WRG 27

chapter 27

Uriella deliberately ignored the Crown Prince’s letter and instead used the bracelet to visit Soren.

“Oh?”

Soren, who had been writing something intently, looked up and his eyes widened like a startled rabbit when he saw Uriella.

“Did something happen?”

Since Uriella usually only dropped by briefly during the day when Duke Baraota was away, Soren asked in a worried tone.

“I was in a hurry. Did you find that man?”
“No, I didn’t. But please, have a seat first.”

Soren offered her a chair.

“To get straight to the point—I didn’t find the man. But I discovered something odd, so I wrote to you.”
“Something odd?”
“Yes.”

Soren handed her a portrait.

“Huh? This person is…”

It was the portrait of a woman with green hair and green eyes—exactly like the son of the Emperor she had once met.

“Based on the information you gave me, I tracked someone down. But it wasn’t a man—it was a woman.”
“A woman… She looks so much like the person I’m searching for.”
“Does she?”

Uriella nodded.

If there was one thing she remembered clearly, it was those green eyes, green hair, and the face that bore no resemblance whatsoever to the Emperor.

“Is this woman a mage?”
“Yes. But instead of revealing she’s a mage, she’s been farming in a small town.”
“Farming?”

Uriella was taken aback by the unexpected answer. No one would imagine an Emperor’s child farming.

“Yes. It seems she’s been living there for about five years. I heard a bit of her story—because she looks exactly like the woman the Emperor once loved, she’s often misunderstood. To avoid drawing attention, she chose farming.”

Uriella’s pupils trembled at those words—she resembled the woman the Emperor had loved.

“And apparently, this mage is looking to establish a residence in the capital.”
“The capital?”
“Yes. I don’t know the details, but she said there’s someone she needs to meet there.”
“Do you know who?”
“That I couldn’t find out.”

Uriella wondered if the person the woman sought might be Duke Baraota.

If it’s possible to change one’s gender with magic…

“Soren.”
“Yes?”
“Is it possible to change gender with magic?”
“It is, but it consumes enormous amounts of mana. It only lasts one or two hours, and only for a mage with tremendous mana.”

Uriella’s thoughts grew tangled at his answer.

That would mean she’s not the one I’m looking for… But still, how many mages look exactly like the Emperor’s beloved? Even if she isn’t, I must meet her.

“Can I meet this woman?”
“Of course. It’s simple, really. Mages can’t move around easily without someone to vouch for their identity. If they’re exposed, no one accepts them. But if you offer to vouch for her identity, she can’t refuse. There are many swindlers who extort money by offering that, so being introduced by another mage feels safer. Shall I arrange a meeting as soon as tomorrow?”

Uriella wanted to meet the woman immediately, but because she had an appointment with the Crown Prince, she had no choice but to postpone.

“I have plans tomorrow. The day after should work.”
“Then I’ll set it up for then.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m only doing my job.”

Soren smiled gently.

“Are you at peace these days?”
“Yes, more than ever.”

Uriella recalled Soren once telling her he longed for even a moment of peace.

“Riel.”
“Mm?”
“I just want to feel at peace, even if only for a moment. Do you think that’s possible?”
“Of course. I often wished for the same. I’d imagine sitting cozily by a warm fireplace with family, enjoying an ordinary, happy life. So you will too, Soren. I’m sure of it.”

“That’s a relief. Then I should go. If I’m away too long, it’ll cause trouble.”
“Alright. I’ll see you next time.”

Using the bracelet Soren gave her, Uriella returned to the Baraota estate.

“Milady, you’re back?”

Madel, who had been waiting for her while sitting in a chair, sprang to her feet the moment she saw her.

“Yes. Has Ray asked for me?”
“He seemed tired and went to bed. He said not to wake him.”
“Really? Then after I change, let’s stop by to see him.”
“Yes, milady.”

After changing into her nightclothes with Madel’s help, Uriella headed to the Duke’s office. She lightly knocked and waited for permission.

“He’s not inside?”
“I’ll ask the butler.”
“Please do.”

While Madel went to inquire, Uriella leaned against the wall to rest.

Where could he have gone?

“Milady.”

Soon Madel came rushing back to her.

“Why are you running when it’s nothing urgent? You could’ve walked.”

Madel was panting heavily from running.

“It’s just… The Duke went down to the territory. He left a short letter, saying he had no choice due to urgent matters.”

She handed the letter to Uriella.

“I see… Let’s return to my room.”

Uriella felt a pang of disappointment learning he had only looked for her because he had to leave the estate. They did not share a bedroom, but aside from the Bliss incident, this was the first time he slept elsewhere.

It would’ve been nice to see him before he left.

She realized how lonely the mansion felt with just Duke Baraota gone.

I just hope he comes back soon.

Inside the carriage bound for Baraota Duchy, the Duke sat with a hardened expression, looking over documents.

“Your Grace, are you certain this is alright?”
“What do you mean?”
“Leaving the Madam behind while you go to the Duchy.”
“…Yes. I need some distance. Don’t make me repeat myself.”

Chayson couldn’t understand his words.

Distance? Did something happen that I don’t know about?

But he kept his doubts to himself, and the carriage continued in silence toward the Duchy.

“Riel!”

The Crown Prince leapt to his feet joyfully when he spotted Uriella entering the shop.

“I greet Your Highness, the Crown Prince—the Empire’s little sun.”
“Riel, just for today, can’t you call me Kion?”

He often envied how warmly she addressed Duke Baraota with an affectionate nickname.

“How could I dare call Your Highness by name? I’m more comfortable like this.”

Knowing she would refuse, he didn’t press further.

“Sit down.”

He pulled out her chair for her.

“Thank you.”

Uriella had only just exchanged greetings, yet she already wanted to go home.

“What excuse did you give Duke Baraota for coming out?”
“I said I was meeting my sister.”

In truth, the Duke had left for his territory the previous night, but Uriella had no intention of telling the Crown Prince that.

“And your escort?”
“They’re waiting outside.”

She was relieved the Crown Prince had rented out the entire shop and blocked outside view.

If Sir Vicenti saw this, it would cause unnecessary misunderstanding.

After all, Vicenti was her guard knight, but ultimately one of Duke Baraota’s men. If he saw this, he would report straight to the Duke.

“To lighten the mood, shall I tell you the news you want to hear?”
“News?”
“You must be curious why I took on that case—and what punishment Malcolm will receive.”

Uriella hadn’t known Bliss’s ex-husband’s name, but she quickly realized who he was talking about.

“I took that case for your sake.”
“How is that for my sake, Your Highness? Surely it was for your own reasons.”
“No. Think—if Duke Baraota had handled the case, what would have happened? Officially, nothing wrong. But rumors would spread, saying he abused his position for personal matters. He wouldn’t care about such gossip. But you, Riel—you wouldn’t want him and your family to be criticized because of you.”

Uriella could not argue—he was right. She never wanted Duke Baraota to suffer blame on her account. He was as precious to her as her sisters.

“But if I take it on, the story changes. It becomes about ‘setting an example so such things won’t happen again.’ That justifies it, and I can give a harsher punishment.”
“What punishment will he receive?”
“Officially, exile.”

Which meant, in reality, something harsher.

“He’ll be sold as a slave to a foreign land. On the surface, it looks like extradition, but once he arrives, hell awaits him. He’ll never set foot on Imperial soil again, so rest easy.”

Uriella felt some relief at his words.

“Then let’s leave that behind and talk of something else. Ah, you attended a party recently, didn’t you? How was it?”

The Crown Prince decided not to bring up anything that would burden her.

I shouldn’t be greedy. As long as His Majesty supports me, I’ll have more chances to be with Riel in the future. I just need to close the distance slowly.