ETHTKE chapter 44

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Why does it feel like there are fewer people than usual?

Looking around, I realized that the number of people was actually the same as always. As proof, there were only Asel and me guarding Baek Yigang.

In truth, Asel and I alone are already more than enough of an overpowered force.

However, since most royals parade around with a full entourage of guards, by comparison, we seemed relatively few.

If it looks like this to me, it must seem quite small to others.

Royals typically value appearances above all. Baek Yigang surely knows that, right?

“In events like this, isn’t the captain of the knights usually in charge of the escort?”

Even though Ken has a history of betrayal, there’s no reason for him to refuse the escort. More importantly, Ken has now fully sided against Piel.

Of course, it’s understandable that Baek Yigang still doesn’t trust Ken.

“As you said, the captain of the knights usually provides the escort. But having a Wizard do it is more prestigious. They are fewer in number, and their abilities are more valuable.”

Asel, who was nearby, seemed to have heard my muttering and gave a quiet response.

“Hm, so what you mean is… I’m a more valuable asset than the Imperial Knights?”

“Yes. Lord Cheong Dowoon, you are an invaluable member of the Royal Palace, even more so than the Wizard Tower. Everyone will hold you in awe, especially after witnessing your recent display of power.”

Hmm, that feels pretty good.

All the times I’ve been criticized as a nepotism hire were actually just jealousy because I took such a valuable position, right?

Of course, that’s right.

Who am I?

Did you hear that, Baek Yigang, who once looked down on me?

I am a more dependable ally than even the knights!

“I didn’t mention it for fear your ego would get unnecessarily inflated, but you still managed to catch on.”

A small sigh that spoiled my moment of joy came from the front.

Honestly, that damn Baek Yigang. Even when he speaks, he has to make it irritating.

“Ah…! I apologize.”

Even Asel immediately apologized.

Guilt was written all over his face, having failed to understand his lord’s deeper meaning.

“What? If Asel apologizes, then what does that make me?! Don’t apologize! Don’t!”

“Hmm.”

When I shouted in frustration, Asel silently turned his head away.

Ugh, like master, like subordinate.

“Cheong Dowoon.”

Baek Yigang pulled me back to his side, interrupting my complaints to Asel.

I realized that we had somehow arrived in front of the party hall.

“Today, if possible, don’t stray far from Asel and me.”

There was something strange about Baek Yigang’s expression as he gave this peculiar advice. It was hard to figure out what he meant.

“Why?”

“You’ll see soon enough.”

I was about to ask again since Baek Yigang hadn’t given a clear answer, but then I saw Phillip and Ken, who were waiting in front of the hall, quickly approach us.

“Your Highness, you must attend to the Earl of Etuldam regarding the mining project in the Notteld Mountains today. Before that, please engage in some light conversation with the nobles, then proceed to the podium to give a brief address.”

“And the Emperor?”

“He will join at the podium. Normally, he would join from here, but…”

Phillip, who was explaining the schedule clearly and quickly, began to trail off.

It was implicitly understood that he was referring to the recent incident where the statue’s head was struck by lightning and blown off.

In any case, the Emperor seemed to still be in a foul mood about it.

All the nobles knew about the incident, so he wouldn’t want to face them with a smile.

Still, he couldn’t show that frustration to the empire’s citizens who were already uneasy, so it seemed he planned to join from the podium.

Understanding Phillip’s explanation instantly, Baek Yigang nodded slightly and looked at Ken.

“Since the capital is open to the public for the first time in four years, there will be a crowd. Tighten internal security and ensure that no disturbances of any size occur.”

“At your command.”

Ken, looking more serious than ever, bowed deeply and left quickly, clearly busy with his duties.

With Phillip standing beside Baek Yigang, a proper formation was more or less complete.

Phillip and I flanked Baek Yigang, with Asel and the shadows behind us.

It was a solid combination.

Well… in truth, Baek Yigang isn’t someone who would die easily, even without us.

Who knows?

Maybe the Crown Prince of the Empire is actually a dark Wizard.

I’ve never actually fought Baek Yigang, but I could tell.

Baek Yigang is not weaker than me. He might even be stronger.

Evil, after all, has to be strong to be truly evil. So, he can’t be weaker than me.

At last, the firmly closed doors of the party hall began to open slowly. The nobles were waiting for us beyond them.

They say the protagonist always arrives last… Right now, we’re playing that role to a tee.

So, the true protagonist, the Third Prince, must not be here yet.

“The Crown Prince is entering!”

The escort’s voice rang out loudly. At that, the murmurings from beyond the door abruptly ceased, as if by agreement.

As we stepped inside, the large party hall came into full view.

We were at the highest point of the party hall, where stairs stretched out on either side, leading down.

On the lower floor, there was a central hall filled with a lavish spread of dishes.

As expected from a party with nobles, soft classical music flowed gently, but today it seemed a bit more lively than usual.

The atmosphere was unmistakably festive.

All eyes from those below were drawn to Baek Yigang’s entrance.

The intensity of those gazes might have been overwhelming, but Baek Yigang calmly accepted them, as if accustomed to such scrutiny, and walked slowly forward.

However, not only Baek Yigang but also the gaze directed at me was quite notable.

It seemed that many remembered me since the restoration of the forest.

As Baek Yigang slowly surveyed the nobles, he spoke in a calm, straightforward manner.

“Thank you for gracing us with your presence. May the glory of the Empire be with you all.”

It was entirely in line with his character to cut straight to the point without unnecessary words.

Baek Yigang slowly lifted the glass of wine that Philip had handed him.

The nobles followed suit, raising their own glasses.

“Lord Dowoon, this for you.”

The glass Philip handed to me was the same as the one Baek Yigang was holding.

The transparent blue liquid inside sparkled like dew.

“Oh, me too?”

“This is no ordinary drink. It is the only national liquor you can enjoy only on the Founding Day.”

“Then I must try it.”

I eagerly accepted it, and Philip smiled gently before stepping away.

As Baek Yigang drank the wine in one gulp, his glass was emptied.

The nobles followed suit and emptied their own glasses.

…Well then, so should I.

“Oh, this is……”

Soda-flavored? It’s incredibly sweet.

The taste was as straightforward as it looked.

Despite having navigated society, my taste buds still found alcohol bitter, but this sweet liquor was a first for me.

Before I could fully marvel at it, a waiting servant approached and took my empty glass. Though I wished for another drink, it seemed unlikely to continue drinking here.

“Your Majesty, we need to go downstairs……”

“One moment.”

Baek Yigang, who shook his head at Philip’s suggestion to go down, stood still and stared intently at something.

What is he looking at?

Philip and I followed Baek Yigang’s gaze. Soon, we saw someone in a black hat with a red ribbon approaching us briskly from the entrance of the party.

The surrounding knights, who had been guarding, did not block the person, who clearly did not seem like a party guest. Instead, they quickly cleared a path.

Before I could finish wondering who was receiving such a respectful welcome, the man soon approached us.

He maintained a slight distance and bowed his head silently.

“You’re early.”

“My apologies. Here.”

Despite Baek Yigang’s reprimand, the man did not make excuses and acknowledged his mistake readily.

He carefully took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Philip.

Philip briefly examined the letter, then judged it to be fine and handed it to Baek Yigang.

The sound of the red ribbon on the letter being untied rang clearly amidst the noisy party.

Baek Yigang unfolded the letter, read it with a rather indifferent expression, and handed it to Philip without folding it back.

“What’s it about?”

At my question, Baek Yigang cast a sidelong glance at the man, signaling him to leave.

Without a word, the man quickly withdrew.

Once the man was far away, Baek Yigang finally spoke.

“The third prince is coming.

He said he had passed the outer area when he wrote the letter, so he should arrive soon.

He might be at the imperial palace by now.”

It was unexpected news. The third prince, my divine power is finally within reach! I’ve been waiting so eagerly!!

“Wow, finally…!”

“Finally?”

I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration. Baek Yigang, hearing this, shot me a sharp look.

Oh, why does he look so annoyed?

“I was curious. I’ve never seen him before.”

“You’re curious about everything. You’re not a child.”

I tried to cover it up with a small smile, but Baek Yigang quickly turned his gaze away, his displeasure clearly visible. He didn’t seem to be trying to hide it.

Which means… he’s acting like this just to show me?

Calling me a child, really!

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