TCRDG 11

Even after that, Kayan kept talking to me, but I was more focused on memorizing the ever-changing scenery and paths of the imperial palace.

After walking for a while, we reached the end of a neatly paved road where a fork appeared.

Kayan hesitated for a moment, then made a suggestion.

“If we go this way, we’ll reach our research institute. Would you like to take a look around?”

The Imperial Research Institute was a highly secured facility, so much so that people of ordinary status couldn’t even dream of entering.

The guild had tried several times to sneak in under disguise but always failed.

“He’s showing me the research institute? I have to take this chance.”

I felt like I’d hit the jackpot, but I asked with a face showing no interest.

“Can I go in there? I’m not even a noble.”

“There’s no problem if you’re with me. I’ll vouch for you.”

Kayan looked genuinely eager to show me the institute.

I wanted to accept right away, but I pretended to hesitate and then nodded calmly.

“Shall we, then?”

“Good choice. There’s a lot to see at our institute.”

It was already exciting to see the palace’s interior with my own eyes, and now I was getting to see the institute too.

“Railey would faint if she found out.”

As I thought about how I had to tell her later, a large fountain came into view in the distance.

A young boy was playing around the fountain, which was spraying water in a refreshing arc.

He seemed completely distracted by the butterflies flying nearby, and when he got wet, the maids nearby began to panic, shifting nervously.

While I was distracted by the cute scene, Kayan whispered softly,

“That’s the Third Prince.”

“The Prince?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected identity, I quickly turned my head away. Even if he was young, it wouldn’t be wise to offend him.

Luckily, we didn’t have to pass directly by the fountain, so we soon moved away from them.

After passing a few more side gates guarded by soldiers, the research institute came into view, along with a well-kept garden.

The neatly sectioned garden was filled with plants I’d never seen before.

I rolled my eyes around, trying not to miss anything as I entered the institute—when someone suddenly stood up from a corner.

It was someone so lifeless I hadn’t even sensed their presence.

“P-Professor Kayan!”

The woman looked completely exhausted, and when she saw Kayan, her face turned pale as if she’d seen a ghost.

“What are you doing here? You should be in the middle of research.”

Kayan glanced at his watch.

“Well… I was just so sleepy… I haven’t gone home in a while…”

“Research not going well? If it’s too much, let me know. I can reduce your workload. Go home while you’re at it.”

“No, it’s okay! I can do it! I won’t tarnish your reputation, Professor!”

She flailed nervously and loudly insisted she could do it no matter what.

“That’s the spirit. If you finish your current research well, I’ll assign you to artifact weapon testing next.”

“Really? Yes! I’ll work hard! Thank you, Professor!”

Kayan gave her a few pats on the shoulder and motioned for me to follow him again.

“Everyone’s really dedicated.”

“Well, it’s not easy to get in. Graduating from the Imperial Research Institute guarantees success, but it’s tough.”

Researchers in white lab coats ran wildly through the institute’s hallways.

They must’ve chosen to be here of their own will, but I couldn’t help feeling a little sorry for them seeing how pale they all looked.

Oh, and there was one thing they all had in common.

Every single one of them visibly flinched and took a step back the moment they spotted Kayan.

“Um, Kayan? Everyone seems to be running away from you.”

“Don’t worry. I already saw all their faces.”

That wasn’t the point.

Watching him look amused at people avoiding him, I tilted my head, puzzled.

After passing the second floor, where various herbs and flowers were cultivated, we went up to the third floor where different objects were on display.

“From here on is the artifact research lab. It’s what we consider the heart of our institute. As you may know, all artifacts with attributes are directly managed by the imperial family.”

Any artifact imbued with magic—regardless of its attribute—was considered priceless.

Even walking out with just one of the items here would be enough to live comfortably for life.

“I want to give these to my guild members.”

I was staring at the artifacts with sparkling eyes when Kayan quietly called me from behind.

“Lady Rosia.”

Startled, I turned around with a neutral expression, worried I’d been caught admiring the artifacts too greedily.

“Yes?”

“Do you possess a special ability?”

A special ability?

I let out a short laugh at the absurdity.

“Of course not. I’m a commoner. Only the five great families manifest abilities, don’t they?”

“That’s what people believe, yes. But… I suppose you didn’t know.”

“Didn’t know what?”

“Seniel is a gifted individual. A very special one.”

“This is the first I’m hearing of it.”

He said there were no secrets left between us—but that Seniel had powers? I couldn’t believe it.

Even within the five great families, only a rare few with natural talent could use abilities.

“For someone not from the five families to manifest a power—it’s practically a miracle. Would you like to check for yourself?”

“Excuse me?”

Kayan removed his glasses—something he’d worn the entire time—and placed them on a desk as he approached me.

“Normally, abilities are tested at the Magic Tower, but we also have plenty of detection stones here. Our institute makes magical tools, after all.”

I pushed his shoulder lightly as he leaned in too close.

“Do you have to speak this close?”

“Ah, sorry. I can’t see well without my glasses.”

He raised both hands in the air in surrender and stepped back.

“Then wear them.”

I picked up the glasses and handed them to him firmly.

“I’m not interested. There’s no way I’d have a special ability.”

“It only takes a second. It’s not even hard. And remember, you owe me from earlier, don’t you?”

Looking at Kayan’s eyes gleaming behind the lenses, I realized—he’d brought me here with another purpose in mind.

“You’re being unreasonable. That wasn’t even a moment I had to be saved. I would’ve been fine on my own.”

As I scowled and refused, Kayan grinned disarmingly and changed the subject.

“No need to take it so seriously. I’m just genuinely curious about the result. I’ll grab the tool—wait here just a moment.”

“Hey!”

He clearly heard me but pretended not to and left the room.

Left alone, I let out a sigh and glanced around the room.

“What’s his deal?”

As expected of someone in a high position, Kayan’s room was full of artifacts with various effects: healing, attack, defense, speed, and nature types.

While looking around, half-tempted to swipe one, my eyes fell on a jet-black stone placed on a soft cloth.

“Isn’t this a magic stone?”

Even at a glance, it was high-quality. I tapped the edge lightly with my finger.

Suddenly, the stone lit up with a brilliant, blinding glow.

Startled, I froze. When I blinked and looked again, it had returned to its dull, rough appearance—as if nothing had happened.

“What was that? I didn’t imagine it…”

I tapped it again, but nothing happened.

Just as I was leaning in to take a closer look, I heard someone running down the hallway and quickly straightened up.

“Huff, huff—Are you Lady Rosia?”

The person who burst into the room, panting, was the researcher I’d seen earlier.

Her gown and hair tips were singed black, like something had just exploded near her. She had a strangely enlightened expression.

“Yes, that’s me… Are you okay?”

“There was a small explosion in the lab just now. It’s not too serious—well, I guess it is—but Professor Kayan is handling it. As for me, I’m ruined. Haha. It’s okay though. I can finally go home.”

Was she okay or not? I couldn’t find anything comforting to say, so I just looked at her with sympathy.

“No one was hurt, right?”

“No. And Professor Kayan told me to tell you he’s really sorry. He also said to please visit again. Oh—and the person you’re looking for is in the detached palace.”

Saying she had to go extinguish a fire, she dashed off down the hall again.

“Somehow… I feel bad for her.”

Just how long has it been since she last went home?

Anyway, thanks to the explosion, I was free to go.

With joy, I explored the rest of the institute.

Sometimes, guards approached to ask for ID, but once I mentioned Kayan’s name, everything was resolved.

Thanks to that, I comfortably wandered all around the imperial palace before finally remembering why I’d come here in the first place.

“Oh, right—the detached palace.”