The 14th Prince's Sage

Chapter 14

Doctor Happy paused for a moment, her expression turning a bit worried as she regarded the young man before her.

“You are studying under Lord Newcastle, correct?”

She inquired, her tone revealing both interest and concern.

“Yes, why do you ask?”

The woman motioned for him to take a seat, and he complied, wishing to avoid appearing impolite. Afterward, she slid a plate of pudding toward him.

Cielo looked at her in confusion and she smiled.

“You could use a little sweetness.”

“Is this really for me?”

He asked, his voice reflecting both surprise and gratitude.

“I ordered it just for you. You've been living on herbal soup for the last week.”

“…Thank you.”

He savored each bite.

Cielo had always had a strong fondness for sugary treats, making sweets an essential part of his diet. However, after a lengthy hospitalization and a decline in his health, he found himself unable to eat solid foods and became reliant on liquids for sustenance.

Doctor Happy watched him as he enjoyed the confections before taking a bite of her own meal.

“Ah, what was it you wanted to discuss again?”

Cielo eventually recalled that the doctor had something to share after he finished the pudding. The sweetness lingered on his tongue, offering a small comfort in a world that had recently felt so bleak.

Doctor Happy made sure to swallow her food first, following proper dining etiquette, before she responded.

“I don’t mind your straightforwardness. Still, I hope you will avoid provoking Lord Newcastle.”

It seems she intended to warn him about his mentor.

Cielo nodded slightly, taking in her words. The weight of her warning settled heavily on him, stirring feelings of uncertainty.

“…Is he a bad person?”

He asked, his brow furrowing as he tried to reconcile his impression of his teacher with the warning he had just received.

While Newcastle's behavior can sometimes be odd and intimidating, Cielo has never felt threatened in his presence. It seems that Newcastle enjoys keeping others on their toes and testing their limits.

‘Am I being overly trusting?’

Perhaps.

“He's not a bad person, but he's not good either. On the moral spectrum, I would place him somewhere in between.”

Cielo found himself in a state of confusion.

‘Whom should I trust?’

Alistair claimed that only a select few were aware of his true origins, particularly the most loyal followers of Konstantinos. Newcastle knows about his identity as a Traveler, which suggests a degree of trust, even though his ties to Alistair are questionable. However, Doctor Happy remains in the dark about this.

From his observations over the past few days, it’s clear that Konstantinos has complete faith in Alistair. Although he has reservations about Newcastle, he believes that Alistair would never allow them to be alone together, considering Newcastle's nature, if he were truly acting as a spy.

What if Doctor Happy is the real spy, trying to gather information from him? But could it be that the prince is genuinely unaware of this situation? After all, he is the one who decides who gets access to the West Wing.

He feels a deep sense of disorientation, overwhelmed by confusion as unsettling events seem to constantly surround him. This situation stems from being suddenly placed alone in an unfamiliar setting without any prior knowledge.

Cielo acknowledged the doctor's words with a nod.

“I will take that into account.”

This was the only response he found appropriate. After taking a sip of water, he asked another question.

“Doctor, what are your thoughts on Alistair and the prince?”

Noticing her clear skepticism about Newcastle, he began to ponder her views on the other two people Cielo had encountered in this new world.

The question caught the doctor off guard.

“Sir Alistair and His Imperial Highness?”

“I’m interested in your thoughts on them.”

Dr. Happy paused for a moment, her fingers lightly tapping on the table as she gathered her thoughts.

“Sir Alistair is quite enigmatic. There’s very little information about him, known only to His Imperial Highness and Lord Newcastle.”

One day, he appeared out of nowhere and was quickly named the Head Butler.

Although his background remains a mystery, he has become the prince's most trusted aide. Konstantinos has placed great trust in him, elevating him to the position of Head Butler and demoting the former Head Butler to Deputy Butler. This shift allowed Alistair to access the Treasury and granted him complete authority over the palace's financial affairs.

One day, he appeared out of the blue. Could it be that Alistair is also a Traveler?

Cielo contemplates the chance that the man might truly be a real Traveler. However, considering that the last Traveler arrived 800 years ago, it seems unlikely that anyone could have lived for such a long time.

But is it really impossible?

What if Alistair had a type of magic that enabled him to extend his life or attain eternal youth? This idea is a prevalent motif in various fantasy literature. What indications are there that he may not be as old as he seems?

However, Newcastle has advised him against drawing parallels with those fantastical narratives, which has prompted a change in his viewpoint.

As he ponders this, he remembers Newcastle mentioning that he had taken on the name given to him by the prince, abandoning his birth name in the process. It’s possible that Alistair has undergone something similar. He must be some big shot.

“Remember, gaining access to the Treasury is of significant importance in the Imperial Grounds.”

Doctor Happy places great emphasis on her every word.

The physician claimed that even Newcastle was prohibited from entering the Treasury, despite being a trusted aide to the prince. This exclusion is due not only to the Treasury's collection of rare treasures and gold but also to the presence of valuable magical artifacts.

It appears that Newcastle's perceived reliability in the eyes of the prince is not as robust as he had believed. Although it may seem harsh, he derives some solace from the realization that he is not the sole individual facing skepticism from the prince.

As the saying goes, the more, the merrier.

“Regarding Lord Newcastle…”

Doctor Happy continues, her tone contemplative.

“The only information I have about his background is that he comes from a noble family. He carries an air of mystery, though not to the same extent as Sir Alistair.”

Although Newcastle may not have the mysterious allure of Alistair, he certainly exudes a greater sense of danger.

With that in mind…

“He is of noble lineage?”

Cielo did not view him as noble. In fact, Cielo would argue that Alistair truly represents the essence of nobility far more than that person does.

Alistair, with his refined demeanor and the sophisticated presence that surrounded him, seemed to embody the ideals of honor and integrity. In contrast, Newcastle came across as a laid-back yet powerful mage living in isolation atop a tower, albeit one situated in the West Wing.

“Are you familiar with his family's status?”

Cielo pressed, trying to piece together the puzzle of Newcastle's identity.

“Hmm. Was it Baron? I'm not sure…”

The response was filled with uncertainty.

Baron? Isn't that the lowest title among the nobility?

Cielo pondered the reasons that drove Newcastle to abandon his family and isolate himself in the West Wing.

‘I can only hope he hasn't involved himself in any illegal activities.’

The consequences would be dire if it were revealed that the prince was harboring criminals within his palace.

“Still, it's worth mentioning that there are 31 Barons in the Empire.”

“I see. That should be enough.”

While he hadn't intended to look into Newcastle's affairs at this moment, it was still a possibility for the future. At present, it wasn't his top priority.

With the conversations about Alistair and Newcastle concluded, the focus shifts to Konstantinos.

“What about the prince—”

“Ah, His Imperial Highness!”

Doctor Happy's eyes gleamed with enthusiasm, creating a moment of surprise. Unlike the previous two, she appeared eager to share details about the 14th prince.

While Alistair exuded an air of mystery and Newcastle posed a threat, Konstantinos was rather unremarkable, mainly known for his quirky habit of giving others unusual nicknames. Despite his seemingly apathetic demeanor, he possessed a sense of humor, enjoyed making jokes, and demonstrated kindness, having even taken in orphans as his wards.

His expression was one of disbelief as he glanced at Doctor Happy and remarked.

“Funny!? That guy…?”

Remember that time when the prince made a joke about getting rid of him to ease the tension? It was quite funny, wasn't it?

The doctor wasn't there at that time but you get what he’s saying?

Doctor Happy let out a nervous laugh, clearly aware of the prince's rather unfunny attempts at humor.

“His sense of humor can be a bit disconcerting given his stoic nature… Still! His Imperial Highness genuinely enjoys sharing jokes!”

She then proceeded to recount several occasions when he tried to lighten the mood, hoping to make her feel more at ease during their conversations.

“His Imperial Highness is truly a kind-hearted person. It's remarkable that he cares about the feelings of this unfortunate young woman—”

“I see, he really is something special. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.”

He finally interrupted, trying to redirect her enthusiasm. Although his words felt inadequate, he understood the need to say something to stop the conversation.

Even though he had only met the prince a handful of times, he was convinced that the impression this young woman had of him did not match his own experiences. To him, the prince had always seemed distant, almost aloof, weighed down by the duties of his royal role.

The doctor looked at him in disbelief, blinking rapidly.

“That was enough?”

“Yes, please don't say anything more.”

Doctor Happy was enthusiastically praising the prince without pause, which prompted him to step in. It was unclear how long she would continue if he didn't intervene.

“I had more to say, but I understand!”

Her face showed her disappointment at his lack of enthusiasm for the prince. Although he felt guilty for interrupting her, he understood the importance of not encouraging her obsession.

When Cielo returned to the library, he found Newcastle already there, seated and absorbed in his book.

“You’re late.”

“Yeah, only by a minute.”

Cielo sighed softly and walked over to his instructor. He had become so wrapped up in conversation with Doctor Happy that he had lost track of time, which explained his slight delay.

As he settled into his seat across from Newcastle, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the other man's intense gaze.

Newcastle shut the book and tucked it securely into his coat.

“I won't tolerate any more delays. Let's get started.”

Over the next three days, Cielo received thorough instruction on the theoretical aspects of magic. However, they had yet to engage in any practical exercises, which are essential for truly mastering the craft. Still, he longed for a shift to more interactive lessons, growing increasingly restless after three days of silence in the library.

“How did your studies with Lord Newcastle go?”

Alistair inquired while serving dinner, a subtle smirk appearing at the mention of Lord Newcastle. Cielo chose to overlook this and responded.

“It's going well.”

Maybe.

Newcastle maintains a strict demeanor, but he is also an undeniable son of a bitch. His mood often influences the flow of their lessons. On days when he is in a particularly good mood, he tends to ask a barrage of questions and frequently interrupts him during reviews or readings. In contrast, when he is in a less favorable mood, Cielo is left to study on his own, with questions saved for the end of the session. It feels like a chaotic ride.

His favorite time is when Newcastle is feeling lazy, as this is the only moment he gets a proper lecture. However, this occasion is very rare as they only happen once.

Cielo adjusted the napkin on his lap and glanced at the empty chairs next to him, realizing he was once again the only person in the dining area, apart from Alistair, who was there solely to distribute the meal.

His only experience dining with others had been during his first visit to the dining area when he unexpectedly ran into Dr. Happy while looking for the kitchen. She graciously invited him to join her at the table then.

“Is Lord Newcastle a good teacher, young master?”

The question made him pause.

At first, he had doubts about having Newcastle as his mentor, however, he couldn't deny the man's effectiveness in teaching.

“He is quite intelligent.”

Cielo replied, his voice steady but thoughtful.

This was the first impression he had when Newcastle began teaching him. The man demonstrated an impressive ability to absorb and express information, and his reasoning was always clear. Newcastle excelled at breaking down complex concepts into simpler parts, making even the toughest subjects understandable.

Cielo was genuinely amazed.

Alistair's lips curled into a slight smile, yet the expression on his face remained unwavering.

“Is that so?”

If Cielo had been braver, he would have asked about the issues between Alistair and Newcastle a long time ago. Regrettably, he felt too intimidated to bring it up.

Instead, he chose to change the subject.

“Are you still not willing to join me for dinner?”

Alistair, who was getting ready to leave, shook his head and gave a regretful smile.

“You must understand, this isn't about you, young master. His Imperial Highness has summoned me to his office.”

Even though the prince had been at the palace for the past week, Cielo had only seen him twice: once when he delivered a contract and again when it was signed.

“Well, take care.”

“I shall, thank you.”

Finally, the man took his leave.

In all honesty, Cielo felt little real concern for the butler, who seemed to be in excellent health underneath his many layers of clothing. His question was simply a polite gesture.

Without no one to talk to, he began his dinner.

On the fourth day of his visit to Newcastle, the man only instructed him on how to gather mana in a windowless room, its walls adorned with what resembled modern graffiti, albeit less vibrant and imaginative.

Even without a light source, the room was sufficiently bright.

Although the only way in and out is through the door, the space surprisingly feels open and breathable, with a notably cool atmosphere.

To an outsider, this area might seem like a type of solitary confinement, where a prisoner could spiral into madness and start scribbling nonsensical phrases on the walls. The starkness and isolation of the room could easily stir feelings of despair and claustrophobia. However, for Cielo, it offers a fascinating spectacle.

He moves closer to inspect the markings. They resemble the Empire's language but appear more simplistic, almost childlike in their execution. The lines are jagged and uneven, yet they possess a certain charm that draws him in.

This is the ancient language.

Cielo has yet to master it even though it is crucial for practicing magic, as he has focused on learning the Empire's language instead.