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Chapter 25
“Brother Licht?”
Another prince of the Ludenza Empire, Caidan Glacies Ludenza, lifted his head slightly from the sofa where he was reclining. He had just finished a late lunch and thought he might continue reading the book he had left aside the previous night.
If it hadn’t been for the sudden delivery of this intriguing news, he would probably have spent a leisurely afternoon in his study for once.
“Well, no one has actually witnessed the two of them acting in any specific way yet… not yet, at least. But that’s what the rumors are saying.”
Eric Remessen, eldest son of Count Remessen and Caidan’s close aide, spoke in his usual flat tone. But judging by the fact that he even brought this up, the rumor must have genuinely surprised him too. Normally, when Caidan was enjoying his post-lunch rest, Eric either stood quietly nearby or left the prince alone, closing the door behind him.
“Is that so?”
Caidan wondered why his aide had chosen to disturb him at this time of day, only to find the reason was quite unexpected indeed.
“That magician, they say, is Brother’s lover?”
Was it really that kind of atmosphere? Caidan recalled the mage who had entered the palace alongside Licht. Cloaked and hooded, only strands of silver hair had caught his eye—striking, since such a hair color was rare in the Empire.
The mage had removed their hood to greet the Emperor, but with their back turned to Caidan at the time, he hadn’t gotten a proper look at the face. His impression was of someone quite young—perhaps just having come of age. Duke Evgenin would hardly have sent a minor disciple, so that must have been it.
They must be an exceptional magician, Caidan thought.
Since the mage had been sent by Duke Evgenin for Licht’s sake, it would be foolish to judge by appearance alone. Mages were always like that. Even Duke Evgenin himself—though nearly elderly—still looked no older than middle-aged. Those who reached such heights of mastery could maintain whatever youthful form they pleased.
“Well, if so, then isn’t that something to celebrate? To spend two years asleep under a curse, only to achieve that in such a short time—remarkable indeed.”
Caidan’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“You don’t believe it, Your Highness?”
“Eric, do you?”
Caidan made no effort to hide his expression. Of course it was nonsense. His brother? Impossible. Licht had brushed off the advances of so many noble ladies that counting them would be meaningless. Caidan had once even wondered if perhaps his brother simply disliked women.
“Of course, it isn’t true.”
“Funny, considering how surprised you sounded.”
At Caidan’s teasing, Eric’s handsome brows twitched. It was true—he hadn’t believed it, yet the rumor had startled him all the same.
“Well, it’s just that His Highness Licht has never had such rumors before. And this time… there were concrete signs.”
“What kind of signs?”
“He suddenly purchased a high-grade mana stone. I believe it was said to be about ten centimeters in size. As you know, Prince Licht, being a magic swordsman, hardly has need of such things.”
Today, Eric was unusually talkative. Caidan leaned back against the sofa again, picking his book back up.
“And?”
“After buying it, he commissioned the capital’s most renowned jeweler to craft an exquisitely designed artifact for video communication.”
“Jewels? On a comm-sphere?”
“Yes. Perhaps you know already—”
Eric shrugged as he explained. Naturally, Caidan knew. As the son of the benevolent Empress Elicia, he had a reputation for inheriting her gentle disposition.
Because of his mother’s influence, he had effortlessly learned how to charm noble ladies, and he was always the center of attention at banquets. Yet, Eric also knew that while Caidan enjoyed lighthearted interactions, he had never once pursued a serious relationship.
“Those are usually given as gifts… between lovers.”
There was no way Licht would commission such a thing for himself. And certainly not from a famous jeweler in the capital.
“Hm. If that artifact truly isn’t for him, then yes… that would explain the rumors.”
“Exactly.”
Up until then, Caidan had only half-listened, eyes still on his book. But now, he finally sat upright. Against his will, the rumor was starting to sound credible.
“To think the story’s spread so far… I should have taken a better look at that magician’s face.”
“I hear the prince has locked the mage away inside his palace, never letting them out. You’re hardly the only one curious.”
That meant there weren’t many chances left to see the mage again, unless Caidan personally visited his brother’s residence—which would no doubt offend the Empress.
“Perhaps I’ll have to wait for the welcoming banquet.”
That was at least a month away. Lost in thought, Caidan looked distant, prompting Eric to add carefully:
“I’ll keep watch for further developments.”
“Good. But don’t go angering my brother unnecessarily.”
Caidan brushed back his midnight-black hair, recalling the sight of Licht striding into the palace’s grand hall. Even after two years in slumber, his overwhelming aura was unchanged. Powerful, intimidating, majestic.
In his eyes—when they fell upon the Emperor, upon the Empress, even upon himself—there had been nothing. Staring into them had been like gazing into the deepest, most fathomless ocean.
Eyes that desired nothing.
His mother might be scheming desperately to install him as crown prince, but Caidan was certain that Licht did not care. No matter who became Emperor, Licht would remain indifferent.
Still, Caidan remembered… once, long ago, Licht had taken his hand. Perhaps even smiled at him now and then. The memory was hazy.
“Cai, want to sneak outside today?”
“Just say I brought you along. You’re my little brother, after all.”
A memory from so very long ago. Suddenly, Caidan tasted bitterness in his mouth.
“When he’s angry… my brother is terrifying.”
“I’ll be careful.”
Caidan turned his gaze back to his book, though the words refused to come into focus. Any hope of a peaceful afternoon was gone. The unexpected news had shattered his concentration.
Maybe I should stop by the imperial library instead.
Whenever his private study felt too stifling, the central library was the perfect alternative. After all, human focus was always limited. He tossed his book onto the table and stood.
“There’s still time before afternoon tea, isn’t there? I’ll go to the library.”
“I’ll escort you.”
“No need. I’m not a child. Just dig up more of those interesting rumors instead! Oh, but if I’m out too long, come find me.”
With that, Caidan left his chambers briskly. The library always kept him longer than expected, and he didn’t want Eric hovering and fussing over him. As long as he returned in time, it wouldn’t matter.
Later today, he had to join the Empress for tea, since Marquis Kaion was visiting. An exhausting meeting—but refusing his mother’s “requests,” which were more like orders, was something Caidan had never managed. Perhaps because he had been raised from childhood to be the “good son,” disobeying her felt strangely impossible.
How pathetic I am, he thought, shaking off the rising frustration as he strode toward the imperial library.
It wasn’t far from the princes’ residences. By decree of a former emperor, it had been built nearby so the royal children could grow up surrounded by learning.
Caidan excelled in swordsmanship and physical training, but what he truly loved most—ironically—was reading.
As a child, he had stumbled upon an old collection of folk tales, sparking his passion for books. But Empress Elicia had disapproved. Unless the reading was political theory or imperial studies, she demanded he spend his time on the blade instead.
After a severe scolding, Caidan had taken to sneaking into the library whenever he wanted to indulge in other books. It had long since become a habit.
A prince sneaking off just to read novels… how absurd, he thought with a wry smile. What once felt suffocating now felt like a small victory—stealing pockets of joy beyond his mother’s reach.
He crossed the familiar garden path and arrived at the imperial library. The guards stationed outside bowed to him respectfully as he passed, and he casually lifted a hand in acknowledgment, stepping toward the entrance. Or at least, he tried to.
“Y-Your Highness!”
“Hm?”
The librarian, Sasha, shot up from her chair, blocking his way in. Normally calm and collected, today her face was pale as though she had encountered something terrible.
“What’s wrong, Sasha?”
