Chapter 53
“But you said earlier that you weren’t just going to break the spell. You said it would take time because you were going to use that magic in reverse.”
“I did.”
“Can you really reverse a spell like that?”
At that question, Ianhart, whose gaze had been unfocused, turned to look at Liana, who was sitting on the floor.
“It’s not that I don’t trust you…”
“But?”
“Um… The one who cast the spell on the two of them was the Tower Master of Rown. The Queen’s cousin.”
Usually, the title of Tower Master meant the most skilled magician in the country.
Of course, there were hidden masters or those who didn’t show themselves publicly, but still, the Tower Master of Rown was known to be one of the top three magicians in the land.
Understanding what was making Liana uneasy, Ianhart opened his mouth.
“I guarantee, when it comes to dismantling and reworking spells, there’s no magician in Rown better than Varka.”
Upon hearing that, a strange sense of relief settled over her.
Good grief. Since when did I start trusting people this easily?
Still, the uneasiness did seem to subside. To think that quiet magician was that skilled.
“He seemed timid, but he’s actually an impressive talent.”
“Timid… That’s just because you haven’t been inside that place with him.”
There was a sigh in Ianhart’s voice. A trace of irritation and difficulty, too.
Somehow, Liana thought she could guess where those feelings came from.
“…Hmm, I think I understand now.”
“Understand what?”
“That expression and voice of Yours, it’s just like mine when I think about those troublemaking royal guards.”
Fortunately, time passed smoothly.
By the time more than half of the expected two hours had passed…
“I personally locked my mother in the tower. That rumor… it’s true.”
That the current Emperor of Erkal had, upon ascending the throne, purged his own mother — that he imprisoned her deep within the palace — was a rumor that had spread quietly among the high-ranking nobles.
The Emperor had neither confirmed nor denied it.
He simply let the rumors spread as they would, never correcting them.
And as with all things, without a response, the rumor eventually lost its fire.
But to think it was true…
That rumor always carried with it harsh judgments of the Emperor.
— A man with no blood or tears.
— A cruel, cold tyrant who doesn’t even regard the woman who bore him as family.
That rumor must have played a large part in building the Emperor’s fearsome reputation.
“My mother’s crime, kept top secret, was attempted regicide of the royal family. She almost succeeded.”
Liana’s eyes widened in shock at those words.
The Emperor had dethroned the Queen Mother and imprisoned her in the tower immediately after ascending the throne.
People had assumed he was a tyrant, eliminating elder royals to secure his power.
But now to hear the Queen Mother’s charge was attempted murder of a royal family member — and that she nearly succeeded…
Most likely, the target had been—
‘You.’
Liana’s purple eyes quietly looked at Ianhart.
He didn’t look particularly sad or shaken as he recalled the past.
Liana recognized that look.
So numbed that one doesn’t even realize they’re hurt anymore. Like pinching deadened skin cells that no longer respond.
Emotions, too, are like cells. Once their reservoir is exhausted, they dry up.
“Princess.”
“…Yes?”
“Don’t take my words too seriously. I didn’t mean them that way.”
I know. His gentle tone was probably his way of sharing his experience to comfort me.
That kindness was touching — and made his childhood all the more sorrowful.
But she couldn’t say that out loud. Because she knew Ianhart hadn’t brought up the Queen Mother’s story hoping for her sympathy.
“Sometimes, blood ties are worse than strangers. When that’s the case, it’s better to just treat them as strangers. Holding onto them only hurts you.”
“…I know.”
Liana rested her face on her knees and let out a soft chuckle at the heartfelt comfort.
She knew it. Those people never truly saw her as family.
But foolishly, Liana had still considered them her family. …Up until now.
‘…It’s time I made a clear decision. Who truly belongs to me.’
Liana took a deep breath, trying to organize her complicated feelings.
Then she slowly looked up at Ianhart.
“As I thought, I was right.”
“Right about what?”
“That Your Majesty is a kind person.”
Ianhart furrowed his brows as if to say, ‘What nonsense is that?’ but Liana’s opinion didn’t change.
If he weren’t kind, he wouldn’t have tried to comfort her.
Still, she didn’t say it out loud. He’d probably deny it anyway.
So, since he’d deny it himself, she’d just keep that kindness for herself.
It was a winter night coming to an end.
“Your Highness, His Majesty the King is calling for you.”
“Tell him I’m too sick to go.”
“…Pardon?”
Liana, who was half-lounging on the sofa while gently stroking Kkamang, lazily turned her head.
She didn’t look sick at all.
“Tell him I’m too sick to move. He’ll get the point.”
“Y-Yes…”
Waving her hand as she spoke, Liana responded firmly. The attendant who had come to deliver the King’s summons bit his lip and bowed.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
Now he had to go back and report her response to the King.
Shuffling—
It was the third time today that the poor attendant had made a round trip between the King’s office in the main palace and Liana’s residence on the outskirts of the royal grounds.
“What’s going to be thrown at me this time…”
A sigh escaped the head attendant’s lips.
On his forehead, slightly visible beneath his bangs, was a fresh red scratch — a recent wound.
The last time the King had been refused, he had flown into a rage and hurled a teacup from his desk.
Thankfully, it hadn’t hit the body directly, but the shattered shards had scattered far.
‘Ugh, it still hurts.’
He dreaded to think how furious the King would be this time.
Serves him right. He should’ve treated the princess better from the start. He was always so cruel and dismissive — now look at him.
Though he served the King, the head attendant cursed him internally with every step.
Thanks to his skill and wit, he’d made it to the position of chief attendant — but respect for the King? He had none.
“Ugh, I better hurry…”
With a gloomy expression, the chief attendant quickly wiped it away and resumed a neutral face, walking off at a brisk pace.
After he disappeared—
“This King is a lost cause.”
A handsome blond man emerged from a blind spot the attendant hadn’t seen.
Clicking his tongue, he looked toward where the attendant had gone, then disappeared into the palace building the attendant had just exited.
“Kkamang.”
Squeak?
“When His Majesty arrives later, shall we go watch the royal guards train together? They’re doing practice today.”
Kkyak!
At Liana’s words, Kkamang — who had been lounging flat and purring — suddenly sprang to his feet.
He then climbed onto Liana’s stomach and started whining as if urging her.
“Not now. When His Majesty arrives, okay?”
“What are you doing when I arrive?”
“Eek…!”
Kkyak!
A voice suddenly came from above, and Liana shot up in surprise.
Kkamang, who had been on her stomach, jumped as well.
Turning around quickly, she saw Ianhart standing there in light formal wear.
“I told you to make some noise when you enter.”
Liana narrowed her eyes, startled. Ianhart gave her a faint, amused smile.
“It’s a habit.”
“…That’s a lie. Sir Laviel told me everything.”
“Oh dear. Caught.”
At his shameless response, Liana huffed but then sighed.
Bored face? Emotionless? People who started those rumors clearly had never met Ianhart in person.
“…More importantly, what’s with the outfit today? I thought you didn’t like uncomfortable clothes.”
Sure, it’s pleasing to the eye seeing a good-looking man dressed up, but still…
“Thought we might go on a date before leaving Rown?”
Liana’s eyes widened at those words.
“That crazy old man finally gave up?!”
“So that’s what you’re surprised about.”
At her shout filled with joy, Ianhart burst into hearty laughter.
“Well… Maybe not a date, but I was surprised by your outfit.”
Trying to recover from her excitement, Liana made a belated excuse. Ianhart sat lazily on the opposite sofa, smiling.
Kkamang, who had been startled with her earlier, had now settled comfortably on her lap again.
“Whose divine beast are you, really?”
Grumbleee—
Kkamang ignored the question and stretched, then rubbed his face affectionately against Liana’s hand.
“…Kkamang.”
Squeak?
Golden eyes gleamed as the creature looked up at her endearingly.
Very — no, extremely — cute.
Liana’s lips curled into a warm smile.
