[CHAPTER 139]
[To the dear Amelia Wentworth,
I have heard that you are safe and that you have found what you sought. I regret not being able to confirm it in person and be with you.
Since you left, I have realized how petty I have been and how much I remained trapped in the past. I want to apologize, even if only through this letter. I am sorry.
Amelia, whatever you do and wherever you go, do it under my command and support as Crown Prince Vincent Arthur Fitzroy without hesitation. I will take full responsibility for it.
Stay healthy, and I hope we can meet again soon.
Still your fiancé, Vincent Arthur Fitzroy.]
“……”
Holding the letter in my hands, I could not speak for a moment.
The letter was far more honest and emotional than I had expected, and my throat tightened slightly.
Vincent’s sentences were always concise and rational, but this time, his hesitation and sincerity were palpable.
I had expected him to talk about the Magic Stone mine since I had been briefed, but he made no mention of it and simply told me to do what I wanted.
And I didn’t expect him to apologize so directly.
It felt surprisingly mature. Coming out of the Crown Prince’s palace in frustration made me feel like such a child.
No, it’s fine.
I shook my head and slapped my cheeks with both hands.
If I didn’t do this, Vincent would still be trapped in the past.
Also, taking the Crown Prince around here would attract too much attention. Considering the value of the Magic Stone mine, excessive attention could be dangerous.
Who knows how the Mage Tower Lord will react?
I looked at the final part of the letter again.
“Still your fiancé…”
Reading it repeatedly, my face flushed.
Why did it feel stronger than any confession?
I folded the letter carefully and put it in my luggage to calm my racing heart.
Even knowing his feelings, I had no intention of returning immediately.
I would buy time until Sylvia completed her research on the Magic Stone and proved its value.
I should head to Briarden.
Briarden was more secluded than Lunetten, where the Duke of Royce’s villa was located.
It was perfect for staying away from the attention of the royal family or other nobles, and because it was within the boundaries of the Duke of Royce, even Duke Wentworth could not directly interfere.
As a high noble’s villa, it was also equipped with basic security and defenses against magical attacks.
Of course, if the Mage Tower Lord intended to bypass them, it could happen, but at least it was a place with minimal safety measures.
“Your Highness, Sylvia has arrived.”
Derek quietly knocked on the door.
I got out of bed and opened it.
“Is the carriage ready?”
“Yes, we can depart at any time.”
“Thank you.”
Sylvia was standing at the door as well, still excited, holding a small branch in her hand.
“Your Highness, look at this!”
Looking closely, a small Magic Stone fragment was embedded in the middle of the branch.
Even when Sylvia placed it at eye level, it floated in midair.
“I made it into a simple magical tool. It maintains its power like the infused magic, but this can hold much more energy and consumes less. It should last about a year.”
Even knowing what changes it could bring, seeing it in reality was amazing.
“That’s impressive. To make a magical tool so quickly.”
Sylvia’s talent as a mage was clearly exceptional, and she was smart.
Excited by my reaction, she continued explaining:
“I tested it earlier. If we make it bigger and embed more Magic Stones, it could even carry a person flying.”
Sylvia gasped, her eyes sparkling as she looked out of the carriage window.
“It’s so quiet here. There don’t seem to be many people either.”
“That’s why I chose this place. It’s good for research and for hiding.”
Probably why Sylvia in the original story chose it too. My presence changed her fate a lot. Would she blame me if she knew?
While admiring the scenery, the carriage finally stopped in front of the villa.
A man who appeared to be the caretaker hurried out to greet us.
He looked over fifty, with neat gray hair combed back.
“Welcome to the Royce villa, Your Highness. My lady instructed me to serve you courteously without any inconvenience.”
I smiled lightly and nodded.
“Thank you. Could you show us inside the villa?”
“Of course. This way, please.”
We followed him into the villa.
The villa was as grand as any mansion, but it felt warm rather than lavish.
The exterior was white brick and wood, and inside, polished wooden floors and a cozy living room with a fireplace stood out.
Large windows let in gentle sunlight, and the fireplace radiated subtle warmth.
“Rooms for Your Highness and others are prepared on the second floor. Please follow me.”
“Um, excuse me.”
As the caretaker continued, Sylvia cautiously raised her hand.
“I have something to do for a moment. I’ll see the rooms later. Is there a spacious, flat area in the villa?”
“Why?”
Sylvia smiled awkwardly.
“I want to set up a magic circle. Normally, I’d have to draw it each time with infused magic, but now I don’t need to.”
She then showed several Magic Stone fragments she had brought in her pocket.
