ETHTKE chapter 46

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To be honest, it still felt awkward hearing Ian call Baek Yigang “Your Highness.”

Even Piel, who kept scratching at his nerves, used to call Baek Yigang “brother, brother” all the time.

With his older brother Piel acting like that, you’d think Ian would’ve subconsciously picked up on it, but he didn’t.

Maybe he’s drawing his own boundaries?

Following Ian, I cautiously entered through the slightly opened door and was immediately struck by the bright and simple atmosphere inside.

It felt as though the wide-open entrance and windows of the room were saying, “I’m not trying to block anyone out.”

It gave the impression that this was Ian’s personality in room form.

The room felt refreshingly bright and fresh, maybe because of how well-ventilated it was.

“My apologies for the late greeting. I am Ian, the third prince of the Dirzio Royal Family.”

Wow… look at him being so polite.

And I’m the one who came unannounced, yet he’s greeting me first! You don’t see royalty doing that often.

Ian was different from his brothers in many ways.

His actions didn’t differ much from what I’d seen in the original work, but that made it even more meaningful.

Especially since Piel and Baek Yigang had been showing slightly different sides compared to the original work.

“I apologize for the sudden visit. I am Cheong Dowoon, a wizard affiliated with the Royal Family.”

Trying to match his courtesy, I awkwardly smiled as I took a seat across from him.

I noticed a bottle of liquor on the table.

Judging by its color, it looked like the same soda-flavored drink I’d had earlier.

I’d been lured in by that scent, chasing after the villain, but who knew I’d catch such a big fish.

I didn’t expect to meet Ian this soon — what a lucky break!

Now that I think about it, the reason the alcohol smell leaked outside must have been because the doors were all left open.

Since there was only one glass, it seemed he really was drinking alone.

Returning to the palace only to drink by yourself… doesn’t suit you, Ian.

“If you don’t mind, would you care for a drink? I was just about to pour myself another.”

At Ian’s suggestion, the servant beside him quickly and intuitively prepared another glass.

“Oh, I’m alright. I’ve already had enough to drink.”

I lightly waved my hand to decline, but Ian’s expression darkened slightly.

Wait, what?

Why is he reacting like that?

“…I was feeling a bit lonely.”

“Ah, then please pour me one. I was actually hoping for a drink anyway. Haha!”

Quickly changing my stance, I eagerly accepted the glass, and Ian, as if he had never been sad, smiled and poured me a drink himself.

Ah, damn it. I fell for it.

But how could I stand seeing someone who usually shows no emotion sulk just because I turned him down?

Whenever I saw someone who didn’t seem like they would, showing such vulnerability because of me, it always weakened my resolve.

It was a deep-seated flaw I couldn’t fix.

It’s the same reason why, when Baek Yigang occasionally showed a rare moment of weakness, I couldn’t help but go along with it.

…Wait a minute.

Is that why I was always part of the regular drinking crew back in Korea?

Suddenly, the face of Manager Kim, who used to whine that no one would listen to him at drinking parties if I wasn’t there, popped into my head.

I’ve just realized an uncomfortable truth.

“It’s reassuring to have a wizard like you here with me.”

Ian casually brushed back his golden hair, which fluttered in the wind, and emptied his glass with a clean motion.

I followed suit and emptied my glass.

The sweet liquid slid smoothly down my throat, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

At the same time, worries stArthed to creep up on me, almost like a side dish.

Oh no, what do I do?

I know Ian’s personality better than anyone.

He’s the main character, after all, and occupies most of the original storyline.

It would be strange if I didn’t know him.

But now that I’m facing him, I have no idea how to approach him.

On the surface, he seems kind like Piel, but they’re completely different.

Piel might act kind, but he’s dark inside.

Ian, on the other hand, is the same inside and out.

That’s why he’s the protagonist.

And that’s what makes him harder to deal with.

If he were like Piel — crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside — I could just sweet-talk him.

But that doesn’t work on Ian.

…In this weird way, he’s similar to Baek Yigang.

I guess brothers will be brothers.

Here’s an uncomfortable truth: to absorb someone else’s divine power, you must make physical contact.

The larger the area of contact and the longer it lasts, the more power you can take, and the faster it happens.

It’s an incredibly primitive and honest method, but that’s what makes it so inconvenient.

Even if I manage to make contact, I can’t take a large amount of power at once.

The person losing their strength isn’t an idiot, and if I take too much at once, they’ll notice.

So, I need to take small amounts, little by little.

What should I do?

I can’t just randomly ask him to hold my hand…

To get the amount I need, I’ll have to make contact with him at least ten more times.

And considering everything, that means I’ll need to meet him about fifteen more times.

In order to do that smoothly, I have to get closer to him right now.

As much as I’d like to run up and hug him, the shadows in the room would never let that slide.

Of course, no matter how hard they try, they’re no match for me.

But I can’t kill or harm them, so I can’t afford to take them lightly either.

“You seem deep in thought.”

At the sound of his voice, I snapped out of my thoughts and realized I’d been sitting there, holding my glass and zoning out.

“Oh, no. I just feel like I’m intruding on your time…”

“Not at all. I’m actually enjoying this. I just returned to the capital a little while ago but haven’t been able to meet His Majesty or the Crown Prince. They’ve been so busy. I came here to my room, but you visiting like this is a delight.”

Oh my god… what did I just hear?

Wow, this angel of a man will become emperor, pushing aside the fallen crown prince and the second prince who ruined the country.

Whatever happens, this is clearly Baek Yigang and Piel’s fault. Ian must have been so fed up with them. How could this angel lose his temper unless they really pushed him?

And yet, despite everything, he didn’t kill his brothers but merely exiled them.

That’s a legendary personality.

One fell into dark magic, and the other’s greed ruined the country. If it were me, I would’ve killed them both.

Anyway, I should probably start making contact now.

I feel like I can pull it off if I show a little bit of admiration.

“Your Highness…”

“Speak.”

Even before I could ask, Ian saw my empty glass and naturally refilled it.

The sound of liquid pouring filled the air.

I’d just emptied it, but it was full again.

I could feel my breath catching in my throat.

How is this possible?

The alcohol just keeps coming! Is this a brewery or something?

I’ve probably already drunk two bottles by now…

Could it be that this man is trying to get me drunk and throw me into the far-off Ferros River?

“Actually, I’ve been a fan of yours for a long time, Your Highness. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you in the east… I’ve always wanted the chance to shake your hand. Would that be possible?”

I smiled, throwing out some honeyed words as I subtly extended my hand.

I haven’t heard a single rumor about Ian in the east, but who cares?

Ian had been away from the capital since he was young, so most people probably only knew of his existence.

Very few had ever seen him in person, so it wasn’t like there would be any rumors circulating here.

But who am I?

I’m the ultimate reader!

I know exactly what Ian saw and learned after leaving the capital.

So, if he ever asks me what I know about him, I’m more than ready to give a detailed answer.

But… what if he refuses?

It would be embarrassing, and it would make any future contact uncertain.

Still, he’s royalty, so maybe asking for a handshake right away was too much?

I was about to retract my hand, feeling like I’d been too hasty, but Ian suddenly grabbed it.

“I’m honored you think so.”

Whoa! Surprised… No, this is the moment!

I seized the opportunity and began absorbing a very small amount of divine power, careful not to let Ian notice.

Since it’s the first time, I shouldn’t be greedy.

I have to absorb it little by little, frequently, so I don’t get caught.

But suddenly, a shadow behind me spoke in a concerned, unfamiliar voice.

“Your Highness, holding hands with just anyone like that is…”

Before I could grasp the meaning of the words, Ian’s expression instantly turned icy.

Right, of course.

This is why this kind-heArthed person is the protagonist of such a perilous fantasy novel!

“What nonsense are you spouting? How dare you act rudely to my guest… Return and reflect on your behavior.”

Just being kind won’t make you a protagonist. When being firm, you have to be unyielding.

Of course, this aside, the shadow can’t act without the master’s permission.

But the fact that he spoke up means Ian must have been lenient with them.

Whatever the situation, this was definitely a rude thing to say.

If it were Baek Yigang, he wouldn’t have ordered reflection—he would have sent them to their doom…

Ian was quick and cold in his judgment, cutting off anyone who might even slightly harm him.

And the first person Ian cut off was none other than Baek Yigang.

Ah, our villain manages to be number one even in moments like this. I couldn’t be prouder, really.

When Ian found out Baek Yigang was using black magic, he pursued him mercilessly, showing no mercy, and immediately expelled him.

Wait… hold on. It was Piel who made Baek Yigang give up the position of Crown Prince, but it was Ian who expelled him from the capital?

Ian is a double-edged sword.

From here on, he could either be a great help to me and Baek Yigang or become an obvious obstacle.

If the protagonist is an ally, I’d welcome him with open arms, but if Ian finds out about Baek Yigang’s black magic… he won’t be an ally anymore.

After extracting as much divine power as possible from Ian’s hand, I discreetly pulled mine away.

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