Chapter 12.3
‘…Even though he’s gone through the trouble of bringing me something to eat, I couldn’t even thank him properly because he was only making bitter remarks.’
Ariel was somehow sympathetic to Skyla, who wasn’t good at human relations. She smiled softly at his back as he left.
“Good night, Your Highness.”
At those words, his back flinched once as he walked away from her though he never looked back, nor did he give her an answer. After seeing him so many times, she was already familiar with the way he walked away.
Closing the window, she returned and sat down at the table before carefully untying the ribbon and opening the package. The contents of the box were a white, sliced cake served on a silver platter. She then split open the bland exterior to reveal a compote.
The way he pretended to be indifferent but cared in his own way reminded her of Skyla from a while ago. Even when he was acting harsh, he was still secretly showing kindness…
“…Did something change?”
Ariel took a corner of the cake to her mouth and rummaged through her pockets before pulling out her phone.
A new notification appeared on the screen.
“Two… One and a half?”
Ariel counted the number of hearts, noticing the favorability rating that had increased belatedly. It went faster and smoother than she expected.
There was still a long way to go and an empty profile, but still.
‘It’s fine so far.’
She was a little relieved.
Ariel nibbled at a piece of cake to satisfy her hunger. The fruit in her mouth was sweet.
Pitapat.
Raindrops pounded noisily on the window. Just when he thought it had cleared up a bit, it poured again.
He still has a fever and a headache.
‘Annoying.’
As he frowned, the quick-witted maids stepped forward. In perfect order, she drew the thick curtains to block the windows and turned on the nightstand. The sound of the rain was significantly blocked.
Devoncia set the papers down on the table and stood, leaning back against the wall.
All of the dozens of documents contained background investigations about the County of Huckley, though only one or two of them were about the Countess’s only daughter, Ariel Huckley. There wasn’t enough content to investigate and fill in about her.
There was nothing to investigate in the first place, as she had been confined to her home and disconnected from society.
Glancing down at the names on the paper, he turned his head slightly. He flicked a glance at his exclusive lady-in-waiting, who quickly stepped forward, one of the direct informants he’d deliberately sent to do some digging.
“She hasn’t taken the aptitude test yet?”
“Yes. She hasn’t even gone through a basic magic check. In addition to the basic test, shall we proceed with all the detailed tests as well?”
“Yeah. Prepare it as scheduled.”
“The observer…”
“Only me.”
“Then, the Countess…”
“Rule it out. Send it to the Emperor or the Count as a fake document, and don’t mention the real results.”
The maid’s face stiffened at the uncommon occurrence.
Magic was power.
The Empire, which was established after conquering the continent with magic, was very strict with regard to magic, all the more because it was related to the foundation of the country. Therefore, the results of the aptitude test must be reported to the Empire, and failure to do so would be a felony against imperial law.
The guilty party, as well as all those who knew of the situation, would be punished with the death penalty. However, to hear the Crown Prince of the kingdom keep the test results a secret? Even if the crown prince was just below the Emperor…
No, that was why it was more dangerous. It could have been driven in reverse.
As a direct subordinate and informant, the Crown Prince’s personal handmaiden cautiously opened her mouth with a weary expression on her face.
“Your Highness, no matter what, keeping it a secret is dangerous…”
“Sienna.”
When he called his name, the lady-in-waiting closed her mouth.
The Crown Prince’s face smiled kindly as he gazed down at the maid. However, beneath it all, there was an underlying coldness. Those who had served him long enough could recognize it. It was an unspoken signal not to challenge him.
“I didn’t make it difficult for you to understand.”
A languid sound was more frightening than the stern decrees of the Empire, yet subtly and sweetly seeping in.
The Crown Prince’s voice tickled her ears again.
“You should listen carefully. Behave well.”
As a servant under his feet, Sienna shuddered at the command that she could never disobey.
“I’ll follow your order.”
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