MTLNOVEL 53
The sudden suggestion for a walk felt so out of place that it bordered on bizarre.
“If you are the prince’s guest, then you are also an important guest of the imperial palace. I want to ensure that you are properly looked after. He has never brought anyone of his own before, you see. That naturally makes me curious about what kind of person you are.”
It was a proposal from the First Prince, who handled most of the state affairs in place of the bedridden emperor. There was no legitimate reason to refuse, nor did I particularly feel the need to.
The beginning of any battle is to assess one’s opponent.
Although Lorenz was not currently an enemy of Kyle, he was someone who could easily turn his back or exploit others for his own gain—just as he had sent that worn-out chandelier to the Blake estate.
I had crossed paths with Belial a few times, enough to get a rough idea of his personality… but what about Lorenz?
[Outwardly calm, weaker and more timid than his lineage would suggest.]
That was all the information I had.
It meant he was a character who was not well-highlighted in the original novel Heart of Winter. Or perhaps, he was explored in more depth in the later parts. Of course, I had dropped the novel before reaching that point, so I wouldn’t know.
“I…”
I hesitated for a moment, about to respond with something like, I’ll have to go inside soon, but if you don’t mind, I suppose we could…
“Shu.”
Before I could finish, Kyle tightened his grip on my hand instead of letting go.
As if he didn’t want to send me away.
As if he was anxious.
“Today is a bit inconvenient…”
That was directed at Kyle.
I placed my hand over his in a soothing gesture. His palm, rough with scars and callouses, was clenched around mine with a desperate grip.
“Let’s take a walk tomorrow. I can set aside a whole four hours for Your Highness. Isn’t that amazing?”
At that, Kyle’s sullen expression softened slightly. He was probably trying his best to respect my decision, even if he didn’t like it.
“You’ve always made up excuses to disappear, so this is quite a surprise.”
“That’s just how much I care about Your Highness. Touching, isn’t it? Now, let go.”
Though still visibly displeased, Kyle eventually released my hand. Lately, I had been leaving him behind quite often. I felt a little guilty, but ultimately, this was for his sake.
Lorenz had been watching us with an intrigued gaze the entire time. Then, as I stepped away from Kyle, he extended his hand toward me again.
“Have you reached an agreement?”
“Yes, as you can see.”
“Then let’s go.”
The thin leather glove that wrapped around my palm sent a slight chill through me.
“I’ll be waiting.”
Kyle deliberately raised his voice.
It was likely a warning, making sure Lorenz wouldn’t try anything foolish. He might have the most indifferent face in the world, but he was surprisingly meticulous.
Instead of looking back, I waved my hand a few times. Smiling at him felt too embarrassing, so this was my way of saying, See you tomorrow.
***
“You seem rather unusual.”
Lorenz spoke as we strolled through the royal garden. It was an offhand comment, thrown in the gap between his explanations of the palace layout and the different types of flowers.
“Do I?”
I didn’t feel anything in particular about it. If he had brought me out just to say something so predictable, it was honestly a bit disappointing.
“I mean that you feel out of place.”
Of course, I did.
For one, I looked quite different. Not only did I have an exotic appearance, but I was also the only person Kyle Jane Meinhardt had ever brought along.
That wasn’t all.
Belial and Baron Langde had personally invited me as well—despite the fact that I was just a commoner and a mere beast scholar.
On top of that, I wasn’t fully accustomed to this world’s culture. My reactions and behaviors were bound to appear awkward and unnatural.
“Out of place…”
I gazed at the blooming flowers.
Even though I had spent the winter in the North, the sight of these vibrant flowers, which only flourished in warm climates, felt foreign to me.
Lorenz probably saw me in the same way I viewed these blossoms—an oddity that didn’t quite belong.
“Perhaps it’s because I lived in a cold land.”
Lorenz responded with a gentle smile.
“Grand Duke Blake also resides in a cold land. But he is different from you.”
And what am I supposed to do with that information?
These damn nobles always spoke in circles, making it infuriating to keep up with them.
“Well, maybe it’s just because I don’t know much.”
I did graduate from university, but that wouldn’t count for anything here.
Even though my words hinted at dropping the subject, Lorenz remained persistent.
“Are you from another country?”
I’m from another world, actually. Ever heard of South Korea?
“Let’s just say that.”
“Your origins are unclear, then.”
At least I learned something—Lorenz may seem mild-mannered, but he’s persistently tenacious. Once he becomes curious about something, he has to know.
However, he never directly wielded his authority. Even now, he simply stood with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting for me to answer his question. If he pressured me with his status as a prince, I would have to answer, if only for Kyle’s sake.
This type of person is particularly insidious and dangerous. They pretend to be detached, as if they’re merely observing, but it’s all just a front to maintain their image.
In moments like this… feigning ignorance is the best strategy.
“My memory is unclear.”
There’s no better excuse than this. Playing dumb is incredibly convenient.
It was also a tactic I used frequently in social situations. When in doubt, just say you don’t know—even if you do. Life becomes much easier that way.
“The Blake estate took me in when I had no memory and nowhere else to go. That’s why I don’t know much and probably seem a little odd. If I ever act rudely, please be understanding, Your Highness. I’m just a clueless fool. Even Prince Kyle worries about me a lot.”
It was a way of saying: I’m ignorant, so don’t even think about making Kyle take responsibility for me.
As expected, Lorenz, who was well-versed in roundabout speech, smiled faintly. He didn’t fully believe me, but at least he seemed willing to let it slide.
“There seem to be many who lack something in the North.”
“If someone had everything, why would they choose to live in that frigid land? Those who don’t need to struggle can just settle in fertile lands and live in luxury.”
I really wished people wouldn’t treat someone’s hardships like a mere triviality.
“It’s not exactly comfortable, but I like it there. Both the Blake estate and the Grand Duke.”
That was the truth.
I genuinely liked that place.
The atmosphere where people naturally helped one another, the Grand Duke who was terrifying yet meticulous and caring. The way they showed no mercy to beasts that threatened their home, yet never ignored an injured animal. I had grown fond of it all.
For a land built with someone’s entire life dedicated to it, it was remarkable. So remarkable that I wanted to tell the person who cherished it the most just how great it truly was.
“…Interesting.”
Lorenz murmured as if talking to himself.
I suddenly wanted to escape. Maybe I should say that I’d had enough and go back inside now.
“Why the sudden interest from someone who already has everything?”
“Oh, I wasn’t referring to the North.”
“…Excuse me?”
Ssshhh. The sound of falling water reached my ears.
Before I knew it, we had circled the garden and returned to our starting point. A small courtyard connected to the banquet hall stood before us, featuring an intricately carved fountain. Water glowed with a faint blue hue as it streamed down.
“For someone who has no memories, you’ve become quite attached to that barren land.”
“What are you getting at?”
I wish he’d just say things plainly. Someone invent a noble-speech translator already.
[‘The North is a worthless place.’]
Instead of a translator, my system chimed in. It was surprisingly accurate.
Well, I suppose to someone who aims to be emperor, the North and its poor people must seem insignificant.
So, in short, this guy is completely useless.
If someone wants to rule a country, their priority should be the poor and struggling. But this one? He was just lucky to be born as the emperor’s son, and now he acts like he’s something special.
“As I said before, it’s a good place. Maybe because survival is tough there, the bad guys tend to freeze to death before sundown.”
Under the lamplight, I spotted a tiny insect buzzing by. I gestured toward it and added with a lighthearted tone,
“It’s too warm here. When the weather gets too nice, weeds overgrow and bugs multiply.”
[‘It’s livable there because people like you don’t exist.’]
Hey, don’t translate my words too!
…But that was exactly what I meant. This translator’s got a solid performance.
[(❁´◡`❁)]
“You must have forgotten more than just your past. I wonder if something bad happened to you before.”
[‘So, you’re not an idiot, at least.’]
“How convenient, isn’t it? A brain that automatically deletes all the annoying stuff. I’m sure I’ll live a long life, Your Highness. So if I ever ask the same thing twice like an idiot, please don’t get too angry.”
[‘I erase useless data as needed. Including you.’]
“Haha, ahaha.”
Out of nowhere, Lorenz burst into laughter. …What’s so funny? Stop laughing. I’m not getting attached just because you smile.
“I see now. So that’s why Kyle favors you. The Grand Duke’s special person…”
Was it just my imagination, or did his moss-colored eyes glint dangerously? Instinctively, I took a step back.
Lorenz briefly glanced around before shrugging his shoulders and taking a step closer.
“What do you think?”
[‘I’m about to test you.’]
No, no. I got that part. But that’s not what’s important right now!
“I have a feeling you might be able to give me what I want.”
Why are you doing this? Why are you stepping closer? Let’s just talk like normal people!
Lorenz took another step toward me.
The distance was suffocatingly close. Sweat beaded on my forehead as I instinctively backed away, but Lorenz only smiled wider and kept advancing.
What is it? What do you want? What exactly are you trying to say?
“Could you, perhaps, be Kyle Blake’s weakness?”
Before I could even react, Lorenz’s arm shot out toward me.
Thud—my shoulder was shoved hard, and my body tilted backward.
“Ah—”
My vision flipped.
For a brief second, I caught a glimpse of the sky—pitch black, void of stars or a moon. Then, in an instant, a bright blue cascade of water filled my vision.
…No way.
[!∑( 口 ||)]
With no time to resist, I was shoved straight into the fountain.