“So, this Magic Stone is mine…?”
“Yes.”
I took off the necklace and handed it to Ed. He took it and examined it closely.
“The first time I saw it, I thought about how similar it looked to my own. I was shocked to think there was another person whose magic was so identical to mine. But it was mine all along. That makes more sense.”
“Yes… So, do you believe me?”
“Of course. It’s true, isn’t it?”
Ed looked at me, tilting his head slightly. Seeing him now, I felt ashamed of myself for ever doubting that he’d believe me. Ed was always, always on my side.
“But from where is the magical power being supplied…?”
Ed seemed fascinated by this relic of another world. A relic that another version of himself had made.
“I wonder if he cast a spell of Time Regression…”
“Does such a spell exist?” I asked.
“No. At least, not at this point in history.”
Ed fell silent, pondering the ramifications behind whatever type of magic the Ed of the old timeline had cast. But then he smiled, shrugging.
“So…if I gave my Magic Stone to you in that other world, that must mean I was your husband.”
“…!”
I wasn’t sure what to say. Ed seemed to take it almost for granted that it’d been that way. I didn’t want to upset him with the truth.
“Yes, you were my husband.”
“Was I a good husband?”
“Of course.”
“Were you happy?”
“Yes.”
Ed smiled with satisfaction.
“Well, this time, I’m going to make you even happier.”
Ed pulled me into his arms and kissed me again.
I didn’t want to spoil this moment. It was like a dream. So I lied to Ed, just a little. I’d no idea how much that lie would come to pain him in the future…
That evening, my family celebrated my birthday and my engagement to Ed at the same time. Apparently, everyone except me knew that Ed was going to propose today.
“Congratulations, Bel!”
“Thank you.”
I felt happy but a little bit awkward and self-conscious to have my family congratulate me on being engaged to Ed. My parents said that for a present, they’d fully furnish the mansion that had been bequeathed to Ed.
I was also to have a tutor, who’d teach me everything I needed to know about running a household as a countess. I’d have to do all sorts of paperwork I’d never done before as a princess, as well as learn how to command servants and throw banquets.
From Charles, I received a beautiful dyed shawl. He said I would need something warm but fashionable to wear when I went on the many outings I’d need to go on in the future.
Apparently, arrangements for my engagement to Ed had been going on in the background ever since the Assembly when he was named a Magic Count. It’d already been approved by Parliament. And next week, many visitors, both foreign and domestic, would come to hear of our official engagement announcement. Everything was moving so fast.
“Is this what Ed has been so busy with lately? Not official count-type duties after all?”
“Ah, you’ve got it. Ed’s been very serious and involved with every decision. He wanted to get you locked down as soon as possible, I guess.” Charles chuckled wryly over how zealous Ed had been about the preparations.
I see…
I had no idea that Ed was going to such lengths for me.
“I’m happy for you, Bel.”
“Thank you, Charles.”
I blushed and smiled right back.
After dinner, I walked back to my room like I was floating on air. I always loved my birthday every year, but this year was the most spectacular birthday I had ever had.
I gazed down at my left hand, admiring the way the red stone caught the light.
Then I thought back to that afternoon…
“What kind of magic is cast on it? Divine Protection?”
I observed my new ring, wanting to know more about it. Usually, it’s customary to infuse some sort of protective power into one’s Magic Stone when gifting it to someone you love. Most choose Divine Protection.
“It’s not Divine Protection. It’s a spell that’ll make your greatest wish come true.”
“My greatest wish?”
I looked up at Ed.
“Yes.”
My wish…
“But it’s already come true. My wish was to find happiness with you.”
Ed’s eyes widened a little in surprise. Then he laughed.
“You might come up with another wish someday. Keep it till then. I’ll give you a separate Magic Crystal with a Divine Protection spell in it.”
“Oh, okay. Thank you. But I already have a Magic Stone with Divine Protection in it from you.”
I touched the red Magic Stone hanging from my neck.
“Ah, of course. That’s another present from me, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.”
I nodded, smiling as I lifted my left hand to admire my new ring. I’d never heard of a protective spell that would make someone’s wish come true. It had to be a very high-grade sort of magic. But I knew that Ed’s power could make any wish come true, no matter what it was.
Because Ed was my knight. And Ed was the greatest magician in all the world.
I stared at my ring.
“So beautiful…”
It was bright red and so round. Brimming with Ed’s magical power. I unfastened my necklace and brought the stone up to my ring to compare. They were identical.
“I have to put a Divine Protection spell into my own stone.”
I focused my power on my open hand, as Ed had taught me earlier. A second later, my Magic Stone appeared, rolling around on my palm. I gazed at the small green stone.
That’s when I had an idea. Instead of the usual Divine Protection spell, I would use something else. I closed my fist around the Magic Stone and concentrated my energy. Then when I opened my fist again, the Magic Stone shone. I’d succeeded in infusing a spell within it.
“To make sure that you’re protected from any more terrible fates like that one, my love.”
I closed my fist around the stone again and kissed my clenched fingers in prayer.
But the terrible ending I’d witnessed in the old world would come about no more.
I was sure of it. But just in case, I told myself. Just in case…