Chapter 24
A Royal Visit
After the last visit from the Crown Prince, Shulien had ordered that any visit from the royal palace should be reported immediately.
Shulien, who had been deeply immersed in his research, brightened at Door’s words.
“What? Her Highness the Princess came here?”
“Yes, I saw it with my own eyes! A carriage marked with the royal seal! How on earth did Miel become so close to the royal family? It’s fascinating.”
Even as Door mumbled on, Shulien was lost in his own thoughts.
‘As I thought—Miel must really be the Crown Princess candidate! Otherwise, why would Her Highness the Princess visit?’
Smiling with satisfaction, Shulien hurried out of the lab to deliver the joyful news to the Tower Master.
—
Meanwhile, Jade was indulging in daydreams as he signed documents. His thoughts drifted to scenic adventures—lush meadows beyond deep forests, blue seas beyond hills, monsters hidden among harsh mountain ranges… It all felt like preparing for a picnic.
“Tower Master!”
The door burst open just as he was humming. It was Shurien again.
Without looking up, Jade responded calmly, “What is it this time?”
It was clear he wanted the matter dealt with quickly. But Shurien had no intention of being brief.
“Do you know who just arrived at the Tower?”
“What, that Crown Prince brat again?”
Jade frowned immediately at the thought and finally looked up from his papers, ready to interfere if needed.
But Shulien’s answer was unexpected.
“No, it’s Her Highness the Princess. And she came to see Miel.”
He remembered that Jade didn’t react much when the Crown Prince visited. So this time, assuming it’d be the same, Shulien went on excitedly.
“She must truly be the Crown Princess candidate! Her Highness didn’t come for business this time, just to see Miel personally!”
“…Really?”
Jade’s brow furrowed deeper. Unlike before, Shurien didn’t notice his subtle change in expression and just kept rambling.
“Imagine, the Princess herself coming all the way to the Tower! Isn’t that like a public declaration? A Crown Princess from the Magic Tower!”
“Shulien.”
His quiet tone finally made Shulien realize he had overstepped. He quickly bowed and left the room.
Left alone, Jade sighed. He had allowed the Princess to visit the Tower when she mentioned it before. It had seemed like a polite comment—nothing serious.
Miel had been thrilled, but they didn’t think the Princess would actually come.
Despite recovering thanks to a special potion, the Princess was still weak and rarely left the palace. The Magic Tower was far from the capital, near the empire’s borders—a long journey even by carriage.
For her to take such a risk just to see Miel?
A bad feeling struck him.
Unless the Princess truly liked Miel that much, her coming here didn’t make sense.
“Could she… really be publicly recognizing Miel as the Crown Princess?”
Jade suddenly stood up. He needed to see this for himself—was Miel just a friend, or something more?
He donned a stealth robe and headed out.
—
Meanwhile, Miel and Princess Revina were inside the Tower’s dining area.
“This is the place I told you about! With the amazing chef!” Miel beamed, and Revina smiled back warmly.
Miel had personally guided her around—from the lobby to research rooms, the library, and artifact storage. Revina, seeing all this for the first time, was as excited as a child.
“Your Highness, you must be hungry. Let’s have something to eat.”
“Yes! I can’t wait to try this famous chef’s cooking.”
They sat down. Miel asked Revina about her food preferences, then rushed off to place a custom order.
She returned with apple juice.
“Are you feeling okay? I was worried you might have pushed yourself too much to visit here…”
Revina gently smiled and shook her head.
“It’s alright. Ever since I started using the medicine you helped make, I’ve gotten much stronger. I even go outside the palace more often now.”
“I’m so glad to hear that!”
“Thank you for worrying about me, Miel.”
Revina took the glass of juice. The sweet aroma wafted even before she sipped. One taste, and—
“This is delicious!”
“Right? It’s made from premium apples from Hurow. I won them in a contest, and didn’t share them with anyone—except you.”
“A contest? What kind of contest?”
“…An apple-eating contest.”
She said it proudly but blushed in embarrassment. She hadn’t thought royalty would care about something so silly. But Revina burst into laughter.
“Really? You actually won?”
“Yes…”
“Wow, Miel, you’re amazing! With your tiny frame too! That’s incredible.”
Revina was utterly impressed. This gentle-looking girl had helped her health, completed dangerous missions, and even won quirky contests.
And most of all—she liked Miel.
—
Just then, Chef Poki arrived with their meal.
“Thank you, Chef,” Revina smiled sweetly.
Poki blushed fiercely.
He never imagined he’d serve someone as high-ranking as the fourth-in-line to the throne. But thanks to Miel, it happened.
Revina tasted the food.
“Mmm! It’s so good!”
“Th-thank you!!”
Poki almost cried from joy. He eventually had to return to the kitchen, unable to handle his emotions.
“I’m glad you liked it,” Miel said.
“Liked it? It’s amazing! This chef could rival the palace chefs.”
“Haha! If only Poki heard that.”
“Make sure you tell him!”
They laughed and continued their meal.
But they didn’t notice the quiet figure watching them from the entrance.
Jade, hidden beneath his stealth robe, had arrived—watching.
