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Chapter 53
But regrettably, in the empire’s thousand-year history, only two emperors aside from the founding emperor had ever been born with the blessing of the Sun God. Both of them were remembered as great emperors who left behind remarkable achievements.
And now Noah was revealed to be the third prince blessed.
Above Noah’s chest, the radiant power of light surged like the sun, gathering together.
“Magic of light…”
Elia, her face filled with surprise, watched Noah absorb the magic of light.
[That prince must have been destined to become emperor.]
Her chest tightened.
If not for Elia, Noah would have awakened the Sun God’s blessing and become emperor.
But why is he only awakening it now?
[It must be because of the curse.]
The curse…
For a moment, she felt as though she had been struck on the head with a hammer.
Don’t tell me… someone knew and cursed him on purpose?
[If the curse was placed, that would be the most likely reason.]
The reason Noah had been cursed was now clear.
And so Elia felt even more guilty.
“Ugh…”
Noah regained consciousness and opened his eyes.
“Is it over?”
“Yes, it’s all over. How do you feel?”
“Light. My body feels overflowing with strength.”
“Congratulations, Your Highness. You’ve awakened the Sun God’s blessing.”
“What?”
“You know what the Sun God’s blessing is, right?”
Noah nodded.
“I heard it was the power of the founding emperor…”
“That power has now been inherited by you, Your Highness. And… I’m sorry.”
“Why are you suddenly apologizing?”
“There’s a reason.”
“What reason?”
“You don’t need to know.”
“Why make me curious like that? Did you actually do something wrong to me?”
“Probably in a past life.”
“Are you teasing me right now?”
“Yes, I’m teasing you.”
“You little—”
Elia smiled gently.
“I’ll make you emperor, Your Highness.”
Noah stared at her in disbelief.
“Hey, do you think becoming emperor is just a matter of saying ‘I want to’ and then it happens?”
“If it’s me, I can make it happen.”
“And where in the world does that confidence come from?”
It was ridiculous.
And what she said next was even more absurd.
“There are things like that.”
“I have nothing to say. It’s late, go to bed.”
In the end, Elia was kicked out of Noah’s room.
Elia couldn’t understand.
“Why is he acting like that, when I’m telling him I’ll make it happen?”
[I’m even more dumbfounded. Do you think you’re some kind of kingmaker?]
I am a kingmaker. I’ve made two emperors with my own hands already.
[You know those were the wrong choices, right?]
I know. That’s why I feel even more sorry.
[So this time you’re going to make Noah emperor?]
Yes. There’s no other way I can repay him.
What Noah needed most was recognition as a prince.
And for that, he would first need to secure the position of crown prince.
When it seemed Elia was truly determined, her companion had nothing more to say.
[I don’t know. Do as you like.]
Don’t worry. This time, it won’t be the wrong choice.
Elia returned to her room with a happy heart.
* * *
At last, the herbs arrived at Felix’s laboratory.
His business had grown so successful that he expanded his lab into a full research facility. Inside it, there was even a laboratory exclusively for Elia.
Together with Lazli, Elia organized the herbs sent by the Black Pearl merchant group and spread them out across the table.
Now, only the main herb was missing.
“Are you planning to make cosmetics with these?”
“No, I still need the main herb.”
She had entrusted Zirque with procuring the main herb.
Though not as skilled as Austin, Zirque’s magic was fast enough to retrieve it quickly. Sure enough, Zirque appeared right before her eyes.
“My lady, I’ve brought the herb.”
“Already?”
“With my magic, it’s quick work.”
Even so, he looked a bit worse for wear.
He had leaves stuck all over his head.
“Zirque, lower your head a bit.”
When he did as she asked, Elia brushed the leaves out of his hair with her small hands.
“There, all done.”
Zirque’s face lit up with emotion at her touch.
“You must have had a hard time, coming back with a whole nest in your hair.”
“It’s nothing.”
Elia let out a sigh as she looked at him.
“Zirque, you’re great in every way, but your inability to be honest is a flaw.”
“…What?”
“If you’re tired, say you’re tired. If you’re happy, say you’re happy. If you can’t even express those emotions, how can you live as a human?”
“…You’re right.”
“Yes. Zirque always says, ‘I’m fine’ when you’re tired, and ‘I’m fine’ when you’re happy. That’s no good.”
“Then what should I do?”
“Don’t say you’re fine. Say, ‘I’m tired,’ ‘I’m happy,’ or ‘I’m sad.’ Be honest with your feelings.”
“I’ll do that, my lady.”
“There you go again, smiling like that.”
“This time it’s because I’m truly happy. I’m happy because it feels like you’re worried about me, my lady.”
Elia shook her head.
With his angelic face shining so brightly, it was as if his whole face was glowing.
She knew she shouldn’t think it, but in that moment she couldn’t help but admire the dark magicians who had created Zirque. If not for them, someone like Zirque wouldn’t even exist in this world.
“Zirque, do you really like me that much?”
“You’re the only person in this world I want to protect.”
“Even though I boss you around and order you around like this?”
“Please use me however you like. Just being of use to you makes me happy.”
“Great, another pushover is born.”
“At least when it comes to you, my lady.”
“Alright then, put the herb over there.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“From now on, I’ll be experimenting, so you can go now.”
“Can’t I stay and watch?”
“Don’t you have work?”
“No.”
“Fine then.”
Since he was curious, there was no reason to refuse.
Elia put on her lab gown and sanitary gloves, then began her experiments.
Lazli and Zirque watched her with fascinated expressions. Her tiny body bustling around as she worked looked unbearably adorable.
Elia first chose to work on the skincare line. She decided to make three products: a cleanser, a toner, and sun care.
The cosmetics business was something she had once started in a previous life to raise funds.
Naturally, it had been a massive success.
The nobles were desperate to buy them.
All of the research and experimentation she had gone through back then was stored in her mind.
A few hours later—
“All done.”
“Already?”
She had finished sooner than expected.
The reason was simple: she already knew the perfect ratios for each ingredient. They were the result of countless trials and errors in the past.
“Here’s the cleanser, the toner, and the sun care.”
The cleanser was for removing makeup. The toner provided moisture and exfoliation.
The sun care product protected the skin from sun damage.
“These three form the basic set.”
They were the essentials that every woman who wore makeup would need.
“Here, this is a gift.”
Elia handed the prototypes to Lazli.
“Can I really try these?”
“Of course. This basic line was made so that all women could use it.”
Thanks to the optimal ratios, there would be no skin issues.
“Can I have one too?”
“You too, Zirque?”
“Yes. I’d like to study them.”
“Sure, I’ll give you some too.”
She had made several prototypes, so it was no problem to give Zirque some.
“Thank you, my lady.”
“Now, I’ll go give these to Sister Jasper.”
“I should be going as well.”
“Heading back to the Tower?”
“Yes. I want to hurry back and start researching.”
“Alright, take care.”
Zirque smiled softly, then disappeared using teleportation magic. Being the second most powerful magician after Austin, he didn’t need a teleportation gate to return to the Tower.
“I guess I should get going too.”
“Already?”
“Yes. It’s that time. My brother said he’d help me find a workshop.”
“Well, nothing we can do about that. You’ll come again, right, sister?”
“Of course. Next time, I’ll invite you to my workshop.”
“I’ll be looking forward to it.”
After parting ways with Lazli, Elia took the prototypes and went to see Jasper.
“Jasper, are you busy?”
“No. What’s up?”
“If you don’t mind, would you try this?”
“What’s this?”
“Cosmetics I made from natural herbs.”
“Cosmetics?”
After hearing her explanation, Jasper gave her a thumbs up, impressed.
Elia also sent some of the prototypes to Lapis through Lazli.
Lapis stayed at the ducal residence for only one day before leaving for the capital ahead of Lazli.
