Chapter 48
“Bring it here.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
After a moment, the head maid brought a long box.
“Please accept this, Grand Duchess. It is my humble apology.”
“What is this?”
“It is said to be wild ginseng from the Eastern Kingdom. They say there’s no better medicine for restoring one’s energy. I thought it would be good to give it to Prince Raul, so I prepared it.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
The Grand Duchess held the box firmly. It seemed like concern, but it was essentially saying that her son had grown weak from being beaten.
“Your Majesty, may I say something as well?”
“Please do, Grand Duchess.”
“According to recent news, Prince Serhi has been skipping his academic lessons frequently. The teachers have been troubled. Perhaps you should pay some attention.”
“He is mischievous by nature. Besides, I am taking care of Serhi’s education myself, so the Grand Duchess need not concern herself.”
“I seem to have overstepped. I apologize, Your Majesty.”
“That’s enough; let’s leave it at that.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Don’t just stay holed up in the Grand Duke’s residence. Come out and have tea with me sometimes. His Majesty has been visiting less often lately, and I am bored.”
“Oh, it seems very lonely.”
“The one who used to come every three days now comes only once a week. I am quite lonely.”
Grand Duchess Christina clenched her skirt tightly, as if she were being teased.
“How is the Grand Duke’s condition? Has he improved?”
“I am taking the best care of him, so I believe he will recover.”
“To think someone so valiant would come to this… His Majesty must be very worried as well.”
“Thank you for your concern. Oh, and I must apologize for something.”
“Hm?”
“I cannot provide the elixir for Prince Serhi for the time being.”
“What do you mean?”
“As I realized today, Your Majesty, by thinking of Prince Serhi, my son Raul has become too weak. So…”
“You mean…”
“Yes. For now, the elixir must be given to my son Raul. Prince Serhi is healthy, so I hope you understand.”
Queen Marianne’s lips trembled.
“It seems I unintentionally made you feel hurt, seeing you take such a bold step.”
“Not at all. I’ve gained a great insight. I will provide the financial support as planned, so there’s no need to worry. I know very well that the harem’s finances aren’t in good shape.”
Queen Marianne’s family was not wealthy. They had long been part of the nobility with honor but without deep wealth. A noble family with honor often looked splendid outwardly but was hollow inside. This was the Achilles’ heel of Queen Marianne.
Even so, Grand Duchess Christina could not dismiss Queen Marianne because Marianne’s brother was the head of the Royal Guard Knights. Having such a strong ally in the royal court allowed her to act with confidence.
“Ah, time has passed already. I should take my leave, Your Majesty.”
“Such a pity.”
“There will be another time. Next, I will personally bring some good tea.”
“Do so.”
“Then.”
Grand Duchess Christina bowed and turned with a gentle smile.
A week passed.
Her condition had improved considerably, but she still could not leave her bed. She took the bitter medicine Felix brought her every day. Without the candy Alexis provided, the medicine would have been so bitter she might have thrown it up. It was truly terrible in taste.
Who said good medicine has to taste bitter? If it were tasty, wouldn’t that be even better?
Even today, Elia remained in bed.
“Your Highness, Miss Lazly sent a letter and a get-well gift.”
A much healthier Lazly was helping with trade work alongside Lapis. Seeing her energetic and lively made Elia happy.
“Oh, how lovely.”
Inside the box was a beautiful hair ornament. It was a butterfly-shaped pin decorated with what looked like painstakingly embroidered beads. Truly beautiful.
Elia took out the letter. It expressed worry for her health and wished her a speedy recovery.
“Meril, Lazly made this herself.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“She’s talented. I’ll put it in your hair.”
Meril placed the butterfly pin in Elia’s hair. The silver beads reflected the sunlight, sparkling brilliantly.
“How do I look?”
“It suits you perfectly.”
Looking in the mirror Meril handed her, Elia couldn’t help but smile.
“I’ll bring lunch.”
It seemed it was already lunchtime. As Meril left, Austin and Jirk arrived right on time.
“Hello, Your Highness.”
Jirk greeted her with an angelic smile.
“Hello, Jirk.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Much better. I still can’t walk, though.”
“Understandable. Your little body has endured a lot.”
“You look really beautiful, Your Highness.”
“Eh? Really?”
“Yes, you’re the prettiest in the world.”
Elia found Jirk’s overly shiny eyes a little overwhelming. Austin gently flicked Jirk on the head.
“Enough, you fool.”
“Ouch…”
Jirk pouted at Elia.
“Do you want this?”
Elia handed him a candy Alexis had told her to give whenever he took his medicine.
“You’re giving it to me?”
“Yes, you can have it.”
“Thank you, hehe.”
Jirk happily accepted the candy.
“It’s very sweet.”
“Candy is supposed to be sweet.”
“Is that so?”
Jirk was so absorbed in the sweetness that he barely noticed anything else.
“Tower Lord, I’ll let you see Mother now.”
“Are you sure?”
“I think it’s fine now. You’ve waited over two weeks.”
“If it seems too much…”
“I’ll stop myself if needed.”
“Thank you.”
Elia woke Gaji, who had been sleeping on her shoulder.
‘Gaji.’
[Hmm? Why wake me?]
‘Open the path to Mother.’
[If you use your power now, you’ll strain yourself.]
‘I’m much better. I can handle it.’
[Hmph, fine.]
Gaji leapt down from the bed, moved its small branches, and drew a circle. The power of the World Tree connected to Elia was absorbed into the circle. A massive gate opened, revealing a golden tree beyond.
Austin thanked Elia and entered the gate with Jirk. Elia exhaled and closed it. Once she finished communicating with the World Tree, it would return the two safely. There was nothing more she could do. Exhaustion and sleepiness overtook her. She did not resist as her eyes closed, even as Meril brought lunch.
Austin stood with Jirk in front of the enormous golden tree.
[Arrogant magician, to torment my child and come here.]
“Let’s speak properly. I did not torment him—it was a fair exchange.”
[What is it that you desire?]
Austin pointed to Jirk.
“Show me how this child can grow.”
[Will you give up your freedom to save this child?]
“At first, I desired freedom. But I realized that if I leave, there will be no one to manage the Magi Tower.”
Jirk was over thirty years old. Even after thirty years under Austin’s care, he had yet to mature. His mind remained pure and innocent, unspoiled by time.
[What will you offer me in exchange for what you desire?]
“If you want, I will serve the Magi Tower forever.”
“Tower Lord, no!”
Jirk protested, thinking Austin would sacrifice himself for his sake.
“I don’t want you to struggle for me anymore. I don’t need to grow.”
“You foolish boy! You need to grow to help me!”
“Tower Lord…”
“World Tree, show me the way.”
The World Tree’s branches moved, bearing a round fruit at the tip.
[I shall give you my fruit of life. But in return…]
Austin’s eyes widened at the price demanded by the World Tree.
