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~Chapter 25~
“Miss, you received a flower crown.”
“Huh?”
Astia looked up from her newspaper at Annie’s words.
Just like she said, Annie was holding a flower crown made of many colorful flowers.
“Who sent it?”
“I’m not sure… The master said he’ll find out who sent it for sure.”
Astia laughed, imagining Damian getting worked up over it.
“That’s just like my brother. I wonder who sent it?”
“Oh, there’s also a letter.”
Annie pulled out a letter from her pocket with no seal on it.
“Hm?”
Astia opened the letter with a paper knife and felt a strange feeling.
Wait for me.
She stared at the neat handwriting again and again.
She had no idea who sent it, but it felt like it was someone she knew.
“I think it’s someone I know.”
“Really?”
“…Yeah. That’s just what it feels like.”
Astia carefully touched the flower crown.
It was made with flowers she once admired while walking with Ruby in the Rovellito garden.
“…”
Why does this remind me of Ruby?
If Ruby became a person, she imagined he might make something like this himself.
“Miss, it’s so pretty. It looks like it was made carefully by hand.”
“I think so too. It’s really beautiful.”
“They must care about you a lot.”
“…I guess so.”
Suddenly, Astia remembered Ruby’s cute ways and touched the crown with a longing expression.
“Should I try it on?”
“Yes! The master already checked it—there’s no magic or anything dangerous! It would look so good on you! You’re already so beautiful, but…”
Astia, embarrassed by Annie’s compliments, put the flower crown on her head.
“How do I look?”
“Miss! You’re beautiful. The master really needs to see you like this.”
Annie fussed, and Astia looked at her own smiling face in the mirror.
I’m smiling…
She remembered the sad days after Ruby left, the loneliness that suddenly hit her.
It had been so long since she’d smiled like this.
She didn’t know who sent the crown, but she was thankful for the memories of Ruby it brought back.
Astia decided to believe, just like Ruby had asked, that she should wait for him. That thought made her feel at ease.
Havel’s eyes widened when he saw the visitor.
Black hair like night, scary-looking red eyes, sharp features and a strong jaw—his presence was intimidating.
Diego Cellion.
He had come with Count Kiel to secretly meet the crown prince.
“It’s my first time meeting you, Your Highness. I am Diego Cellion.”
“You really are alive.”
“Thanks to Count Kiel’s help.”
Diego smiled and gestured to Count Kiel beside him.
“I’m the one who found the prince collapsed and took care of him.”
“I see. Can you tell me what happened?”
Count Kiel hesitated, then began to explain.
While listening, Havel realized that the person behind what he thought was Prince Calix’s plan was actually Count Kiel.
He had thought Second Prince Calix was acting, but now saw it was Kiel’s doing.
Havel was relieved, in a way.
“So that’s how it happened. I thought Calix was moving at first.”
“I’ve been searching for Prince Diego with my own sources.”
“I see.”
Was he just being paranoid?
Havel sat down, organizing his feelings.
“So, why have you come to see me? You know the palace can’t get involved with family matters.”
“Your Highness, we’ll handle everything. Please just keep Calix in check.”
“I see… So that’s it.”
Havel remembered Calix.
Since they were young, Calix had always been quiet, but he was jealous of Havel’s perfect image.
Havel thought about the moment that changed Calix—when he became violent.
The emperor, Kaiten, was always cold to both Havel and Calix, only caring about who was fit to be crown prince.
Six-year-old Calix wanted to be chosen as crown prince, desperate for his father’s approval.
He resented always being in Havel’s shadow.
Havel had always guessed as much—Calix was negative about everything and just wanted attention.
One day, the weather was nice, and Havel decided to invite Calix for a walk in the palace garden, hoping to get closer.
That day, Calix was in a good mood, even humming.
[Brother, let’s go here!]
[We’re not supposed to go there.]
[Why not?]
Havel couldn’t refuse him. He thought once wouldn’t hurt, and it might bring them closer.
But soon, he realized it was a mistake.
While they were exploring the hidden part of the garden, they heard someone.
[Wait. I think someone’s there.]
Havel pulled Calix into the bushes. As he turned to look, they saw Emperor Kaiten meeting a maid—hugging her like a lover.
It was strange.
[What is that…?]
[Brother… what is father doing?]
[Shh!]
Havel quickly covered Calix’s mouth. Calix didn’t seem to understand what he saw.
[We need to get out of here, quietly.]
[Mmmph?]
[If you understand, nod your head.]
Nod nod—
Havel let go. He thought they could sneak away, but just then…
They made eye contact with the emperor.
Havel expected to get blamed, so he squeezed his eyes shut.
But instead, Emperor Kaiten simply ordered Havel to reflect alone for a while and…
[Useless! I told you not to be around Havel!]
Calix was labeled as a bad influence, forbidden to go near Havel or the garden without permission.
Havel never forgot the look Calix gave him—red from crying, glaring at him.
That was when things began to go wrong between them.
After that, Calix hated both Havel and the emperor, and his anger led to violence.
As the emperor aged, Calix became desperate to take the crown prince’s place, no matter what.
He was definitely…
A dangerous person.
He was always looking for a chance, and his cruel nature meant trouble.
Diego, who had been silent, finally spoke.
“And… I found signs that my brother tried to use forbidden ancient magic to kill me.”
“What?”
Havel’s eyes widened.
Ancient magic was forbidden in the empire. If caught using it, you could be executed on the spot.
It was a leftover from a destroyed magic nation and went against nature’s rules.
“That’s why I disappeared, Your Highness.”
“That’s a serious matter. If this gets out, it’ll cause chaos.”
“Yes. But we don’t know who is helping my brother.”
“It’s best to keep this secret and gather proof quietly. This could change your whole position. I won’t tell anyone.”
“I agree.”
With a serious face, Havel held out his hand to Diego.
“Will you support me until I fully secure my position as crown prince?”
“Yes. I will.”
They shook hands and nodded at each other.
“I hope you get your family back.”
“I’ll make sure your words come true, Your Highness.”
Diego bowed, showing his determination. Havel smiled, satisfied with the look in Diego’s eyes.
