Translated by Wealthy Whale

Edited by Iris Sakura

Sezh couldnt help her exhausted appearance.

Princess, did you not sleep all night? Your complexion doesnt look good, Kaen, who came carrying her meal, asked anxiously. Perhaps its because your bed suddenly changed. Do you want some tea for insomnia?

Its not like that last night, Bro

Are you talking about His Highness? Kaens face became painted with dread.

Sezh then hurriedly spoke, No, nothing. Youre right. It must be because the bed has changed.

I knew it. In that case, Ill serve you tea in the evening. If you drink it, youll get a good nights sleep.

Yes. Thanks, Kaen, Sezh smiled unnaturally.

Kaen was still afraid of Raytan. In a way, it was natural. Now, who in Denhelder doesnt fear him? Besides Sezh thought it would be better not to tell Kaen that Raytan came here to sleep last night.

Didnt Sezh also wonder why he left his bedroom and instead went to hers to sleep? And why did he come at such a late hour too?

Sezh eventually decided to keep that a secret.

Please eat your meal soon, Princess. You must be hungry.

Sezh was suddenly aware of her grumbling stomach. She then picked up a knife and fork to start eating her breakfast.

The extravagant food was different from the humble food she previously ate in her old palace: a large shiny steak, grilled lamb, deliciously roasted fish, cheese, and milk-rich soup There was also a sour-spicy dish she had never tried before.

Desserts were also varied. Not only Sezhs favorite strawberry cake, but there were also creamy eclairs, truffle cakes with rich chocolate flavor, and bite-sized cookies.

Princess should eat a lot today! You only finished half of your meal yesterday.

Ill try.

But Kaen, if I eat all of this, my stomach might burst, and I will die, Sezh thought to herself.

And its snowing again. It seems the snow has piled up already.

At Kaens words, Sezh looked out the window.

I was going to ask you to take a walk if the weather was nice

A walk?

Yes. The escort from His Highness came early this morning.

Oh, Sir Philip?

Sezh recalled the man who greeted her during Raytans coronation.

The soldiers will remain as they are, but you are free to move around in the Imperial Palace.

Really?

And please feel comfortable to tell us whenever you want anything. It seems that His Highness is concerned about the Princess feeling lonesome.

So even if she couldnt get rid of the soldiers, she could still wander around.

Now, she didnt have to stay locked up in the palace watching others roam freely anymore. Wherever she goes, no one will say anything.

A lot of things have changed.

Sezh still couldnt believe the day would come when she would receive proper treatment like this.

But the snow has piled up so much, so I think it would be better not to go for a walk. Its a big deal if you catch a cold.

Y-Yes

Kaen looked disappointed, but Sezh was fine. Things have always been like this. However, once the snow has stopped, she will be able to go for a walk as she pleases. That alone was good.

And truthfully, Sezh had a different schedule in mind for today.

***

Sezh walked down the hallway with careful strides.

The maids she met on the way bowed their heads to be polite, but Sezh felt embarrassed because she hadnt fully adapted to it yet. She had never been served by so many maids before. Plus, Lillian and Berns maids used to ignore Beggar-like Princess Sezh.

This isnt that good either Sezh drawled.

Well, it was better than being ignored outright.

Where should I go from here

Since her last visit was four years ago, Sezhs memories have blurred a little. Thanks to the adventure of getting lost in many hallways, she was successfully drenched in sweat. She was sure she had found the correct path when no maids appeared anywhere.

Shortly after, a familiar door stood before her.

Eh-hem. Eh-hem, Sezh cleared her throat then knocked on the door carefully.

Eton, she called softly. Its me, Sezh. Im coming in.

The door opened smoothly without any resistance.

Welcome, Sezh, Eton said with a carved smile while sitting on a chair.

I knew you would come.

As if to prove his words were not lies, there was a steaming cup of milk on the table with a strawberry cake too.

Its been such a long time since Sezh saw this familiar meal served by Eton.

Good morning, Eton, Sezh greeted as she took a seat in front of him. How did you know that I was coming?

I heard the sound.

Sound?

Mm-hmm, the sound of your footsteps, Eton said as he sipped his tea. I have very sharp and sensitive ears. Thats why I can hear the sound of your footsteps even if mixed with the sound of others.

Isnt that something you just made up? Sezh responded somberly.

Hm, you still have that bright personality.

What- Whatever.

Eton, as always, loved to tell such mischievous jokes like that.

You have become a real princess, Sezh.

What?

A princess finally esteemed by everyone. You are not harassed anymore.

Ah, that .

It must be because your brother became the Emperor, right?

I didnt expect you would come to the coronation.

Really?

Yeah, you should know how surprised I was when our eyes met.

There was honestly no need for me to go. I knew that child was going to be an emperor.

How could you know about that? Sezhs eyes fluttered a little.

Eton looked at Sezh silently, then switched topics.

Youve become the owner of this palace, Sezh?

Ah, yes. I just moved here recently.

Thats great. I can be a little more relaxed. It will be easier to meet you again.

What It would be, but

Sezh stopped talking when she realized what Eton did: every time she spoke to him, he kept deflecting the topic to other things.

Honestly, Sezh wanted to satiate her curiosity about Eton today. Where did he come from, how old is he, and how did he know how to use magic?

He left without a trace four years ago, and right after he came back she hadnt been in a situation to ask such things.

Eton, who are you?

Hm?

Now is the time for you to tell me. Its been years since weve known each other

Why so sudden?

Cant I ask that so suddenly?

Eton seemed to be weighing his thoughts for a moment. Soon afterward, he opened his mouth again.

I am an existence that will soon become nothing.

You are going to be nothing?

You will find out when that time comes. Do you have more questions?

How old are you?

I dont know about that. Its been too long since I counted.

Dont tell me that youre actually 50 years old?

I wont answer that.

Sezh thought it was impossible. How many times has she scrutinized that face? He looked approximately in his mid to late twenties, like when she first saw him.

You do not get old, do you?

You havent changed a bit while I grew up like this.

Maybe its because I have a babyface.

Ha

Im telling you. I tend to look pretty young. Its beyond your imagination, Eton chuckled.

Well, it wasnt a lie.

Then what about magic? How did you learn magic? You also use fire. I heard thats something only high-ranking wizards can do Even the archmage doesnt have such ability

You have tons of questions today, Sezh.

Its not only today. Ive always had plenty of questions.

Magic Hm, I never learned it.

Then how?

Magic is actually like that. You will know how to do it without having to learn anything. In other words, learning is of no use to those who have no ability.

But I learned it from you before I knew I could do it.

Thats because youre an unusual case.

What?

You know that too, right?

Etons eyes curved, making them into identical half-moons. Sezh only stared at him without giving any answer.

Anyway, thats not important. Hm thats right. You said you can handle the wind pretty well now, right?

Ah, yes. But

But?

Sezh paused for a moment.

She suddenly recalled the blasting wind the night the coup took place.

However she wasnt the one who did it that day.

Whats the matter?

No matter how much she concentrated, she could only barely manage to create a wind less than half of that.

Sezh.

Sezh?

Oh, nothing.

Sezh decided not to talk about what happened that day. It had to be a coincidence. There had been a coup detat going on, so maybe someone intentionally broke the glass.

Are you sure?

Yes, never mind.

Eton looked at Sezh with a puzzled expression lingering on his face. However, he didnt take long to bring up another conversation piece.

Id like to introduce you to someone who can teach you magic.

Is there anyone other than Eton who knows how to use magic? Sezhs eyes widened.

Is he talking about the priests of the temple or the archmage?

But I like Eton

Thank you so much, Sezh. But, in the future, he will be more helpful than me.

That person will be a much greater help than him, a being who was losing strength.

Who are you talking about? You already said it back then. Proper wizards have already disa

Hes here.

What?

Your new teacher.

As soon as Eton replied, the door swung open.