CH 18

I feel physically weak.

When was the last time I worked until I could see the morning sun? Was it a few times when I was working at the court in the beginning?

I wasn’t used to it yet, but I was given a lot of work.

If tomorrow wasn’t a day off, I’m sure I would have gotten sick.

“Ugh, ugh…”

I wake up from a deep sleep.

My cheeks hurt slightly, probably because I was sleeping on my desk.

When I raise my face and body, something falls with a rustling sound.

“Huh?”

It was a blanket that had fallen.

I pick up what fell on the floor.

There was no blanket provided in the research lab.

I don’t remember putting it on myself, so who…

And when I look at the table, there was a note placed on it.

Just one word.

Thank you.

Have a good rest.

It was written.

There was a name written at the end of the note.

“Your Highness…”

I see.

His Highness also put this blanket on me.

He probably came to see how I was doing in the morning.

Looking at the clock, the hour hand had passed noon and was pointing to two o’clock.

I had slept a lot.

I stretch my body wide.

“Um, sigh… I’m hungry.”

First, I should have lunch, not breakfast.

After that, I need to finish today’s work and go to the prince’s place before it gets dark.

It’s a little tight if I start now.

“If I hurry, I’ll make it.”

I just need to finish the usual three-hour work in two hours.

The item I need is already completed, so I just need to test it with the prince.

I quickly changed my clothes and made a simple lunch with what I had.

I also tidied up my appearance and dashed out of the laboratory.

I put the completed eyeglass-shaped magic tool in my pocket.

“Oh, that’s right. I’ll try putting it on for a bit.”

I haven’t tested the effect on others yet.

Since there are a lot of people in the royal castle, I’ll observe the passing people and make sure I can see their magic power.

With that in mind, I tried to take out the magic tool from my pocket.

“Freya.”

That was when it happened.

A familiar voice echoed in my head.

I trembled and my body froze.

Why?

That was the first question that came to mind.

This is the royal castle.

You can’t enter without permission.

Even a named nobleman cannot easily come and go.

So I thought I was okay.

I didn’t think I would meet him while I’m here.

I turn around.

“Cain-sama?”

“Hey, long time no see.”

Cain-sama smiles at me with a familiar face as usual.

“Why is Cain-sama in the royal castle?”

The Mystic Will (Audiobook)

“I had some business to take care of. I was summoned by His Highness Julius.”

“By His Highness?”

“Yeah. By the way, I heard you’re working under His Highness. Hasn’t he told you about his connection with me?”

I don’t know.

His Highness has never mentioned anything about his connection with Cain-sama.

But he should know that Cain-sama and I were formerly engaged…

My mind is in disarray, and I can’t organize my thoughts properly.

“What was the reason for His Highness summoning you?”

“I can’t say it out loud. If you’re close with His Highness, he might have told you… you know.”

“That means——.”

I remember one possibility.

Should I say it out loud?

What if I’m wrong? 

I’m not being silenced by His Highness, but it’s not something I can talk about lightly.

However, I can’t help but be curious.

“The black market… is it?”

My mouth moved on its own.

Cain-sama shows a surprised reaction.

“What, did you know? Yeah, that’s right. His Highness and I are investigating the black market together.”

“Why is Cain-sama involved?”

“It just happened that way. I’m a victim too.”

He shakes his head wearily.

A victim… It’s said that stolen goods are also sold on the black market.

So does that mean something was stolen from Cain-sama too?

I’ve never heard such a story before.

No, maybe I just wasn’t told.

More than that, I was relieved.

Because I now understand why His Highness didn’t tell me.

“Oh, that’s right. There was something I wanted to talk to you about if I saw you.”

“What is it?”

“Would you like to become my mistress?”

“…Huh?”

My body stiffens.

I didn’t understand the meaning.

No, I understood the meaning, but I thought it was impossible.

Mistress?

“To tell you the truth, Aria consulted with me. She said that she couldn’t bear seeing you like this after breaking off the engagement with you and was in shock. She came to me in tears and begged me for help.”

“Aria…did what?”

What are you talking about?

It’s true that it was a shock, but when I talked to Aria, I didn’t say anything about Cain-sama. At least not from my own mouth. Rather, she instigated it…

“She suggested that I make you my mistress or second wife because she thought it was pitiful to leave things as they are.”

Oh, I see. So she instigated it as a way to harass me.

Thinking that way, it’s just like Aria. And it’s just like him to be easily swayed by her words.

“What do you think? If you want, I can——”

“I’m sorry.”

I bow my head deeply, with all sincerity.

“I respectfully decline.”

“…”

Cain-sama seems surprised.

That’s the expression he’s making.

“I don’t want that kind of thing. And above all, it’s impossible for me to return to the side of someone I’ve left once.”

“…Is it really okay? I think that being by my side is what makes you the happiest.”

“I am already happy. As long as I can work here under His Highness, I don’t need anything else.”

I have no more words to say.

I am here, working under His Highness.

Just being here is already rewarding enough.

Because His Highness sees me.

He didn’t see anything… unlike you.

“Please be happy with Aria.”

“…Is that so? Then there’s no need for us to talk.”

“Yes.”

There’s nothing left for me to say.

It’s a closed chapter.

We start walking in opposite directions.

We pass by without a greeting, without a word.

We probably won’t ever talk again.

Thinking that, I take out a magic tool from my pocket and put it on my ear.

I don’t have any particular intention.

It’s just that it’s the last chance and he’s right in front of me, so I thought I’d try it out.

I look at him.

Through the magic tool.

In an instant, I feel a chill.

The magic power dwelling within him was pitch black… like a curse.