The 14th Prince's Sage

Chapter 9

The prince stared at the magnifier in his hand, clearly astonished, before the feeling faded away. What was that reaction?

He was only halfway through when the prince had to leave early for a meeting, despite having just returned that morning from a week-long gathering with his large family.

Konstantinos suggested he have breakfast first and advised him to focus on his physical therapy later, leaving right after. Fortunately, he had a few days to go over the contract and gather his thoughts.

After the prince vanishes from view, he takes a deep breath and reaches for the contract. The prince has laid out three specific conditions.

The first condition is to gain knowledge of magic, the second is to serve the prince, and the third is to commit to unwavering loyalty and devote his life solely to the prince until the contract ends.

Once he meets the terms of the contract, he will be rewarded with substantial compensation, which includes a mansion and land. Should he choose not to remain within the empire, he has the option to sell his house and land, which would provide him with a substantial financial gain.

Additionally, the contract stated he would be receiving magic books, a thoughtful addition considering his curiosity expressed the day before.

Furthermore, he has the right to request two favors from the prince, which he finds even more appealing than the other benefits.

As he reviews the contract, he does not see it as a potential trap. It also does not resemble a slave contract, as it provides him with numerous advantages and the freedom to accept or decline the terms.

‘I can understand the reasoning behind his demands.’

Konstantinos is the 14th prince, placing him far from the line of succession. His chances of becoming king are nearly nonexistent unless he were to eliminate all his siblings and their heirs, which is why he actively seeks loyal supporters.

The quest for the throne is a daunting challenge.

What if he were to become a target of an assassination plot by rival claimants? Although he no longer fears death, it would be unfortunate to die without fully experiencing all that this new life has to offer.

Moreover, if he were to command him to eliminate someone… He would be compelled to comply, as his loyalty to the prince is firmly established in his contract. This requires him to carry out his every order without hesitation or question. Disobedience is simply not an option.

“Hmm…”

He sets the contract aside and stares pensively at the ceiling.

The disadvantages clearly outweigh the advantages. If he chooses to side with the prince, his very life could be in jeopardy.

“This is the first time I've been presented with a contract…”

He lacks the expertise to spot any possible loopholes or grasp the broader consequences. There is no legal advice available to explain the terms in a way that he can understand.

Reaching out to Alistair wouldn’t be wise, as he is the prince's butler. It’s likely that Alistair would try to sway him, in line with the prince's agenda.

‘Is this what it feels like to be independent?’

At first, he thought he would relish this newfound freedom without his mother and doctors making decisions for him. However, as he goes through this experience alone, it seems to be less enjoyable than he had expected.

‘Should I consult Doctor Happy for her opinion?’

He is set to meet her later for his physical therapy session. However, doesn't this indicate a certain level of immaturity? As an adult, he should be able to make his own choices. Moreover, there’s no guarantee that the doctor won’t sway him in favor of the prince, given her role as the prince's physician.

In the end, he decided to reflect on the situation more deeply before reaching a conclusion, persistently reviewing the contract.

“The young master looks worn out.”

Alistair returned once more to provide his meal and escort him to Doctor Happy. He remained attired in his butler's uniform.

The butler observed the Traveler once again gazing at the ceiling when he didn't respond nor acknowledge his presence.

‘This is a frequent occurrence.’

Alistair thought as he set the trolley next to the bed of the silver-haired young man. This predicament was quite concerning, leading him to think about discussing it with Doctor Happy later. She might have some ideas to lift the Traveler's spirits, especially since the books he had provided for the Traveler's entertainment had not worked as intended.

The Traveler propped himself up in bed and arched an eyebrow at the butler.

“Why are you here? Shouldn't you be attending to the prince?”

The prince has finally returned to his estate. What is the reason for this man’s continued presence?

It wasn't that he found Alistair's company unpleasant, he just wasn't in the right mood. He had come to realize that entering into a contract was much more complicated than he had expected. This realization was exactly why he sought solitude.

“My prince has concluded his affairs and is now resting for the day. He has a considerable amount of work awaiting him tomorrow, so it will be some time before he is able to see you again.”

This suggests he has more time to reflect on the contract.

“I have no objections.”

He ate his breakfast quietly while Alistair organized his change of clothes.

Alistair quickly went outside to get his wheelchair and placed it next to the door when he came back. As he waited for the young master to finish his meal, Alistair asked an unexpected question.

“Does the young master want to find a way to go back to his old world?”

The question made him pause for a moment.

He knew that returning to his previous world was possible, having learned this from Konstantinos's detailed explanation about the nature of Travelers.

However…

He raises an eyebrow at Alistair's direction.

“Why are you asking about that? Are you starting to tire of my existence?”

Alistair paused at the comment, his eyes drifting to the Traveler's tightly clenched fists before returning to his face.

‘I may have hit a nerve.’

The butler let out a silent sigh.

Alistair's question stemmed from his curiosity about the young man's clear disinterest in going back to his previous world, even after hearing the prince's story. It struck him as odd that, despite the young man's apparent desire for freedom, he had never shown any inclination to return to his past.

He regretted asking that question. He had hoped to maintain the connection he had formed with the Traveler, and he worried it could unravel at any moment, leading him to apologize.

“I did not intend to cause any offense.”

With heartfelt sincerity, he lowered his head in a bow.

“Please stop that! I wasn't even offended!”

A surge of anxiety enveloped him as Alistair bowed in apology, making him feel entirely inconsiderate toward someone who had consistently treated him with kindness. Taking a deep breath, he aimed to clarify the misunderstanding.

“Could you please refrain from that? I was simply, um… not in the best mental state.”

Fortunately, the man took the advice to heart and kept a respectful demeanor. He looked down at his meal, absentmindedly stirring the soup while his thoughts were focused on how to respond to Alistair's inquiry. Eventually, he settled on a straightforward reply.

“…I will find a way to get back home eventually.”

The words came from him, clear and resolute. As he loosened his grip on the spoon and looked up to meet Alistair's gaze, a smile brightened his face.

“Besides, wouldn't it be a shame to let this opportunity slip away? I'm excited to explore this world before heading back home.”

“…Is that so?”

“Absolutely.”

Let's avoid talking about the shortness of his life and the idea that it takes a lifetime to fully explore and experience the world. Nope, today isn't the right time for those discussions.

He finished his meal, and Alistair helped him change his clothes. Once everything was in order, he went to speak with the doctor again.

“You mentioned earlier that you had no allergies. Unfortunately, my test results indicate that you have several.”

The doctor revealed.

“I do?”

He replied, his voice tinged with surprise.

He was taken aback by this information. Thankfully, the results from Doctor Happy will help him avoid foods that trigger his allergies.

Doctor Happy presents the test results, and he pauses to review the comprehensive list while the doctor provides additional details.

“The allergens identified include processed vegetables and fruits, as well as those created using magical methods. As a result, certain foods, especially those altered or enhanced through magical means, could cause reactions in your body.”

He frowned, trying to make sense of it all.

“In summary, my allergy is not a result of my biological composition but is instead a consequence of my transition into a mage.”

“A caster, yes.”

He frowned at the correction but decided to ignore it.

“My diet consists solely of freshly picked fruits and dishes made with recently sourced ingredients.”

“That is absolutely correct.”

Lowering the document he was reading, he started to speak.

“…I have never had the chance to enjoy fresh foods before.”

Hospital meals are certainly not renowned for their freshness.

What standards can be applied to differentiate between fresh and non-fresh items? Living here, it seems that all meals are made with fresh ingredients, particularly with a prince around.

But what will happen whenever he is not around?

“… .”

“… … .”

That's a story for another time.

“Ah, it's important to understand that these allergies do not appear at birth therefore you shouldn't worry about the chance of your family or future children inheriting the same allergies if you decide to have kids.”

The doctor provided more details.

The doctor explained that due to his connection with mana—whatever the heck that means—processed foods interfere with his ability to maintain control of mana. It was because the mana present in processed foods becomes tainted through confinement.

‘I don’t really understand what she was talking about.’

What does it mean to be loved by mana? What are mana-processed foods? The notion that they become corrupted through confinement is rather puzzling. Why is that the case?

What is clear to him is the necessity to avoid all foods that are processed or artificially created with mana.

“I trust you will handle this matter with the seriousness it requires. Allergies related to mana can involve significant dangers, and the reactions they provoke are notably more severe than those typically associated with regular allergies.”

Doctor Happy's expression reflected a deep concern.

“What types of reactions are you talking about?”

He understands that certain allergies can be fatal for some people. Additionally, he is not one to ignore elements that could threaten his well-being.

“Common reactions consist of fainting, comatose, and inability to control mana.”

Although fainting may not seem overly serious, the possibility of a comatose is certainly alarming. Additionally, the struggle to regulate mana raises further concerns.

“I understand… Thank you.”

The doctor let out a sigh of relief and reached for another file.

“Here it is.”

Doctor Happy provided him with a detailed list, indicating that if he keeps it handy, he should be able to meet his nutritional requirements effectively.

He carefully folded the list and thanked the doctor once more.

Doctor Happy gave him a warm smile before steering the conversation in a new direction.

“I have great news! Your health is in excellent shape. By sticking to a balanced diet and exercising regularly, you can restore your health.”

He turned to the doctor, his eyes wide with disbelief.

“Are you completely sure there’s nothing wrong? Is that really the case?”

Could it be that his previous condition had completely disappeared? The thought filled him with a wave of hope, but he couldn't shake the lingering doubts that had plagued him for years.

“I am certain of my evaluation.”

Doctor Happy reassured him, her voice steady and confident.

The doctor then reached out to grab another set of documents from her desk, her movements deliberate and calm. As she shuffled through the papers, he felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

“Here.”

She said, finally pulling out a report.

“This is a summary of your tests. Everything came back normal. No signs of any underlying conditions. Your test results indicate that you are in good health.”

He leaned forward, peering at the report as if it held the answers to all his questions. The numbers and terms swirled in his mind, but the most important takeaway was clear: he is healthy.

“I'm not familiar with the testing methods used in your place, but in the palace, we rely on magical techniques to identify any abnormalities in your blood. This method is not only more accurate but also easier to use, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 96.9%.”

“That's remarkable…”

Such a high accuracy rate implies it is nearly flawless.

The doctor smiled reassuringly while softly patting his hands.

“Your results show that everything is completely normal. Any worries you had are now put to rest.”

It's gone…?

He let out a shaky breath as he processed the news. He had been healed… How could it be that easy? Is this what it means to live in extraordinary realms? The thought sent a shiver down his spine, a mix of wonder and disbelief swirling within him.

No, that doesn't seem quite right.

“What if the elements in my blood are different from yours?”

He asked, voice laced with urgency.

Although they once lived in an ordinary world without magic, they now find themselves in separate realities. Each of them had been touched by the extraordinary in their own way, but what if the very essence of their beings was altered due to magic? Perhaps a slight genetic difference explains the lack of any issues.

“What could possibly account for the difference?”

The question made him flinch slightly. This doctor was completely unaware of his true identity as a Traveler. To her, he was simply a mysterious individual whom the prince had saved and placed in her care. She remained oblivious to the truth.

He hesitated before answering.

“G, genetics? Or maybe magic?”

He stuttered in response.

The doctor acknowledged his question with a nod. Her demeanor did not suggest any suspicion, which brought him a sense of relief.

“I considered the possibility that you might have a mixed heritage or some differences in your biological composition, especially given the unusual color of your hair. However, after examining it yesterday, I discovered that your blood contains the same elements as ours.”

Doctor Happy leaned back and continued her explanation.

“In addition, mana is an intangible force and therefore does not physically affect us.”

“…Huh…”

‘I suffered greatly because of my health issues, only for them to completely cure me…?’

To add salt to the wounds, they achieved this remarkable feat in just three years, while he had to endure it for his entire life!

It's ridiculous. Unbelievable.

However, despite all of this, it does make him happy.

“Does this mean I can sweat and enjoy some time outside in the sun?”

Doctor Happy appeared taken aback, her expression shifting to one of concern.

“Are you feeling unwell, by any chance?”

“No! I am merely somewhat sensitive. My skin becomes itchy when I sweat, that's all.”

“That's intriguing. I haven't come across that condition before.”

His lack of surprise at the doctor's words was probably due to their limited exposure to advancements in medicine.

“I'll look into this further.”

“Thank you very much.”