Chapter 517: Dead Memories Start Attacking Me
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 517: Dead Memories Start Attacking Me
"The First Prince?"
Muen frowned. "Why should I go and probe the First Prince?"
While Muen was certainly curious about the First Prince, whose sudden recovery from a long-standing brain ailment was the talk of the town, he saw no immediate need for conflict. In fact, if the situation became clearer later on, there was a high probability they might end up on the same side.
As a potential future ally, making such an abrupt and presumptuous move to test him wasn't exactly a wise choice.
"The reason is simple. Don't you think... my eldest imperial brother is a bit too mysterious?"
Celicia tapped the rim of her cup, her voice heavy with implication.
"Mysterious?"
"Yes. As you know, I just returned from the Imperial Palace."
"What does that have to do with the First Prince?"
"At the palace, I saw my father." Celicia paused. "But I didn't see Brother Albert."
Muen’s hand, which had been sneaking toward a small piece of cake, froze. He looked at Celicia intently. "You mean..."
"Ever since the news broke that Brother Albert’s brain ailment was cured, he hasn't seen anyone. Since he has lived in the palace since childhood, no one dares to force their way in."
Celicia spoke slowly:
"Don't you find it strange? If he truly had designs on the throne, the first thing he should do after recovering is show himself to the world as much as possible. He should present himself as a normal, intelligent—even superior—First Prince compared to Brother Andrew. That would be the fastest way to gather strength."
"But instead, he’s gone into hiding..."
Muen quickly followed Celicia’s train of thought and asked, "You think... this might be a hoax?"
"The possibility is slim, because a hoax will always be exposed. In the grand scheme of things, it serves no purpose other than to muddy the waters. Besides, to deceive so many people... regardless of who has the gall, the crime would be..."
Celicia lowered her head, her cold eyes flickering slightly. "Unless that person is..."
"You don't suspect... His Majesty, do you?" Muen lowered his voice.
Celicia gave him a chilling look. "I never said that."
"No, your logic just now clearly pointed to—"
"What’s wrong with my logic? Do you think you know me that well?"
"..."
Muen felt a phantom toothache. This damn woman was truly impossible to please.
Dammit, if I ever get the chance, I’m going to give her a piece of my mind. If I let her keep acting this arrogant, she’ll eventually be walking all over—
"Do you really want to be thrown out?"
"I am deeply sorry. My mistake."
"..."
Celicia rubbed her temples and sighed.
"In any case, this isn't a bad thing for you. If the Royalist Faction really does end up siding with the First Prince... you can't afford to be ignorant of whether the man you're supporting is a human or a ghost. You're just moving up the schedule for getting to know him."
"Fair point."
"In that case..." Without giving Muen much time to think, Celicia asked, "Your answer?"
"Ah, man... this damn cherry is so difficult."
Muen fretfully toyed with the last bright red cherry on his cake with his fork. Because the cherry was so round, he couldn't seem to spear it.
He poked left, then right, stalling for time.
Celicia glanced at him, then suddenly reached out and pinched the cherry between her fingers. With her other hand, she grabbed Muen by the collar. Her elegantly curved body pressed close, radiating a terrifying chill that felt like it could prickle the skin.
"Your. Answer?"
"I'll go, of course."
Muen swallowed the cherry she held to his lips in one bite. His gaze swept over Celicia’s other pair of delicate, rosy "cherries" just inches away, and he smiled.
"Since it's a command from my dear Thea, I would go through fire and water without hesitation, even if there were no special purpose at all."
"...Hmph."
After staring at Muen’s true face for a moment longer, Celicia let go and sat back down.
"You certainly talk a big game."
"It’s not just talk. I’m a man of my word. You can distrust my character, but you must trust my sincerity. You should know that sincerity is—"
"Shut up."
"Oh..."
Celicia crossed her long, black-stockinged legs and leaned back slightly. Her cold gaze fell on Muen’s face again as if she were contemplating something. She interlaced her slender fingers and rested her chin on them.
"Um..."
Being stared at repeatedly by Celicia gave Muen a sudden sense of foreboding. He shrank back and asked tentatively, "Is there... something on my face?"
"No," Celicia said. "But do you plan on going to the palace with that face?"
"How could I?" Muen shook his head. "If Muen Campbell actually swaggered in there, those bastards would slap a charge of 'disobeying imperial orders' on me on the spot. Who could handle that?"
"And you think Bruce’s face will work? I shouldn't have to remind you that the name Bruce and that face of his have already entered the sights of many nobles. As a gang leader... they would never allow you to attend the ball just like that."
"Then what should I do?"
Muen fell into deep thought. "The palace has such tight security; a common disguise definitely won't pass. But to customize a new face, the timing..."
"There's definitely no time for that," Celicia concluded decisively.
"While a new face is impossible, however..."
A strange smile suddenly bloomed on the corners of Celicia’s lips.
That smile, like melting snow or a winter plum blossoming, left Muen momentarily dazed. He stared blankly...
"How... however what?"
"However... I recall that your disguised identities aren't limited to just Bruce, are they?"
"Not just Bruce?"
Muen froze again. He thought for a long time, then shook his head. "That's not right. No matter how I think about it, that's the only identity I've used. I don't have any others."
"The Academy," Celicia said succinctly. "Invasion Night."
"..."
Muen’s mouth slowly fell open, wide enough to fit an egg.
Certain memories he wished to forget, triggered by those few simple words, surged through the layers of his mind from the deepest, most sealed-off depths of his memory.
At the same time, once he understood Celicia’s intent, a chill rose from the depths of his marrow, making his hair stand on end and his body tremble.
"No... No way."
Muen stammered, forcing a strained smile. "You're joking, right? Haha, I didn't realize you were so humorous, Celicia..."
"I'm not."
Celicia lightly brushed a strand of hair back. "I never joke."