Episode 3
Licht didn’t lose confidence even after being cursed. But from that time, Kedwin’s personality started to twist.
Thanks to that situation, Licht got the chance to show his true abilities to the Emperor — and he was officially made the Crown Prince of the Nia Empire.
“So basically, Kedwin ruined himself,” Ayla thought.
In the original novel, Licht’s curse was finally broken right before his 25th birthday celebration — the same day when the main characters (the hero and heroine) ended all their hardships.
But unfortunately, the current Ayla (who has reincarnated into this story) had no plans to help him.
“I’d like to help break the curse, but what if I get more involved with him?”
In the story, Licht falls in love with Ayla because she helps lift his curse. He becomes so obsessed that he neglects his royal duties and follows her everywhere.
Ayla remembered that clearly — he was extremely clingy, even desperate for her attention.
That’s exactly why Ayla decided to avoid him at all costs.
She swore never to let Licht find out that her holy power was one of the keys to breaking his curse.
But of course, her power alone wasn’t enough — Kedwin’s death also had to happen first.
“Well, Kedwin’s done enough evil anyway. Even if not Licht, someone will kill him sooner or later.”
So Ayla had to make sure no one discovered her holy power.
If Licht found out, the obsessive version of him from the novel would appear — and that would completely ruin her chance to end up with Dainhart, the man she actually liked.
Time wasn’t on Licht’s side either.
His 24th birthday party was yesterday, which meant he only had 364 days left to break his curse.
Ayla knew it would be really, really, really hard to hide her holy power, but she also realized something important:
No matter how much she tried to avoid Licht, some events in the story were unavoidable.
“The fact that the first meeting between the leads happened exactly a week ago — just like in the original — proves that.”
Luckily, since she had read the novel, Ayla knew Licht’s tricks and personality very well.
As long as the story didn’t change too much, she could defend herself perfectly.
Now she just had to figure out one thing — how to escape the story’s fate and end up with Dainhart instead.
While thinking about that, a line from the novel suddenly popped into her mind:
“If Ayla had confessed first instead of me being a coward… maybe the one standing beside her now would’ve been me.”
That was Dainhart’s true feelings near the end of the novel — something the original Ayla never knew.
But the current Ayla did know, and that gave her the answer.
She suddenly jumped up from her seat, startling everyone in the clinic.
“Doctor?”
A staff member asked.
“I can’t delay this any longer,” Ayla said firmly.
And with that, she decided — she was going to confess to Dainhart right now.
As she hurried toward the door, about to leave the clinic, it suddenly opened from the outside.
A man with silver hair and a monocle stepped in.
Ayla blinked, surprised, and moved aside politely.
“…Oh?”
The man looked familiar — and before she could stop herself, she pointed at him.
The man gently pushed her hand down.
“It’s rude to point at someone you just met, don’t you think?” he said calmly.
Ayla frowned. She didn’t like that calm voice — because she recognized it.
“You’re the one who came here last week, right?”
“I’m afraid I don’t know what you mean,” the man replied, pretending ignorance.
But Ayla was sure. He was the same man who brought a half-dead Licht to her clinic a week ago.
She didn’t press the issue, though — talking about royal matters openly could be dangerous.
Crossing her arms, she said, “We’re not strangers, so let’s skip the formalities, okay?”
The man bowed politely. “I’m Cassis Raymore, aide to His Highness the Crown Prince.”
“Uh-huh.”
She wondered why he was only showing up now — after vanishing when it was time to pay.
“I was actually on my way to see you,” Cassis said.
“For what reason?”
“His Highness wishes to meet you.”
Ayla had expected this — she knew Licht would try to meet her — but not this soon.
“Why?” she asked.
“He said you already know the reason.”
It seemed Licht wanted to finish their unfinished conversation from the previous day.
But Ayla had no intention of doing what he wanted.
“Tell him to make an appointment. I already have plans today.”
“It won’t take long—”
“I’m busy, as you can see. Every minute counts in my job. Goodbye.”
She decided she’d only face Licht after confessing to Dainhart — that way, she could clearly reject Licht with a reason.
As she left the clinic, she heard footsteps following behind.
Of course, it had to be him.
Annoyed, she turned around — only to see Licht himself standing there.
“Your Highness?”
She was caught off guard but quickly composed herself.
“Please don’t follow me.”
“I’m not following. We just happen to be going the same way,” he said smoothly.
Ayla sighed. She knew exactly how to deal with this kind of nonsense.
“Then please go first. I’ll wait.”
“…”
“Not going?”
“…”
She even stepped aside politely, motioning him to pass — but Licht just looked away, pretending not to hear.
Ayla stared him down until he finally gave in with a small cough.
“That would be… a bit difficult,” he said.
“Why’s that?”
“Because you mustn’t know where I’m going.”
Wow. Unbelievable.
He was clearly just making excuses, but Licht didn’t seem embarrassed at all.
Ayla rolled her eyes — she wasn’t buying it.
She really hated wasting time, so she frowned and said,
“I already told your aide I’m busy.”
“But you don’t seem that busy now,” Licht replied bluntly.
“…”
That stung.
She clenched her jaw. “Do you think anyone in the Empire can ignore the Crown Prince and walk away?”
Honestly, she probably could.
Even after living in this world for three years, she still didn’t feel the weight of nobility or royalty.
“Just five minutes,” Licht said, stepping closer.
His eyes softened — and suddenly, his proud aura turned into that of a sad puppy.
“That’s cheating,” Ayla thought.
No woman could resist that look — especially from such a handsome man.
And Licht knew that perfectly well.
Ayla clenched her fists, trying not to fall for it — but her mouth betrayed her.
“…Five minutes.”
Luckily, her brain caught up in time — five minutes wasn’t enough for anything serious anyway.
“Five minutes?” he repeated.
“Yes. I value my time like gold. That’s all I can give you.”
A bit arrogant, but honest.
“Good enough,” Licht said with a bright smile.
He looked completely satisfied — like a man who had just won a prize.
