Chapter 43

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Chapter 43

There were still some books at the tower, but they were limited. Among them, there wasn’t one book that interested me.

But it’s different now.

I recalled the conversation I had with Albert yesterday. Besides black magic, there were some other things I wanted to ask him.

I might be bothersome, but Albert had to explain it to me step by step. Like when he told me about dragons before.

Because of this, I’m sure Greten was mistaken earlier.

Still though, at the core of it all, what I asked Albert yesterday was about ‘magic’.

I do feel sorry and it’s a bit burdensome that I’m always at the receiving end with Albert all the time. Here I am trying to turn down his feelings but I still keep getting his help. I know I’m just leading him on this way.

Even throughout yesterday’s conversation, another burden was added as Albert found out about Rosé’s identity as a dark mage and proceeded to hide it. This enough was quite serious.

I recalled the conversation I had with Albert yesterday.

“I wonder if I can wield magic though?”

Rosé Artius’ original status remained unchanged. Just because Albert had guaranteed a pension and some plot of land for me didn’t mean that the blood flowing in this body had changed.

Once I’m living alone later, it would be nice if I could protect myself through magic.

And I also wanted to pay off my debt to Albert if I could.

Since this body I possessed was originally a dark mage, that’s why I could see Blanc’s true form. Because of this, maybe it really is possible for me to learn a few spells.

When I said this to Albert, his eyes widened in response.

“Why magic.”

I answered his indirect question calmly.

“If I can learn, I’ll be able to protect myself, and I do think it’ll be useful down the line. And I’ll also be able to help you, Prince.”

“…Dark mages have gained mana, so maybe you can try. However, it won’t be the same as a regular mage who’s born with it, and it’ll be different when it comes to capabilities and variation. I hesitate to recommend it.”

Then, with his arms folded, Albert stared at me for a moment.

“There must be another reason why you suddenly want to learn.”

“Because I’m always just on the receiving end. I want to help you later, too, Prince.”

“You seem to be helping enough now.”

I don’t remember ever doing anything for him. Sure, I cooked food for him, but that’s only because I needed to eat too and we’re eating together anyway.

Albert uttered a whisper in response to my words.

“Peaceful everyday life.”

Then after that, he told me to go to bed.

I vaguely acknowledged that a mundane, sometimes frustrating daily life felt completely different to Albert.

…I know that’s the case, but I still want to learn magic. But then again, I’m still not sure whether Albert would teach me or not because he sent me out without even telling me more about magic.

I can’t always rely on Albert. I’d better search for a way myself.

The attendant led me to the eastern wing of the castle. The path was complicated, but it was strangely familiar.

“Isn’t this the way to the kitchen?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Ahh…”

That’s great. I can stop by the kitchen later and make some refreshments. I can’t stay beside Albert, but I can at least give him some food. I’m sure Greten wouldn’t stop me from doing so, too.

I was then left with a guilty conscience. I wonder if I should have argued with Greten more and insisted that I stayed.

It felt strange. It’s the first time that I’m away from Albert for this long of a time. Unless I decide to accept his feelings, I know that I shouldn’t take the time we have left together for granted.

It seemed like I had gotten too used to the world where only him, Blanc and I existed.

“Would you like me to assist you in finding the books you’d like to read?”

“Umm, is it okay if I try and look for them by myself first?”

I was curious about what kind of place the library was, and I thought it’s a good place where I can kill some time.

“Alright. Please have a pleasant day.”

After escorting me to the study, the attendant bowed and left. Except for the windows everywhere, all the walls in this room were covered with bookshelves so high up that it felt like I walked right into a tree.

Walls covered in a reddish-brown hue. The smell of books that would soothe you in an instant.

“This place oddly reminds me of the tower…”

The books on the shelves were all neatly organized with a system just like a library. I’m sure there’s a book about magic here somewhere…

I decided to look around one shelf at a time. As I crouched there, I had to raise my head again as I heard a questioning tone.

“What are you doing here?”

When I looked up, I saw Liam staring at me, sleeking back his black hair, which was very apt for a grand duke of the north such as him.

“I’m here to find some books about mages and dragons.”

“But didn’t His Highness call for you?”

“Ahh, his nanny was so stubborn that she kicked me out.”

Liam folded his arms as I said this, then he let out a sigh. ‘Greten again,’ he muttered under his breath, as if it really wasn’t the first time she’d shown this type of behavior.

She might have played a key role in defeating all the women who flocked around Albert. Of course, Albert didn’t seem to want them around him either.

As he leaned slightly against a bookshelf, Liam looked quite picturesque. Similar to Schubert, he looked like a lost puppy with drooping eyes, but he had a bit of a sharper countenance.

Just standing there, this guy was like the personification of an icy breeze, like he’s a grand duke of the… Wait, he really is a duke of the north though.

“Yes, that’s why I’ll try to see him again this evening. Since that’s what His Highness ordered.”

Liam widened his eyes faintly. Looking at his reaction, it seemed like he’s here to talk about something else with me.

“…How are you going to live once you leave the tower?”

At the sudden question, I could only blink. Albert didn’t tell him about the contract we made? I thought they talked about that much.

No. Maybe he hid it because my image would get worse if he told others about it.

But it didn’t really matter. The core of it all was that—why else was Liam asking me this question?

“I know what you’re worried about.”

Like a snake, Liam’s eyes narrowed after hearing what I said. With his brows slightly furrowed, his glare towards me was chilling.

“How do you know? I never said anything.”

“As I was serving the Prince at the tower, I’ve got a good idea of what you’re thinking of. You must be scared that I’ll keep hanging around His Highness and make some unreasonable demands.”

“You can’t just chalk it up to being ‘scared’—I am only concerned for His Highness. Even so, you’re right.”

Thud, thud. Liam approached closer. Because of the dim lighting, the shadow over his face made him give off an atmosphere that was as cold as the north pole.

“This person in front of me right now, I don’t know what kind of influence you have on my liege.”

As expected, just because I was good at cooking, I wasn’t the kind of person who could compel just anyone to open their hearts to me. It seemed like Schubert was the only one as easy to win over with some food along with Blanc.

“I don’t believe that you’re a good influence.”

…Suddenly, I had a realization. I might be able to take advantage of the fact that he didn’t seem to favor me.

My conviction remained unchanged. The time I spent with Albert—and Albert himself—was nice, but becoming his lover was a whole nother thing.

I could see Greten’s gaze in the look Liam was giving me now. Schubert also had the same gaze. I’m already tired of having to deal with people who had their guards so high up against me.

If I had less common sense than I had now, then it would just be an uphill battle of trying to gauge their view of me and trying to turn it over. And even if I had a good sense as I did now, it’s still not enough to tide me over.

But then again, I knew that if Albert continued his pursuit of me like this, my feelings would get the better of me and overtake my rationality.

Albert was also aware of this. That’s why he could relax and tell me to do whatever I wanted.

He had everything, and he had the luxury of getting what he wanted.

Then, shouldn’t I do something more to counter this? Through actions, not just words.

I spoke with a hushed tone.

“I know that His Highness is a good man, and I also know that I’m not a good match for him.”

“……”

“If I tell you I just want to leave this all behind quietly, will you help me?”

“You want to leave?”

“Yes. To a place where I won’t ever be able to see the Prince.”

Liam tilted his head to the side, as if he couldn’t understand what I was saying at all.

“I need a more detailed explanation. Are you going to commit a crime against His Highness? Why are you suddenly trying to avoid him to that extent?”

“If it’s not like that, then I think His Highness will follow me.”

Liam blinked dazedly. As he was silent for a long time, he finally murmured.

“I think I heard you wrong.”

“No, you heard me right. I meant it. He’s going to follow me.”

“…Are you that competent of a cook?”

That seemed to be the only reason Liam could come up with, after scowling and turning his thoughts over for that long. I guess the sujebi yesterday wasn’t so bad, huh.

I don’t think I could tell him about Albert’s feelings towards me, so I just vaguely brushed it aside.

“I guess so.”

“I believe I heard a rumor recently about someone cooking a similar kind of food to what you made… Ah, never mind. There’s something more important to discuss right now.”

Liam was lost in thought for a moment, and he tapped the sword that was on his belt. Then, he asked.

“Why do you want to leave when it seems like His Highness would seek you out? Is it really because you feel that you don’t belong with him?”

“That’s the brunt of the reason, yes.”

“It’s good that you at least have some self-awareness.”

“It’s a necessary skill for survival.”

Haha. I laughed after hearing Liam’s unexpected compliment. He was right though. I wasn’t expecting anything after I first signed that contract with Albert. I just tried to gain whatever I could within my limits.

That might be one of the reasons why Albert started to like me. I had the disposition of knowing my pace well, and I’m satisfied enough with it. That’s why Albert couldn’t really say anything when I acted like this.

“It would be difficult to avoid his watchful eyes entirely, so I can’t guarantee it… We can talk about this later.”

A long stretch of silence ensued once again, but I then thanked Liam and nodded. As I looked up, Liam’s glare seemed to have alleviated a bit more than I thought.

It seemed like I managed to soften him up a bit. I bowed my head towards him.

“Thank you.”

If I get Liam’s help, considering that he’s a duke, then things just might pan out better. I suddenly became more fond of Liam.

I came to this library because there’s a book I’m looking for though! But I decided to help Liam first.

“But is there a book that you’re looking for? I’d like to help you if I can.”

“Ah, it’s a book about dragons…”

“Dragons?”

“Yes. A dying fledgling dragon appeared at the capital.”’

Liam said this offhandedly.

But that wasn’t something I could just let pass.

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