'Wait, he knows my name?'

I beamed, then held out one of the candy apples I had just bought.

"Want one?"