But I couldn't continue thinking.
As soon as I tried to recall the blurry memories, I was overcome by a headache that almost destroyed my head.
"amazing."
He was more energetic than ever.
However, he couldn't clearly remember what happened last night.
The remaining memories were pitifully short.
Someone else's lips were gently enveloping his.
Sweet breaths, someone's warmth slipping away.
His desperate feelings at that moment.
All he remembered were these simple things.
This level of pain was nothing special for Casey, but for his head to go so empty was certainly strange.
This was impossible unless an outside force intervened.
There were only a few forces capable of doing this.
Magic, or holy power.
But the former, few are able to use it, and the latter, its influence on the empire has become negligible.
Moreover, the other person's actions were unfathomably bold.
“Mocking the Emperor and then fleeing.”
This behavior seemed to mock him.
He did not expect that there would be someone as bold as Duchess Ariel in the empire.
Even if the intention was to temper his power, this was not something an ordinary mind could do.
With a feeling of resentment, his doubts began to grow crazily.
If he had never experienced this before, things would be different, but with her appearing again and leaving such an impact on him, what was he supposed to do?
“Is this a game of cat and mouse?”
Fierce greed bared its fangs.
He looked at his empty hand, and felt the hunger of a hungry beast.
“If only I could catch you.”
Only if…
‘Ah!’
What is this?
Why do I suddenly feel these chills?
'Maybe because my energy is too exhausted.'
After going through a horrific experience until dawn today, my body and mind seem exhausted.
If I could turn on an electric heater and sleep all day, I would be very happy.
But my current reality is this place, with no electric heater and no smartphone to read web novels when I'm bored.
I looked at the little creature in front of me as he was slowly chewing his food, and I asked him in the duchess’s arrogant tone:
"Why?
Doesn't it taste good?"
The little boy trembled at my words and shook his head quickly.
I pursed my lips.
As I looked into his innocent, pleading eyes, I just apologized inside.
Sorry, kid, I scared you.
But I am a slave to the system.
Even if I wanted to be nice, I'm in trouble...
The child with the red nose was Louis.
After the party, I didn't take good care of him, so I invited him to eat together.
But the magicians' reaction was...
For a moment, the system flashed a startling warning [Your identity is at risk!"
What type of personality did Hilaria have?
Even if he was the Emperor's brother, he was just a child.
'Didn't they eat together even once?'
This confirms that Hilaria was neglecting her student.
No wonder the Emperor hates the owner of this body.
But now, I am this body, and I can't even laugh at this situation!
“Eat more.”
Out of pity, I pushed him the types of seafood he had eaten several times.
But even this small gesture made him shiver with astonishment, making me think that this task, and everything else, was truly intolerable.
‘I must order the mages to take good care of him without arousing suspicion.’
At that moment, I saw the child's cheeks become red as he stuttered.
Our eyes met, and he quickly lowered his head, much to my pity.
click.
I tapped on the table to get his attention, and I pointed my chin smugly as if to say, “What?”
The child's face suddenly lit up.
Louis took a notebook from his lap and buried his nose in it, lowering his head.
'His hair is beautiful too.'
As I was looking at his round, bent head, I was suddenly given a written piece of paper.
─Are you going to the imperial palace?
Will you visit my brother, His Majesty?
Ah, that's what he meant.
Seeing his eyes full of expectation, I didn't know what to say.
I knew how much courage this took.
His little hand holding the notebook was trembling.
'But…'
Even the passing dog knows, and even that fat cat who ate ten cookies knows, that he is like a hostage here.
Can I take it with me?
Wouldn't that raise suspicions?
Even eating together made the witches whisper that the Lady of the Tower was definitely sick!
“Meow.”
The fat cat yawned and shook its tail as if to say, “Do whatever you want.”
Oh, what a thing.
─ That cat... is it your cat, teacher?
But Louis seemed fascinated and happy, moving his fingers as if he wanted to touch her tail.
His eyes were following the cat, so I quickly said unconsciously:
“No way.”
It's dirty.
It will hurt if I scratch you.
But when I saw the child's pale face, I felt intense remorse for my great mistake.
I meant for him not to touch the cat.
You are the one who asked me!
But he seemed to understand that I was saying that he could not go to the Imperial Palace.
His head lowered as if he would sink into the ground.
Oh, I felt a burning sensation as if someone had swallowed water from his nose.
Ah, what should I do?
─ I know...
I made a mistake.
My conscience screamed.
I closed my eyes tightly and moved on.
Where am I?
Who am I?
Why do I feel this annoying sense of déjà vu?
‘Haha.’
I looked at the little boy holding my dress tightly as he looked excitedly around the Imperial Palace.
'Are you happy?' 'Do you like this?'
Well, as long as you're happy, that's enough.
I'm going to be very miserable from now on.
Not only do I have to appear before the enemy emperor every time, I now have to rack my brains to explain how I suddenly came up with this child.
I don't know how many times my eyes met with the palace servants who looked at me once, and then at Louis who followed me like the droppings of a goldfish again.
What should I say?
How can I make Duchess Ariel, who suddenly acts as if she takes pity on her young student, seem not crazy?
But after only three minutes I realized that these worries were a luxury.
Because suddenly people appeared from the end of the corridor and started looking me up and down.
“Last time, you arrogantly rejected the offer of the Prince of the Magic Tower, so what changed your mind to bring His Highness the Prince to the palace without permission?”
Who are these?
Of course, I know that the people who have blocked my path are all mentors and awakened.
Perhaps they are the Emperor's knights and guides.
Louis clung to me from behind, holding my dress tightly, shocked by the sudden situation.
But, my student, I am the one who wants to cry!
I wanted to say that they were wrong about the person, but staying silent here would not be Duchess Ariel's behavior.
“What is this impudence?”
“Ah, do you think I don't know that wizards have become arrogant and trouble-making lately, Your Highness?”
“What do I have to do with that?”
“You are their leader, so how come you have nothing to do with it?”
“I don't know anything about that.”
Arrogantly and rudely.
Of course, this response had the opposite effect.
Boom!
The ground beside me rose.
It seems that there is an awakened person who can use the power of the Earth.
My heart was beating so hard as if it was going to explode.
[ding]
[ding]
[ding]
I couldn't look away from the people in front of me, but even without looking, I was sure the system was blaring successive warning windows of danger.
Cold sweat flowed.
The ferocious-looking Awakened unleashed their power randomly.
“We heard that you found His Majesty’s guide and are covering for her.
The magicians said so.
Is that true?”
What crazy person spread this rumor?
I was shocked, but that wasn't the problem now.
“Answer!”
Their power became more intense.
Sparks were flying behind the knight, whose veins bulged.
I felt dizzy.
There's a baby here!
I'm incapable of using magic, I can't even shoot a fireball!
And if I cannot answer them here and fall victim:
'Everyone will know that Duchess Ariel has changed.'
And the mission will fail.