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PLEASE!!
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Translator Note:
This is a long long long chapter.
So...... Bear with me, please (/▿＼ )
Thank You!
***
Chapter 8 – Special Notices! The Black Tower Mage Appears!
Claude looked really tired today. Even though I knew
he was exhausted, I still asked him —he looked like wilted kimchi.
"Daddy, shouldn't you take a nap?"
I was surprised when I came to see Claude who had been
stuck in his office all day. The darkness under his eyes showed that he was in
dire need of rest. Apparently, this was why Felix brought me here. It was
obvious that Felix was using my visit as an excuse to give Claude some time to
rest.
"Your Majesty, the Princess is right. Haven't you
been in the office since last night? Please take a nap."
B-But it's strange. If he worked all night, shouldn't
he look a little shabby? But, even so, his beauty still flowed well... I-In
fact, doesn't it feel like he's spreading some very dangerous pheromones?
"It'll be over soon, sit down."
Even so, he still didn't stop and told me to wait for
him, it seemed like he still wanted to finish what he was doing. I heard that
Claude wasn't just in the office all day, yesterday, the day before, and the
day before that, he was constantly in the office. Isn't there a Labor Standards
Act here? Implement a 5-day work week system!
Seeing Claude's tired face, I unconsciously opened my
mouth.
"Just let Felix do it."
Hearing my words, Felix looked at me like someone who
felt betrayed. But I ignored it —pretending not to know. Unlike Claude whose
face was currently radiating fatigue —even though he was still charming, Felix
had a bright, sparkling face as if he needed a job.
Claude snorted as if he heard me muttering that under
his breath.
"He's not very good, so I can't trust this to
him."
"That's strange. Felix is a very studious
person. Wouldn't he do his best if you asked him to, Dad?"
"A blind person would definitely say that about
him. You shouldn't become an adult like that in the future."
"I'll become an adult like you, Dad!"
Felix who was listening to our conversation sadly
muttered a little.
"Now that I look at it, Your Majesty and the
Princess are indeed very similar..."
"Stop saying the obvious and get out of here.
You're annoying."
Kriet. Felix was kicked out of the office.
I sat on the sofa and waited for Claude, I saw Claude
who frowned his eyebrows while looking at the documents. Ouch. Then, my eyes
fell on the black Haetae Dolhareubang on the table. Seeing that it was still in
the same place as when I first saw it, as I thought, Claude's treatment of the
Imperial Seal was very insignificant... Be strong, Haetae. After all, you are
the precious Imperial Seal of this country!
No.
A few moments later, I walked to Claude's side and leaned
over the table to see if Claude had finished his work. Then, Claude put one
hand on his forehead, it seemed like he had a headache, so I approached him.
"Daddy, working too much is not good."
Just like I did before, I massaged his shoulders —my
fingertips could feel the stiff muscles in his shoulders. Man, I don’t want to
be an Emperor. I have to work all day like this? Being unemployed with lots of
money is the best! My future wish is to live longer than I planned, at least 50
years together with my beautiful children (gold and jewel)……
“How was the Tea Party yesterday?”
Just then, Claude, who had been silently receiving my
massage, opened his mouth.
Since I had my talk with Zenith alone, I had held 3 or
4 Tea Party sessions in my Palace. Every time, Claude would ask me if I had
fun, and I would answer him with, ‘Yes.’
“Yes, I really enjoyed it.”
Hmmm. Of course, every time we got together, there
would always be things that would shrink space and time. Even so, it was fun in
its own way, probably because it was the first time I had played like this with
other girls.
“That’s good.”
In fact, there were no special requirements for the
people chosen by Claude and Lily. If there were, it would be a girl my age who
would debut with me. There were no political interests or differences in
status. So, at this point, I had no choice but to realize that Claude just
wanted to give me a friend. I don't know what made Claude change his mind, but
since I was little, Claude had always ignored the Albie's advice and Felix's
advice. Could it be because I was a grown-up now? Maybe he realized that he
couldn't make me live like before. Huhuhuuu. Then, can't you let me go out of
the Palace?
"Dad, I've received a lot of invitations. Can I
reply by saying that I accept the invitation?"
"You can call them to the Palace, you don't have
to come there."
Today, as usual, Claude still gave this answer.
"If you feel lonely, you can hold Tea Parties at
the Emerald Palace more often."
He wasn't against me going out, but he just felt that
I didn't need to.
"There's no need to be like that. I'd rather
spend time with you than hold Tea Parties."
Ouch. I don't want to argue with someone who looks
tired like this, so I should stop here. The dark circles under his eyes are so
obvious!
"It'll be even more tiring if I keep sitting
still like this. Dad, let's go for a walk together."
I laughed softly and led Claude out of this office,
trying to save a poor man who was wasting his precious life in this gloomy
room.
***
It seems like I've become a bit lazy lately.
"Ah, I don't want to do it anymore."
I muttered that while lying face down on the book
titled 「 100 Years of Diplomacy
Era 」 that I had been studying by myself since
1 hour ago. Until now, I felt like I had always been studying hard, but now
I've become lazy about reading books. When did I become like this? I think it
was since I was debut. Spending time looking at and choosing my beautiful
children, beautiful dresses, and cute ribbons, and then celebrating my birthday
with the people closest to me. Hahahaha. Did I become lazy without realizing
it? Or maybe I’m just bored of studying? Well, I guess that’s understandable.
Haven’t I been reading books since I was little? And it’s not just 1 or 2
Private Tutors that I’ve had.
Up until now, all I’ve done is study, study, and
study…… And at the same time, I managed to get Claude’s attention. Then, when I
think about it, wow, I’ve spent a very meaningful 14 years. In terms of time, I
feel like I’ve lived my life here for 140 years, not 14 years. Aaahhhh.
“What are you doing that you’re putting your head on
the table?”
"Ah, you surprised me!"
Ugh! I thought my heart was going to jump out!
I was lying face down on my desk, and suddenly I heard
a familiar voice above my head, and I was shocked. Unconsciously, I raised my
head with a disgusted expression, Lucas who was sitting at my desk was laughing
at me.
"I came here because I was bored, and I guess you
feel the same way?"
But for some reason, his tone sounded like he was
treating me as an unemployed person. I felt a little annoyed.
"No. My schedule is very busy."
"You keep studying, studying, and studying
non-stop. But, didn't you say that you didn't want to become Emperor?"
Y-Yeah, that's true. But, honestly I also think that
studying is not fun.
"What about yourself? You look like you just came
from the Tower, are you allowed to play around like this?"
"Ah. That's right. Tell your father to cut their
salaries. They just sit around and do research that is no different from
bullshit."
After saying that, Lucas immediately clicked his
tongue as if he was annoyed just thinking about it. After all, Lucas was the
only one who thought that way about the Imperial Mage. Obelia still considered
mages to be the top people in the world. I wonder, is that why the Mage Tower
in the Imperial Palace is called the Black Tower? I guess it’s not something to
be proud of. Honestly, the name feels a bit annoying. Haha.
“They always bother me, I’m stuck in such a gloomy
Tower.”
But, now I understand why Lucas grumbled. I’m sure……
“The weather makes me want to go out to play.”
I unconsciously muttered that while looking out the
window. The clear blue sky without any clouds. Of course, just like Lucas said,
it would be a shame to be stuck in a dark Tower when the weather is nice like
this.
I stretched my arms on the table and flipped through
the pages of a book. My long hanging hair swayed gently because of the wind
that came in through the gap in the open window.
"But, well, there's nothing to do outside. I'm
always in the Imperial Palace like this."
That obvious fact made today feel very boring.
"Are you bored here?"
W-What is he talking about? It's obvious that I'm
bored.
"Yeah, that makes sense. You've been living here
for years."
Hey, where else do you think we can get a comfortable
place to stay and a full stomach without paying a dime? I do feel a little
bored because I do the same activities every day. But, that doesn't mean I'm
bored of living in this Palace.
I finally spoke to Lucas in a pretentious manner.
"This is just a complaint from a full adult.
After eating only Kkochdeungsim* for days, sometimes I want to eat
Samgyeobsal*."
T/N: Kkochdeungsim (꽃등심) is the sirloin cut of beef that looks
like a flower *it's very expensive.
T/N: Samgyeobsal (삼겹살) is pork belly meat that is grilled
and then eaten after dipping it in spicy sauce *it is more affordable.
"What are you talking about?"
It seemed like Lucas didn't understand what I meant,
probably because there were no dishes called Kkochdeungsim and Samgyeobsal
here. But then, he frowned in annoyance, as if he realized that I was treating
him like a child.
"Whatever it is, don't you mean, you just don't
want to be trapped inside the Imperial Palace?"
Just like me, Lucas was now sitting at the table indifferently,
spouting unnecessary words and speaking in a bored tone.
"You said it so long-windedly. If you want to get
out, just get out."
This guy, he was so easy to say something about other
people's business!
"Do you think it's that easy for me to get out of
the Imperial Palace?"
"That easy? Of course, it's very easy."
I looked at Lucas who was talking casually, then I
lowered my voice and asked him.
"Did you find a dog hole* or something?"
T/N: Dog hole = Secret path.
"What do you mean dog hole? There's nothing like
that."
Lucas looked at me with pity as if he was looking at a
poor middle school student, then he clicked his tongue. No, this guy! What kind
of look is that? He's insulting me! Just look at his eyes!
"I've told you so many times. But you still look
down on me."
Ctak!
I felt so annoyed, so I lifted my upper body that was
lying on the table. And at that moment, Lucas snapped his fingers. Then, a
world that I had never explored before, spread out before my eyes.
Noise, Noise.
"Hey! Be careful where you put that thing
down!"
"Welcome, Sir! This is a food that tastes
fantastic. Buy 2 get 1 free!"
"The beautiful magician and her assistant will
captivate your eyes and ears tonight!"
"Ah, this is too expensive! Please lower the
price a little. Moreover, there's a scratch on this part."
"Buy a pumpkin. Pumpkin! Special price, today
only!"
The roar filled my eardrums. People walking around the
streets filled my vision. The place I was standing in now looked like an alley
in a large market, or somewhere in a bustling corner of the city. Something
like a unique energy in this place made me unable to resist my thoughts of
approaching it.
I stood up, slightly confused by the sudden noise that
exploded in my ears, as well as the crowd I saw before my eyes. Lucas and I
were standing in a dark alley, and none of the people glanced at us who were in
the shadows.
As I was mesmerized by the scenery outside the
Imperial Palace that I had never seen before, I felt Lucas staring at me from
head to toe intensely.
"Come to think of it, your clothes don't
match."
Ctak!
Once again, Lucas snapped his fingers to change the
clothes I was wearing. Soap bubbles began to form on the hem of my dress that
looked more expensive and luxurious than anything else here. No, if you look
closely, they weren't soap bubbles, they were more like sparkling and sizzling
white light. However, I was surprised to see the clothes I was wearing now
changing from the hem of my dress as if I was changing skin.
"With this, we can go around."
A few seconds later, I was wearing a simple light blue
dress, not the fancy-looking yellow lace dress. Before I knew it, Lucas'
clothes had also changed into casual clothes, no longer the Palace Mage's
clothes. Lucas, you're amazing, just like the Fairy Grandmother in Cinderella,
you have magic powers! I mean, of course he has magic powers, but I'm surprised
he can change my clothes like this!
"Lucas!"
Only then did I come to my senses and I shouted at
Lucas.
"You! Why didn't you tell me that you could get out
of the Palace this way?"
You know how sad I was every time Claude restrained
me! If you could get me out this way, why didn't you ever tell me!? But, what
Lucas said to me made me feel stupid.
"Huh? What do you mean? You know that I can
teleport. Didn't I send you to that Albie's house before?"
"T-That's right."
Oh-Oh my, Lucas was right.
Back then, Lucas did send me to the Albie's Residence
by teleportation. Argh, but why didn't I think of this before? If I had asked
Lucas to take me out from the start, it would have been easy, quick, and
simple!
"How funny."
Maybe he knew that I was at a loss for words, so Lucas
gave me an evil smile.
"There is an easy and surefire way like this, but
you didn't realize it. Even though there is a golden goose egg in front of your
eyes, you can't recognize it like a blind person. Isn't my Princess really
funny?"
Ugh! I'm such an idiot, I hate you! I hate you! So all
this time, you've been letting me be, watching me suffer from boredom, and all
of that made you feel happy!
"Do you know that you have a really bad
personality?"
"Hm. You're really stupid."
Argh! I really can't say a word! What a bast#rd! So
shameless!
As I was cursing him in my heart, Lucas suddenly
smiled at me. Of course, it was a really annoying smile, making me want to pull
out his black hair. But then, he pulled my hand, making me unable to be angry
with him anymore. "Hurry up. There's no time."
Guided by his hand, I stepped forward reluctantly.
Then, the noisy roar grew louder.
"Let's go."
The dazzling sunlight shone on Lucas' face who had
just come out of the dark alley, holding my hand.
***
"Hey! Stop looking around, it's tacky."
Lucas bothered me again. But I didn't care! I couldn't
let myself continue to act graceful when I saw so many things I was seeing for
the first time!
"Don't keep bothering me."
After clearing my throat, I told him.
"My name here is Athi. Understand?"
"That's your nickname."
Then, Lucas burst out laughing.
"You even decided on a name to use when you're
outside. You're serious about it, aren't you?"
However, Lucas' smirk didn't dampen my spirits. He
said that he was taking me to the most crowded street in the Capital City of
Obelia, and this was the Trade Center —a place where people from all over the
country gathered. That's probably why there were so many things to see……
"Hey, Pretty Lady. Try eating this."
There's a lot of food!
"What's this?"
"I marinated the free-range chicken that I raised
myself and cut it into pieces, then skewered it on a skewer and grilled
it."
"Wow. Could it be, dak-kkochi*!"
T/N: Dak-kkochi (닭꼬치) is a popular street food from South
Korea that consists of grilled chicken pieces and green onions.
"That's right!"
I took the skewer that the uncle gave me, and took a
bite. T-This!
"Is it good?"
The taste of the seasoning! Sob. I nodded my head,
feeling touched. This was indeed a food that was not good for the body, but
this familiar taste was really addictive! Maybe because I had always eaten
delicious and healthy food in the Imperial Palace, I had forgotten about this
taste!
"Give me 2 taels (coins/currency)."
The uncle who was selling the dak-kkochi who saw me
eating the dak-kkochi at a high speed smiled and asked me for money. Now that I
thought about it, wasn't he the one who held out the dak-kkochi to me who was
passing by and asked me to taste it? Then, why did he ask me for money after I
had eaten it all? If so, why did you smile when you saw me eating!?
Seeing the warm smile of the uncle who sold the
dak-kkochi, made me feel a little sad. Huhuhuu. I might die. Of course, nothing
is free in this world. If you eat, of course you have to pay for it. In the
past, I would never have fallen for this trick, it seems I have lost my mind
after being in the Imperial Palace for so long. Sob.
And, of course, I don't have any money. I had no money
and I ended up eating dak-kkochi. This was something I would never do if this
was my previous life.
I couldn’t help it. So, I decided to use my Automated
Teller Machine.
“Lucas.”
When I turned around, Lucas was looking at me with a
strange face, his expression showing that he was wondering why I called him. I
said with full courage.
“Give me some money.”
Then, Lucas asked back as if my behavior was quite
funny to him.
“Did you leave your money with me?”
“I don’t have any money.”
“So?”
“Because you brought me out, so you have to take
responsibility!”
Yes, that’s right! I said that while nodding my head.
Then, the uncle who sold dak-kkochi followed and urged Lucas to pay for the
dak-kkochi I ate.
“That’s right! The person who brought her out has to
take responsibility! 2 taels, no more and no less.”
I didn’t know what it was, but I didn’t have a dime.
It seemed like the salesman decided to attack Lucas because Lucas looked like
he had money. Now that I looked around, didn’t this uncle have the same
thoughts as me? In the end, Lucas paid for the dak-kkochi set that I ate with a
confused expression on his face. Amazing. But, my heart didn’t feel satisfied
with just one.
“I want another dak-kkochi.”
I poked Lucas’ arm that was beside me.
“Miss, do you want another?”
I said it in a whisper, but it seemed like this uncle
heard it. Then, he immediately handed me a skewer of dak-kkochi.
“2 taels.”
Then, he asked for money again.
“You two are a good match.”
Lucas looked quite stunned, but he immediately handed
over the money obediently.
“Here, I’ll give you couple service since your
girlfriend is pretty.”
“I’m not eating. And who has a girlfriend…”
“Hehe. Thank you, Uncle!”
I nudged Lucas' arm with my elbow and accepted the
dak-kkochi that the old man handed to me. Then, I dragged Lucas away from the
Dak-kkochi Stall.
"Earlier, the old man said that it was free. Why
did you refuse it?"
"You seem to be used to all this, I would believe
it if your bones were buried at the bottom of this market."
Sigh. He was a very sharp
child. I walked forward, ignoring Lucas who was staring at me with narrowed
eyes.
"Ahem. If you don't want to eat this, then I'll
eat it."
And as I walked with the dak-kkochi in both of my
hands, I suddenly remembered something I had forgotten.
Oh, right!
"Lily will know if I disappear!"
When I turned around in surprise, Lucas looked at me
and answered my words as if he had known about this from the start.
"Won't know. Because I left a doll that looks
like you."
"A doll? A paper doll like the last time?"
When did you leave something like that? You are such a
meticulous child!
"That (paper doll) is the worst. This time, I
left a sophisticated doll that can talk and walk."
Lucas said arrogantly. I mean, this kid also knows how
to make dolls that look like humans! Then, why did you make a paper doll for my
dance practice!
"Hurry up and eat. There are so many people
here."
Then, a passerby nudged me and I almost fell. And
Lucas immediately grabbed my arm that was holding the dak-kkochi, then he
pulled me closer. Then, he stole 1 dak-kkochi that was in my hand.
"Didn't you say you didn't want to eat it?"
"I think you'll become a pig if you eat all of
this."
Lucas smiled widely and took a bite of the dak-kkochi.
Because I thought that was a beautiful thing, so I decided to let it be, I ate
the dak-kkochi in my hand while walking away, walking quietly.
I held Lucas' hand that was not holding the
dak-kkochi. I did it because I was afraid of getting lost in this dense crowd.
"Wow, look over there. That must be the bird
market."
I heard birds chirping somewhere and when I lifted my
head, I saw cages hanging from ropes in the distance.
"Let's go take a look over there."
I muttered that and pulled Lucas' hand that wasn't
holding the dak-kkochi. But, for some reason, this guy didn't move an inch.
"What's wrong?"
I felt strange, so I turned back and saw Lucas staring
at his hand —his hand that I was holding, he had a strange expression on his face.
What? Was he offended that I held his hand without permission? No, it wasn't
like I did it on purpose. I felt anxious, so what's wrong with me holding your
hand!?
"They're still cleaning up over there, so there's
nothing to see right now. If you want to go over there, let's go later."
Even so, I thought that he was in a bad mood because I
held his hand. So, I decided to let go of his hand, but then, Lucas pulled
mine.
"Really? Then, buy me that."
I threw the dak-kkochi skewer I just ate into the
trash and pointed at the cotton candy nearby. Uwaaa. I was like a little kid
whining to her mom to buy her food. But, do you know the rules of foodies!?
Just now, I ate something spicy and salty, so now I have to eat something
sweet! Therefore, Lucas and I decided to go around and shoot a mukbang. They
say we can also visit Mount Geumgang after eating*!
T/N: Visiting Mount Geumgang after eating (금강산 구경도 밥을 먹은 뒤에 한다) is a proverb that
means 'in any situation, eating comes first'.
"Aahhh, this is delicious."
After a while, I patted my full stomach and mumbled in
satisfaction.
"Tell me honestly. You used lightening magic,
right?"
Lucas sat across from me and said as if he was fed up.
It seemed like he and I ate the same way, but why was I the only one like this?
"They said the parfait here was delicious."
I opened the menu with a pounding heart, remembering
what the passersby had said as we passed the front of this place.
"You've even treated this like your own home,
huh?"
I started choosing the menu while listening to Lucas'
words.
"Everything looks delicious. What should I
eat?"
Lucas and I were sitting in an open-air cafe, which
seemed to be quite famous on this street. Perhaps for that reason, the inside
of the cafe was full, and we could only sit in the last remaining seats
according to the cafe waiter's instructions. However, because this cafe felt
like a luxurious teahouse, all the menus were expensive. No wonder, unlike the
street food we had tasted earlier, the prices of the food sold here were not in
copper taels, but in silver taels. This was completely different from the shops
Lucas and I had visited.
I whispered to Lucas secretly.
"It seems a bit expensive here. How about
this?"
"Although it's expensive, order whatever you
want."
For a moment, I felt like a halo appeared behind
Lucas' back. This, this is it. Before, he said that he had a lot of money. So
it was true! Even I didn't know about it. I even laughed at him!
"Silver taels or whatever taels, I can make them
in 1 second."
I thought it was just a bluff…… Huh? What did you say?
Make? Make what?
Tuk. Cring!
At that moment, Lucas tapped the table a few times
with his finger, and suddenly a silver tael appeared.
"But seeing how much you ate, I guess we also
need gold taels."
Tuk. Cring!
This time, a gold tael appeared. Seeing this scene, I
was so stunned that my mouth dropped open. This, This, This is a fake tael!
"Don't tell me, you've been paying for our meal
this whole time?"
"Then? You thought I had that many taels with
me?"
He's amazing…… No. I mean, he's shameless. Mother, I
witnessed the making of illegal money!
"You did this illegally!"
"Is that so? Then you're my accomplice."
That's right. According to the Obelia Law that I've
been studying, a person who produces illegal currency will have one of his
hands cut off and he will have to hand over all his finances and personal
property to the state, and then that person will be sentenced to 30 years of
slavery. I stared at the money on the table with Lucas' smiling face
alternately. And when our eyes met, silently, an agreement was formed between
us. Yes, okay. I will bury this fact until I die!
"Will these taels disappear after a while?"
I asked while remembering a movie about a famous
magician I had watched in my previous life.
"Something like that is only made by a lousy
person."
In short, he was different from that lousy person. So,
that means this money is permanent. This kid. He is rich because he can make
money anytime in this way! Lucas, you are really a goose laying golden eggs, a
walking Automated Teller Machine. Right? Then, I don't have to hesitate!
"Let's eat this and this, and this. Oh, this too.
This is the most famous thing in this cafe, so if I don't eat it, then I will
definitely regret it!"
I decided to use 'Lucas Chance' to my heart's content.
It seemed like Lucas was laughing at me for this, but that didn't stop me from
ordering.
Inside the cafe was now quieter than outside, but the
sounds of chatter that could be heard from here and there were very friendly.
How many years had it been since I was in a crowd like this? Maybe because all
this time I was only focused on surviving Claude, so I guess I had forgotten
the sight of a crowd like this for too long. Suddenly I was surprised by
something.
"Zenith, we've been here too long. We should go
now."
At that moment, I heard a familiar voice and a
familiar name in my ears. What? Why did I hear Izekiel's voice?
Reflexively, I immediately turned my head and my eyes
immediately widened in amazement at the figures in front of me.
"But Izekiel, we haven't looked around yet."
Ugh. It's Izekiel and Zenith! As soon as I found them,
I shifted my hips towards the entrance in a hurry. Hey, they haven't seen me
yet, have they?
"He's that Albie's kid, right?"
It seemed like Lucas saw him too. Izekiel and Zenith
were sitting diagonally from where we were sitting. Oh my. I don't know why
we're sitting so close together like this? Seeing that there were already tea
cups on their table, it seemed like they came before us.
"Annoying. Should I get rid of them?"
At that moment, Lucas muttered with an evil smile.
N-No! Since you said that, somehow I'm worried that
words like 'Forever' or 'Can't set foot in this world again' are the meaning of
the word 'get rid of' that you said.
"I think they'll leave soon, let's just leave
them alone."
I covered half of my face with my hair and whispered
to Lucas. Oh, didn't someone say that today was market day, so why are the two
of them here?
"Is there still a place to see?"
"Try to remember. I haven't bought the most
important thing yet."
I gathered my hair from both sides, and put it under
my nose like a mask, then glanced at the two of them. Izekiel and Zenith, they
are indeed the most beautiful man and woman here. Because the two of them both
have extraordinary beauty. When they are together, they look even more
beautiful and cooler than usual. Ah, I can see that the people in this shop,
everyone can't take their eyes off the two of them, right?
"Izekiel, what's wrong with you? I told you
several times before we came out, but you forgot everything."
As Zenith complained, Izekiel showed a confused
expression on his face. From what I heard, it seemed like they went out to buy
something, but it seemed like Izekiel had forgotten that fact. Their voices
were too low for me to hear. Ah, no, I don't want to eavesdrop on their
conversation!
"What do you mean? That sounds like something
interesting, let's listen to it more."
But then, Lucas muttered that and snapped his fingers.
"All day today, you seemed to be distracted by
something."
Wow! Their voice sounded so clear! Lucas, you really
are a great criminal. Oh my.
"Am I like that?"
Zenith said in a sulking tone, but Izekiel didn't get
carried away by it. He lifted the teacup in front of him and answered calmly.
"Just now, I saw someone who looked similar to
someone I know."
"Is that the Princess?"
Hearing those words, Izekiel and I were speechless for
a moment. Oh my, what did she just say? Did you see me eating dak-kkochi while
walking around? Is that really it?
"You noticed, huh."
Zenith laughed and put a spoonful of sugar into the
teacup in front of her and stirred it.
"Yes. Izekiel, you have a very excited face every
time I talk about the Princess. Do you think I don't notice that?"
"Zenith."
"Even now, if it's not about the Princess, how
could Izekiel be distracted?"
Zenith lowered her head slightly towards the teacup,
her brown hair and veil hat covering part of her face, so I couldn't see what
expression she was making right now.
"Let's go."
However, Izekiel who was sitting across from Zenith
stared at her face for a moment, then he put down the teacup he was holding.
"Today is the first time since you got permission
from Father to go out in a long time. So, if there's a place you want to see,
you should go there immediately before it's too late. I heard there's a place
that sells satin ribbons around here."
After saying that, Izekiel stood up first. Then, he
walked to Zenith's side and extended his hand to Zenith.
"Yeah. Let's
go."
This time, Izekiel
finally got a positive answer. I also watched Zenith whose voice became
brighter than before, Zenith grabbed the hand that was outstretched in front of
her.
"When we get to
the shop, choose a ribbon with me. I'll give the ribbon to the Princess as a
gift, so you won't get bored so easily."
Ugh, they're going to
pass this place! I immediately pulled my hair as much as I could so that my
face was covered. Luckily, the two of them just passed by without seeing me.
"I thought we
were going to get caught."
"It's not fun.
Their conversation is very boring."
As the two of them
left, Lucas muttered to himself as if he had lost his interest. I turned my
gaze towards where Izekiel and Zenith disappeared. However, it only took a
short time before my attention was drawn to something else.
"The menu you
ordered is here. Napolia Super Choco-Fudge, My Hearts Beats Fondant Fondue, Blue
Velvet Secret Caramel, Agatha Strawberry Shortcake, Mont Blanc in the Clouds,
Sugar Sweet Parfait, and Rich Signature Chocolate in Cocoa."
Wowwww! It's finally
here!
"What's with
those names? Why did you order so many lumps of sugar like that? Can you really
eat them all?"
"Isn't that
obvious?"
I snorted at Lucas in
response. What about yourself? Didn't you order a chocolate drink? Cocoa…… What
the name is? The name the servant uttered sounded like a spell. By
the way, Lucas actually also really likes sweet things. Come to think of it, he
always eats the snacks Lily makes for me with his eyes closed! Let's see, when
this dessert is right in front of us, his eyes shine even brighter than usual!
I raised my fork
aggressively towards the dessert in front of me.
"Let's
eat!"
Not long after, Lucas
and I swept away all the desserts on the table and we sat down with our
stomachs satisfied.
"Where are we
going now?"
"What else can
you eat?"
No, I've finished
eating. If I eat more than this, I might have to roll to get to the Palace.
"Ah! Bird
market! Let's go there!"
I just remembered the
bird market that I wanted to visit, so I decided to go there to digest the
dessert we just ate.
"Lucas, come
quickly!"
Excitedly, I ran past
Lucas. Lucas looked at me from behind, looking like he was admiring me. It
seemed he was surprised by my sudden change in attitude, even though until a
few moments ago, I was lying helplessly on my table in the Palace, but now I
was running very fast without feeling tired.
I arrived at the bird
market one step before Lucas.
"Wowwww."
Above my head, there
were large and small bird cages hanging from a rope. And in each cage, inside
there is a beautiful, colorful bird. It was simply spectacular.
"Beautiful."
Bird chirping may
sound annoying to some people, but strangely, to me it sounds like beautiful
music full of harmony. I walked past these bird cages like a man in a trance.
Then, my steps stopped in front of a blue-feathered bird that caught my
attention.
"This is the Blue
Grosbeak. If this bird is
well cared for, it can be a messenger bird."
The man who looked
like the owner of all the birds here said that to me, and after receiving calls
from other visitors, he left me. Wow, this was the first time I had seen such a
beautiful blue color, so I kept staring at the bird. Without realizing it, I
put my hand on the white cage in front of me.
“Could it be you……
Princess?”
At that moment, I
heard a small whisper behind me. Hearing that voice that had a sense of
disbelief, my body froze the moment I touched this bird's cage. Then, as if to confirm something, the familiar voice
whispered to me again.
"Aren't you
someone I know?"
Argh! Without even
looking back, I already knew that it was Izekiel's voice! Didn't it say you
guys wanted to buy ribbons? Have you finished buying it? No, this, how can you
tell just by looking at the back of my body?!
"Izekiel! What
are you doing there?"
Now I can hear
Zenith's voice. No, don't come here! Da#n! Finally, I decided to run away.
"Wait……!"
"Ezekiel?"
Luckily my current
outfit is a short dress and low-heeled flat shoes. I ran to avoid Izekiel and
Zenith until the soles of my feet were sweaty. I ran, passing birds with
colorful feathers.
"Please wait a
moment!"
Argh, why are you
even chasing me!? I ignored the voice behind me and ran through the cages.
Then, suddenly Lucas appeared in front of me.
"Lucas!"
But, what are you
doing? Why are you even having a staring contest with that bird?
"What's wrong?
Why did you suddenly come running, didn't you say earlier that you wanted to
look at birds?"
Lucas asked me while
still having a staring contest with the red-feathered bird of prey.
"Izekiel is
chasing me!"
His red eyes slid
behind my back after hearing my urgent scream. Then, Lucas' eyes seemed to
frown slightly, then he clicked his tongue.
"Hold my
hand."
Are you going to use
teleportation? Without thinking, I immediately grabbed Lucas' outstretched
hand.
"Ugh!"
But, what is this?!
Why are my feet floating in the air?!
"Oh, God! What,
what is it!? What is this!?"
Before I knew it, I
was floating away from the ground together with Lucas. The people around the
bird market as well as the large and small bird cages hanging on ropes all
disappeared from sight in an instant. When I screamed in fear, Lucas frowned as
if his eardrums were in pain.
"Ah, my ears
hurt. Is this your first time flying?"
Yes, of course this
is my first time! When have I ever flown before!? At most, I just fell from the
sky when you sent me to the Alphaeus Residence first! Ouch. Suddenly I remembered
that incident, and that made me even more afraid.
"Hey, y-you're
not going to drop me suddenly, right?"
"Why should I drop
you?"
But, I can't trust
this guy. So, I hugged Lucas with all my might as if he was my lifeline. Then,
he looked at me, returned my hug while smiling amusedly. Wait. Do you think me
hugging you because I'm scared is cute? Is that so?
"You won't fall.
Step forward."
Step? Even if I
rubbed my eyes many times and looked for a place to set foot here, I wouldn't
find it.
"Otherwise, I'll
let you go."
When I didn't do as
he said, Lucas threatened me viciously. No, I have to put my foot down right
now! Huhuhuuu. Now he threatens me with unreasonable things. Oh my, alright,
alright! But, don't let go of my hand! Sob! I closed my eyes and step my legs as Lucas told me to. No, even if that's the
case, there's no way there's anything that will support my legs…… Right?
"Hey, what is
this?"
I was stunned and
looked down, and I immediately regretted it. Arghhh, there's nothing there!
But, Lucas was
clearly moving his legs as if he was climbing stairs and I was hanging on his
side. Every time Lucas moved his legs, his body floated like he was on some
kind of amusement park ride.
"Why are you
scared like that? Are you scared by this?"
"Of course it's
scary!"
Lucas laughed at me.
Come to think of it, isn't this similar to that scene? You know, a scene from a
famous Japanese anime where a magician and a girl walk around in the air.
"Strange. What's
so scary?"
I was a little
embarrassed by the words he muttered as if he really didn't understand. I
closed my eyes again and tried to step in the air following Lucas. Then, my
body floated upwards. Yes, but after doing it a few times, it turns out it's
really fun.
"By the way, we
managed to escape the guy who was chasing you. I did good, right?"
Huh? Who is this
person? He looked at me as if he was asking for praise, I was stunned. No
matter how much he did to escape Izekiel's pursuit, he wants to hear praise
after doing all this to me?
"You can use teleportation!"
"What did you
say? Oh, you want to walk alone so you want me to let go of your hand?"
"No. Sir Lucas, the decision you made was the best!"
Sob! Yes. I guess
once a psychopath, always a psychopath. No matter what, he is an old, crazy
psychopath. Huhuhuuu. Ah! I just remembered. Lucas, you bast#rd!
"I'm wearing a
dress!"
"Oops, my
arm!"
Without mercy, I
pinched Lucas' arm until we both set our feet on the ground again.
***
"Let's go home
now."
Ah, today is a fun
day. Although, the last incident was a bit scary. The long hand of the Clock
Tower that I saw while flying was between the numbers 5 and 6, so it seemed
like a good time to go home. Lucas rubbed his arm, his face contorted, as if to
show that the forearm I was pinching hurt.
"Are you going
to teleport us this time?"
The place we landed
at this time was a wide and quiet field. The yellowed grass, resembling reeds,
rose waist-high and swayed gently in the wind. I thought Lucas would teleport
away soon, so I stretched out my hand to grab his hand. But suddenly, Lucas
frowned.
"Hey, what are you doing holding out your hand
like that…"
Just like before, it seems like he doesn't like
holding hands with me.
"Ah, even if we didn't hold hands, we can still
teleport?"
Come to think of it, when I left the Palace today and
when I went to the Alphaeus Residence in the past, we didn't hold hands.
Oh my, fine. I won't hold your hand. Even if you ask
me to, I won't hold your hand. He even frowned just because I held his hand.
"Whatever. Let's go now."
But, when I tried to let go of my hand, Lucas grabbed
my hand instead. No, don't you dislike me touching you? I don't understand why
he suddenly changed his mind, but he often changes like this. Besides, for some
reason, he even warned me that we would be teleporting, and he said it in a
friendly manner!
Ctak.
As Lucas snapped his fingers, the scenery instantly
changed, from a deserted field with swaying yellow grass to a comfortable room.
"You're back?"
Oh my! What is that? There's someone in this room who looks
exactly like me! My whole body went numb as I saw the fake me smiling brightly
and greeting Lucas.
"Doppelganger*!"
T/N: Doppelganger is a kind of phenomenon where
someone sees another person who looks exactly like them.
"What are you talking about? That's the doll I
told you about."
Oh, that's right. I felt a little embarrassed, so I
immediately lowered my hand that was pointing at the doll. I mean, seriously—
"Is this a real doll? Wouldn't people believe it
if they said it was my doppelganger?"
"Haa. That's because my skills are so good. Even
when I made it so crudely, it turned out like this."
As I watched the doll standing still, I admired it
even more. Lucas boasted in an arrogant voice. The doll was wearing the same
luxurious dress as the one I had worn before I left the room. The fact that the
doll's hairstyle and the pearl-studded hair ornament she wore were the same as
mine before she left, even the detailed features were exactly the same —it felt
like I was looking in a mirror. It was a very strange feeling because this was
the first time I had observed myself in this way.
"Even if you look at it as much as you want.
Wherever you look, it will be the same as you."
"Really? Is it really the same?"
"Of course. I made it."
"Am I this beautiful?"
"Of course..."
Lucas, who had been bragging about his skills, became
hesitant after answering my question unintentionally. Then, he realized that he
almost fell into my trap. He looked at me in astonishment.
Eh, eh, I thought he would fall into my trap. What a
shame.
"Hehe. As expected, Sir Lucas is amazing. You
even made a doll that looks exactly like the real thing."
Even when I praised Lucas, the doll still stood still
in its original place and smiled, truly like a painting. This doll was also
very well-behaved and gentle. This is unlike me, this doll has a calm concept,
just like an old-fashioned noblewoman. However, Lucas who was looking at the
doll suddenly frowned.
"It's the same, but I don't like it because it's
not the same."
Ctak!
Eh, what kind of change is that? But, before I could
ask my question, Lucas had already snapped his fingers and made the doll in
front of me disappear without a trace.
"I haven't finished looking at it, why did you
make it disappear?"
"Because it's disgusting."
"Huh!?"
So you mean, a doll that looks exactly like me is
disgusting? Are you insulting me in front of me? Is that right?
"Why are you angry? I never insulted you,
right?"
"Just now you said that a doll that looks like me
is disgusting!"
"That's nonsense. It's not similar at all."
Lucas really is a strange person. Just a moment ago,
he praised himself for making a doll that looks exactly like me. Then, now he
said that the doll didn't look like me at all. While I was still confused,
Lucas snapped his fingers again to return me to my previous dress and hairstyle
with a satisfied face.
"As I thought. The real one is better than the
fake one. Although it's a bit ugly."
Huh? Are you insulting me again? And you're laughing
at me now? Right?
"Your maid will be here soon. I'm leaving."
"I won't stop you! Leave or stay here, I don't
care!"
I shouted that, and Lucas left with a satisfied smile
on his face.
"Princess, I'm going in."
As Lucas said, Lily knocked on the door when I was
alone in this room.
"Oh my. You're done. You've worked so hard for
today's lesson. So I didn't want to bother you and left you."
"I-Is that so?"
"Yes. And it's almost time for dinner. You should
get ready soon."
"Um, I'll do it."
I tried to show a calm face and smiled at Lily.
Luckily I wasn't late for dinner with Claude. I rubbed my chest, feeling
relieved. Hm? But this is strange. It feels like it's a bit noisier outside
than usual.
Knock, Knock!
"Princess, may I come in?"
At that moment, Hannah knocked on the door.
"Come in."
When I gave permission, Hannah immediately opened the
door and came in, but for some reason, her face was a bit red. Uwaaaa. It was
an expression that couldn't wait to tell me something. Seth who came in after
her also had the same expression. Seth shook her head at Hannah as if it
couldn't be helped.
"Hannah, what happened outside?"
"Princess, you'll be surprised too when you hear
it!"
I asked out of curiosity. And then, I was surprised by
Hannah's excited shout, and I opened my mouth in astonishment.
"The Mage from the Black Tower who has been in
seclusion for hundreds of years is currently meeting with His Majesty!"
***
"Oh my! The lake is so beautiful!"
I saw the girls admiring the lake that stretched out
before their eyes. Yes, this lake looks beautiful. It really is beautiful. At
first, I thought so too. But. I didn't expect there to be a tentacle monster
living in this lake. And those terrifying tentacles are hidden beneath the
surface of the lake!
"It's just like the Princess's eyes."
Shocked.
While complaining about the lake's inconsistency, I
was shocked to hear someone's words.
"Of course, nothing can compare to the jewel eyes
of a member of the Imperial Family that are said to be bestowed by the Gods.
When I first saw those jewel eyes at the Debutante Ball, I couldn't take my
eyes off your jewel eyes."
"That's right, that's right!"
Oh, that was a compliment. I thought it was an insult,
and even for a moment, I felt embarrassed. Then, I returned the compliment.
"Miss Corinth's eyes are also very beautiful.
Your eyes are a pure green that reminds me of a freshly sprouted bud."
When I said that with a smile, the girl who praised my
jewel eyes made a fuss and blushed. Haha. Your reaction is so cute. It was a
different side of her that I had never seen before. Up until now, I had only
known her as a big fan of Izekiel.
"This is really amazing. You can even enjoy
boating inside the Imperial Palace."
As expected, at first I was also surprised by the fact
that I could go boating inside the Imperial Palace. So, I could understand
their admiration.
"The scenery that can only be enjoyed in this
lake is really spectacular."
Of course, I had never come to this place again after
I saw the tentacle monster. However, I heard that after that incident, Claude
had gotten rid of the tentacle monster. That was a good thing for me, but…… Why
did I feel a little awkward? Did I really act and make such a big fuss on the
day so that Claude immediately exterminated all the tentacle monsters that had
inhabited this lake for almost several generations? Sigh. Somehow, I
guess that's true. That was the first time I saw Claude's expression like that.
By the way, now I can enjoy boating with these girls
without having to worry about that tentacle monster.
"Everyone, be careful."
Hmm. I'm the organizer of this event and I'm also the
only one who has experience with boating in the Imperial Palace, so I should be
the one to get on the boat first. Even so, the boat is safe because there is
magic power in it, so it won't sway or tip over when you get on it. And for
that reason, I don't need someone to hold my arm. However, for some reason,
because I'm a Princess, Felix still holds my arm as I get on.
Sraaaa. I stepped lightly and
got on the boat. Huh? For some reason, no one moved from where they had been
standing. Why are you guys standing still like Mangbuseok*? It seems like
they're secretly peeking at each other, is it because they're scared since this
is their first time boating? I told the knights around to help the girls get on
the boat. Even so, they remained silent. Oh, ah, have you heard of the lotus
flower monster that lives in this lake?
T/N: Mangbuseok (망부석) is the name of a woman who waited for
her husband who was taken to Japan to come. Time went by, and Mangbuseok kept
waiting for her husband until she finally died and turned into stone.
"Don't be afraid. Come here. I'll hold your
hand."
I stared at them strangely for a while, then I reached
out with a smile.
But, right at that moment, something surprising
happened.
"I'll be next to the Princess!"
"No, I'll be next to the Princess!"
"Hey, what are you talking about? The Princess
was talking to me just now."
"Ah, don't pull my shirt from behind! That's
against the rules!"
They were instead pulling each other's shirts or arms
from behind so that no one could get on the same boat as me.
I was confused. I mean, did they do all that just to
get on the same boat as me? I don't know if I should be touched or laugh now.
Hehehe. Still, I guess I should be grateful that they're being like this, not
because they don't want to be on the boat with me. Sob. If we'd known things
would turn out like this, we should have just talked about the 4 Heavenly Kings
of the Noble World and enjoyed Lily's special snacks together.
"Princess, should we go now?"
Eh?
I was a little surprised by the calm voice coming from
across from me. It seemed that the other girls were just as surprised.
Reflexively, they all turned toward the voice and their mouths opened in
amazement at what they saw.
"It seems like the seats on this boat are full,
so you'll have to use another boat."
Zenith, who was standing gracefully in front of me
while holding an umbrella, smiled at the other girls.
Wow, so Zenith has this kind of skill. While the other
girls were fighting each other, she took the opportunity to get on my boat.
"Princess, please take a seat first."
Zenith smiled at me and asked me to sit down first.
"Oh, Miss Magritta, since when...?"
"Ah, that's not fair! That seat is mine!"
"Huh? Wasn't Miss Magritta behind me a while
ago?"
I could feel the astonishment of the other girls. I
was surprised too, but once I saw Zenith standing in front of me calmly, I
strangely felt like laughing. Isn't this a rather funny situation?
"It can't be helped, the seats are already taken.
There are other boats behind, you can use them. Get on and be careful."
In the end, I shooed the other girls to another boat
with a smile on my face. They looked sad, but there was nothing I could do
since Zenith was already in front of me. I sat down first, and as soon as
Zenith sat down, the boat immediately moved across the water like a slide. I
couldn't hold it in any longer, and I burst out laughing as the girls standing
on the edge of the lake got farther and farther away.
"Miss Magritta, I didn't know you had such fast
feet."
"I've heard that a lot."
Zenith smiled brightly at me. This was unimaginable,
we had only known each other for a few months, but it turned out to be so much
fun to spend time with her like this. Maybe it was because I had become more
attached to her after the Tea Party. Strangely enough, when I was face to face
with Zenith like this, I felt like the mental distance I had with her had
decreased drastically.
"As the Princess said, the scenery is
beautiful."
The voice filled with admiration flowed on the wind.
Zenith's eyes were a deep blue, darker than the color of the lake. Suddenly, I
remembered her jewel eyes that I had seen at the Alphaeus Residence when she
was a child. Come to think of it, it must have been a hassle to hide her jewel
eyes with magic every time she went out. A mage from the Alphaeus Residence
must have helped her, right? Ah, I guess I stared at her too intensely. Zenith,
who was looking at the scenery around her, turned around after a while as if
she felt my gaze.
I felt a little embarrassed but I didn't show it, I
smiled at her. My smile for 'public mode' automatically appeared on my face.
"Right now, the Princess' eyes look like a deep
blue like the color of a lake."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. The color is similar to my eyes."
For a moment, I felt doubtful about what Zenith said.
Zenith who made eye contact with me smiled beautifully again. My feelings were
a little stirred by the familiarity that was visible in her eyes.
"I saw His Majesty and the Princess for the first
time on the debutante day."
If I were the real Athanasia, I would have thought
that the friendliness in Zenith's eyes was based on kindness built on
friendship.
"The figure of the two of you standing together
looks so friendly and harmonious that my eyes unconsciously keep following the
two of you."
It seems that Zenith already thinks of me as her
little sister and that's why she shows such kindness to me. It was something I
already knew from the beginning, but when I saw her looking at me like that, my
heart was moved.
I adjusted the umbrella in my hand and opened my
mouth.
"I'm also happy to see you and Young Master
Alphaeus looking so close."
"Yes, that's right. He's like family to me."
Zenith just laughed shyly when she heard my words. I
was about to say something else, but I held myself back. It was because I
seemed arrogant by asking things that I already knew but I pretended not to
know anything.
I stared at the girl in front of me with a strange
feeling. Under the soaked lace umbrella, her soft brown hair swayed gently. Her
round eyes were a pure blue without a single blemish in them. With the pink
dress she was wearing, Zenith looked like a very beautiful and innocent little
girl. And in reality, she was indeed a little girl who was only 14 years old.
"Ah. How can it be this beautiful?"
The beautiful princess in the book, Zenith, whispered
sweetly. And not long after, with a gaze that seemed to be gazing at a charming
lake, she spoke.
"Princess, I think I've never been this happy
before."
***
"Oh, yeah. Have you heard the rumor? About the
Mage of the Black Tower."
After the boat ride, we all sat down on the edge of
the lake with a beautiful view. As I heard from Felix, the lotus flower monster
was no longer in the lake. So, I secretly stroked my chest, then turned my head
to a girl who was talking.
"Ah, I heard that too!"
"Me too!"
Wow. The rumor has spread. Well, isn't it hard to
control so many mouths? I've been hearing it from Hannah since the first day
the rumor started circulating.
"But is it true that the Mage of the Black Tower
has appeared, Princess?"
As I thought, this lady wanted to find out the truth
about the rumor from me. Hey, if I were her, I would also immediately run (ask)
someone I know, who lives in the Imperial Palace. So, I can understand why they
are looking at me with such sparkling eyes. Oh, that's right. It's been a long
time since I smiled in 'public mode' a while ago. Hmmm.
After adjusting my expression for a moment, I answered
the young lady who was looking at me like a baby bird.
"Yes. Some time ago, there was a man who met my
father and proclaimed himself as the Mage of the Black Tower."
"Oh my!"
At my confirmation, they made a fuss as if they had
been waiting for this information. No, wait a minute. I did say, 'There was a
man who proclaimed himself as the Mage of the Black Tower'. I didn't say, 'the
Mage of the Black Tower'!
"Then, that's really great!"
"Wow, I didn't expect to see the return of the
Mage of the Black Tower in my lifetime!"
"I also want to see him! I heard he's an amazing
Archmage!"
Of course, the Mage of the Black Tower is amazing.
Isn't his figure considered an existence that's almost like a legend? Maybe
it's because of my memories from my previous life, I think of him as a mythical
figure. However, the girls in this world, seem like they don't think of him
that way. Wow, I think this is the first time I've seen them act this
exaggeratedly, other than when they were talking about the '4 Heavenly Kings of
the Noble World'.
"Oh my. Then, is he living in the Imperial Palace
now?"
Their eyes were sparkling and they couldn't hide their
expressions of joy. Seeing them made me feel mixed feelings.
"No. He doesn't live in the Imperial
Palace."
Sob. How heartbroken will they be when they find out
that person is a fake?
I remembered what happened during dinner with Claude
the other day.
'Daddy, did you really meet the Mage of the Black
Tower today?'
The day I sneaked out of the Palace with Lucas, I
heard from Hannah about the Mage of the Black Tower after I got home. I
thought, 'There's no way it's real'. Then, half of me thought, 'But, what if
it's real?'. I waited for Claude's answer with anticipation.
'The rumor has spread, huh.'
Maybe my eyes at that time were similar to the eyes of
these girls now. Haa, but I couldn't help it. Moreover, it was about the Mage
of the Black Tower! He was my heartfelt friend who shared my lonely childhood
as Athanasia.
'He's fake.'
However, my illusion was shattered when Claude said
that casually.
'What? Fake?'
'It was quite entertaining, so I wanted to watch the
show he put on for a while. But, he's just a guy disguised as a Mage of the
Black Tower. So, don't pay too much attention to him.'
That was the end of the flashback!
Recalling Claude's face that I saw that day, I
secretly thought about that fake Mage of the Black Tower. Haa, Claude said he
let it be because it was quite entertaining, but that wasn't something that had
a positive meaning. Even at that time, Claude had an expression as if he was
looking at a worm wriggling beneath his feet!
"I wonder how old the Mage of the Black Tower
is?"
"Oh my. Come to think of it, he must have white hair
already."
"No! It is said that the body of an Archmage ages
slower than normal people, so they stay young for a long time. That's why the
Archmage Emperor Aeternitas was able to rule for a long time."
Hoeeekkkkk.
Once again, gazes thirsting for answers were directed
at me. No, you'll all be disappointed if you find out that person is a fake.
Huhuhuuuu. I only answered according to the rumors I heard because I felt
sympathy.
"Hmm. I heard he looks like a young man."
Ole*!
T/N: An exclamation of approval or support usually
uttered at an event held in Spain and Latin America. Usually uttered during
Bullfighting and Flamenco Dancing events.
These girls felt as happy as if they had just climbed
a flight of stairs.
"I remember reading in a book that the Mage of
Black Tower had a very free-spirited personality. But apparently, as soon as he
came out of his seclusion, he immediately came to the Imperial Palace to meet
His Majesty."
Zenith also joined the conversation with the other
girls.
"It would be an honor if we could meet the Mage
of Black Tower in person, but such an opportunity doesn't come easily. What a
shame."
Argh! Zenith, you too! I screamed inside my heart.
Hey, the Black Tower Mage is a fake! He's just a fake person who's pretending!
No, of course, it was Claude who said that. But since Claude said it —not
someone else, it must be true. For some reason, it might seem like a baseless
belief, but on the other hand, it was believable since the source of the information
was Claude.
"Princess."
And towards the end of today's Tea Party, Zenith
quietly called out to me and approached me.
I answered her with a smile.
"Miss Magritta, today was also fun. Thank you for
coming to every one of my Tea Parties."
But for some reason, Zenith seemed hesitant —she bit
her lip as if she was about to say something. Crazy. Did she have to be this
cute when she was hesitant?
"Excuse me. If you don't mind, could you take
this?"
She finally shook off her hesitation and held
something out to me. When I looked at it, it was a small, beautifully wrapped
box.
"Satin ribbon?"
At that moment, an incident that had happened outside
the Imperial Palace a while ago crossed my mind.
'Is there still a place to look?'
'Try to remember. I haven't bought the most important
thing yet.'
"I remember that the ribbon I took on the
debutante day was a bit damaged… And when I returned it to you, there was a
stain on it. So, I cleaned it before returning it to you. But, the stain
wouldn't come off, so I was still worried."
'Izekiel, what's wrong with you? I've told you several
times before we went out, but you forgot everything.'
"When I went out the other day, I happened to
find a ribbon that looked good on you, Princess."
Zenith smiled shyly as she looked down at the box she
was holding.
“So, there’s no way I can leave the store without
buying this.”
When I heard that, I could feel her unease. Zenith
said that she accidentally found a ribbon that looked good on me and bought it.
However, what I heard during the incident outside the Palace that day was
different.
‘When we get to the store, pick out a ribbon with me.
I’ll give it to the Princess as a present, so you won’t get bored so easily.’
“Ah, but this really isn’t a good present… And the
Princess might not like it. So, I’d be happy if you kept it.”
When I looked at the box, Zenith’s voice shrank as if
she had lost her confidence. Seeing that, my eyes began to tremble. If you’re
like that, won’t it just make me feel guilty? You even clean the ribbon you
took during debutante day? In fact, not long after I received the ribbon from
Zenith, Claude threw it away, so I don’t know where it is. Come to think of it,
Claude also said that the ribbon was dirty. More importantly, you were thinking
about it all the time, and you even gave me a new ribbon as a present! And as
you just said, you accidentally found a ribbon that suited me on the street?
You actually went out to buy me a present. That day, I heard everything. So,
you chose to give it to me as a present and showed such a humble attitude, even
though you had chosen this ribbon so carefully —as if you were afraid that I
would reject you……
For some reason, I felt sad. I accepted the box before
her face turned into one of disappointment.
"Thank you very much for the gift."
Hearing my words, Zenith raised her head and looked me
in the eye. I could see my smile reflected in her eyes.
"I will definitely wear it at the next Tea Party.
I look forward to it. After all, Miss Magritta personally chose this ribbon
with me in mind."
And Zenith smiled at me with the same happy expression
on her face as she did at the lake —she looked so beautiful.
"If you do that, there is nothing more I can hope
for."
***
"Princess, you have a friend."
On the way to the Emerald Palace, after the girls
left, Felix spoke to me. I raised my head and looked at him. Then, as if he had
made a friend —not me, there was a bright smile on his face.
Friend? A friend? Somehow, I made a strange expression
at the unfamiliar words. Then, I lowered my head again.
"Woof!"
"Ah, Blackie!"
At that moment, as if sensing my presence, a creature
that looked like a black dog ran from afar while wagging its tail. Hannah, who
seemed to be feeding Blackie, was now standing in her place —just staring at
Blackie silently, looking like she had given up.
"Blackie, did you play well?"
"Woof!"
I stroked his black fur while laughing. Haha. What has
my Blackie eaten? And does its aegyo keep increasing like this every day?
Awwww. That's really cute. Oh! Static electricity again. Has the weather been
really dry lately?
"Princess, give Blackie to me and rest
inside."
"Can't I help feed Blackie?"
"Sir Mage told you not to get too close to
Blackie. Here, let me feed Blackie."
Me too, I also want to feed Blackie while stroking its
black fur! Sob. Even though my Blackie is already this big.
I pursed my lips, thinking about Lucas who had
threatened me a while ago to spend less time with Blackie. Was he trying to
control me through Lily and the others because he knew that I wouldn't listen
to his words?
Even though my Blackie had grown up a lot lately,
there was nothing special about it other than it getting bigger day by day.
"Woof, Woof!"
"That's right. Eat a lot, Blackie."
Hmm. But, he said Blackie came from my magic power.
So, does that mean he'll disappear when I grow up and absorb it? I don't like
it... I went to the Emerald Palace, thinking that I should ask Lucas when I met
him later. Then, the opportunity came at night.
"Lucas, is there a way for me not to absorb
Blackie?"
Lucas took some dried fruits from my desk and answered
my question with a pout.
"Archmage, Archmage. You kept saying that you
wanted to become an Archmage since you were little. So? Don't you want to use
magic?"
Sob. Ugh, my heart hurts a little when you say that.
"It's not like that. If Blackie is absorbed by
me, then it will disappear."
Lucas, who heard my words, lay down on the sofa. Then,
he let out his voice carelessly.
"Just because you raised it like a pet. Do you
really think that sinsu is your dog?"
I froze in the same position as when I was sitting on
the carpet while stretching.
"Forget it. It's not a living creature, it's just
a mass of magical power."
I looked up and saw Lucas staring at me with
emotionless eyes. Sharp and unforgiving eyes, that's what sometimes made him
feel like he wasn't a human made of flesh and blood like everyone else.
"It seems like you're feeling a dilemma because
you're confused because you treat that sinsu like a pet dog. But, it's not
'alive', it's just 'there'."
I listened quietly to what Lucas said, and then I
reached for something I could reach.
"So, don't give too much of your affection. Even
if you keep doing it, 'it' won't leave a single bone. Just give 'it' to
me..."
Bugh!
A pillow slipped from my hand and flew towards Lucas'
face.
Ironically, somehow, he was able to avoid the reach of
the pillow's blow just by lowering his head slightly.
"It won't even hurt, why are you avoiding
it?"
Lucas lowered his head slightly and looked at me —only
his gaze moved. I could feel his red eyes tracing my face. But, I ignored him,
I got up and walked to get back the pillow I was using to stretch my body. The
pillow hit the back of the sofa where Lucas was and bounced to the floor. As I
bent down to pick up the pillow that fell in front of Lucas, he opened his
mouth.
"Are you mad?"
I didn't say anything.
"You're mad."
"Take this."
Lucas' hand held the edge of the pillow I had just
taken and he said coldly.
"I know why you're mad. But I never said anything
wrong. The end of that thing (Blackie) has already been decided, so if you
cherish and remember it, you'll only regret it later."
I was shocked by the words he said, which entered my
ears.
"Yeah, you're great!"
I pulled the pillow out of Lucas' hand and swung it at
him.
"I'm stupid, so I cling to a lump of magic power
that isn't even alive, and always worry about whether 'it' will disappear today
or tomorrow. So, what's wrong with that?"
Lucas frowned as I continued to hit him with the
pillow, he didn't avoid my blows. Yeah, what's so hard about taking this hit?
Besides, it doesn't hurt.
"Yeah. Maybe you're right. But, where's the harm?
Do you have to say it with words like that? Huh? Is that the best thing you can
do?"
After hitting Lucas with the pillow, again and again,
I stopped because I felt tired, and lowered my arm.
"Are you done now?"
"Not yet!"
Bugh!
I threw the pillow at Lucas' face for the last time.
It was an improvement from something I had never managed to do before.
Suddenly, when I threw the pillow, Lucas frowned as
much as possible. Hm? What? Why? What's wrong with you looking at me like
that!? I snorted at him! Hmph. Then, I picked up the pillow that I threw at
Lucas' face and tried to get back to my original place.
"Aahhh!"
This lowly man stretched out his leg and tripped me! I
lost my balance and staggered, then, guided by some force, I fell onto the sofa
—not the floor.
"Be careful. Why do you trip over other people's
feet when they're just standing still?"
T-This guy! Is this his revenge? Are you like this
just because I hit you with the pillow a few times? If so, why did you let me
hit you earlier? I raised my head and glared at him with my messy hair.
"Come here."
Then, Lucas who was looking at me with a slightly
sullen face, clicked his tongue and called me. No, this guy, again? Ordering
me? Do you think I'm your dog? When told to come, come. And when told to leave,
leave. Do I look like that in your eyes?
"If you have a business, come here."
This was quite a funny situation, considering the
distance between Lucas and me was only less than 1 meter. Hearing my words, he
let out an 'Ahaha' as if he was saying that I had gone overboard. But, in the
end, Lucas reached out his hand to me first.
"You're ugly."
Argh! Instead of asking for making up, he's asking for
a fight again! Just as I was about to riot again, Lucas touched my forehead
with his hand.
"I really can't just let it go."
"Tch, who asked you to do that?"
Lucas was used to doing this to me, I knew that he was
doing this to purify the magic inside me. But I grumbled at Lucas because of
what happened earlier.
Lucas, who until a moment ago was fighting with me,
was now sitting next to me and purifying my magic, and then he laughed. And I,
who was sitting still and accepting it, laughed along.
My fight with this guy didn't last long.
"Today is the last day I can meet you face to
face like this, so don't be too angry."
And at that moment, without realizing it, I stopped
breathing when I heard those words.
"I'll be going out for a while."
Lucas told me with a calm face.
***
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