Chapter 41
“Who are you?”
As soon as Alesia opened the door, a cold blade was thrust at her throat.
She reflexively twisted her body, and the fire mana reacting to her emotions wrapped around her.
A red glow deflected the opponent’s sword, putting distance between them.
The attacker seemed startled by her mana and didn’t move any further.
Taking that chance, Alesia gripped the dagger she was holding tightly and raised it to her chest. There was a glint in her green eyes as she took a threatening stance.
“State your identity.”
She spoke calmly, though her hand trembled slightly. Her eyes darted anxiously, searching for Franz.
Just as she’d feared, he was collapsed in the bathtub. Seeing his pale, terrified face, she bit her lip hard.
‘I need to call for help.’
If this person was an assassin, she was no match alone.
Alesia had never been properly trained in swordsmanship. This dagger was merely something she’d prepared to protect herself.
If the opponent was a trained assassin, how long could she possibly hold out? Not long.
At the very least, she needed to buy time to summon Lucius.
Taking a deep breath, she raised her voice.
“Who’s there—!”
“You must be the second prince’s consort.”
Before she could even raise her voice fully, a gentle tone replied from the other side. Alesia glared without lowering her guard.
A man with soft, pale green hair and gray eyes stood there. It was a rare appearance in Laurentz.
Alesia studied him carefully.
He wore a deep black cloak that covered his entire body. His face was so pale it made the cloak appear even darker.
He had a refined look, different from Franz. If Franz looked like the beauty of the world molded into human form, this man had an unnatural, almost otherworldly charm.
Alesia furrowed her brow.
‘Who is this man?’
If she had seen him even once before, she wouldn’t have forgotten—he left a strong impression. With such a face, surely rumors would have spread through Calypse or the imperial palace. Yet she had never heard of him.
As Alesia silently scanned his striking yet sharp face, the man spoke again.
“My apologies. I thought you were an assassin.”
He respectfully lowered his sword. Alesia, still wary, responded.
“…Harun, is it?”
“How do you know me?”
His eyes widened—it was the correct guess.
Only then did Alesia let out a breath of relief and lower her dagger.
She hadn’t recognized his voice immediately through the door. But now that she thought back, it did sound like him.
“I heard you just now. I’m staying in the room right next door.”
She glanced toward the door she had just come from. Harun shrugged with a grin.
“I see.”
Even as she looked at him, she tightened her grip on the dagger. For some reason, his smile sent a chill down her spine.
It felt like he might turn hostile and attack again at any moment.
“My apologies for disturbing your sleep at this late hour, Your Grace.”
Harun tucked his sword into his cloak and continued.
“But what brings you here at this hour?”
“I didn’t know I needed permission to visit my husband’s room,” Alesia shot back, meeting his eyes sharply.
“I think I should be asking you that question. What are you doing here at this hour?”
“Ha ha ha.”
Harun looked momentarily taken aback, then let out a quiet laugh. But even that laugh felt unnatural—like a puppet pretending to smile.
There was something about him she didn’t like.
“Don’t try to brush it off with laughter. His Highness is suffering because of his mana, and you’re just standing here? Explain yourself.”
“You’re worried about the second prince, Your Grace.”
Harun’s expression changed to one of mild surprise. He turned his back to her and approached the bathtub.
Then, right in front of her, he lifted the unconscious Franz.
Franz’s body dangled helplessly, completely limp.
Harun placed a hand on Franz’s forehead and began to murmur something. A faint silver light shimmered from his palm, wrapping around Franz’s entire body.
Alarmed, Alesia rushed forward.
“What are you doing?!”
“Shh.”
Without even looking at her, Harun hushed her gently.
Alesia gripped her dagger and glared at him.
Harun continued chanting calmly under her scrutiny. When he finished, Alesia loosened her grip on the dagger.
Whatever he’d done, Franz’s face now looked far more peaceful. His soaked body was also now completely dry and clean.
Harun seemed well-versed in magic.
But could he be trusted to help her?
Just moments ago, he had advised Franz to distance himself from her. Whatever his true motives were, she didn’t need to know.
If he got in her way, then he was an enemy.
Even if he was someone Franz considered a close friend, to Alesia, he was someone to deal with.
“Don’t worry. I serve the second prince.”
Harun gently laid Franz down on the bed and spoke quietly. When he noticed Alesia still staring daggers at him, he furrowed his brows slightly.
He seemed genuinely eager to earn her trust.
“I’m the one who creates the potion to calm His Highness’s mana.”
“What exactly are you? A healer? A mage?”
Harun scratched the back of his head at her question. He looked around awkwardly before clicking his tongue.
“How should I introduce myself…”
“Why are you asking me that?”
“I have many faces. But I don’t know which one I’m allowed to show you yet. My master hasn’t told me.”
He glanced down at the dagger in her hand, studying it with interest before raising an eyebrow.
“Shall I at least do this for you?”
“What—?”
Before she could finish, Harun reached out and touched her dagger.
The blade hummed and emitted a faint glow. The light flowed up the blade and spread into Alesia’s hand.
She stared at the sword in a trance.
The glow was warm. And the moment it touched her, she felt strength surge through her body.
She didn’t know what trick he had used, but the bond between her and the weapon now felt stronger than ever.
“Even if it’s just a small self-defense blade, it’s better if it has some power. I made a few adjustments.”
As she raised the dagger and examined it, Harun explained. He glanced at Franz on the bed and added:
“My master would surely approve of helping protect the second prince’s consort.”
“…Thank you.”
“It’s my honor if I’ve been of help.”
Alesia looked away from the dagger and back at Harun. He had a hand over his chest and was bowing politely—just like any other retainer.
Watching him, she finally voiced the suspicion that had been nagging at her.
“Harun… are you by any chance related to Harnaka Run Milakizerna?”
At her question, Harun froze. He stared at the floor in silence before slowly straightening.
A blue light flickered in his gray eyes as he met her gaze. Alesia narrowed her eyes, observing the subtle change in his expression.
It wasn’t a dramatic shift, but the moment she asked, something changed in his face. The inhuman chill in his eyes suddenly filled with warmth.
“May I offer you one piece of advice, Your Grace?”
He looked at her earnestly.
She had expected an answer about Harnaka Run—but the question threw her off. Still confused, she nodded.
When she gave permission, Harun curved his lips into a faint smile. He slowly stepped closer to her.
“Never make a foolish mistake.”
“What kind of mistake?”
“What kind do you think?”
His question made Alesia frown. She reached out and grabbed his cloak as he tried to step away.
“Wait.”
She stepped toward him, looking up sharply. Her green eyes glinted.
“That’s not advice.”
“Pardon?”
“Vague words like that don’t count as advice.”
Harun looked momentarily flustered at her rebuke. She held his gaze.
“Try again. Give me real advice.”
Alesia’s green eyes sparkled.
She had no intention of letting Harun go. If someone knew more than she did—she needed to hold onto them.
Especially if they knew anything about Franz’s secrets.
This was the best she could do to face a future clouded in uncertainty.
“Tell me what you know. What kind of mistake am I supposed to make? …Can you see the future, Harun?”
