“Ugh, no way!”
“Really? Alright, if you say so.”
Ahwin chuckled, clearly not believing her in the slightest.
Flustered, Penelope hurriedly changed the subject.
“S-speaking of hair, what do you think about creating a magical tool to dry it?”
“...What?”
Ahwin blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. Brushing his damp hair back, he asked skeptically, “A magical tool for drying hair? Why would anyone need that?”
“Why do you think? Drying hair takes way too much time and effort! Imagine a device that blows hot air to dry it instantly. What do you think?”
Ahwin idly twirled a strand of his hair between his fingers, his green eyes glimmering with faint interest.
“Tell me more. How would it work?”
“Do you have paper and a pen?”
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“There, on the desk.”
He gestured toward a desk by the window. Penelope walked over and found it covered with a thick spellbook, a notebook, and a pen—evidence that Ahwin had been studying something earlier.
“Can I use this notebook?” she asked.
“Go ahead.”
With a casual shrug, Ahwin gave her permission.
Penelope sat down and began sketching the hair dryer.
How does it look again...?
She drew a basic “L”-shaped outline, pausing occasionally to refine her memory. Starting with the nozzle that would emit the air, she added the motor and handle, then began working on the internal structure.
She included heating elements near the nozzle, a fan and motor at the back, and a general airflow system. When she finished, it more or less resembled the design she had in mind.
Ahwin leaned over, raising an eyebrow as he examined her drawing.
“Still terrible at drawing, I see.”
“...As long as it’s understandable, that’s what matters,” Penelope replied, pouting slightly.
“This here is the fan, and these are the heating elements,” she explained, pointing at her sketch. “The fan spins using the motor, pulling air in. The air passes through the heating elements, gets warmed, and comes out as hot air. Simple, right? What do you think?”
“...How do you even come up with these things?”
Ahwin’s expression was genuinely curious. Penelope avoided his gaze, fumbling for an excuse.
“Uh, I dunno... just thought about it while drying my hair? Anyway, just tell me if it’s possible or not.”
Ahwin crossed his arms and stared at the notebook for a long moment before finally answering.
“To cut to the chase, I think it’s doable.”
“Really?”
Penelope’s face lit up like the moon.
“Of course, there’ll be some trial and error, but the idea itself is solid. I think it’s definitely possible.”
Yes!
If the hair dryer became a reality, women across the empire—nobles and commoners alike—would embrace it with open arms. It would be a revolutionary convenience.
“Every household will have one. Mark my words.”
Penelope could already imagine securing a patent and living the rest of her life in luxury.
Ahwin, watching her practically hum with joy, remarked, “Sometimes you seem like a genius, and other times... not so much.”
“Excuse me?”
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
“Lady Penelope, are you in there?” Giselle’s voice called out.
“I’m here!” Penelope replied quickly.
“They’re asking for both of you to come down for dinner.”
“Ah, got it!”
Penelope turned to Ahwin, realizing his hair was still damp. She was about to suggest finishing drying it when Ahwin casually snapped his fingers.
With a crisp snap, his hair and shirt were instantly dry, as if nothing had happened.
Penelope stared, her mouth agape.
Ahwin remarked lazily, as if stating an obvious fact, “Oh, by the way, that device? You won’t be able to sell it to wizards.”
“....”
With that, Ahwin calmly grabbed his robe, draped it over himself, and strode out of the room without another word.
***
The restaurant was located on the second floor of the hotel.
Under the elegant light of chandeliers, round tables were neatly arranged, each adorned with candlesticks, flowers, and fine tableware.
Well-dressed guests sat at their tables, enjoying their meals in a composed atmosphere.
Lucas, who had arrived first and secured a spot by the window, waved Penelope over.
“This way.”
“Sorry for being a bit late.”
“I only just got here myself. I’ve already placed the orders, so the food should be here soon.”
“Thanks.”
Penelope took a seat next to Ahwin. Giselle, following close behind, hesitated before speaking to Penelope.
“Please, my lady, enjoy your meal. The knights and I will dine separately.”
“Join us. No one will mind.”
“She’s right. Let’s all eat together,” Lucas chimed in, encouraging Giselle.
Giselle glanced around nervously but finally relented, sitting down. A knight quietly took a seat next to her.
Penelope turned to the knight and asked, “What about the other knights?”
“They’ve already eaten and headed upstairs, my lady.”
“Already?”
“They wanted to finish quickly so they could take turns guarding your room through the night.”
“I see.”
Penelope nodded, her curiosity satisfied.
“With Ahwin right next door, the guards really aren’t necessary, but I suppose knights have their own rules. Best not to interfere.”
Soon after, servers began bringing dishes to the table.
Dinner consisted of a hearty stew simmered with wine, freshly baked bread, lasagna overflowing with cheese, and roasted turkey.
As each plate was placed on the table, Giselle’s eyes sparkled with delight. Her genuine reactions were so animated that Penelope couldn’t help but notice—Giselle truly had a knack for expressing awe.
“This looks amazing!”
“Eat as much as you like.”
“You too, my lady. Please enjoy.”
The meal was accompanied by lighthearted conversation and laughter. Giselle shared her exaggerated impressions of her first trip, drawing smiles from everyone.
“Good thing I didn’t follow the bank manager to dinner.”
Penelope sipped her wine and savored the meal, relishing the rare moment of relaxation.
By the time dessert arrived, Giselle was struggling to keep her eyes open. She left her half-eaten dessert on the plate and murmured, “My lady, may I head upstairs? I think all the tension from the train ride has caught up with me.”
“Go ahead. Get some rest.”
“I’ll head up as well,” Lucas said. The knight hesitated for a moment, glancing at Ahwin before finally speaking.
“I... I think I’ll head upstairs too.”
“Go ahead.”
One by one, the group excused themselves, leaving Penelope and Ahwin alone at the table.
Setting down her wine glass, Penelope glanced out the window. The dimly lit streets glowed under the flickering light of gas lamps.
“I’ve been meaning to see Dallas Lake... Maybe I could convince Ahwin to take me there?”
As she was contemplating an evening walk, a voice called out to her.
“So this is where you are.”
“...?”
“This is the acting Lord of Halo, as I mentioned earlier.”
Turning her head, Penelope saw none other than Lihenz, the Imperial Bank branch manager, standing nearby.
“Why is he here after I just saw him in the hallway?”
She tilted her head slightly in confusion.
Beside Lihenz stood another man, who bowed politely and introduced himself.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Ortega Hillos, heir to the Hillos barony.”
“Ah, hello,” Penelope replied awkwardly, caught off guard by the sudden encounter. She hadn’t expected to greet a noble in the middle of her meal.
Ortega, beaming as if this chance meeting were a stroke of fate, said, “It’s truly an honor to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you from Mr. Lihenz. He says you’ve been doing an exceptional job managing your territory.”
“That’s quite the compliment,” Penelope replied, her tone polite but guarded.
“Not at all. If it’s not too much trouble, could we speak further after your meal?”
...What?
Penelope looked up at Lihenz, her expression puzzled. She distinctly remembered telling him she had prior engagements.
Noticing her glance, Lihenz smiled warmly and explained, “You see, Baron Ortega Hillos is also heading to the capital. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other nobles. Building connections like these can be invaluable for someone in your position.”
“What a delightful coincidence that we’re both traveling to the capital!” Ortega interjected enthusiastically, oblivious to Penelope’s growing irritation.
Her expression darkened slightly. Lihenz’s insistence on arranging introductions, regardless of her preferences, was beginning to wear on her patience.
“Not even asking for my input before involving me with other nobles? How presumptuous.”
Meanwhile, Lihenz cast a displeased glance at the hooded man quietly eating beside Penelope. Ahwin remained entirely focused on his meal, unbothered by the surrounding tension.