Episode 41
‘A bird, turned human, given to me by the Tower Master at such a crucial time.’
Moreover, she was someone the Duke might be desperately searching for.
“Tell her to come see me when she wakes up.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“And.”
“Yes?”
“Find me materials on how to use divine power.”
“Why do you need that?”
The question brought to mind the foolishly swaying eyes and the impudent bird that had dared to swat his hand away.
“Because she’s too stupid to figure it out herself.”
If the basis of her power was divine power, he would need to know how to use it to control her easily. And he unconsciously found the thought of observing the bird’s reaction quite intriguing.
“Coo.”
I looked at the bird crying in my hand. I carefully tied a small note to its leg and let it go.
Flutter. With the sound of its wings, bright sunlight shone on me.
“I’m done sending the letter to Sylvia. Now, I have to figure out what to do.”
I sighed.
I was stuck in the Imperial Palace. I had barely escaped the dangerous Dukedom, only to be caught in the Imperial Palace, rife with courtly intrigue.
“Sigh. Such is the life of a bird.”
I didn’t understand how things had gotten this far. My goal had been to receive the reward, successfully avoid Cesar, buy a house, and live a simple life.
But I had destroyed a building, my reward was confiscated, my true nature was exposed, and now I had to make a nest in the Imperial Palace. It was more likely to be a dangerous cage than a comfortable nest, but I had no choice.
I touched the necklace, shimmering in the light. It was something the Crown Prince had given me after my tearful pleas.
‘It’s an artifact that will hide the mark.’
‘There’s a barrier within the Imperial Palace that nullifies magic…’
‘Yes. But the Tower Master is an exception. He left it behind when he visited me, so you can use it.’
‘Thank you.’
Thanks to the necklace, I could hide the mark.
But even if it was something left behind by the Tower Master, the Crown Prince’s kindness in giving it to me was a little unsettling.
The Crown Prince in the novel wasn’t always kind. He was kind to Sylvia and his people, but he was cold and ruthless towards others. He had all of the Second Prince’s followers beheaded at the end of the novel.
So, seeing him being this kind, it must mean he was trying to bring me under his control…
It was a terrifying kindness. I had no intention of getting involved in complicated political struggles.
My goal was to become an insignificant noble lady, enjoying a life of luxury in a remote territory, hearing news of the main characters overcoming their hardships and trials.
‘How did I get into this mess?’
As I retraced my steps, I saw the Tower Master, the source of all my problems, smiling like a villain.
But blaming him wouldn’t change anything. And if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have been able to escape Cesar.
I couldn’t help but feel a little wronged, though.
“No place to escape to, no proper identity, no wealth. A penniless vagrant, Lily…”
I had thought I had found a clue about my true nature, but the lifelong servitude contract to the temple was driving me crazy.
Since the Crown Prince was the ultimate victor, shouldn’t I just stick to him and enjoy the benefits?
Even though the Imperial Palace was full of intrigue, I knew what would happen based on the novel. It might even be better than acting cute in front of Cesar as a bird.
But there was one thing that bothered me.
If things followed the original story, Cesar, my owner, would die in the end. The Crown Prince wouldn’t spare the Second Prince’s remaining followers.
‘Lily. Come here.’
He was a scary person, but he had become increasingly gentle towards me.
I knew he was actually a scared person. He hated it when someone left his side, but he only knew how to hold on by force, a person consumed by a love that would destroy him.
‘I should try. Now that I’m on the Crown Prince’s side, I should try to persuade Sylvia and prevent Cesar from joining forces with the Second Prince.’
There was still hope.
Cesar wouldn’t turn villainous if Sylvia was by his side. If I interfered between Sylvia and the Crown Prince and directed Sylvia’s attention towards Cesar, the original story would change.
They say timing is everything in love, so I just had to ruin all the existing timings and become a cupid, forging a new love.
“Alright. Let’s do this.”
Just as I declared my determination, I heard the door open, along with my own voice.
“You were whimpering before. You seem energetic now.”
“Your Highness?”
Why is he looking for me already?
As I looked at him in surprise, the Crown Prince’s expression changed subtly.
“Are you aware that your emotions are written all over your face?”
“N-no.”
As I replied and cautiously observed his mood, he suddenly sighed.
‘It feels like he’s letting it slide, like not getting angry at a little bird chirping. Should I be happy about this?’
As I pondered that, the Crown Prince handed a thick book to Pona, who was standing beside him.
She walked over and placed the heavy book in front of me with a smile. I felt its weight.
“P-Pona…?”
“Hello, Lady Valerie. Good afternoon. Did you use the carrier pigeon I gave you?”
“Yes, I sent the letter without any problems, thanks to you.”
“That’s good. Now, would you take a look at this?”
She flipped through the thick books, which were thicker than encyclopedias.
“Excuse me, what are all these heavy books that could kill someone if swung?”
The Crown Prince, not Pona, answered.
“I brought some materials you might find helpful regarding your power. It seems to be related to divine power, not magic, and you’re quite clumsy at using it.”
I felt sweat on my palms as I recalled the devastated garden and the horribly destroyed building.
“I heard from the maids that you have excellent learning abilities. They said you’re a quick learner, so you should have no problem reading these. They’re also teaching you basic etiquette, so prepare yourself so you won’t be an embarrassment when I take you out with me.”
“Wait a moment. Am I hearing things…?”
‘Did he just say he would take me out with him?’
“You’re not hearing things. The temple’s influence in the Empire is weak, but that’s because there are no priests with true divine power. Firstly, I want to solidify your position as my ally, someone with such a precious power.”
The Crown Prince, approaching me, rolled up his sleeve. An old scar was revealed.
A scene from the novel flashed through my mind.
‘You’re quite persistent, Your Highness.’
The Empress spoke casually to Aronio. He stopped walking and scoffed,
‘I’m glad you think so. A weak child, left alone after his mother’s death, has to be persistent to survive in this Imperial Palace.’
The Empress’s face contorted. Aronio continued, seizing the opportunity,
‘It must be difficult for you, having given birth to such an inferior child. But what can you do? His Majesty’s judgment in choosing his successor isn’t clouded.’
After the death of the Crown Prince’s mother, the Empress, the seemingly kind Empress revealed her true colors. She thought her own son could become the Crown Prince if the Empress’s son, a thorn in her side, died.
The Empress did everything she could to kill the young Aaron, who had lost his support. It must have been difficult for him to survive in the ruthless Imperial Palace.
“Divine power is said to be excellent for healing. If it can be used for healing as well as destruction, it would be a loss not to keep you close. As you can see, I’m often in life-threatening situations.”
I had been wondering why the Crown Prince wanted to keep me by his side, and it turned out he was also struggling to survive, just like the Second Prince was scheming to seize the throne.
To secure his position as Emperor.
The fierce power struggle had already begun long ago. I couldn’t even imagine how difficult his life must have been.
I was about to ask what I could do to help, but my stomach growled at the worst possible moment.
Growl—
The loud sound filled the silent room like a clap of thunder. My face turned crimson.
At the same time, I felt my energy draining.
“Goodness. Lady Valerie, your body…!”
Come to think of it, I hadn’t properly absorbed a mana stone because I had been so flustered, and I hadn’t eaten anything since I was moved to this new place.
My clothes, becoming loose, fell to the floor. My vision darkened, and I had to wiggle my way out of the dress like navigating a maze.
I finally poked my head out from a sleeve.
“Beep…”
Growl.
A pitiful chirp, followed by an embarrassing growl, echoed in the room.
“Ha.”
“I knew she was a bird, but this is too cute…”
The first sound was the Crown Prince’s exasperated chuckle, and the second was Pona’s exclamation.
“Beep.”
I chirped softly, rubbed my shrunken belly, and hopped over to the Crown Prince.
“Beep. Chirp beep.”
‘Sorry for the interruption at such a serious moment, but I’m so hungry…’
Even admiring beautiful scenery comes after a full stomach, right?
I tilted my head slightly and ruffled the feather sticking up on my head. I was embarrassed, but I was too hungry.
“Do you think you can be so careless just because you’ve been exposed?”
“Beep?”
‘Why should I be wary when you already know?’
I knew the Crown Prince would have told Pona that I was a bird. He didn’t keep anyone he didn’t fully trust close.
Pona, who served me and received direct orders from the Crown Prince, was practically his confidante. And just a moment ago, Pona had already revealed that she knew I was a bird, so I wasn’t wrong.
I proudly raised my tail feathers and looked at the Crown Prince.