Chapter 64
Chapter 64
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 64
Chapter Title: How Did He Get Out?
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‘…How did he get out?’
Eaton, standing there in a servant’s uniform, had anger etched across his face. He glared at the back of Ryan’s head with a burning expression.
It seemed he’d figured out who Ryan was.
‘This is bad.’
Unlike Darsi, Ryan hadn’t been forcibly dragged into battle, but he was someone who staunchly insisted that mages needed to be strictly controlled by the imperial family. Eaton had even said it last time.
“If you think that way, princes and emperors are the worst.”
He probably wasn’t referring only to Darsi. Ryan alone was headache enough, and now things had doubled in trouble.
‘No, before that—how did Eaton get out of the room?’
“…What are you thinking?”
“I’m pondering how to respond to Your Highness. I figured you could afford me that much time.”
I gave a stiff reply and moved closer to the window.
“It’s too bright.”
I drew the curtains myself and locked eyes with Eaton. Confirming with a sidelong glance that Ryan couldn’t see my face, I mouthed the words.
Go back to the room, now.
Sure enough, Eaton responded.
No way.
I got it. How often does a mage get a chance to face an unguarded prince like this? An opportunity like now was priceless.
The figure visible through the window vanished.
‘He’s just saying that and heading back, right?’
After closing the curtains, I tossed out a line to check on him and Resuan.
“Where did you leave Prince’s lover to come here? Won’t weird rumors spread if we’re caught like this?”
“No need to worry about Resuan.”
I narrowed my eyes at Ryan’s curt tone.
“I don’t see how meeting another woman while having a lover isn’t cause for concern.”
“She suggested it first.”
Resuan had proposed this?
“Will you accept my apology along with a gift? This is the real point, actually… More magic crystals than what Marquis Etwar offered last time.”
He pulled out the magic crystals he’d brought. How long did it take him to come up with such a convenient excuse? It was pitiful, trying to use them now when he should have before.
Magic crystals were innocent. I decided to provide them to Darsi for research. How perfect would it be to topple Ryan with his own gift?
I bowed my head in rough approximation of gratitude.
‘Is that all the info?’
It was about time to send Ryan packing…
“Don’t trust Prince Darsi too much, Etwar.”
The one I shouldn’t trust was standing right in front of me.
I’d put up with a lot already. I shot up from my seat.
“I’m disappointed you’d badmouth my brother to his face like this.”
“It’s for your sake.”
“Oh my, for my sake? If Your Highness heard that a few months ago, you’d jump out of your skin.”
“…I mean it.”
Ryan met my eyes. I wrinkled my nose like I’d spotted something filthy.
“Regretting that the fish you almost had slipped away?”
“…”
“So why not treat me sincerely while you had the chance?”
I spat the words like barbs and headed calmly for the door.
Ryan rose to follow me. He looked like he wanted to grab me, but I was about to usher him out right then…
“Eaton.”
That was before.
Before I spotted Eaton approaching the room door, tray of tea and light snacks in hand.
I whipped my head around. Ryan gave Eaton a blank glance.
“The tea’s already here. Shouldn’t we at least have some before you go?”
Fortunately, he didn’t pay Eaton much mind.
‘Eaton’s the problem, then.’
I snuck a peek at his hand. His fist was clenched tight—suspicious as hell.
‘Did he make something with the magic crystals I gave him?’
I had to stop Eaton from doing anything rash.
As I racked my brain for a way, I placed a hand on Eaton’s shoulder and pulled him toward me.
“Good work.”
“…That’s overly generous praise for a servant.”
I let out a small chuckle at Ryan’s grumbled displeasure from behind.
“Because he’s a favorite of mine.”
With that, I naturally shielded Eaton’s face. They might cross paths as mage and prince someday, but there was no benefit in them recognizing each other now.
“…You collect lovers like trophies. First the second prince, now bringing another man into your home. Same tastes, I see.”
I knew it was a jab, but I had no urge to defend myself. If this soured his feelings for me, even better.
I nodded.
“Yes, I do have a weakness for pretty things.”
Wait.
That sounded just like what Lady Werhna had said earlier.
But nothing fit the bill better for hiding Eaton’s face while defusing the situation. And irking Ryan was a bonus.
I turned to Eaton for a moment and whispered advice.
Hold it in. He’s not someone you can take on.
But Eaton’s eyes looked like he’d lost all reason.
“Something’s off, though.”
Chills prickled my back at Ryan’s words. He’d sidled up close to me and Eaton without a sound.
“I can sense killing intent like he wants to murder me right now. As a prince, I can’t just overlook that hostility.”
Like a proper male lead, he had a built-in killing intent radar.
“I’ve never let that sort of person walk away unscathed.”
Ruthless to anyone not his own—that was a male lead’s virtue.
Ryan proved it by drawing his sword with a sharp sring.
Eaton, nestled quietly in my arms, wasn’t having it. He struggled to break free somehow.
I threw all my strength into holding him back. But I knew it wouldn’t last.
Even as a boy, the strength gap was clear.
‘If only I had a gun right now…’
In my desperation, I spotted someone entering through the door.
Silver hair swaying, revealing a face.
‘Am I hallucinating?’
“Marso, I thought you only had room for me by your side.”
Darsi wrenched Eaton from me with near-superhuman strength and pulled him into his own arms, greeting us with a brilliant smile.
“Wouldn’t it be enough if I took the spot beside you?”
He cast his eyes down with a faintly sad expression. His long-absent face bloomed beautifully, like a rose in full splendor.
…But why?
I’d been eagerly awaiting the moment I’d see him again, yet behind that pretty smile, I swear I saw the Grim Reaper. How could such a poignant face feel so chilling?
“What if you hug another man like this? I’m already despairing thinking you got a lover while I was away.”
“…No way.”
I waved it off. He knew better than anyone it wasn’t a lover, so why was he acting so petulant?
Was it because of Ryan?
“Then I’m the only one by your side?”
He sounded like a whiny child. But my gut screamed that not answering would lead to disaster.
I gave in easily.
“…Yeah.”
It was true, after all.
A faint smile of satisfaction spread across his lips.
Darsi whispered something to Eaton, and the boy’s flailing body went rigid. It was nothing like when I’d held him back earlier. I had no idea what he’d said.
“Did you have business with Marso?”
Darsi planted himself squarely before Ryan, not even bothering with a title.
“And I don’t like the idea of blood being spilled here.”
Darsi then placed his hand over Ryan’s—the one reaching for his sword—stopping him cold. Ryan scowled.
“This isn’t your business.”
Veins bulged on Ryan’s arm. But he couldn’t budge an inch.
Ryan wasn’t holding back; Darsi was blocking him.
“Time for the uninvited guest to leave.”
His leisurely tone, like he was out for a picnic, hardly fit someone exerting force.
Ryan released his grip on the sword and smirked up at him.
“I haven’t finished talking with the person who offered tea first. Did you even get an invitation?”
“We’re not the type who need invitations to come and go from each other’s homes. Shame you and I aren’t that close.”
Ryan’s attempt to needle Darsi fell flat. Watching them trade barbs like this was pure catharsis.
“And little brother, shouldn’t you be getting busy soon? You’re heading out for this battle.”
“I know. His Majesty tipped me off first.”
“Isn’t this the war you’ve been dying for? Go and achieve everything you desire.”
“Don’t mock me. It’s my duty as a prince. I’m the true talent His Majesty has cherished all this time.”
“Ah, sure.”
That impassive face every time was incredible. His skill at letting unwanted words go in one ear and out the other was awe-inspiring.
“Honestly, shouldn’t you be busy preparing right now? A greenhorn who’s never seen real combat.”
“…”
“You know your unbroken string of victories was thanks to me. If you lose this one, your pride will be shattered. Not scared?”
The days of hiding Darsi and using him effectively were over. Rumors of his exploits had spread, so deploying him further was risky.
It’d be as good as openly backing Darsi for crown prince.
The story had diverged wildly, but Ryan was still heading to battle. And the enemies he’d face…
“Mages must all be under imperial control. I’ll prove it this time.”
Ryan’s gaze lingered briefly on Eaton, who stood with his back to the wall. His eyes were cold as ice.
“I’ll take my leave for today. Marso, I’ll visit again soon.”
He looked furious enough to boil over, but Ryan held it in today.
Watching him swallow his rage as he left felt even more unnerving.
No telling what he was hiding inside.
“Scary as he looks.”
Darsi muttered flatly.
Confidence born of superior skill.