CHAPTER 85………………………………………………………
You can’t judge a person by appearances alone.
That’s true.
Hadn’t he been repeatedly warned to be cautious of people in the imperial studies he had learned all this time?
“Then why do I feel uneasy?”
Perhaps it was because he recalled those clear eyes that had stared at him so openly.
Kallak tapped the pen he held between his fingers and said,
“I’ve thought this before, but you’re excessively cautious.”
“Excuse me?”
“Over the past few centuries, hasn’t a grand ducal house that contributed to the Empire’s peace been acting as if it might stage a rebellion?”
“That is…!”
Isn’t that because Your Majesty’s health is fragile?
Ricador only parted his lips slightly, unable to speak the words.
But it wasn’t hard to read the expression of an advisor who had worked alongside him for so long.
“Don’t blame yourself. I do not wish to defy the grand ducal house.”
“My apologies… but isn’t that the nature of a ruler’s position?”
Kallak continued to gaze at him, as if inviting him to speak.
“Power appears solid, yet it can crumble with a single tiny crack. Even someone as knowledgeable as you speaks lightly.”
Lightly.
Normally, he would have agreed with that sentiment, but somehow he didn’t feel like doing so now.
Kallak twisted the corner of his mouth into a wry smile.
“Isn’t what we’re discussing now the same? Since the truth has already been told to her, the choice is no longer ours. Isn’t that right?”
He could already anticipate how it would turn out.
Kallak hummed pleasantly, adding with delight.
“…Have you really gotten better?”
“Does it seem so?”
“Yes.”
Kallak spent a moment imagining Lilia’s face.
If it was merely a matter of personal taste, yes, he liked cute women.
But he was confident that it hadn’t reached the stage of love.
Still, whatever it was…
“There’s nothing wrong with it. Since meeting her, my life, which felt like wandering through a fog, seems a little clearer. How could I dislike that?”
“…That’s uncharacteristic of Your Majesty. You are not someone who trusts others easily, after all.”
Kallak did not reply.
He agreed to some extent himself.
‘Strange.’
The woman named Lilia, who appeared out of nowhere, seemed composed of exactly the elements he needed.
Their first meeting had been pure chance. Discovering her abilities was also accidental. That she knew the source of the medicine he had been chasing all his life…
‘Could all of that really be coincidence?’
It seemed more plausible that it was someone’s scheme.
Then, who?
The answer came quickly.
Someone who could exploit his desperation.
‘The one who sent the medicine.’
Then what exactly does that person want from me? What is their relationship with her?
Looking back, when he revealed his identity, Lilia had appeared composed, as if she had already known the story.
But that was not the only suspicious thing about her.
Earlier, when he taught her how to use the mana stones, she drew out his magic with skill.
It wasn’t just talent.
‘The flow of her magic itself was different.’
It wasn’t a major difference, but having handled magic since childhood, he could sense even the slightest variation.
Even considering that she had no elemental affinity, her method was different.
More refined, more stable, perhaps.
Had she undergone similar training before?
“What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing, just….”
Kallak trailed off, lost in his thoughts.
“Ricador.”
“Yes?”
“Do you think the alchemist who taught elemental training to the royal family centuries ago is still alive?”
Records in the royal archives said that the one who introduced the training was a renowned alchemist of the Empire, and the Emperor had even bestowed the title of “Great” upon him.
“Impossible. Even back then, it was recorded that he was over a hundred years old.”
Ricador’s face reflected disbelief.
“Yes, that’s true. But he’s an alchemist—immortality elixirs and life extension methods could be within reach.”
Why does he always say things like that?
Ricador replied nonchalantly.
“If that were the case, he would have already appeared at the royal court. He was remarkable enough that even centuries later, many still praise his accomplishments. No one would refuse that much wealth and honor.”
He was right. Perhaps his thoughts had been excessive.
“Do you admire him that much?”
“Huh?”
“Never mind. If that’s Your Majesty’s wish, what more can a mere advisor like me say? Let’s continue our work.”
Ricador resumed focusing on the task he had paused moments ago, leaving Kallak without a chance to respond.
Of course, there wasn’t much to defend anyway.
Kallak returned his attention to the documents that hadn’t moved forward in several minutes.
‘Indeed. Thinking of the past alchemist just because she handles the mana stones well is absurd.’
As Ricador suggested, perhaps he had drawn unnecessary connections to reassure himself that she wasn’t suspicious.
Shaking off distracting thoughts, he focused on his work.
Sunlight streaming through the window gently illuminated his golden hair.
It was a clear day, almost too nice to spend only on work.
“Milady, did something happen at the palace? You don’t look well.”
“Huh? Is it because it’s hot today?”
Pressing my face into my hands, I asked Merry.
“Maybe it’s just me… but yes, it is hot. Shall we draw the curtains?”
“Please do.”
With the curtains drawn, the sunlight was blocked. I pressed against the chair back and continued the thoughts I had paused.
‘I forgot to ask if there’s anyone with powers similar to non-elemental magic.’
A little disappointing, but I would have more opportunities later.
‘There’s more than one strange thing happening here.’
Whether the original protagonists were strange or not didn’t concern me. But if I wasn’t imagining it, this situation…
‘It feels like it’s all happening around me.’
Somehow, it didn’t seem like it would end just because I divorced.
‘I hate guessing anyway.’
Well, what was there to worry about?
I had already decided my answer while leaving the office.
I would ask Adrina directly.
I still couldn’t understand why she was being kind, but it was true that she was favorable toward me.
But what if she siphoned the medicine while I was there?
‘Ah, wait.’
I could just go now.
I knew visiting without an appointment might be rude, but Adrina had once said I could come anytime.
‘Is this the time to worry about my dignity?’
This world was so suspicious that I couldn’t even explain exactly what was suspicious.
Right. I knew I had already left the original story behind.
But whether my death had also deviated from the original story, I still didn’t know.
It’s natural to fear something that already happened might happen again, rather than fearing something that never happened.
Perhaps, without realizing it, someone was already threatening my life.
But I would never passively accept being killed.
At the very least, if I were truly to die… I would want to know the reason. Even just to struggle would make it less unjust.
I called to the coachman.
“Coachman, head to the residence of Duke Rizen.”
“What? That’s…”
“No.”
As expected, a voice stopped me. It was Richard.
He opened the curtains on the carriage and added, wearing a sullen expression,
“Your destination permitted by Your Highness is the palace only.”
He was firm.
But I had just as strong a reason not to back down.
‘I feel like I’ll really die if I stay passive.’
That’s just how I felt.
Growing more desperate, I shouted louder.
“Coachman, to the Rizen residence!”
“No.”
Such a stubborn man.
I exhaled sharply and spoke in a softer, more pleading tone.
“You’re stopping me because you think it’s dangerous, right?”
He nodded.
“That’s why Sidereon assigned you to me.”
Nod.
“He is a great knight, recognized by Sidereon.”
Nod.
“If he’s by my side, isn’t my safety guaranteed?”
His nod halted mid-motion.
Tch.
‘Not working.’
Merry, who had been watching between me and Richard, intervened.
“Milady, the knight is worried for your safety. You’ve already seen his remarkable skills.”
Merry… this little rascal.
‘Support me for once.’
How long could I stay at the Rizen residence anyway?
Richard, perhaps encouraged by Merry siding with me, spoke even more firmly.
“Since Miss Merry says so, let’s return.”
I couldn’t go along with that.
Even if I went home feeling this way, I’d be anxious.
‘And who knows when Sidereon will allow me to go out again.’
“Merry, do you doubt the knight’s skills?”
“No? It’s not that… but…”
“If not, a perfect knight wouldn’t leave me in danger like this.”
Merry muttered in thought.
“That’s true…”
As expected, once I emphasized Richard’s greatness, Merry quickly agreed.
“Since the knight is so capable, wouldn’t it be fine for Milady to stop by elsewhere briefly?”
Flinch.
Huh?
Richard, who hadn’t moved at my words, twitched slightly.
Even though my words weren’t much different from before.
Wait, could it be…
…This guy.
Watching the two of them, the corners of my eyes narrowed.
