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~Chapter 12~
Ian sat on a tree, looking down at the beautiful garden with a bored expression.
A few weeks ago, the Count Kiel, someone he had known for a long time, had asked him a favor.
[According to our information, Prince Diego Cellion’s whereabouts are unknown. Could you… help us?]
He found it ridiculous that the empire’s top intelligence couldn’t locate one person.
[This concerns the fate of the Cellion family.]
Ian ignored it; it wasn’t worth his attention.
But one day, the Magic Tower contacted him.
*[Ian! The Crown Prince has secretly requested an investigation into the Cellion family.] *
Albes, the sub-master of the Tower, asked Ian if he should proceed, and Ian entrusted everything to him. Albes was competent and knowledgeable in magic, so he could be trusted.
“No need to waste time on human political games.”
As Ian gazed at the garden, he thought about the small life that hadn’t left the garden for days.
“Fascinating.”
He remembered his first meeting with Astia.
Drawn by some inexplicable pull, he had arrived at the Rovellito Duke garden. He had seen Astia walking while holding a rabbit. She looked about nine years old, pale and fragile—so fragile that anyone would fear she might collapse. Her mana was chaotic. Observing the flow of magic in detail, Ian couldn’t believe his eyes.
“It’s a miracle she’s alive.”
Even humans who cannot use magic have mana. No mana usually meant death. But Astia’s mana was extremely low—so low that it was hard to believe she was living.
“I wonder how she found the cure.”
He didn’t know why her mana had manifested. But it seemed she had found a remedy that kept her alive. Ian stroked his chin and lifted the corner of his mouth.
“Interesting.”
He hadn’t been curious about humans in a long time. Something about this one, unlike any human he had seen, made him want to study her.
“Since she’s scared of my adult form, I’ll approach like this. It’ll be easier to observe her this way.”
Ian, now in child form, put on his robe.
“The rabbit… I’ll keep an eye on it for now.”
He recalled the rabbit’s gaze—it seemed to act normal, but its mana was unusual. There was a strange mixture of human and monster mana—dark magic, filled with malice. For his current weakened body, it wasn’t strong, but he was confident. It didn’t seem hostile or controlled, so it wasn’t a problem.
“I’ll deal with it if needed.”
A dangerous aura flowed around him. Birds scattered in fright.
“Hmm… not dangerous yet. That’s fine.”
His golden eyes slit like a lizard’s, then returned to normal.
Today was finally the day Astia would watch Damian’s sword training. She woke up early, assisted by Annie. Emily joined in, brushing her hair and dressing her in a cute lace dress.
“Miss, what if the knights can’t train because they’re staring at you?”
“Yes! You’re already cute, but today you’re the cutest ever! How can someone be this pretty?”
“The master will be pleased.”
Astia smiled brightly.
“I hope I don’t get in the way….”
“Don’t worry, Miss. The knights are just waiting for you. They’ll try even harder when you arrive.”
Astia smiled mischievously.
“Annie, how did you know that? Did Sir Haron tell you?”
“Ah, no, Miss.”
Annie panicked, waving her hands and accidentally dropping the comb she held. Emily glanced at her, amused. Astia realized their relationship had quietly developed recently.
“Hehe… good timing.”
Astia was pleased and teased Annie.
“Good for you, Annie.”
Annie blushed and stammered:
“…Miss, you’ll understand when you grow up too.”
“Why? I already know everything!”
Astia sat up straight, proud of her knowledge and maturity.
The warm atmosphere continued until Astia suddenly remembered Dice. His expression had no trace of humor. Annie might know him better.
“By the way, Annie, I’m curious. Did a new servant come in?”
“Yes! The butler hired one due to lack of help… Did something happen?”
“Uh… no, I just saw him yesterday.”
“Are you sure you’re okay? You don’t look well.”
Astia shook her head. Her health seemed better than before. She had been eating well, sleeping well, and drinking Hinelloti flower tea.
“I must be getting better.”
She wanted to escape her weak body and live long and healthy.
“Ah… no. I’ll drink my flower tea first. Lately, my cough… co-ugh, co-ugh!”
Suddenly, she began coughing violently. Blood stained her handkerchief.
“Ah, this is bad.”
A cold shiver ran through her body. Annie and Emily went pale.
“Miss! Oh no, all this blood…”
“Call Adel! Emily!”
Emily ran to fetch Adel, and Astia was lifted onto Haron’s back.
“Wait… co-ugh! co-ugh!”
She was dizzy, swaying as Haron ran at full speed.
“Miss! Please hold on a little longer!”
Damian appeared, hearing the commotion, eyes wide at the bloody handkerchief.
“Astia!”
He carefully lifted her from Haron’s back.
“Everyone, stay inside.”
The servants nodded seriously. Adel was called, and though recently returned from a trip, he immediately began examining her, tossing aside his research.
“Brother, I’m fine! I told you I’m recovering…!”
“Astia, I want to believe you, but look at your condition.”
Damian’s serious gaze met Adel’s.
“…The mana flow is unstable. It’s hard to tell.”
“Adel.”
“I’m sorry, Master. But medicine has limits. It’s true your complexion improved after walking… so some activity is okay.”
Astia felt sympathy for Adel, sweating from worry.
“Brother, my illness isn’t known, and the flower tea is helping me recover! Don’t worry. I’ll live long with you.”
But Damian slumped, completely drained.
“Brother…?”
He trembled, stroking her face, weeping as if releasing his emotions.
“…Astia… I will make sure you survive. I’ll… save you.”
“This isn’t how it should be?”
