The attendant who helped me down from the carriage, Senon, walked ahead.
But strangely, the number of guards and servants visible in sight was extremely small.
Moreover, every single one of them lowered their heads the moment they saw me.
As if they were deliberately avoiding eye contact.
“His Highness the Crown Prince has given special orders to strengthen your bond with Lord Ryubiran. He instructed that as few people as possible appear in front of you. Something about people needing to rely on each other when they’re alone together.”
“I see?”
“You won’t really see many servants in Arnoan Palace. All minor tasks will be handled through me, your direct attendant.”
In other words—don’t even think about using the servants to escape.
That’s what Senon really meant, wasn’t it?
A chill ran down my spine as I realized all my escape routes were being sealed off.
Arnoan Palace was also beautiful on the inside.
Every single stone decorating the walls was engraved with delicate patterns, and the furniture throughout seemed to emphasize both practicality and beauty.
There was no gold or jewels that stood out, but that only made the artistic elegance more striking.
I couldn’t take my eyes off it.
What caught my attention most were the paintings hanging on the walls.
They depicted spirits playing, royal parties, festivals of the people, and various seasonal landscapes.
The technique didn’t seem particularly flashy, but the warm, radiant colors had a strangely captivating charm.
In the Yong Empire, paintings were usually done in monochrome ink, so this was quite a shock to me.
As I stopped to admire them, Senon nodded as if understanding.
“It’s the work of His Highness the Fourth Prince.”
“The Fourth Prince… you mean the Crown Prince’s twin?”
I heard he isn’t a Neutrin, and that his personality is the complete opposite of the Crown Prince.
However, he was said to possess extraordinary magical talent and a brilliant mind, earning him the reputation of a magic prodigy.
Politically and magically, he didn’t step into the front lines, instead assisting the Crown Prince as his left hand—making him even more dangerous in his own way.
“A few years ago, he was deeply involved in magic research and painted a great deal. Even His Highness the Crown Prince, who has excellent aesthetic sense, acknowledged his talent.”
“Wow…”
“You’ll notice his paintings are hung all over Arnoan Palace. Though recently, he’s been obsessed with farming and hasn’t touched a brush in a long time.”
What?
“Wait. Farming? He’s into farming?”
“Yes. Why?”
“N-no, nothing.”
A prince of an empire doing farming?
And not just any prince—the Crown Prince’s left hand, even offered a position as an imperial court mage, now farming…
I suddenly imagined a royal prince wearing a luxurious uniform and a straw hat, planting rice seedlings in a field.
Are all royals just full of strange people?
“This is the room you will be staying in, Lord Ryubiran.”
After climbing to the second floor and wandering through a maze-like corridor, Senon finally stopped in front of an ornate door.
The moment the door opened, I couldn’t help but gasp.
“Wow!”
The spacious room was decorated in white and blue, matching the overall theme of Arnoan Palace.
A mural of stars and a beautiful unicorn galloping across the sky gave it a dreamlike atmosphere.
The bed, wardrobe, and desk were all made of the finest materials.
It was so luxurious that I couldn’t even tell if I was supposed to actually use it.
Senon smiled at my reaction.
“Do you like it?”
This wasn’t a matter of liking it or not—it was simply too good.
“Is it really okay for me to use a room like this?”
“It was personally assigned by His Highness the Crown Prince. Please feel free to feel overwhelmed by it.”
Great. I’m honored beyond belief.
But instead of joy, unease crept in.
What was the Crown Prince, who supposedly hated me, thinking by giving me such a room?
Was this like giving a condemned animal a final feast before slaughter?
“Please convey my gratitude. I feel like I’ve received far more than I deserve.”
“Of course. I will prepare your formal attire and then assist you with your bath. Please wait a moment.”
Wait. What?
“You… are going to assist me with my bath?”
“As your direct attendant, of course. It’s not exactly something I enjoy either.”
“Then I’ll do it myself! I can bathe on my own!”
Senon looked exasperated at my frantic refusal.
But for me, this was absolutely non-negotiable.
Bath assistance? I’d rather jump back onto a moving carriage.
“I didn’t expect such a strong reaction. Are you perhaps shy around me?”
“What kind of relationship do you think we have?”
“One that requires full dedication. If you dislike it, should I call another attendant?”
“No. I don’t need anyone. I’ve always done it myself.”
“….”
“There are scars I don’t want others to see… and I’m not used to being helped. Please just let this go.”
I persuaded him as firmly as I could.
After studying me carefully, Senon finally nodded.
“If that’s the case, I understand. As you wish. But please hurry. I’ll be waiting.”
He bowed slightly and left the room.
The moment the door closed, I rushed over and pressed my ear against it.
He hadn’t gone far—he was still waiting.
Go away. Just leave already.
Only after a long while did I hear his footsteps fade.
Finally, I let out a deep sigh and collapsed in relief.
That was close. I was worried he’d insist until the end.
I quickly inspected the room.
Under the bed, inside the wardrobe, drawers, even the bath—every corner was checked.
Fortunately, there were no traps. The water wasn’t poisoned either.
I also examined the walls carefully.
There were two possible hidden passages.
After thinking for a moment, I blocked one with furniture and left the other untouched.
Hmm… the training I did for detecting traps is actually useful here.
After finishing my inspection, I entered the bath.
Steam was already rising from the hot water.
After confirming no one was inside, I folded my clothes neatly and stepped in.
I felt like I had used up all my strength just dealing with Senon.
And this was just the beginning.
I couldn’t help worrying about how hard it would be to meet the Crown Prince.
Please, at least let him not be as strange as Senon. One more person like him would be a disaster.
After finishing quickly and changing, I came out.
Senon, as if waiting, immediately entered and handed me clothes.
“This… I have to wear this?”
“What’s the problem?”
The outfit he brought was a ceremonial robe—white fabric embroidered with intricate gold thread.
The problem was that it was far too extravagant.
It looked like something meant for a royal ball. Frills everywhere, and was that gold thread even real gold?
“It’s too flashy. The colors too.”
“No. You must wear this. You are beautiful, but you must be even more beautiful. If you were born with such beauty, you should use it properly.”
“….”
“I promise it suits you perfectly. Trust my judgment and try it on.”
What choice did I have?
As Senon said, the outfit looked as if it had been made specifically for Ryu-an.
It even fit perfectly, as if tailored exactly to my measurements.
“Now then—”
“Not yet.”
Senon’s eyes sparkled.
“You still need accessories. Shoes too. And since you’re meeting His Highness the Crown Prince, we should do your makeup as well.”
“B-but I’ve already—”
“Just wait. I’ll make you beautiful.”
Before I could stop him, he began applying powders and mixtures to my face.
He would pause, examine me carefully, then nod in satisfaction and continue.
Finally, he finished by placing a bracelet on my wrist.
He looked more pleased than I had ever seen him.
“Ahh… I’m glad I became your direct attendant. It’s always more fun when the model is beautiful.”
You’re the master here, not me.
I didn’t even have the courage to look in the mirror.
Whatever. If it suits me, fine…
Maybe the Crown Prince will soften if he sees me like this.
“Then follow me. I’ll guide you to the dining hall.”
Senon led me through a grand hall filled with long tables.
The tables were overflowing with food—so much that it looked like they might collapse.
Dishes I had never even seen before filled the space.
My stomach, which had been empty for so long, screamed for food.
Just one bite… surely one bite wouldn’t hurt…
“Lord Ryu-an, stop staring. You look like you’re about to jump onto the plates.”
“Sorry… I was hungry.”
“You looked like a tiger just now.”
While I was staring at the food, a voice suddenly came from behind me.
“So my little brother is more interested in food than me? How disappointing.”
“…!”
