Chapter 39
“It’s impossible unless I was certain I wouldn’t return.”
If Pernore were to come back, this would definitely become an issue.
The Empress’s actions were so extreme that they were difficult to understand within the bounds of common sense.
“Before you arrived, Liersha’s magic once went out of control.”
“…That happened?”
“And surprisingly, thanks to that, her magic stabilized.”
Liersha looked shocked, hearing this for the first time.
Her magic had become more stable precisely because it had gone haywire?
‘Then why is this a problem?’
She looked at Pernore in confusion. After all, it seemed like a positive outcome.
Meanwhile, Lisedion’s expression hardened in disbelief.
“…Are you saying someone interfered so Liersha couldn’t awaken?”
“Most likely.”
“My father believes the culprit was the Empress?”
“If that’s the case, it would explain her previous behavior.”
The Empress could easily have known that Liersha hadn’t awakened. There were many relatives allied with her.
However, approaching the heir, Lisedion, was a different matter.
It would have been impossible without the certainty that Liersha would never awaken in her lifetime.
“…That means…”
Liersha murmured in a daze.
“I could have awakened originally?”
Does that mean she didn’t have to grow up alone in the outer castle?
That the family didn’t have to suffer separately?
That everyone could have been happy, yet they still faced such tragedy?
Liersha’s expression went blank.
The person who had annihilated the Aracrene family was none other than the Empress herself.
The Crown Prince’s birthday party ended in a chaotic atmosphere.
It could easily be called the worst party ever.
The Marquis of Aracrene did not stay for the event and left the palace.
Adrian, unable to contain his anger, threw everything in the room.
Even after that, his frustration remained, and he stomped on the items scattered on the floor.
“How could you do this to me, Your Majesty!”
“Comport yourself, Crown Prince!”
When Adrian spoke in resentment, the Empress shouted sharply.
“You saw what the Marquis did to me!”
“Now is the time to step back.”
“Your Majesty!”
The Empress frowned in annoyance. She didn’t have the mental capacity to soothe Adrian’s feelings.
‘How much does the Marquis know?’
This was what mattered to her.
How much did Pernore Aracrene know?
‘It’s fine if he just knows there’s another royal.’
After all, they were of lowly birth, having lost their mother.
But if Pernore knew everything… including the secrets I truly want to hide?
‘No. That can’t be.’
The Empress shook her head immediately. If he knew everything, this situation wouldn’t have ended at this level.
Then why did she feel so uneasy?
‘It’s because he awakened.’
At the most critical moment, Liersha Aracrene had awakened, throwing everything off balance.
When the news first reached her, it didn’t seem like a major problem.
She had judged that the family would never accept Liersha anyway.
An heir with flaws is bound to be rejected. Nothing would change because of it, she thought.
But what she saw today was very different from what Carla had anticipated.
Liersha Aracrene seemed to be cared for with utmost devotion, and Lisedion Aracrene had been taken by Pernore.
Instead, the Aracrene House was stabilizing.
This must not happen.
This must not…!
“Don’t worry, Crown Prince. I, your mother, will protect you.”
To do that, the Aracrene family had to disappear completely.
Pernore’s early return seemed to surprise the family.
However, when they confirmed that Lisedion had returned with him, everyone welcomed him warmly.
“Brother!”
Riscal hugged Lisedion tightly.
Having followed Lisedion since childhood due to the absence of a guardian, Riscal held on for quite a while.
Ricador seemed not much different.
But, as the elder brother, he appeared to remain composed.
“What happened? Are you really back for good?”
“Yes. I’m not leaving anymore.”
“Thank goodness you’re back.”
Riscal’s reddened eyes left Lisedion’s embrace.
For both of them, Lisedion seemed to be far more important than they had realized.
It was a reminder of how heavy the responsibilities Lisedion had carried all this time truly were.
“My present?”
Riscal wiped her eyes and held out her hand to Liersha.
“Here!”
Liersha handed out the gifts she was holding one by one.
“What’s inside?”
Ricador’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.
“Engraved stones. They say it’s the most popular play in the capital.”
The special effects were even magically brought to life.
After explaining just as the toy store owner had told her, Ricador exclaimed, “Oh!”
“You chose something nice,” Riscal said, clearly pleased, taking her gift and fiddling with it.
“I’m glad you like it,” Liersha smiled, relieved.
Knowing the gifts were chosen with them in mind, Ricador and Riscal kept holding them.
“Miss Liersha!”
“Tonah!”
Liersha waved happily.
When she reached out, Sona hugged her tightly.
“How was your trip?”
“Good. Tonah, did you stay well?”
“Yes.”
Sona nodded and let go.
Even though it had only been a day and a half, the castle felt empty without them.
Now, the atmosphere of the Aracrene residence depended entirely on Liersha’s presence.
“Since you must be tired, go back and rest.”
“Yes, Father.”
“Yes!”
Lisedion and Liersha replied in order.
Upon arriving at the residence, Pernore immediately sought Arcmund.
Arcmund, who had already heard about Pernore’s return, stood up.
“Was it very satisfying?”
“What do you mean?”
Pernore replied tersely, feigning ignorance.
Arcmund snorted.
“Taking Liersha with you, didn’t it feel like the world was yours?”
“…Why are you being so childish?”
“You sent a ton of toys to the mansion and earned points with Liersha. Aren’t you the last one to complain?”
Ah, that.
Pernore muttered quietly, having completely forgotten, but Arcmund reminded him.
“Thanks for reminding me. I had forgotten, but now I remember.”
“You brat!”
They had even promised a flower bracelet.
When Pernore smiled, Arcmund slammed the desk, feeling as if he had lost.
Arcmund moved from the desk to the sofa, and Pernore sat across from him.
“So what happened? You went out, came back, and sought me out?”
“It concerns Liersha.”
At that, Arcmund’s expression turned serious.
“Is it about her magical awakening?”
Pernore nodded.
That issue was already being secretly investigated by Arcmund.
However, progress had been slow.
Most people who could have had direct contact with Yelena Aracrene, the lady of the house at the time, had disappeared.
“The Empress is suspicious.”
“On what grounds?”
Arcmund furrowed his brows.
Pernore explained everything that had happened at the Crown Prince’s birthday party.
The more he heard, the colder Arcmund’s expression became.
Clearly, Pernore’s suspicions were justified.
“So you’re saying the reason Liersha couldn’t awaken was because the Empress interfered?”
“Yes. And she couldn’t have done it alone.”
Without an accomplice, it would have been impossible.
But there were too many suspects.
Just thinking immediately, there were two:
Marquis Crender and Count Atran.
