BCOM 02

Chapter 2

Beware of Me

2.

The Kropen Empire was a place where magic once flourished so greatly that there was a Wizard’s Tower on the opposite side of the capital from the imperial palace. Magic was abundant, and it was common to meet magicians on the streets or even use magic in daily life.

But now, finding a magician in the Kropen Empire was difficult. At some point, the number of people who wielded magical power began to decrease, and their strongholds were moved to the outskirts of the empire, keeping distance from the general populace.

“Why was this explained at the beginning of the book?”

Anes sat in the bathwater, her expression serious and resolute, recalling the novel she had read. The brief episodes she had skimmed on her phone often passed by too quickly to remember all the details.

Nevertheless, at the beginning of the book, there had been a story like that—about the rise and fall of magicians in the Kropen Empire…

Could it be a hint that her father, the Marquis, once used magic? The mana she inherited from him could run wild and turn the empire into ruins…!

Plop!

“Ah! Miss!”

Lost in thought, she had accidentally fallen asleep and slipped into the bathtub.

Splash!

“Haa… haa… ah, Ta-Tarin… cough! Sorry, I must have dozed off for a moment.”

How embarrassing! Anes hadn’t realized that falling asleep in the bath could lead to slipping. She quickly lifted herself up, rubbing her face with her hands and making a sulky expression behind them.

“Miss, didn’t you sleep well last night? This is the first time I’ve seen you sleeping in the bathtub.”

Anes didn’t know how much she had slept the previous night. Ever since the first day she had possessed her body, the tension of meeting her future husband had stiffened her body throughout every meal, and now it felt as if her body had finally relaxed in the warmth of the bath.

“Um… yes, it’s a bit embarrassing, so could you leave for a bit?”

She whispered quickly, and a small laugh followed.

“Miss, you’re so funny. Haha. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Come out when you’re done with your bath.”

Tarin laughed as if it amused him and stepped aside. He didn’t seem to be mocking her, and Anes was glad that at least the maid found her cute.

She couldn’t afford to sit lost in thought forever. The thought of having to go to the imperial palace made her fidget nervously.

If she were late, the crown prince might scold her—or worse… well, maybe not, but her anxious imagination kept running wild.

Anes, constantly glancing around for a clock in the windowless bathroom, decided it was best to leave. After tidying up and slipping into a fluffy robe, she stepped outside to find Tarin waiting.

“Miss, I heard you’re going to the imperial palace today! Are you going to meet His Highness, the Crown Prince?”

Tarin began drying her hair in front of the mirror. Even as his busy hands worked with the towel, his gaze and the smile in his eyes remained on Anes in the reflection.

How wonderful it would be if everyone she met outside were as kind as the Marquis and Tarin… Anes’ reflection in the mirror carried a shadow of worry.

By the time Anes arrived at the imperial palace, it was already past noon. Good, if I arrive now, maybe I can have a quick cup of tea and leave.

The Marquis had left the estate just after breakfast, stroking Anes’ hair with a wistful expression. Watching his back, she thought how nice it would be to have such a romantic person as a husband, which made her feet feel heavy on the way here.

“I am Anes of Lizerne. I come at the Emperor’s summons.”

Even with all her reading, she couldn’t be completely smooth. She made a very polite report in front of the attendant, glancing around nervously.

The man, slightly puzzled, looked at her and then disappeared inside after asking her to wait.

“Am I doing this right? How can they send me alone to a place like this…?”

Everything she saw was unfamiliar, and now she was being sent to the imperial palace alone… It felt like being pushed off a cliff.

Although she was used to handling things alone, this environment was far beyond what she was accustomed to.

She remembered Tarin laughing at her earlier when she had fallen into the bath. Well… I was so proper before, so it must have looked really funny.

“Please come this way. I will guide you.”

Lost in her thoughts, Anes followed the attendant into the grand imperial palace.

The Emperor was a striking man, seemingly similar in age to the Marquis. His black hair streaked with gray and his blue eyes gave him a slightly awkward yet familiar look.

“Ah, you have arrived, Lady Anes.”

He tried to make his gruff voice sound gentle. He was apparently close friends with the Marquis, the former captain of the royal knights, and gave off the aura of a man who had been a fighter in his younger days.

Yet his attitude toward her was surprisingly gentle, and Anes composed herself and greeted him properly.

“Anes of Lizerne, I pay my respects to Your Majesty.”

She wondered if she should add thanks for the invitation. As she looked up at him, the Emperor’s gaze lingered on her.

He seemed bold and unconcerned with social niceties—the kind of man at the very top of his world. Even now, he appeared to be subtly observing her.

“Summon the Crown Prince.”

The Emperor quietly called for an attendant and spoke, still watching her. Of course, it was clear that she had been summoned to meet the Crown Prince.

“They are betrothed, but they haven’t spent much time together. I heard that the Prince is away in the mountains, and I worried that you would be alone, so I called you here.”

As the Emperor spoke, he seemed to watch her carefully. Anes tried to maintain a slight smile, hiding her discomfort.

“I know this may be uncomfortable for you.”

Cough!

“I-I apologize, Your Majesty.”

Her attempt to hide her unease had been immediately noticed, and she coughed in embarrassment. Was it really that obvious?

Thankfully, the Emperor didn’t make an issue of it. He seemed more concerned about whether she might be catching a cold, which helped her ease her tension.

“I also know that the Crown Prince is difficult to handle. And that you, Lady Anes, are known for your gentle nature, so I am somewhat concerned.”

Inside, she thought, Thank goodness he knows, while outwardly mumbling, “I apologize for causing concern,” despite not feeling it.

“Still, compared to others, I find you quite reliable.”

Just as the Emperor was about to say more, the door to the audience chamber slammed open, and a man’s footsteps echoed as he entered.

A man with black hair shone with such presence… Anes stared, dumbstruck.

Wait, author… the book didn’t say he was this handsome…

No, perhaps the author was just describing him truthfully—shining, handsome, and capturing the hearts of every young lady. But seeing it with her own eyes was overwhelming.

However, the magical moment ended quickly.

“Did you summon me just to accompany her?”

His deep, sharp voice struck like a blade.

Anes’ marriage had been arranged by the Emperor and the Marquis, without input from their children. So of course, she had no choice but to accept. But why did the Crown Prince look so blatantly displeased?

“Crown Prince, watch your words in front of the Lady.”

The Emperor’s commanding voice changed completely from when it had been directed at her. Yet the unflinching Crown Prince, like a growling beast, remained unmoved.

How could her future husband behave this way…? Perhaps it would have been better to stay quietly at home.

“You must treat the Lady who has walked here alone with courtesy. Lady Anes, the Crown Prince will guide you. I hope you have a pleasant time.”

When the Emperor looked at Anes, his voice and gaze softened immediately.

The Crown Prince and Anes’ eyes met.

Author… you didn’t say the Crown Prince would dislike her this much, did you?

The Crown Prince, Teowin, glared at her intensely.

“Follow me.”

With an expression of clear annoyance, Teowin said briefly and began walking past her. The chill in the air seemed to sweep past as his figure quickly receded.

“Ha ha, I’ll apologize on his behalf. Soon, he will open his heart to you as well.”

The Emperor watched his retreating back, speaking as if in mild exasperation.

“No, Your Majesty. I will take my leave then.”

Despite the Crown Prince’s attitude, Anes calmly greeted the Emperor and nodded.

Following the Crown Prince, Anes smiled inwardly.

It’s alright, Your Majesty. I’ve come to understand.

She began following the path where the now-vanished Crown Prince had walked.