SIDE STROY 01………………………………………………..
“I feel like I’m going to die.”
“Oh my. That’s unfortunate.”
Helion said that to me as I buried my head on the table. His voice was full of regretful concern, but I saw it—the smile that had settled on his handsome lips the moment I lifted my head.
I shivered with betrayal. I didn’t hold back the words that rose to the back of my throat.
“You are clearly a devil. I can’t understand why the empire’s citizens praise you as an angel.”
“Does that count as insulting the royal family?”
“I suppose it does. Please, feel free to throw me in the underground prison anytime.”
Yes. It would be better to be imprisoned. At least then my body could rest.
But Helion firmly refused, as if to say such nonsense was out of the question.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I would never do something like that to you.”
At first, it sounded kind, but I no longer fall for such words. What he really meant was, “Do you think I’ll just stand by while you rest in prison?”
“Rinne. You look so admirable when you focus on your work, but I worry you’re pushing yourself too hard.”
“…Your Highness. Are you serious?”
“Of course. I even lost sleep last night worrying about you.”
Helion seemed ready to dab at his eyes with a handkerchief. There’s no doubt he’s deceiving me.
“All of this is because of you! It’s really too much, Hel!”
My fists trembled on the table. If anyone asked why I was angry, the answer was clear.
“Who was it that shoved me into the medical department?”
It had been a year since the resurrected demons spread throughout the empire.
In that year, many changes had taken place. The empire officially started interacting with the Mage Tower, which had been so opposed before—an unprecedented shift in imperial history.
And the biggest change for me? Undoubtedly being appointed head of the newly established medical department in the royal palace.
[“…Excuse me? I think I misheard something.”]
About half a year ago, Helion told me:
[“You heard correctly, Rinnegrim. I want to appoint you as the head of the soon-to-be-established medical department. It’s derived from the management division, so work alongside the existing staff.”]
[“Your Highness… why would you say that to a newcomer like me?”]
I naturally expected a strong backlash within the palace. But to my surprise…
[“Ah! So the crown prince gave the word! I recommended you wholeheartedly!”]
Not just Nielsen, the management chief.
[“Rinnegrim! I knew you could do it! Becoming head in less than a year—truly a genius!”]
Even Senior Loren… well, Loren could be an exception.
[“Rinnegrim! No, Head! Please take me into the medical department! I’ll learn diligently!”]
[“Me too! No, me as well!”]
Even the seniors of the management division, including Senior Benjamin, gave their full support.
[“Rinne. If you refuse, I will cancel the creation of the medical department. You are the only one suited to lead it. I decided to create it just for you.”]
[“…Just for me?”]
[“Yes, only for you.”]
Yes. This was all because of Helion’s firm insistence and the devilish voices egging him on. Otherwise, I would never have stepped into this fire willingly!
A letter from the northern snowy mountains also played a huge part in my decision.
[“Dear Rinne, I heard you’ve been appointed to the royal medical department. Congratulations! I want to attend the inauguration next year with the younger children. I’ll be looking forward to it. —From the snowy mountains, Rihasol Aksion.”]
It was obvious who leaked the news. Eve’s gaze kept avoiding me. But even Reim bowed his head, which was truly unexpected.
[“Sorry, Rinne… I’m just proud of you.”]
If Reim hadn’t smiled like that at that moment, I might not have accepted the head position so readily!
“I should have listened to Sir Ethan shaking his head nearby…”
“Did Ethan say that?”
“Don’t even think about bothering Ethan. I’ll skip the medical department and submit a leave request instead.”
“…That won’t do.”
Ethan is a precious friend who always stands by me. I can’t allow Helion’s influence to reach him.
“By the way, Rinne. Are you prepared?”
Preparation. I immediately understood what he meant. It’s the biggest headache lately.
“Ugh… it’s giving me a splitting headache anyway.”
Even more than the endless daily workload, it’s been tormenting me. Who could have imagined this? Even my past self wouldn’t have known.
“It’s been a year already.”
“…Yes. That’s right.”
“Of course, it’s a good thing for me, though.”
“Excuse me?”
I didn’t catch his muttering properly, and Helion didn’t repeat it—he just sipped his tea.
“First, I have to finish the book… the textbook to be used… Then begin serious cultivation of the Serchow and monitor it… Ah, but I can manage to prepare everything for the inauguration next month. I just don’t know if I’ll still be alive until then.”
“I’ve kept a busy person too long.”
“And Your Highness?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you resting properly, Hel?”
No matter how busy I am, I could never be busier than Helion, soon-to-be emperor. Today, I’ve only seen him for the first time in about ten days. In that short time, his handsome features seem even sharper. I hope he’s eating well.
“Do you know half your face is red? I’m worried your small face might vanish.”
Helion, brushing his cheek at my words, chuckled softly.
“I’m resting now, aren’t I?”
“This is not resting—it’s a report.”
“The time I spend with you is the most relaxing.”
“Wow…”
I couldn’t help but part my lips at the sudden, unexpected remark.
“I don’t understand why someone like you wouldn’t want a fiancée.”
“Rinne.”
“Ah, sorry. I’ve just heard rumors.”
Even today, until right before entering his office, Helion’s aide, Ferrick, was complaining endlessly. Ferrick, unaware of Helion’s behavior with me, had reason to worry.
Helion, the perfect crown prince, is a novice when it comes to romance. There were ridiculous rumors—he grows, he sleeps, he, um… sigh.
All because the crown prince refuses even an engagement at the proper age.
“Of course, I won’t force Your Highness to do anything you dislike, you know?”
Ferrick could cry and tear his handkerchief, and it wouldn’t concern me!
He’s the greatest contributor to my rise. I hope he lives as he wants. Engagement, marriage—whenever Helion is ready…
“…Why the sudden gloom?”
“I don’t think this is the time to worry about others…”
“Ah.”
Helion covered his mouth as if suppressing a smile.
“I hear the love letters pouring into the Feahil mansion are piling up like a mountain?”
“Please stop… I’m already exhausted calming someone who sulks every other day…”
Great success comes with great responsibility—and other annoying matters. Burning love letters sent by strangers is one such task.
“Well, I’ll be off now. I still have a mountain of work.”
“Try not to hate me too much.”
“You’re joking, right? Hate Hel? Even if the world ends, never.”
Alright, then!
I finished the remaining tea in one gulp, bowed my head, and left Helion’s office.
“Ah! Your Highness! What happened to your eyes! Your cheeks are bright red! Do you have a sudden fever? Poison in the tea? Who’s outside?!”
“Quiet, Ferrick…”
A commotion erupted behind me, but Ferrick is competent, so it should be fine.
I was headed to the greenhouse to tend the Serchow. The delicate plants wilt if the environment changes even slightly, so constant monitoring is crucial.
As I entered, a large shadow darted behind a tree. That didn’t hide him.
“…Sir Ethan. Come out.”
After a while, Ethan emerged hesitantly, holding a watering can politely.
“Have you come, Rinnegrim?”
“I came because I thought you might be doing this again.”
“As I said, it’s only because I want to—”
“Sacrificing even your break time, Sir Ethan?”
Ethan shut his mouth. I sighed and took the watering can from his hands.
“It’s not just breaking your break time. You come early, leave late, even come at dawn to the greenhouse!”
“How could I…!”
“How could you not! Rumor has it the Holy Knight Commander enjoys secret rendezvous in the greenhouse every dawn! Tied up with low-level court scandals!”
“That’s not true! Rinnegrim, I have never had such a rendezvous! I do not speak to any woman other than you!”
“You don’t need to explain that to me!”
“Then who else?!”
Ethan asked with a perfectly innocent face.
“To those gossiping about you! Not me!”
Ethan nodded, “Ah,” but shook his head.
“That’s fine. It’s enough that you don’t misunderstand. I don’t care what others say.”
“I care! I know you’re not that kind of person, but others don’t! There are countless people trying to tarnish your reputation!”
“It’s enough if you trust me.”
Can someone be this steadfast? I threw up my hands. I alone was angry; my mouth was the only one exhausted.
“Sir Ethan. I’m really okay.”
“No. You’re not okay.”
“I know claiming I’m fine looks unbelievable like this…”
“Then stay still.”
Ethan held my shoulder as I tried to sit, forcing me back onto the bed.
I had been watering the Serchow, but suddenly felt dizzy and had to sit down. Startled, Ethan picked me up and headed to the infirmary.
I had just boasted I could manage on my own, and now I look pathetic. I couldn’t face Ethan.
“I’m usually not like this.”
“Yes.”
“I’m really strong.”
“I know.”
“It’s just the past few nights without sleep. A little dizziness, nothing serious. Can I get up?”
“Those small symptoms pile up into serious problems. Stay down.”
“I really am okay…! This is the first time dizziness has made me collapse—”
Knock knock knock!
After a brief pause, the infirmary door flew open.
A colorful head bobbed in.
