Chapter 7: Crown Prince’s Perspective

When we arrived at the Marquis household from the academy, the Marquis himself came out to greet us.

It seemed that the Marchioness had collapsed into bed after learning that Rashel’s condition was more serious than expected.

“So, Rashel currently possesses almost no magic?”

“Yes, that is correct.
She was examined by Doctor Donald, who was dispatched from the royal palace, so there can be no mistake.”

“I see.
Her magic has withered… is it?”

“I deeply apologize for such a situation occurring.”

“There is no need.
You must be worried for your daughter as well.
Until matters settle, I will assign assistance for your duties.”

“That will not be necessary.”

What I heard from the Marquis was more serious than I had anticipated.

Ernesto, who is indulgent toward his cousin despite being only a year older, had lost the expression from his face out of worry.

Even Cyril, usually expressionless, showed signs of agitation.

With her pride, she likely has not accepted this reality.

Not immediately, but depending on circumstances, it may be necessary to reconsider this engagement.

How heartless of me.

Even in this situation, rather than worrying for Rashel herself, I find myself calculating the loss to the nation from her magic disappearing.

For someone who places the nation first, the position of Crown Princess depends on what the country currently requires.

Without magic, and considering her physical state, becoming Crown Princess would likely be impossible for her.

And when I think of selecting a new candidate, it exhausts me already.

Well, in any case.

She is still my fiancée for now.

Let us at least see her face.

Will she scream hysterically?

Or fall into conspicuous despair?

♢

──Who is this?

Rashel sat propped up against a large cushion on the bed, barely able to remain upright.

Though weak, she conveyed courtesy with her gaze alone.

Her eyes shimmered faintly yet had not lost their light, and her slightly upturned eyes now resembled those of a kitten.

Her gentle, elegant smile and her lustrous black hair flowing softly even carried a trace of allure.

So this is what it means to stir one’s protective instincts.

Indeed, Ernesto and Cyril both flushed slightly and grew restless.

Yes, I should have them leave immediately.

This is bad for the eyes.

Yet it was not only her appearance and atmosphere that had changed.

The way she said, “This may have been for the best,” with such clarity was shocking to someone like me, whose emotions rarely waver.

In this nation, where magic withering is unthinkable, who could sincerely utter such words?

──Interesting.

I stared at Rashel, who had once embodied the stereotypical noblewoman and had held no particular interest for me.

What caused such a transformation?

And in which direction will this change lead?

This may be the first time I have felt such strong curiosity toward a woman.

I want to understand this unfamiliar presence before me.

Though others see me as someone who handles everything effortlessly, in truth, when something captures my interest, I cannot rest until I have investigated it thoroughly.

It seems Rashel wishes to dissolve our engagement.

After clinging to me so obsessively, what state of mind leads her to release me so easily?

The engagement can be annulled at any time under the pretext that she has lost her magic and is no longer suitable.

There is no urgency to do so now.

Unfortunate for her.

There is no reason I would relinquish something so intriguing of my own accord.

♢

Inside the carriage, as Cyril and I returned to the royal palace, I recalled Rashel’s expression from earlier and found myself laughing.

“That is rare.”

“What is?”

“To see Your Highness looking so animated, almost like a child.”

“Am I truly that excited?”

“Yes.
Not since you discovered Viscount Belmont’s hidden herb garden at thirteen.”

At my sudden laughter, Cyril first widened his eyes, then frowned.

His gaze clearly conveyed, without words, “What are you plotting?”

“Ah, that herb garden was fascinating.
An entire collection of prohibited poisonous plants, and even a young Dragonstone Tree, thought to be mythical.”

“The aftermath for the Belmont family was tragic.”

“It could not be helped.
If those had spread into the world, it would have been disastrous.
I did not take the viscount’s life.”

“Because you confined him in the research facility to keep his expertise and cultivation skills under your control.”

“He now serves the nation well.”

“You made him do so.”

Honestly, he speaks as though I were a villain.

Well, it matters little.

It has been some time since I have felt this exhilarated, so Cyril’s complaints are insignificant.

Now then, what expression will she show me next time I visit?

I look forward to it.

Still, can magic truly wither?

…That, too, is exceedingly intriguing.

I shall investigate further once we return to the palace.