Chapter 98

#098 The Royal Counterattack (3)

"Should we hold on for another 30 seconds?"

"Ugh... …."

The two circles collided. The sound of metal grinding and golden sparks flew.

-Zzzzzz!

I gritted my teeth and exerted all my strength. The cardinal's divine power was immense, and the sanctuary was powerful.

I gradually increased the size of my sanctuary, putting pressure on her circle to prevent it from growing larger.

This was the complete opposite of my first day in the cardinal's office.

Back then, she pushed me back and prevented me from advancing to the center.

But today, my goal was to push her into a corner as much as possible.

-Keeeee!

"Right. Maintain your current focus."

"Hmm."

I opened my eyes wide and stared intently at the boundary where the two circles interlocked like clock gears.

Due to the influence of the aether, my circle was slowly but surely growing larger.

Just a little more like this...

"To open a holy site, you need desperation. Think of something you desperately want."

'Jeong Yeseo!'

'Small Brother.'

At the same time as her words, the voices of my brother and Yeseo echoed in my ears. For a moment, the strength in my jaw relaxed.

"Ah."

-Whoosh!

The cardinal didn't miss the moment. It was already too late to recover.

Aether that wasn't mine pressed strongly against my mind,

-Boom!

"Ugh!"

Her sanctuary expanded instantly, pushing me away.

Unable to withstand the intense force, my body collided with the bookshelf and crumpled.

The golden circle that illuminated the office was now the only one left.

"Ouch... …."

I groaned as I lifted my head. My back and knees hurt, but it didn't seem like I was injured.

It was just a light shock.

The dazzling light rays emanating from the cardinal on the floor enveloped me gently and rotated clockwise.

She extended her hand as she approached me. With the help of the middle-aged woman, I got up.

"There's no need to be too hasty, Prince."

"…Yes."

"You have talent, Prince. The holy site will open when the time is right. For now, think of it as making the aether flow more smoothly."

It was a kind and encouraging remark. I nodded.

Even if I don't grow any further, I already know that I am an outstanding priest.

But I want to do everything I can, as I don't know what situation might arise.

Having reliable people around is good, but it's only natural that I become stronger for my own survival.

It would be better for the divine beasts to have a trustworthy protector too.

"Today's practice ends here. Take a deep breath."

The cardinal said. I immediately buried myself in the sofa, and she sat at her desk.

"Any questions? Or is there something you want to ask for permission?"

She asked bluntly. I almost burst out laughing.

When I first mentioned wanting to watch the polo match yesterday, Béziers and Ganelon were almost in tears.

Sir Elizabeth and Christel were also very pleased.

By evening, there was no one in the Julliet Palace who didn't know about it.

It wasn't surprising that the cardinal already knew.

"To the polo match at Duke Dume's estate,"

"I want to go too. Can I go with Sedric?"

The cardinal quickly said. I finally chuckled and laughed out loud.

Honestly, I was a bit nervous about being rejected, but I felt relieved knowing that she and the royal family trusted me.

This was the first time I was actively interfering in a side character's event, but I was confident.

As long as I didn't sit with them, it should be fine.

*

In the afternoon, the Julliet Palace was bustling.

The palace physician and healing priests, along with their assistants, filled two rooms.

Prince 'Sedric' was really someone who did what he said he would. The examination had already been going on for an hour.

I was relieved to hear that fasting wasn't necessary, but it was quite thorough.

I saw Christel sitting in the adjacent room beyond the busy people.

She had followed me timidly after Sir Haines' class ended.

Sir Elizabeth and Eva were at the Montebello estate, so I was curious why she didn't join them and stayed here.

"Generally, you are healthy. However, it would be better to gain some weight."

"I'm already eating as much as I can."

"The flow of aether is also stable. It is evenly distributed throughout your body without any blockages."

"Thank you."

The palace physician and healing priest gave their respective diagnoses. Finally, a blood draw was conducted.

In a world without syringes, they made a small cut on my fingertip with a sterilized knife to draw blood.

I turned my gaze away as my stomach churned.

Christel, who met my eyes, smiled slightly. She... seemed a bit listless. Was it just my imagination?

"For an accurate examination, we obtained the blood of a noble, but given your excellent complexion, we expect no toxic reactions."

"I think so too."

A few people chuckled at my words. I was being sincere.

While Sedric was glaring, it was hard to imagine that Sir Haines had poisoned my teacup.

As the palace physician and healing priest began to prepare to leave, the attendants, led by Béziers and Ganelon, moved busily.

Knowing that the 'undisturbed task' was over, the lesser pandas rushed to me.

I hugged three of them and approached Christel.

"Lady."

"Ah, yes. Are you done?"

Christel made a face and stood up. She seemed different today.

While people aren't always bright, she looked unusually listless and had a vacant gaze.

She had been quiet even while I was being examined, which was unlike her usual self.

She seemed fine yesterday.

"Is something wrong?"

"Me? No, nothing is wrong."

"Then, is there something bothering you?"

Is it too difficult with only Sant's aether?

"I'm fine. You know I'm strong."

That was a relief, but her forced expression remained.

Given that she didn't return to the Montebello estate, it didn't seem like she had anything to discuss with her mother, the Duchess Isabelle.

I remained silent for a few seconds. My contemplation didn't last long.

"Shall we take a walk?"

*

"It's nice to have something to worry about. The Prince has been inviting me for walks."

Christel joked. So, she does have something on her mind.

I smiled wryly and walked alongside her, matching her pace through the flower bushes.

This place, the garden of the Julliet Palace and the rear garden of the Romero Palace, was where I often came to clear my thoughts.

Perhaps it could help her too.

The July sun in the capital was scorching, but the large white clouds passing by provided just the right amount of shade.

"If you're comfortable, I can listen to your story."

I said cautiously.

I couldn't just ignore the protagonist who seemed to have 'I'm troubled' written on her forehead.

Her happiness was directly linked to Jeong Yeseo's joy. And most importantly...

"Because we're friends."

Christel's large gray eyes turned to me. She seemed surprised by my words.

I scratched the back of my neck, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"You suggested we be friends, but your reaction is a bit lacking."

"No, that's... It's a bit touching to hear it at a time like this."

She wiped her nose.

After a few more silent steps, a calm voice came from beside me.

"Actually, it's nothing much. It's a bit embarrassing to say."

"Are you upset because you haven't seen the Prince for two days?"

"That actually increased my happiness."

Christel's voice rose. I chuckled softly.

The Prince often missed classes to participate in state affairs, like yesterday and today.

I stroked Tuksim's wings as he flew onto my shoulder, waiting for her to continue.

"I just wonder if living like this is okay."

"…"

"At first, everything was wonderful. I had no memories, but I gained incredible abilities. My family was wealthy and powerful, and I was young. I could do anything I wanted, so I was really happy. That's still true now. But..."

"…"

"Everyone around me has a goal. Sir Elizabeth has a clear career and is the heir to her family, and she even has a fiancé. Eva, who is only sixteen, is already working hard to become a young duchess. She's analyzing where to debut in society for the most effect. His Highness the Prince... seems dedicated to his life. I envy that."

"…"

"Since this is my second life, I thought I should live carefree without overthinking. But seeing others work hard makes me feel restless. Is it wrong to feel this way? I think I should grab onto something and work hard too. Even though I'm tired of hitting walls and breaking... …."

Christel smiled, saying, "Maybe the work ethic is deeply ingrained in my soul."

She was saying these things, assuming I would doubt her mental state.

I thought it was better than just venting to a wall.

But I could understand everything Christel was saying.

Every tiny emotion she was feeling right now.

"You haven't been a slacker for even half a year, have you?"

"Exactly. It feels like just yesterday I told you I would try everything I wanted with the Prince. Now I'm anxious because I can't hold onto a clear goal."

Christel moved her fingers as she spoke.

Perhaps she was troubled after hearing about Sir Elizabeth's performance yesterday.

I also had similar thoughts sometimes.

Returning home is my 'goal,' but there's almost no way to achieve it immediately.

So, it's more accurate to say I have a 'desire' to return home.

Still, I can't let go of the word 'goal' because I don't know when or how my heart might waver if I don't set it.

People with clear aspirations and those without approach life differently.

Christel, knowing this, began to feel frustrated with herself for lacking a specific purpose.

She must have been someone who struggled fiercely to survive. That's why Yeseo liked her.

"I believe that as a Lady, you will find a wonderful goal someday."

Even to my ears, it sounded cliché. My ears turned slightly warm with embarrassment.

"Still, even if you don't seek it, a goal will likely find you. After all, you have many people who like you. They will cheer for you and wait, even if the process is slow."

As I was about to add, "So don't be too hasty," I remembered hearing similar words from the cardinal earlier.

Christel turned to me and smiled broadly. It felt like I could see the Milky Way at noon.

"Thank you."

"It's a cliché, but..."

"Still, no one would react like that to such a complaint."

That's... true.

I, too, was a possessed person, and I could empathize with her situation.

While I greeted the lesser pandas hanging from my legs, Christel stood there waiting for me.

"Does the Prince have any worries lately? I can listen too."

"Me? I... …."

I trailed off.

Thinking about the naturalization and the temporary partnership of the two men and women gave me a headache.

But there was another issue that had been bothering me for the past few days.

I hesitated about whether to tell Christel but finally spoke.

If the 'main male lead' was the one causing the trouble, it would be better to inform the protagonist too.

"Sir Haines."