episode_0089

I went straight to Charlotte. It was to keep the promise from a few days ago. As we had to be wary of any prying eyes, we met in an deserted slum. A secret rendezvous.

“You’re here.” “Because I promised.” “Okay, this way.”

A carriage was waiting in the alley. We silently boarded the compartment and immediately set off for our destination. The scenery outside the window quickly sped by. I felt the swaying carriage and stared at the Princess sitting opposite me.

The reason for being summoned like this was none other than this: —I will gladly help you. If that is your request. —Your Highness just needs to trust me.

Words promised in the cathedral. It was because of the girl’s desperate plea. I recalled her tearful eyes and quietly pondered the original work’s setting.

The young Princess’s wish was but one. —I need help. —Please… save Elize.

The Empire’s Second Princess, suffering from an incurable illness. Ultimately, having received a terminal diagnosis with not much time left, Charlotte was praying for a miracle. It was an older sister’s heart, thinking of her younger sister.

Over the past few years. Numerous attempts had been made to cure the illness, but no medicinal herb could breathe life into Rose. Even renowned doctors, one and all, simply shook their heads. Even though she failed every time, she couldn’t let go of hope, so the girl reached out in every direction, searching for a cure.

Chasing after black mages was for the same reason. —There might be a way.

Although the primary goal was to eradicate cultists. On the other hand, there was also the hope that they might find a clue from the research materials confiscated in the process. A desperate situation, enough to make one consider forbidden knowledge.

‘Rose has roughly one year left to live.’ It wasn’t a long time. Despite the steadily shrinking deadline, no significant progress had been made, so her heart inevitably grew more anxious. It was while she was spending each day in such anxiety.

—I have no intention of revealing your identity. You don’t seem like a bad person. —I’m just… curious about you.

She had discovered me. The unfamiliar power I possessed was enough to attract attention, and with a glimmer of hope, it delved into the girl’s inner world. Previously, it was merely the observation phase, so she only watched. However, after witnessing me restore the thought form a few days ago, she seemed to gain certainty about my abilities. That scene at the time was undoubtedly a miracle.

‘How could she not be tempted?’ It was a part that had gone according to plan. With eyes watching, I displayed my power more spectacularly than usual, ultimately manifesting an impossible miracle and leaving a strong impression. For Charlotte, it must have been an irresistible bait. Blinded by the enchanting scent, she would step into the trap to take a bite. Perhaps she considered it her last hope.

“Hehe.” It was going smoothly. As I smiled with such thoughts, a voice came from across from me. Blue eyes were now looking this way.

“……Can you really cure her?” The question faded faintly. Charlotte had a rarely seen complicated look in her eyes. Perhaps because it concerned her sick younger sister, anxiety seemed to pierce through her usually blunt expression.

I responded with a calm smile. “First, I’ll need to examine her condition directly. My abilities aren’t omnipotent, after all.” “I see.” “I would appreciate it if you could wait until the examination.” “My apologies. I was too hasty.”

Charlotte nodded as if she understood. While meeting her gaze, I gently advised the girl in a soft voice. “Nevertheless, I will do my best. Please don’t worry.” “……” “Your Highness just needs to trust me.” “……Yes, I understand.”

My lips curved into a cunning smile. I tried to erase the ominous atmosphere and whispered as if biting her white earlobe. Afterward, we sat in silence. The carriage sped along the road without stopping until we arrived. It was several hours later when the rolling wheels finally reached our destination.

***

Meanwhile. Around the time the Serpent and the Princess arrived at the palace, Rose, who was lying in her room, heard the news. The girl looked at the maid with haggard eyes.

“The Princess is coming…?” “Yes. She said she wouldn’t inform His Majesty beforehand and would come straight to the detached palace.” “When will she arrive?” “She should be arriving any moment now.” “Ha.”

Rose let out a hollow laugh. As she lightly raised her body, her long red hair fell disheveled. The girl slowly brushed it back. Only the maid’s face was reflected in her deep green eyes.

“What’s the purpose?” “She said she’s bringing a new doctor.” “Another pointless endeavor?” “She said this time there’s truly hope…” “I wonder when this will end. She never seems to get tired.” “You shouldn’t speak of Her Highness like that.” “What do you want me to do…? Cough!”

She responded, her beautiful brows furrowed. She looked very prickly. As she covered her mouth with a sudden cough, red spots appeared on her white sleeve. Her green eyes averted, as if accustomed to the sight.

“Blood again… Your condition seems to have worsened significantly lately.” “I should just die quickly.” “……Please don’t say that.” “What does it matter? If you’re going to meddle in everything, then get out.” The maid whimpered.

The maid slumped, disheartened by the harsh words. Regardless, Rose was wiping the blood from her mouth with a towel. She bit her lifeless lips. An annoyed expression. The girl then mumbled softly.

“……Just give up, please.” No light entered her vacant pupils. Rose sat still for a moment, then irritably pulled the blanket over herself.

***

We were crossing through the detached palace. Rose’s abode. Perhaps because it was located somewhat further from the Imperial Palace, it was less extravagant compared to the other nearby palaces. Especially the garden, where not a single flower bloomed, was utterly desolate.

“It’s rather too modest for a Princess of the Empire to reside in.” “……Yes.”

I moved while pondering my frank observation. We used a shortcut to avoid encountering others. As we quietly moved, it felt as though we were thieves, but knowing the circumstances of this place, we had no choice but to comply. Because the detached palace doesn’t welcome outsiders.

Footsteps. We passed between low-rise buildings. Under the dim sunlight, we walked the long corridor until we reached its very end. By the time we reached the most secluded room.

Charlotte, who had been leading the way, slowly slowed her steps. “……” She bit her pale pink lips firmly. Was she nervous? The girl calmly exhaled three breaths, then knocked on the door standing before her. It was a dark room where sunlight barely entered.

Knock knock. The clear sound of knocking echoed. Silence then spread. Although no answer came, Charlotte opened the closed door as if accustomed to it. She seemed to know that she was being deliberately ignored.

“I’m coming in.” Creak. Beyond the softly groaning hinges, the girl stepped inside. A somber, dimly lit atmosphere greeted us. The interior presented a simple impression. To put it positively, it was neat; to put it negatively, it lacked any striking beauty. It merely served its function as a room.

As I briefly surveyed the surroundings, Charlotte stopped in place and simultaneously offered a greeting. Towards the bed amidst the shadow-stained backdrop. “It’s been a while, Elize.”

A single rose bloomed atop the blanket. Long, flowing red hair, and green eyes holding a decadent light. I recognized her at a glance. ‘Elize Rose von Staupen.’

She was exactly as she appeared in the original work. Deeply sunken dark circles. Her haggard complexion exuded a sickly aura, yet within it, she possessed an undeniable beauty. It was like looking at a flower about to be torn apart by a storm.

“I greet the Empire’s second star.” I immediately knelt on one knee. It was a respectful gesture. To humble oneself first. However.

“……” This time, too, no answer came. Chilling silence flowed. Rose merely glared this way while sitting on the bed. The young Princess, and the Serpent. Her pupils, gazing at the two in turn, dripped with an inexplicable hostility. Even the maid standing behind her swallowed.

“Elize.” “……” “This is the person who will cure your illness.”

Was she trying to break the awkward silence? Charlotte stepped forward. And then added an introduction about me. “Yes. I can vouch for his identity. I’ve been watching him for quite some time.”

It seemed she thought her younger sister wasn’t welcoming a stranger. That wasn’t entirely wrong. Because an overt wariness had been felt since earlier. However, what Charlotte missed was that Elize’s hostility included her as well.

Rose uttered a single, brief word. “Get out.”

It was the first time she had spoken. However, it was an infinitely cold utterance, especially considering it was directed at family.