# Chapter 96
Chapter 96
Everything stopped.
When Cayena moved her hand a little, she could feel space suspended and time pulsing.
It was a repellent force generated as she moved in the controlled spacetime.
Suddenly, Cayena realized that she was the one who stopped time.
“Magic can control time and space.”
She remembered Bayel's words.
“He said my ability would flourish according to the life I led.”
The magical skill that a contractor would acquire was similar to his life.
When she thought her ability was telekinesis, she realized it suited her well.
Until now, she had been manipulated and moved by others.
But at this moment, she discovered that she could manipulate spacetime.
“However, this skill is…”
This magic was exceedingly superior.
If she could stop time, there was no limit to what she could do.
Nothing in the future would pose any danger to her.
“Right now, I wish this moment could last forever.”
“To think I can pause time with just my thoughts…”
After the shock, joy began to fill her.
It was perfect.
This skill was the greatest power.
As Cayena wished, this ability ensured that she would never be defenseless.
It was unbelievable how such a wonderful skill had only cost him half of his life.
"I'm supposed to live a long life?
But even if you compare a few decades with time control magic, the yield is excellent."
With this ability, it would be easy to take the throne.
She would take away what Rezef wanted most right before his eyes and make him feel the same despair as she did.
He needed to learn that he couldn't just take something valuable from someone and destroy it.
They couldn't be a family with that kind of relationship.
Then, a sharp ringing in his ears caused agony throughout his body.
“…!
— Cayena grabbed Raphael's shirt without thinking.
Was it because she was using powers beyond her means?
She closed her eyes.
Inwardly, she screamed, “Stop!
Tock, tock, tock.
Time once again began to flow.
The wind carried the scent of flowers, and she could feel Raphael's warm heartbeat.
The air that had numbed his flesh with the repellent force of spacetime became smooth again.
Cayena bit her lip hard and buried her face in Raphael's so he wouldn't see her face distorted in pain.
“Your Highness?
Raphael was confused because from his perspective, Cayena suddenly hugged him without restraint.
His body twitched, and he slowly ran his hand down Cayena's back.
He felt her exhale softly.
“Should I call a doctor?
Cayena shook her head.
Raphael's expression turned serious when he noticed that her skin looked paler than before.
“Are you really okay?
We can go back now, and the doctor will…
“No.
Cayena quickly grabbed him.
“I am fine.
Just stay here, please.
Raphael was about to get up, but he followed Cayena's order.
Cayena knew that since this was the side effect of the magic, there was no point in seeing a doctor.
It was disappointing.
Logically, a strong skill came with a high price.
It would be fatal for her to be so tired after using magic.
Thus, it would be difficult for her to use this power for her political plays.
“But it will be social season soon, so I should be able to use it there.”
Magic was perfectly suited to carrying out plans in crowded places.
As she thought about this, Cayena felt the hand cautiously patting her back.
That made her smile.
Her sharp nerves softened because of the touch that treated her as if she were precious.
Cayena opened her mouth.
“Thank you, Raphael.
You helped me again.
“I'm glad I could help.
Raphael couldn't help but be enchanted by Cayena's words.
He felt safe with those words that seemed to express that she wanted and needed him.
Cayena stroked his head as if praising a well-behaved child.
Raphael's expression subtly slipped.
“It's strange every time you treat me like that.
“What's so strange?
As Cayena batted her eyelashes and smiled falsely, Raphael raised an eyebrow, tilted his head and kissed her.
“What is it?
“I thought you were looking for me to kiss you.
“…
When she looked at him, dumbfounded by his absurd words, Raphael kissed her again.
Cayena laughed softly.
Then, Raphael opened thes lips and swallowed that laugh.
The air around them heated up.
One of his large hands supported Cayena's back while the other held her head.
Cayena hugged Raphael by the neck and pulled him closer to her.
Breathless, they exchanged anxious glances.
His lips slowly found places to travel other than her lips.
Cayena thought things would get out of control if they continued like this, but it was difficult to contain herself.
In the face of Raphael's deep thirst, she could not remain rational in any way.
“Sister!
— Ethel's voice shouted in the distance: Scared, Cayena pushed Raphael away.
As she hurriedly stood up and smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress, Raphael wrapped his arm around her waist and whispered in her ear.
“You will get dizzy if you get up too quickly, so be careful.
The breath that caressed his ears reignited the tingling sensation.
“I understand, so let me go.
Embarrassed, Cayena pulled her arm away.
Fortunately, Ethel only showed up after this was done.
“Were you looking for me?
Ethel had changed into regular clothes.
He looked between Cayena and Raphael, who were very close to each other.
“Yes.
Sir Jonathan said it would be good if Your Highness would go back inside.
Ethel looked at Raphael disapprovingly.
Raphael was not Cayena's fiance, but the light in his eyes and the atmosphere around them were very intimate.
Raphael looked back with such displeasure because Ethel had interrupted his precious time with Cayena.
“I understand.
Let's go back to the mansion.
At Cayena's words, Raphael extended his arm to escort her.
“You had a dizzy spell earlier, Your Highness.
I'll walk you back.
Cayena's eyes narrowed a little at his excuse.
Ethel, with a surprised expression, quickly approached Cayena and he extended his arm.
“In that case, I will accompany you to the mansion, sister.
Raphael replied: — It seems difficult for someone of your height to properly escort a lady.
Maybe you should try it when you get as tall as me.
Ethel was furious when Raphael mentioned her height.
He wasn't very tall compared to his peers, so he was sensitive to that.
Cayena swallowed a sigh.
She glanced briefly at Raphael, then reached out to Ethel.
“Will you hold my hand, Ethel?
Ethel shyly held his hand.
When they arrived, Jonathan hurriedly approached them.
“Your Highness!
I prepared our best room for you to use.
It's been so long since you came; Would you like to stay and sleep here tonight?
Cayena had no intention of responding to Jonathan's naive plea.
“What rumors will he try to spread if I stay here overnight?”
Then, Raphael said, — His Highness felt unwell while walking just now.
I believe she should return to the palace to be examined by a doctor and rest.
“Oh that’s…
Jonathan looked displeased for a moment, then turned to Cayena with a worried expression.
“How is your body?
“It's nothing to worry about.
But I think I need to rest a little.
Meanwhile, Olivia was quickly walking towards Cayena.
“Let's go back.
“Yes, Your Highness.
The Hamels and their servants said goodbye to Cayena as she waited for her carriage.
Cayena whispered to Raphael, who was standing next to her.
“Please get along with Ethel.
Don't fight him.
“I never fought him.
— She was confused by his words, but left it at that.
Soon the carriage arrived.
Before entering, Cayena asked Raphael,
“By the way, Duke, aren't you going home?
Raphael shrugged and looked at Ethel.
“I haven't finished my business yet.
Cayena frowned a little, but forced herself to smile again.
“All good.
So, I'll see you again later.
She got into the carriage.
It was time to return to the epicenter of the chaos.