* * *

Upon entering, I immediately noticed Rata waiting at the front with his stark white hair and piercing blue eyes.

Designers were lined up neatly on either side of him.

“Greetings to the esteemed Little Sun of the Empire. May the Goddess’ blessing be with you.”

When Rata bowed, the designers, looking tense, followed suit with deep bows.

Moments like these served as a reminder that Baek Yigang was indeed the revered Crown Prince in this world, something that felt strange each time.

To me, Baek Yigang was just selfish and ungrateful, albeit occasionally showing a hint of humanity.

Not exactly ordinary but certainly not terrifying either.

Maybe that’s why, seeing people fear him so much, I was reminded of the fact that I was living inside a novel.

Baek Yigang acknowledged their greeting with a glance and suddenly turned his eyes to me with a rather indifferent look, pointing a finger in my direction.

What, what is it now? What does that finger mean? Don’t tell me Rata is going to…?

“Your Highness, this way, please.”

Just as I flinched in anticipation, Rata led Baek Yigang away.

It seemed I was spared from Rata’s focus for today, thanks to Baek Yigang’s presence.

But before I could relax, other designers swiftly approached me.

At least they looked gentle compared to Lata, so maybe it would be okay?

“Shall we begin?”

“Yes.”

Before I could quell my nerves, the lead designer, with a determined face, gave a signal.

The others began pulling out items from their pockets, including sharp pins and measuring tapes with blotchy, reddish stains.

Wait, is that blood on the measuring tape? I don’t think I’m seeing things…

“Um, wait, what are you planning to do with those dangerous items…?”

When I stepped back, startled, the lead designer smiled softly.

“We’re honored to have the Wizard with us again today. You looked so splendid in the clothes last time that we’ve all been eagerly awaiting your return.”

Their soft voices came with equally warm smiles.

Before I knew it, their hands had gently grabbed me, and like last time, I was soon being dressed up as if I were a mannequin.

The only small consolation was that today’s outfit wasn’t overly ornate.

It was a formal yet modest uniform, fitting for the state council meeting.

But there was one thing…

“Isn’t wearing a cloak going to be a bit hot?”

He didn’t like the idea of draping a dark red cloak with fleece lining over his shoulders.

It was true that wizards customarily wore robes or cloaks over their shoulders, but this felt excessive.

Just then, the designer, who had been as courteous as before, gave a bright smile.

“Haha. But you’re a wizard, aren’t you, Mr. Cheong Dowoon?”

“Uh? Yes….”

Why was he saying that so suddenly?

Cheong Dowoon nodded reluctantly, unsure of the point.

The designer, still looking as kind as ever, spoke again.

“You can maintain your body temperature with magic, right? A skilled wizard like yourself shouldn’t find that difficult… am I correct?”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“Then the issue is resolved.”

Was this what people meant by being caught off guard?

To make matters worse, the other staff nearby chimed in with admiration, “As expected of a wizard!” and the conversation was brushed aside.

Well… it’s not like I’ll die from being a bit hot.

After that, several people gathered around him to fix his hair.

The strands that had been hanging over his forehead were quickly swept up neatly.

“Um, teachers, I’m just attending the meeting as a bodyguard. Isn’t this a bit too much…?”

Unable to hold back, Cheong Dowoon cautiously voiced his opinion, but those around him all shook their heads at once.

“What do you mean? Precisely because it’s a meeting, you need to look your best.”

“Exactly. The pride of our tailor shop rests on you and His Highness the Crown Prince.”

…Oh, so all this was for your pride.

“Wizard, could you close your eyes for a moment?”

Too drained to argue, Cheong Dowoon obediently closed his eyes.

Soon, he felt the delicate touch of someone applying makeup to his eyebrows.

Great, now even makeup? He sighed.

Though he felt complicated, he had no choice but to stay still, eyes closed.

Suddenly, the surrounding noise fell silent.

The unexpected quietness brought an eerie chill over him.

The touch brushing his eyebrows had also stopped.

“…Teachers?”

No matter how many times he called out, there was no reply.

What?

Are they already done?

“Um, I’m opening my eyes now…?”

“Don’t open them.”

Just as he was about to cautiously open his eyes, a voice came from behind him.

Startled, he realized that the voice was all too familiar and opened his eyes wide.

Behind him stood Baek Yigang, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

He wore a black uniform embedded with countless black diamonds that, though not flashy, looked extremely expensive.

His snow-white hair, parted more neatly than usual, gave him an elegant appearance.

Hmm. He looks good in anything.

No wonder Rata is crazy about him.

Unintentionally nodding in admiration, Cheong Dowoon observed that Baek Yigang looked every bit the Empire’s Crown Prince.

But as their eyes met, Baek Yigang’s purple gaze appeared subtly tilted, as if scrutinizing him.

“Where did the teachers go, and why are you here? Am I done already?”

Cheong Dowoon asked, noticing that everyone had vanished in an instant.

Baek Yigang, who had been watching him steadily, began to approach him slowly.

“I’m done, but you’re not.”

With that, Baek Yigang reached out towards Cheong Dowoon’s neck and buttoned the top two undone buttons of his shirt.

“It’s uncomfortable if it’s all buttoned up.”

Unfortunately, he was wearing a shirt one size too small, chosen to make his chest appear as if it might burst.

For reasons beyond his understanding, that seemed to matter.

Disregarding his protests, Baek Yigang fastened the buttons anyway.

Not that he’d expected any different.

“The meeting will be over soon since the princess is arriving in the evening. Bear with it for a bit, even if it’s uncomfortable.”

Realizing that he was ready, Cheong Dowoon stood up.

“I just need to stay by your side, right?”

“Right. Let’s go.”

They left the tailor’s room and headed towards the meeting hall.

The path felt familiar—he realized it was the same hall where he had once eavesdropped on the meeting regarding Baek Yigang and Princess Arthe’s engagement.

Hmm, I feel tense for no reason.

He hadn’t ever attended a meeting like this during his time here.

He’d always spent his days indulging and watching the main characters’ developments from afar.

As the knights opened the doors, Baek Yigang turned to Cheong Dowoon.

“Don’t look around aimlessly. Just look at me.”

“Uh, okay.”

Without a chance for second thoughts, the answer slipped out reflexively.

Satisfied, Baek Yigang’s lips curled slightly before he turned to face forward again.

“His Highness the Crown Prince enters!”

The knight’s voice rang out, and the nobles inside stood up in unison, bowing their heads respectfully.

Oddly enough, the seat of honor where the Emperor would be was empty.

Well, he’s probably not feeling well right now.

He would try to avoid public appearances.

Although not known to the public, the Emperor’s health had been poor since the early parts of the story.

His fate was to succumb to illness in the end.

Fearing for his authority, he hid his illness until it was beyond help and finally revealed it when there was nothing left to be done.

Now was about that time.

Judging by the current events, he likely didn’t have much longer.

…Baek Yigang might already know.

But he would pretend otherwise.

No one understood better than he did that acknowledging the Emperor’s illness would bring no benefit.

Walking inside at an unhurried pace, Baek Yigang naturally took the seat of honor.

As he sat, the nobles followed suit.

From his spot behind Baek Yigang, Cheong Dowoon spotted a few familiar faces among the nobles.

Oh, over there.

That minor character who opposed Ian midway through the story and was shamed before being ousted.

He stood there, observing, as Baek Yigang led the meeting efficiently.

But somehow… it felt as though all the gazes were on him, not Baek Yigang.

It could’ve been his imagination, but he kept catching their subtle glances as they peeked at him.

Maybe they were intrigued since it wasn’t Asel standing there but him.

Just as he nervously shifted his eyes, trying to avoid their stares, it happened.

“….”

Suddenly, Baek Yigang’s words came to an abrupt stop.

The lively noise in the hall hushed as if cold water had been poured over it.

In the ensuing silence, the nobles exchanged uneasy glances and looked to Baek Yigang for cues.

“Haha.”

A short, low chuckle escaped Baek Yigang.

But instinctively, everyone understood what that laugh meant.

‘Something’s clearly annoyed him!’

It was odd for him to laugh at all—there was nothing funny.

Though Cheong Dowoon couldn’t see Baek Yigang’s face, judging by the nobles’ pale expressions, he could guess:

Whatever it was, Baek Yigang was not pleased.

* * *