♡ Chapter 3 ♡
(The Hidden Disciple Hides His Power)
“This is truly an unbelievable level of cold treatment…”
I hadn’t even reached the entrance of the Magic Tower yet, when suddenly a gatekeeper—who looked like a low-ranking mage—ran over and blocked my way.
It was practically being turned away at the door.
“How dare they show such disrespect to the Imperial Princess!”
“Has the Magic Tower finally lost its mind?”
At this unexpected treatment, the murmurs of the maids and knights grew louder.
Even though the Imperial Palace and the Magic Tower were in a cooperative relationship, it did not mean they were equal.
Refusing a member of the Imperial Family—something unprecedented—quickly made the atmosphere tense.
“Are you saying the Magic Tower dares to deny entry to Her Highness? We clearly informed you that she came to personally observe the potion-making process.”
“Th-that is…”
Under the knights’ strong protest, the gatekeeper spoke hesitantly.
“At present, the Tower Master has strictly forbidden entry to anyone without mana…”
So basically—only mages are allowed inside, and ordinary people should leave?
‘Even so, I can enter.’
Although most of my power was sealed after reincarnation, Lusha’s mana still remained inside me.
But since the Imperial Princess was known as an ordinary person, I couldn’t reveal magic.
‘Something is strange. Someone as kind as Kanyak wouldn’t make such a rule without reason.’
As I stared silently, unconvinced, the gatekeeper spoke again.
“Recently, magical beasts have been frequently appearing in the Mist Forest near the Tower. There have also been disappearance cases, so the Tower Master ordered this for safety…”
Hearing that, the knights and maids calmed down slightly.
If it was truly for safety, then it was a valid reason.
But—
‘…Those magical beasts were wiped out by Kanyak five years ago.’
…
Back then, it was a great achievement, but it wasn’t widely known.
The Mist Forest was dangerous and rarely visited by ordinary people. Only mages who used it as a shortcut knew about it.
‘Why lie to stop visitors?’
Whatever the reason—
‘I have to enter the Magic Tower.’
If I didn’t force mana stones into this dying body, it wouldn’t survive the night.
Just making it here alive was already a miracle.
“If you inform us of your visit next time, we will surely escort you inside.”
Seeing the mood soften, the gatekeeper smiled politely.
‘Next time? I might not even be alive by then.’
“I understand. I cannot ignore the Tower’s concern for safety. I will return for today.”
“Th-thank you for understanding, Your Highness!”
The gatekeeper finally looked relieved.
The maids and knights looked at me worriedly.
“Princess… are you really going back like this?”
“You came all this way…”
“Mmm. The medicine’s effect is clear, so there’s no need to verify it. I’m tired, so I’ll return and rest.”
“Yes, Princess!”
As I lightly pressed my forehead, they began preparing to leave.
I quietly turned my gaze toward the Magic Tower.
A massive spire rose high into the sky, showing its overwhelming presence.
“…By the way.”
While they prepared the carriage, I casually asked the gatekeeper:
“Where is the Tower Master?”
“Ah, Lord Kanyak is currently absent. He left this morning for an important matter.”
“I see.”
It was a bit disappointing that I couldn’t even see him from afar—
But considering what I was about to do…
‘It’s actually better that he’s not here.’
After all, a Tower Master blessed by the Tower can easily sense changes within it.
“Please take care on your way back, Your Highness.”
“Of course.”
‘Like hell I’m leaving.’
I slowly turned around, following the maid’s guidance.
‘If I use magic here, this body won’t last until night—it might not even last until evening.’
This body was already on the brink of death.
But I had no other choice.
‘There’s never just one entrance.’
After living in the Magic Tower for ten years, you learn certain things.
Hidden paths.
Secret holes.
And more hidden holes.
“Ha… I’m going to die. I can’t do this twice.”
Using my last strength, I created a clone and sent it onto the carriage in my place.
Because my mana was mostly sealed, its duration would be short.
By the time the carriage reached the palace, the clone would disappear.
‘The palace will be in chaos when they realize the Princess is gone.’
“It takes about 30 minutes to reach the palace…”
That was enough.
After confirming the carriage had disappeared into the forest, I approached the Magic Tower again.
“It should still be here…”
This was a place even Kanyak didn’t know.
Because I used it secretly whenever I left the Tower.
When I reached the back of the Tower, thick bushes greeted me.
“Wow… no one found this place for over five years?”
Pushing through the bushes—
A small hole appeared.
Back when I was Lusha, I was already small.
Now, with Sierra’s even thinner body—
‘As expected.’
I slipped through easily.
Too easily, in fact.
“…I used to get stuck sometimes before.”
…
“Focus.”
Right now, I was truly dying.
‘I only have about three hours left.’
I had to finish everything within that time.
‘First, I need to move without being noticed.’
The place where I hid the most mana stones—
Was the underground.
The Magic Tower had two restricted areas: the top floor and the underground.
Only the Tower Master—and those permitted—could enter.
‘The top is too dangerous. No hiding spots either.’
So naturally, I headed downward.
The underground was like a treasure vault.
Filled with relics, wealth, and secrets.
‘It’s basically a gold mine for the Tower Master.’
“Cough—!”
Blood spilled from my mouth.
‘Forget everything. I need to live first.’
“I-it’s me… the (former) Tower Master…”
Sparkling light scattered behind me like stars.
As if responding to that—
The heavy stone door trembled and slowly opened.
‘It actually worked…’
Even though this body was Sierra—
The soul inside was still Lusha.
“No time. Move quickly.”
If Kanyak had been here, he would have noticed immediately.
…
I rushed to the hidden spot and began stuffing mana stones into my sleeves.
They were about the size of regular stones—too many to carry all.
“Don’t be greedy… just take enough.”
Soon, my arms were overflowing, barely able to see ahead.
‘There are more at the top… but not today.’
Just as I turned to leave—
A mana stone fell.
Clink… roll…
The sound echoed loudly.
‘Hey! Be quiet!’
Then—
Someone picked it up and placed it back.
“Oh… thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
…Wait.
‘Was there someone else here?’
“—!”
Startled, I dropped all the mana stones I was holding.
They scattered everywhere.
Through the shining stones—
I saw him.
“What a pity… everything you worked hard to steal has fallen apart.”
Black hair like an abyss.
Red eyes glowing coldly.
A terrifying presence.
…A face I knew very well.
“Kanyak…?”
‘Thief—no, Master… save me.’
