Ateol’s expression twisted even more at the sight of the cover.
The forbidden book Siwoo had tried to take contained records of the Tower Master’s private life.
It wasn’t some great state secret—the book had been designated forbidden simply because the Tower Master didn’t want others prying into his personal affairs.
Still, of all things, why this book?
“Why were you trying to read this?”
Siwoo flinched at the icy tone and muttered.
“T-The Tower Master gave me permission…”
“Is that not a question you understand? I asked why you wanted to read it.”
“I was… just curious…”
Ateol stared at him in silence.
Yuri had said that Siwoo, not him, was the true master of the tower—and that the Grand Duke knew this.
That although Siwoo had lost his memory, he would eventually reclaim the tower and return, having prepared something with the Grand Duke to drive Ateol out.
Yuri’s claims had too many holes.
If the Grand Duke hadn’t confirmed parts of it, Ateol might’ve never believed it.
“Um, Your Highness…”
Siwoo reached a hand toward Ateol.
Before he could touch him, Ateol seized his wrist and yanked it upward.
Siwoo gave a small gasp and staggered back—Ateol didn’t care to see it.
Looking like Yuri only made it worse.
“This is a forbidden book. You have no reason to be curious about it, and you’re in no position to be. Don’t get ahead of yourself just because the Grand Duke indulges you.”
“…”
He let go of Siwoo’s wrist like throwing something away.
Siwoo swayed, too pale to even stand properly.
“Smuggling out a forbidden book is a serious crime. Have him detained.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I was really just… curious…!”
Even replying to him was tiresome.
Ateol waved a hand, signaling for Siwoo to be taken away, and then glanced down at the book still in his hand.
It was true Yuri had granted Siwoo access to the Imperial Library—but surely not permission to read or remove forbidden texts.
Siwoo had likely tried to sneak it out using Yuri’s name and got caught.
Every action he took was annoying.
Repulsion—yes, that was the right word.
Everything about Siwoo repulsed him.
But why did he hate him this much?
Ateol stared silently at the spot where Siwoo had been dragged away.
They said Siwoo had caused a scene at the Imperial Library.
Tried to take out a forbidden book and got caught.
When they asked if I had granted him permission, I shook my head.
Forbidden texts were only accessible to a select few, myself and Ateol included.
I hadn’t even read the whole thing—who knew what was in it?
But would I ever let Siwoo read that?
It had been two days since his imprisonment.
The Grand Duke arrived swiftly at the palace.
“My nephew has caused trouble.”
A formal apology.
Ateol clearly wasn’t satisfied, but there was no other choice.
Siwoo had the disadvantage of amnesia.
Besides, the book he’d tried to take, while labeled forbidden, was stored in a section not too deep inside the library.
And it wasn’t some vital national secret—just records of the former Tower Master’s personal life.
Not enough to warrant indefinite imprisonment or harsh punishment.
And the Grand Duke had personally come to bow before the Emperor.
“It would be shameful to keep him in the palace any longer. I’ll take him back with me.”
“I didn’t think the Grand Duke would spoil his nephew so. You should’ve kept his education at home.”
“…My apologies.”
A rebuke for releasing an untrained fool into the world.
The Grand Duke kept her expression unreadable and bowed her head again.
Knowing her nature, she must be feeling deeply humiliated.
Though she respected imperial authority, she was nearly a sovereign herself, ruling the vast Duchy.
And she seemed to care for Siwoo a great deal—Ateol’s disdainful remarks likely grated on her.
“I’ll send a few overseers with you. See that he’s treated properly. Detainment will continue even after returning to the Duchy—until I order otherwise. Going home is no reprieve.”
“…Understood.”
The Grand Duke placed a hand on his chest and bowed his head once more.
It seemed like everything was wrapping up—until he lifted his gaze, stealing a glance.
At me.
“I also offer my apologies to the Tower Master.”
The sudden shift of attention left me speechless.
I had nothing to say.
My emotions were a tangled mess.
I needed to raise Siwoo’s favorability, but now he was leaving?
That alone was startling.
Even if he would be under surveillance, it was worrisome to have him sent so far away.
And yet… part of me felt relieved not having him around.
The Grand Duke continued.
“It seems… it is not yet time. I will make sure Siwoo is properly taught and present him to you again.”
“…….”
A chill ran down my spine.
I must’ve been the only one who caught that flicker in his eyes.
‘It’s not yet time,’ he said.
What did he mean by that?
The Grand Duke knew everything.
I didn’t know how, but even in the past, Ateol had found Siwoo before he regained his power—there had to be something.
As for ‘properly teaching’ Siwoo…
After running through a few thoughts, I could only interpret it as, ‘be ready for when he comes back.’
“…I’d like to see Siwoo once more before he leaves.”
I whispered to Ateol, but he shook his head.
“I don’t believe that would be wise.”
What do you know?
I need to raise his favorability before he’s gone.
I frowned, and Ateol added an explanation.
“If you see him now, it might appear as though you’re forgiving him for what happened.”
…Ah. I hadn’t thought of that.
I nodded in agreement.
The Grand Duke apologized once more before Ateol gestured for him to leave.
Once he was gone, I turned to Ateol.
He met my gaze, furrowing his brow slightly as he reached out.
When his fingers brushed near my eye, I flinched, and he gave a soft laugh.
“Why do you look like that?”
“Like what?”
“Like you’re uneasy.”
“…Because the Grand Duke said something weird.”
“You mean about it not being the time?”
I nodded.
“To me, it sounded like he meant you weren’t ready yet. That, for now, there’s nothing he can do. If he could’ve acted, he would’ve already.”
“…Well…”
That made sense.
If it wasn’t time yet, then I still had a grace period.
I could take it that way.
“In the end, I didn’t lay a finger on Siwoo.”
“So?”
“I want praise. I took the long way around when the easy path was right there.”
He rested his elbow on the armrest and leaned his chin into his hand, eyes fixed on me.
“Why did you take the long way?”
Honestly, I hadn’t expected Ateol to not kill Siwoo.
Thinking back, he also spared Caleus and only imprisoned the Emperor and Empress—he didn’t do anything worse.
Could he actually be… merciful?
Maybe it was just good optics not to harm his family after receiving a divine oracle to take the throne.
But Siwoo was different.
Ateol had plenty of chances to deal with him legitimately.
Like when Siwoo jumped in front of the monster last time, or when he snuck into my room.
“Because I thought you’d hate it.”
“…….”
“I thought if I killed Siwoo, you’d really be angry. You told me more than once not to kill him.”
“You’re lying…”
Ateol’s expression turned slightly regretful.
Was he serious?
Was there no other reason?
