The 14th Prince's Sage

Chapter 17

Cielo doesn’t feel compelled to respond to the perception of being unhelpful, as it was their decision to take this path, thus, they must take responsibility for him during this time. He is simply a participant in their journey, and while they may voice frustration about his perceived lack of involvement, he recognizes that their choices have led them to this point. He acts merely as a reflection of their own decisions.

“You do not…?”

The prince replied, his voice clearly indicating his surprise.

“What? Why do you seem to be hesitating all of a sudden?”

Cielo asked, his brow slightly furrowing as he tried to grasp the shift in the atmosphere.

The prince shook his head and took a bite of his strawberry cake.

“I am not reluctant but merely taken aback. That Newcastle of mine is quite a challenging individual, which is the reason I distanced myself from him as much as I could.”

As he thought it over, he realized that the public library on the third floor was indeed the farthest place from Konstantinos’s office and the chamber on the fifth floor. The prince’s office is located at the northernmost end of the fourth floor, while the library is situated in the southern part of the third floor.

‘The prince accepted me into his circle.’

He recalled Newcastle mentioning this in response to his inquiry about how he came to serve the prince. While Newcastle chose not to elaborate on his past, this moment marked a significant advancement in their relationship.

“Did you not invite him to stay at your home? If that’s the case, you must take responsibility for him.”

Cielo savored his vanilla cake, the rich, creamy frosting melting delightfully on his tongue, while he playfully teased the prince seated across from him.

The cheerful atmosphere stood in stark contrast to Konstantinos’s frown, which deepened as he pondered Cielo’s comments.

“I did not accept him. He took it upon himself to make my manor his own, as if he had every right to do so.”

Cielo raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

As he considered the individual in question, Cielo could easily envision the prince’s aide acting just as he had described—bold, brash, and utterly unrepentant. This thought brought a chuckle from him, which only seemed to further annoy Konstantinos.

“Can’t you just send him away?”

Cielo asked, his tone a mix of teasing and curiosity.

“He serves a purpose. I can endure this much, at the very least.”

The prince shrugged gracefully, the movement smooth and deliberate, as if to completely dismiss the matter. Cielo couldn’t help but admire the prince’s composure.

Leaning back in his chair, the playful glint in his eyes betrayed his amusement.

“Heh. I like your way of thinking.”

Simply being a nuisance doesn’t diminish their worth. Despite his disdain for Newcastle, it was clear that the individual possessed significant magical talent and intelligence.

Konstantinos shot him a sidelong glance, the corners of his mouth twitching, but he chose to remain silent. Cielo took a sip of his tea to clear his throat before steering the conversation in a new direction.

“Are we continuing with the plan?”

In under two weeks, Cielo will embark on his first journey away from the palace. Although he is only heading to a forest that is far removed from the Empire, the idea of leaving the palace fills him with joy.

“Certainly. Even if your position is not of great importance, one must be officially registered with the Department Office to operate within the Imperial Grounds.”

“I guess so.”

Cielo agreed. He preferred being a lawful worker rather than an unlawful one.

Moreover, he could use his fabricated identity and work experience in the future, using them as stepping stones to build a life that was not only secure but also respected. The thought of being able to walk into a job interview without the fear of being discovered was a comforting one.

As the two enjoyed their meal in silence, Cielo found himself stealing glances at the prince, who seemed lost in his own thoughts.

There were countless desserts he longed to try, each one more tempting than the last, which made it hard for him to leave at that moment. Therefore, he shifted the conversation to a different topic to engage the prince’s interest.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you, 14th prince. What were your original intentions concerning me?”

’Also, because I’m really curious.’

Konstantinos’s initial interest in him is linked to his identity as a Traveler.

Cielo paused, biting his fork as a sudden realization hit him. This plot feels oddly familiar… With an exaggerated look of disbelief, he aimed his fork at the prince.

“Surely, you can’t be implying… Am I the prophesied savior of this world!?”

This scenario mirrors the experience of an ordinary person who suddenly finds themselves in a different realm, whether due to death or being summoned. Although the characters in these stories are typically portrayed as incredibly powerful or wealthy nobles, the general circumstances are similar to his current predicament. Additionally, this may explain why the prince showed interest in him when he first arrived in this world.

‘I’m getting ahead of myself again.’

Cielo shook his head, trying to clear those thoughts from his mind.

While this notion has some logic to it, it also raises more questions. This realm is abundant in magic, yet he lacks the ability to wield it. What part does an imperfect hero play? It might be wise to encourage them to explore other avenues and recognize that magic isn’t the only solution.

Certainly not…

He will not, now or in the future, make any effort to assist these unfamiliar individuals. His pursuit of magical training is driven solely by personal interest and the requirements of the contract.

Konstantinos furrowed his brow and inquired cautiously.

“Could you please elaborate on your statement?”

“…Is that not it?”

His reply implied that it was, in fact, not accurate.

The prince set his cup down and spoke seriously.

“Prophecy does not hold any significance in this realm.”

“Oh…”

Cielo mentally crosses “prophesize hero” off of his internal checklist.

A wave of anxiety washed over him as he took a large bite of cake. While chewing, his mind raced through countless scenarios. If Konstantinos doesn’t see him merely as a political tool, what could his true motive be if it’s not political?

“You aren’t planning a rebellion, are you!?”

His voice trembled slightly, a mix of disbelief and concern etched across his delicate features.

‘It seems logical.’

He thought. The only path to the throne involves eliminating the other heirs and claiming the crown for himself.

“Your Imperial Highness, I have never taken a life, nor do I plan to start now.”

He spoke to the prince with a calm yet firm tone, stressing the significance of recognizing that murder was forbidden in his previous kingdom, a place where justice reigned and the value of life was deeply respected.

The 14th prince tilted his head in confusion, his dark eyes narrowing as if he were trying to unravel a complex puzzle without a clear answer.

“Rebellion? Taking lives? What would compel me to pursue such actions?”

“To seize the throne…”

What other reason could there be?

Konstantinos looked at him in disbelief, making him wonder if he had perhaps misspoken.

“…Isn’t that the case?”

“It is against the law to harm any member of the Imperial Family. My siblings and I have never intended to hurt one another, nor have the nobles engaged in such behavior.”

“Is that really the case…”

He asked, sounding doubtful.

As the 14th prince, he has many brothers and sisters due to the numerous concubines of the Emperor. It seems unlikely that none of them have tried to eliminate their competition for the throne.

“But didn’t you say that this place is filled with spies?”

What is the situation regarding the spies within this palace? Could this not be perceived as an attempt on his life or as an effort to undermine the prince’s endeavors?

Konstantinos acknowledged this with a nod.

“There are indeed numerous spies present in my palace. My siblings and I refrain from causing each other harm, yet we don’t exactly see eye to eye.”

“I hadn’t considered that.”

It’s essential to understand that Cielo is an outsider, unfamiliar with the complexities of imperial matters. Mistakes are to be expected in such a situation.

Cielo took a sip of cold water to ease his discomfort.

“What is your goal in seeking assistance with me, then?”

The prince raised an eyebrow in response.

“Do you believe I would disclose that information to you?”

“Not really. I’m just taking a chance.”

Cielo flashed a playful grin.

The prince paused for a moment before letting out a deep sigh.

“My aim is to gain your trust or loyalty, either would suffice. However, I do not have confidence in you—”

“I don’t have faith in you either.”

“…At this point, I do not feel secure enough to reveal my intentions.”

“But you are still hoping for my trust and loyalty?”

“Yes.”

Being unable to use magic, he views himself as inconsequential. What drives the prince to keep him on his team? The scenario is both exciting and unusual.

“I really like your honesty, Your Highness.”

“I have no use for things that are useless.”

Cielo’s smile twitched.

‘I thought we had finally established a good rapport!’

He was ready to respond when a knock resonated at the door. Without exchanging words, Cielo and Konstantinos immediately recognized the person behind the door.

“Alistair?”

“It is indeed him.”

‘He really knows the prince well.’

Cielo mused, a hint of admiration creeping into his mind. He recalled Alistair’s advice before stepping into the prince’s office.

‘As soon as your conversation concludes, depart immediately. Refrain from posing any inquiries.’

Konstantinos seems to stray from the topic whenever something piques his interest. Alistair probably realized the conversation was dragging on and decided to step in.

“I think Alistair is expressing that we’re getting off track again.”

“Your perception of him is notably astute.”

Konstantinos recognized this and, without waiting for a response, the prince straightened up and returned to his serious demeanor.

“Our discussion is done. Now leave.”

Konstantinos escorted him out of the office before he could finish his dessert.

‘So harsh.’

He sighed in frustration as he shut the door.

“Did I not instruct you to refrain from posing questions unrelated to the primary subject, young master?”

Cielo felt a chill run through him as he tightened his grip on the door handle.

Alistair stood outside, arms crossed, wearing a smile that masked the irritation in his hidden gaze. He decided to be honest with the man.

“I’m sorry, Alistair. The desserts are truly delightful, which is why I wanted to linger a bit longer. I promise it won’t happen again.”

“Desserts…?”

Alistair seemed briefly taken aback by this explanation for his delay, but then his smile shifted to one of genuine warmth.

“It would have been wise to mention it, young master. I will arrange to get some for you.”

The man then squared his shoulders, signaling his seriousness.?

“I trust the young master will refrain from disturbing His Imperial Highness during his important tasks. Surely, the young master understands this?”

“U, understood. I won’t make that mistake again.”

The butler releases him after agreeing to bring sweets to his room.

Cielo heads to the library, feeling more satisfied than before. He needs to find a Newcastle and report the outcome of his meeting with the prince.

Alistair observed the Traveler leave the 4th floor before entering the office, where he found his prince deeply focused on his work.

“Do you genuinely believe he possesses the means to achieve your goals?”

The prince asked, his focus unwavering from the documents in front of him. Even without seeing him, Konstantinos was keenly aware of his presence.

Alistair responded with a nod, stepping further into the room as the door clicked softly shut behind him.

“I am convinced of it. Even if he lacks the magical abilities we anticipated, his lineage remains invaluable.”

Konstantinos paused, his expression turning serious.

“His heritage…”

Alistair noted the prince’s reaction before proceeding.

“I also believe he harbors a unique potential that he has yet to discover.”

“…Is that so?”

“Indeed, numerous threats exist in the vicinity, and they will pursue him immediately upon his release. It would be unfortunate to forfeit the opportunity to secure him for our own purposes.”

The two locked eyes. They didn’t speak, but their eyes conveyed their emotions clearly.

Seeing the unwavering gaze of the other, the prince closes his eyes.

He let out a sigh, finally surrendering and allowing Alistair to act freely.

“If that is your desire, then proceed.”

“I am genuinely grateful for your trust, my prince.”

Alistair inclined his head, masking a playful grin.

Meanwhile, in the library on the other side of the West Wing, a lighthearted voice rang out.

“Please!”

“Hm? I don’t really need an assistant?”

That was Newcastle’s reaction when he told him about the prince’s decision. Given the unpredictable nature of the individual, Cielo had expected such a response.

Currently, the man is in the library and appears to be looking for something on the bookshelves. Newcastle returned the book he had just looked at a moment ago and faced him.

In an effort to demonstrate his abilities, the man skillfully shuffled and organized the books through the use of magic, all while casually leaning against the bookshelf with his legs crossed.

“I’m more than enough.”

The man declared with a challenging face.

Cielo’s demeanor shifted to one of gloom upon hearing the rejection.

“Please, don’t be so heartless.”

I am lost in another world, financially struggling, and homeless. What options do I have left in this life?

He let out a sharp breath.

“If you decide to ignore me as well, you might as well abandon me in the forest where you found me.”

Perhaps, in that instant, he would discover a way to return to his own world.

Newcastle looked at him with his deep, dark eyes, and today, there was an unusual intensity in his gaze. The man took a deep breath and straightened his back.

“Alright, alright. There’s no need to use that pleading expression.”

His former mentor eventually gave up trying to persuade him, resulting in a new role for him. While it wasn’t the opportunity he had imagined when he took on the demanding contract, it was certainly an improvement over spending all his time solely focused on studying Fidellan’s modern and ancient languages.

As he continued to speak, Newcastle picked up another book and began to examine its contents.

“I hope you won’t come to regret this choice.”

“I won’t.”

At that moment, he felt a strong sense of confidence.

Cielo took a deep breath for the third time.

Serving as the temporary assistant for Newcastle is not a particularly demanding job. The library is already equipped with Inscriptions that facilitate automatic upkeep of the space. Additionally, all books are safeguarded by these inscriptions, ensuring their protection even when left unattended.

‘I never expected inscriptions to serve such a purpose.’

It appears that inscriptions are the primary reason for the West Wing’s pristine condition, despite having fewer than eight residents and no available staff.