The 14th Prince's Sage

Chapter 5

“I used to have short brown hair and brown eyes. I have no idea what happened.”

“Yes, that was the case.”

He lifted an eyebrow while waiting for Alistair to explain more.

“When you arrived, your hair was short and brown. However, over the past three years, it has grown long and changed its color.”

“Really?”

Could this change be linked to the time he spent trapped in his own mind? He had noticed a gradual shift in his body, but he couldn't quite pinpoint it. It must be related to these transformations.

“I am here to caution you against leaving this room and venturing out until we determine the appropriate course of action regarding your eyes.”

What was going on with his eyes? When Doctor Happy first saw them, she too was visibly surprised.

“Green is a nice color.”

The silver-white shade of his hair enhances his overall look. While his new color scheme might seem unusual, he truly appreciated its visual appeal.

“I must take my leave now.”

“So sudden?”

Alistair announced this unexpectedly during their conversation, causing him to frown at the bodyguard. They haven't finished their conversation yet! It's impolite to walk away before the question and answer are complete.

“I have responsibilities to attend to. Stay here, young master. I will return shortly.”

Alistair rose, grabbed the trolley, and left without waiting for a reply, leaving him with even more unanswered questions.

He massaged his temples and collapsed onto the bed, a wave of irritation washing over him. The soft mattress cradled him, but it did little to ease the frustration bubbling inside.

“If I weren't so weak right now, I would have run away the moment he closed that door.”

He muttered under his breath, his voice barely above a whisper.

The thought of freedom danced tantalizingly at the edges of his mind, but the stark reality of his situation weighed heavily on him like a great burden. He could almost hear the sound of the door shutting, sealing him within this space.

But there’s one major issue he faces at the moment. That is…

‘I am utterly bored.’

He lamented, the expression slipping from his mouth as if it were a cry for help.

At first, he found the ornate ceiling captivating, but his fascination quickly faded. The intricate designs and swirling motifs that had initially caught his eye began to blend into a monotonous tapestry of black and gold.

Watching the maids and guards outside offered some amusement, but it was not enough to fill his entire day. Their movements resembled a choreographed routine, a dance of duty playing out just beyond his window.

He noticed the maids engaged in quiet conversation while the guards stood stoically, their expressions revealing nothing. As the hours dragged on, the fleeting distraction lost its charm, leaving him with a deep sense of isolation.

On his bedside table sat only a glass of water, there were no old books to read. He picked up the glass, took a sip, and set it down again, the sound of glass against wood shattering the silence.

There was only one way to keep himself busy and that is to sleep.

Nope. Not going to happen.

‘I will not sleep.’

What if something happened while he was asleep? Maybe this time he wouldn’t wake up and would truly enter paradise.

In any case, he ended up sleeping through the day and woke up at sunset. As he sat on the bed, a wave of disorientation hit him as he realized what had happened.

“… .”

“… … .”

‘…I’ve fallen asleep…’

He hadn't meant to do that, but lying in a cozy bed made him drift off, the soft sheets enveloping him like a gentle embrace. The exhaustion that had weighed him down finally caught up with him, and he succumbed to its pull.

“Dang it.”

He sighed, a hint of frustration lacing his voice. Nothing ever seemed to go his way, did it? Just when he thought he could catch a break, he ended up sleeping through the day, forgetting whatever plans he might have had.

He rubbed his eyes and stretched his back, feeling the satisfying crack of his spine as he did so. Falling asleep in a strange place wasn't ideal, but it felt good. He hadn't had such a comfortable sleep in a long time.

His legs still feel numb, but he can move his toes now. That's some progress. It’s a small victory, but in his current state, he clings to every bit of improvement like a lifeline.

“The young master sleeps deeply.”

Came a voice from the doorway, breaking the silence of the room.

He jumped, his heart racing as he turned to face the source of the voice. Alistair stood there, leaning casually against the doorframe, dressed in casual clothes instead of his tight uniform.

The contrast was jarring. The relaxed attire made him look almost approachable, but the glint in his eyes suggested otherwise.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart, and shot a glare at Alistair.

“Is it too much to ask you to knock?”

That guy nearly scared him to death!

Alistair raised an eyebrow, unfazed by his irritation.

“I did knock, but the young master was too busy dreaming to hear it.”

He replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

The young man rolled his eyes, trying to mask the embarrassment creeping up his cheeks.

“Well, next time, try a little louder.”

Alistair walked deeper into the room and paused at the foot of the bed.

He raised an eyebrow at him.

“You were so cautious before, but now you are sleeping soundly. What happened to your trust problems?”

Alistair teased, his voice light.

He let out a groan and hid his face in the blanket. It's not his fault he sleeps deeply!

“What do you need?”

He asked instead, wanting to avoid any awkward topics.

“You missed lunch since you wouldn't wake up, so I brought you dinner early.”

“Oh…”

He held his stomach, feeling no appetite, probably due to having spent the day sleeping after a big meal.

Alistair settled into the chair and tilted his head.

“Aren't you hungry?”

“What do you think?”

His response was evasive.

Alistair observed him for a moment before giving a slight shrug.

It's good that the guy isn't trying to pick a fight, but he is aware Alistair wouldn't have come over just for the sake of it.

He chose to ignore the man and was getting ready to lie on the bed and pretend to sleep when the man spoke up.

“I bet the young master feels quite dirty, so I made a bath for you.”

A flicker of interest ignited within him.

Truthfully, he didn't feel dirty at all. His body felt strangely light, almost ethereal, as if he had been floating in a dream for far too long. But he wouldn't turn down a bath just because he wasn't feeling it. A bath is still a bath, after all.

‘And if I've really been in a coma for a year…’

Then he must be really dirty. The idea of lying in a tub filled with warm water, surrounded by fragrant bubbles, was suddenly more enticing than he had anticipated.

“You did? Where can I find it?”

He asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and eagerness. His room only has one door, the main one. So, where is the bathroom?

‘My head was a mess earlier.’

That's why he never considered where the bathroom might be.

The man smiled, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes, as if he had anticipated this very question.

“As the young master is unable to walk, I will provide assistance with the wheelchair.”

“Didn’t you told me that I couldn't go outside?”

His smile held a hint of mystery.

“I have made an exception for tonight.”

“Fine… Where is the wheelchair?”

The question hung in the air, filled with anticipation. The prospect of venturing outside, even in a wheelchair, ignited a flicker of excitement within.

Upon hearing the positive answer, the man rose to his feet.

“I will fetch it. Please hold on for a moment.”

He bowed and brought the trolley with food with him.

Within a mere 15 minutes, the man returned, this time with a vintage wheelchair crafted from premium materials. The wood gleamed with a polished finish, and the intricate carvings along the armrests told stories of craftsmanship from a bygone era. It featured a cushion designed for the utmost comfort of the user, upholstered in a deep green fabric that complemented the chair's elegant design.

“… .”

Is this the wheelchair he will be using…? He thought, eyes widening in disbelief.

‘And is that an emerald gemstone!?’

An emerald was set into the backrest, armrests, and push handle of the chair, glinting in the soft light like a hidden treasure.

“… … .”

He was unable to tear his eyes away from the exquisite details. The craftsmanship was so meticulous that it felt almost criminal to sit in it.

This piece should be in a museum!

Alistair positioned the archaic wheelchair next to the bed.

“Excuse me.”

At first glance, it was not apparent, but Alistair possessed considerable strength beneath his layered garments, as he effortlessly lifted him and positioned him comfortably in the wheelchair. The ease with which he maneuvered was surprising, a testament to a hidden power that belied his unassuming appearance.

Wow. A flicker of admiration ignited within him.

‘Oh, to be fit.’

He mused, a pang of envy threading through his thoughts.

Due to health concerns, he was prohibited from exercising in his previous world, resulting in his frail physique. He had longed to develop muscles and sculpt abs, yet, regrettably, he could only exhale a sigh as he settled into the wheelchair.

Alistair adjusted the footrests and ensured he was secure.

“Let us get going.”

Alistair opened the door and pushed the wheelchair out.

As he left his room, his gaze eagerly explored the hallway, a vast expanse that seemed to stretch endlessly before him. The air was thick with a sense of history and grandeur, and he felt a thrill of anticipation coursing through him.

‘Okay, wow.’

It surpasses the grandeur of his own room, he thought, marveling at the sheer scale of the space.

The high ceilings towered above, decorated with intricate plaster designs that seemed to sway in the gentle light. The walls were painted in deep shades of black, while plush carpets covered the floor, absorbing sound and enhancing the tranquil atmosphere around him.

Elegant chandeliers hung from the ceiling like precious gems, their crystals scattering light in a stunning display. The intricately carved walls, rich in detail, hinted at a level of artistry that has largely faded in modern times.

Each wall featured large paintings framed in luxurious borders, showcasing figures and landscapes that were unfamiliar to him. He found himself captivated by the vibrant colors and the stories they appeared to tell, yet he also felt a sense of distance enveloping him.

Although his understanding is limited, he is still captivated by the artworks displayed in this hallway. The paintings are visually stunning, offering a feast for the eyes even to someone with little knowledge of the intricacies of artistic expression.

As he walks down the corridor, one element particularly catches his eye: the color palette of the palace's furnishings. The hallway features deep greens, shimmering silvers, luxurious golds, and rich blacks. Each color complements the others, creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and majestic.

‘I used to view green with indifference, but now that I see it, I truly appreciate its beauty.’

It seems that the color itself has shifted his perspective, revealing layers of depth and vibrancy he had previously overlooked. The contrast of black with green, silver, and gold is especially striking. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space.

He can’t help but wonder if these items were specially made to highlight the beauty of the palace.

‘It must be great to be wealthy.’

The ability to curate a space filled with such exquisite artistry and design is a privilege he can only dream of.

The palace might not match his style—maybe it's too flashy for him—but he would love to have a palace of his own, a place filled with beauty and grace. He enjoys being around such art, even if he doesn't completely understand it.

Alistair was busy looking at the hallway and found it funny to see the young man's reactions. He noticed the Traveler staring at the paintings and decided to ask.

“Would you like to learn about the importance of these paintings?”

“That would take too long. Maybe another time.”

‘I can't fall asleep again.’

He simply wanted to have a bath tonight. Hearing the stories about the paintings would only make him drowsy. He had to be careful because anything could happen while he was asleep.

Alistair laughed at his refusal.

“I understand.”

They stop in front of a door just three rooms away from his own. It took him an embarrassing moment to realize they had arrived at the correct location.

“…That was it…?”

“Yes, young master.”

He was unexpectedly overwhelmed by a wave of disappointment.

The tour concluded far too quickly, leaving him with a sense that he had missed something significant. He had anticipated a more thrilling experience, an opportunity to truly delve into this new setting. Instead, they arrived at an ordinary door, just a brief stroll from his own room.

If they were going to treat him like this, they might as well have given him a room next to the bathroom.

“This is where you will have to undergo assessments and all other procedures that Doctor Happy will perform for you.”

Alistair pointed to a door located a short distance from the bathroom.

‘It's still on this floor?’

He thought in disappointment. He longed to explore other levels of the palace.

As Alistair opened the door, it creaked slightly.

What was that? He thought he noticed a green light flicker when Alistair touched the door. Was it merely a trick of his imagination?

Chhh.

Alistair shut the door and drew the curtain, the delicate fabric lightly brushing against the window frame as it settled into place.

He took a moment to survey the bathroom while Alistair busied himself with another task.

At the center of the room was an elegant bathtub designed to accommodate at least three people, its shiny porcelain surface reflecting the soft light above. The tub was embellished with exquisite gold fixtures that sparkled against the immaculate backdrop, and a soothing lavender scent filled the air. Next to it stood a polished wooden stool and a bucket filled with fresh water, its surface gently rippling as if it had just been filled.

‘This doesn't look like a bathroom. At all.’

The flooring and walls were neither tiled nor made of concrete, as one might expect in a bathing area. Instead, the walls were painted a deep black, and the floor was covered in a luxurious green carpet.

The lavishness of the room was unparalleled compared to any bathroom he had previously encountered. Without the bathtub, one could easily mistake it for another part of the grand palace, perhaps a lounge where guests could enjoy tea and engage in conversation.

‘Isn't this going to make quite a mess?’

He thought in exasperation.