Chapter 19: The Crown Prince’s Request part 1
For the two years of Morgana’s service as Eina, she had often visited the Imperial Palace, but never formally met the Emperor or Crown Prince. This was also in line with the wishes of Duke and Duchess Klein. Had such a meeting ever been arranged, it would have been quite burdensome for her.
However, she had crossed paths with Queen Rania and her son, Prince Astein. The Empress, originally from the defeated Kingdom of Delphi, had a gentle disposition. The Prince, too, was broad-minded compared to the more difficult nobles, making him far more agreeable than most.
‘Judging by their insistence on a direct descendant, it wouldn’t be either of them. The Emperor… or the Crown Prince? Either way, it’s burdening.’
Since the Crown Prince’s mother, Empress Vesiadne, passed away early, it was unlikely the request came from her maternal family. Perhaps the Tower had turned down an offer from the nobility, or…
Even the Klein Duchy, tied with Dott, was far from ideal—avoiding the fox’s den, only to fall into the tiger’s lair. Leaping into danger was not something she relished.
Seeing Fay’s expression darken, Ben tried to persuade her again.
“Miss Fei, we understand that a royal commission is a heavy burden. But there is also a clear reason why they insist on you. Remember during the fruit festival, when you stepped in and replenished the ice reserves?”
“Yes.”
“And didn’t you also help retrieve a noble’s carriage that was stuck in the mud, even though no one had requested it?”
“Uh… how did you—”
Ben smiled warmly.
“Haha, even if no one seems to notice, word of such deeds spreads. As your magical prowess grows, you’ve shown yourself willing to take on such tasks. That likely contributed to your current reputation.”
“…”
“You can go to the palace, listen to the request in detail, and if you wish to refuse, you can drink the Water of Forgetting and pretend none of this ever happened. Regardless of your decision, both the Tower and the royal family will ensure your safety.”
“Hmm…”
“Don’t worry. The Water of Forgetting will also be provided by the Tower.”
Would the Emperor or the Crown Prince seek her out just for those two small acts? There were already royal mages and the Imperial Knights to enforce actual power.
So why was Fay necessary for this task?
‘Could it be something that can’t be done in plain sight?’
Fay’s brow furrowed slightly, and Lucius’ expression turned grim.
“If they can’t explain the client or the task in detail, don’t take it, Fay. It’s bound to end poorly.”
“Sir Lucius.”
“What?”
“If you wish, you may accompany her. Should Miss Fay want it, they’ve permitted one companion from the Tower to participate as an equal.”
“Let’s do it.”
Fay didn’t glare at Lucius for his sudden change of heart. Of course, having Lucius accompany her would put her more at ease than going alone. The remaining issue was her own decision.
‘Think carefully, Fay. Do you really have the confidence to go to the palace and accept such a mysterious commission alone? If you meet Dott or people from the Klein Duchy, can you stay composed? Will you be able to prioritize the safety of the monastery over your grudge?’
Ben waited patiently without pressing Fay for an answer.
I…
I can do this.
After all, even if I do nothing, Dott will still scheme.
Let’s begin, just like that unexpected day when I returned from death and made a different choice.
Finally, she nodded.
* * *
The road to the palace felt unusually long.
Fay rested her chin on the window ledge, her thoughts drifting as she gazed at the heart of the city through the glass. It was as vibrant and extravagant as ever.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Lucius, do you have any connection to the palace?”
“No. If there’s any thread connecting me to anyone, it’s much stronger with you than with the palace. I’ve never set foot inside the Imperial Palace of this empire.”
Lucius’s bluntness was startling, but Fay, unaware of the ominous undertones, replied indifferently.
“I suppose so… I have no ties to the palace either. Which only makes me more curious. With so many mages in the Tower, why did they call me? I just hope it’s not some request to trap someone in ice and kill them.”
“If it was simply an assassination, they would have hired a skilled assassin, not you. It must be more complicated than that.”
Fay couldn’t find any fault with Lucius’ reasoning.
But who had summoned her?
Her curiosity only grew as the carriage arrived at the depths of the palace, a place she had never visited even during her time as Morgana. When a young man with dazzling golden hair appeared before her, everything became clear.
A man in the imperial uniform, just like the books in Duke Klein’s estate had shown. This was none other than the reclusive, enigmatic Crown Prince Sillas!
The vial of Water of Forgetting nestled in Fay’s pocket suddenly felt cold.
“Welcome.”
“…I am Fay, a mage from the Tower. This is my companion, Lucius. You are… the Crown Prince?”
Sillas smiled softly.
“Indeed. When you heard that a royal request had come from a direct descendant, you must have guessed it was either from me or the Emperor, correct?”
“…Yes.”
Lucius remained silent, but Sillas didn’t mind, proceeding straight to the point.
“I must make something happen, and no one can know that the spark for it originated from the royal family. That’s why this task was discreetly entrusted to the Tower.”
“There are many skilled mages at the Tower besides me.”
Sillas shook his head.
Legnakra
We have ml 🫣? I wish he were the ml, plain and simple so that Dott would rot with envy 🤣🤣🤣🤣… Thank you Bunny 🐰💕