Chapter 11 …
Magic power?
Ah, right—The Mad Emperor’s Crimson Bedroom did have the concept of magic power.
It was considered more like an innate talent or stamina than a mystical force, so it was a little different from other romance-fantasy novels. Magic did exist, but only a very select few, like the high-ranking officers of the Magic Tower, could actually wield magic using mana.
In any case, the original work had repeatedly emphasized that Zeusia’s mana was overwhelming.
But never once had I read a description of her using her mana for the sake of another person.
Come to think of it, even when one of her concubines died, she hadn’t so much as called a doctor, let alone shared her mana.
And that psychopath gave her mana… to a doctor, no less?
I stared at Zeusia in shock, but her expression was still indifferent.
“I just didn’t want a corpse turning up in my bed.”
Not exactly a model answer, but the act of saving a dying daughter itself was commendable enough.
I beamed brightly and expressed my thanks, while inwardly letting out a sigh of relief.
She’s got a few rough edges, sure, but thank goodness she’s not as much of a trash heap of a human as in the original. Recycling material, at least!
Of course, that didn’t erase the crime of trying to kill her newborn daughter.
Still, as long as Zeusia was sane, there was no reason for this story to spiral into a grimdark 19+ tragedy.
No reason for the characters to fall into ruin, no rebellion, and both Zeusia and I would live long, healthy lives.
A true happily-ever-after for everyone!
If I dared to hope even further, perhaps Zeusia might be moved by my filial piety and grant me a nice fief.
If that happened, I’d be a princess with both wealth and status.
Then, just like I’d dreamed when I first possessed this body, I might be able to film a sweet romance with a handsome male lead, and then…
“What are you grinning about?”
With that husky voice, both of my cheeks were suddenly stretched out—this time, both sides.
Why was she always grabbing my cheeks? Did she not know it was rude to touch other people without permission?
…Ah, right. She didn’t.
Recalling her deeds in the original, I shut my eyes.
Zeusia really was an adult in need of constant lessons.
Determined that I’d teach her someday not to put her hands on others so carelessly, I chose to retreat one step back in order to advance three steps forward.
“Yeh, yehahh, gahi ihhiha iherher (I-I’m happy because I’m with Your Majesty).”
Somehow, she understood my muffled words, and her eyes flickered with interest.
“Must not have been many happy moments in your life. You’re delighted over the smallest things.”
“Hehe (ptui ptui).”
Sorry, but I’m not the least bit happy.
The doctor, meanwhile, had been staring at the sight of Zeusia and me “conversing.” After a moment, he gave the faintest of smiles.
I found myself staring at him—he was far too handsome to be an extra.
But Zeusia only frowned when she saw his face.
“What are you smirking about? If you’re done here, get out.”
“Eek! Please, kill me!”
“Get out before I really do kill you.”
“Y-Yes! Then, I’ll see you again another time!”
The terrified doctor bent so low it seemed his head would hit the floor.
When he straightened, his flowing hair and frightened expression seemed to slow down, like a scene from a movie.
In short—he was gorgeous.
There was no way a man that good-looking was just a background character. At the very least, he had the looks of one of Zeusia’s concubines.
But no matter how hard I racked my brain, I couldn’t recall a single dark-skinned, golden-eyed man in her harem.
Ah—maybe his name would jog my memory.
“Thank you. Doctor, what’s your name?”
“M-My name?”
His eyes widened at the unexpected question.
When I nodded eagerly, he gave a faint smile and opened his lips.
“It’s not really a name, but you may call me—Ul…”
But before he could finish, Zeusia cut him off.
“How many times do I need to tell you to get out?”
“B-But Her Highness asked me my name—”
Bang!
The solid wooden table beside the bed split clean in half with a deafening crack.
Wow…
That was the first time I’d realized wood could make such a terrifying sound when broken.
And that such delicate, pale arms could smash solid timber with a single fist.
Zeusia bared her teeth at the doctor, her patience clearly at its end.
“Enough. Get lost.”
“Eek! Y-Yes, I’ll go right away! Please don’t kill me, Your Majesty!”
Completely petrified, the man fell on his rear in panic.
Realizing he might truly die if he stayed any longer, he scrambled away almost on all fours.
“Th-Then I’ll see you again at the next checkup! Princess, I wish you p-peace and good health!”
Even while fleeing in a frenzy, he didn’t forget his manners—he even closed the door behind him.
He’s definitely an important character… but who on earth?
While trying to recall the original story, a wave of exhaustion hit me.
Before long, I realized I was nodding off.
My neck… feels uncomfortable.
A normal adult would lay a sleepy child down, but not this demon of a mother—she just kept stretching my cheeks.
…Life.
Truly, she was a person who needed endless correction. But for now, just a little… just a little… sleep.
When I awoke from my doze, it was late afternoon, when day began to fade into evening.
Through my hazy vision, I saw quite a number of people bustling about, carrying things in and out.
Things that looked very familiar.
It didn’t take long to realize they were carrying my belongings.
When I asked why they were moving my things into the Emperor’s bedroom, Zeusia answered with a bored look, as if it were obvious.
“Why else? You’ll be living here from now on.”
“Eh? Me?”
“You spent six years in Parnassos, so I thought you’d have quite a lot. But you don’t seem to own much. Not that it matters—looks like junk anyway. We could just throw it all out.”
“N-No, that’s not what I meant… You mean I’ll be staying here, with Your Majesty? In this bedroom?”
“That’s right.”
My jaw dropped in shock.
I could understand being given a room in the palace, but I had never heard of a romance-fantasy where a parent and child shared the same room.
Seeing my stunned face, Zeusia replied with an almost incredulous look.
“You were the one who asked to live with me.”
When did I—?!
About to feign ignorance, a memory flashed before me.
“Let’s… live together, the two of us.”
Yes, right before I lost consciousness, I had definitely said something like that.
But I didn’t mean literally in the same bedchamber!
“So, do you have a problem with it?”
“N-No, I love it!”
Of course I couldn’t go against her decision, so my lips moved instinctively.
Yes, this was my fault for phrasing things that way.
And so, six years after our separation, I became roommates with my deranged mother.
Let’s think positive. Living beside her means I’ll get closer to Zeusia and have more chances to fix that personality of hers.
First, I had to set a good example.
I’d be warm, kind, and polite—the very model of a six-year-old.
That way, she’d naturally realize just how twisted her own personality was.
Right now, she doesn’t seem to hate me as much as when I was born… Maybe I can try acting a little friendlier?
Just then, the hand that had never tired of fiddling with my cheeks finally withdrew.
“Um, Your Majesty.”
I seized the chance and gathered my courage.
“Could I… make one request?”
“A request?”
A frown immediately formed between her elegant brows.
Ugh, so scary.
But she didn’t refuse outright.
Swallowing nervously, I raised my eyes to look up at her.
“It makes me a little sad when Your Majesty keeps calling me ‘this’ or ‘you.’ So, if it’s all right with you…”
Having lived with this face for six years, I knew this angle was heartbreakingly adorable.
No matter how twisted Zeusia’s mind was, she still had eyes—she was bound to think I was cute.
Here it comes—the ultimate weapon.
Feigning embarrassment, I hesitated a moment, then smiled shyly.
“Please give me a name, Your Majesty.”
