Episode 21
“Ah! Sorry, sorry!”
Startled, I stepped back. That close contact was something new for me.
Fortunately, he didn’t make a fuss. Smith got up and spoke calmly.
“Don’t worry. Would you like me to walk you home as usual?”
“No, I’ll be fine alone.”
I felt too shy after touching him to ask for his escort. Avoiding his gaze, he seemed to understand and let me go.
“Alright. Go on home and rest well.”
There was a touch of regret in his voice.
“Okay, thank you!” I replied warmly, and left the office.
His laughter seemed to follow me. I could still feel the warmth of his hand holding mine.
Walking home, my mind was dazed. The cool night air couldn’t cool my flushed cheeks.
He smelled of sweet, crisp apples—just like him.
I stumbled on a stone in the street and kicked it away. It rolled into a dark alley.
I wish I could hide like that.
I remembered his shy smile. He’s so handsome—even in awkward situations.
“Aah, how will I face him tomorrow!”
I hurried home, worried I might run into him along the way.
The office was silent—everyone had left. Crickets sang through the open window. Emperor Alastair sat quietly until he realized the time.
Seven o’clock?
Quickly, he returned to his study and closed the door.
His brown hair darkened into black naturally. His eyes shifted from brown to gray.
He had become the Emperor again.
That was close.
Sweat covered his palm. Merlin had been busy, and the magic had nearly worn off.
Earlier, Alastair had stayed in the office long after I left. When she brushed past, his heart had fluttered at her scent—natural and familiar.
Even remembering the feel of her thigh made his chest tighten.
I must’ve been dreaming.
He realized two hours had passed while he replayed that moment in his mind.
I forgot myself just now.
He exhaled sharply. He had to stay alert—he couldn’t risk losing his illusion magic in public.
Even in an empty office, he needed to be careful.
But the simple act of holding her close had overwhelmed him.
Her eyes were full of concern the moment she noticed his injury. He could hardly breathe.
To see someone you care about up close can be dizzying.
She worried about him even though she’d been hurt too. In that moment, she was precious.
Even if the whole Empire forgot, he knew she never would.
If John Smith ever disappeared, would Rose be devastated?
He paused, licking his lips. The room was quiet except for his heart thumping.
She already has a lover. I shouldn’t think like this.
What a useless longing.
Alastair locked the door and sat, closing his eyes. The cool air made him sleepy—he drifted off.
Lieing half-asleep, memories flooded him. The most vivid was his earliest nightmare.
He heard himself screaming:
“Don’t torture Count Myer! He’s loyal to me and to the Empire!”
But at only fifteen, his words were ignored by the nobles.
That day, he finally feared his own advisors.
“Your Majesty, Count Myer conspired rebellion…”
“Myer is my mentor—not a traitor!”
The Duke of Devilport sneered.
“You speak arrogantly. Remember who guides you.”
The Duke had humiliated his tutor and consolidated power.
When Alastair came of age, he removed him—but the Duke returned with forged evidence, slandering Myer.
“My dreams…” Myer died openly before Alastair’s eyes.
“Merlin. Find Myer’s child.”
Merlin, the only wizard not executed, became Alastair’s closest ally. Together they secretly collected evidence for a year. Alastair, withdrawn from politics, lived in hiding.
How could he fulfill his promise?
A knock snapped him from the nightmare.
Knock… knock.
Merlin.
“…Come in.”
His voice was hoarse. Merlin used magic to unlock the door.
“Your Majesty, the magic’s already worn off—the hair returned to black. When did it happen?”
“How could I know time has passed?”
Merlin looked embarrassed, blood staining his face.
