Chapter 11

In the original story, the Second Prince wasn’t a very important character.

Whenever he appeared, he was always kind to Harzen. In fact, some readers even liked the Second Prince because of this.

Of course, I wasn’t one of them.

Something about him always felt suspicious.

It was as if he was hiding some kind of secret plan.

Back then, he didn’t have much screen time or many important actions, so I simply ignored that feeling.

But…

Who would have thought he would reveal his true nature in the side story?

Thinking about it, something was strange.

My dads were clearly some of the strongest people in the world.

So why couldn’t they stop Mom’s death in the side story?

I could understand the other dads failing because they didn’t go with Mom to the Imperial Palace.

But why couldn’t even Dad Harzen protect her?

He was the person who suspected almost everyone in the Imperial Palace.

“Brother.”

I quietly closed my mouth and looked at Dad.

The look in his eyes when he saw the Second Prince clearly contained affection.

Dad trusts the Second Prince.

Why did Harzen, who hated the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Family, trust the Second Prince?

Maybe because he was one of the few people there who had always shown Harzen something close to affection.

He probably treated Dad kindly ever since they were children.

But was that kindness genuine?

Was it simple pity?

Or…

Was it fake kindness and hypocrisy?

I couldn’t know what the Second Prince truly felt.

But one thing was certain.

His actions had earned Harzen’s trust.

Trust that had been slowly built over many years until it became as solid as a tower.

“Harzen.”

The Second Prince looked directly at Dad and smiled warmly.

“It has truly been a long time. You haven’t even sent me a single letter all these years.”

The arrogant expression he had shown earlier was completely gone.

His face was now filled with genuine-looking happiness.

Then he turned toward Mom.

“Lady Miller.”

“Your Highness, the Second Prince.”

“Thank you for coming all this way. Returning here could not have been an easy decision. I thank you on behalf of my mother.”

I didn’t open my mouth in shock this time.

Instead, I clicked my tongue inwardly.

No wonder Dad Harzen falls for this so easily.

If I hadn’t seen the scroll, even I might have believed him.

But I’m not that easy to fool!

If he thought he could trick me that easily, he was mistaken!

“Hmph.”

I snorted and strengthened my determination.

Dad is hopeless.

I’ll have to stay alert and protect Mom myself.

“This child…?”

The Second Prince noticed me and asked with curiosity.

I deliberately spoke in a bright, confident voice.

“Hello! My name is Cecilia Miller.”

“……”

“I’m seven years old, and I’m Mommy’s daughter.”

Normally, people say that gaining the upper hand is important when facing an opponent.

And the first way to win a battle of nerves is simple.

Act confidently wherever you are!

“Cici…?”

Mom blinked rapidly, clearly confused by my bold introduction.

Dad Harzen also raised one eyebrow slightly as he stared at me.

They were probably both thinking the same thing.

Did she eat something strange?

Why is she suddenly acting like this?

“Haha. What a bold child.”

The Second Prince laughed as he looked at me.

“Her personality and her face. She looks exactly like Lady Miller.”

I opened my eyes even wider.

As expected of the man who managed to win Dad over. He certainly knows how to say the right things.

But me?

Cici?

I’ve already learned about the harsh side of the world.

Even if he compliments me like this, I won’t fall for it!

“You also have Harzen’s habit of being suspicious of everyone at first.”

He smiled, his blue eyes curving like half-moons.

At the same time, someone nearby cleared his throat.

“Bertholdt.”

I glanced at the Second Prince and nodded inwardly.

Right.

His name was Bertholdt.

“Ah.”

At the Emperor’s call, Bertholdt finally turned his attention away from me.

“My apologies, Your Majesty. I became distracted because it has been so long since I saw Harzen.”

“How is the Empress’s condition?”

“To be honest, she is worse than yesterday. Today, she didn’t even recognize me.”

“I see.”

The Emperor closed his eyes and pressed his forehead with his fingers.

She can’t even recognize her own son.

I widened my eyes.

No wonder they had called Mom despite treating her so coldly all this time.

The situation really was serious.

“That bad…?”

Mom also bit her lip, her expression becoming serious.

Then, as if she had made a decision, she spoke firmly.

“I apologize for causing confusion because of my daughter, but may I examine Her Majesty the Empress’s condition right now?”

“…Then let me ask you something.”

The Emperor slowly opened his eyes and stared straight at Mom.

His intimidating voice echoed through the throne room.

“Do you understand what it means to examine the Empress?”

He continued in a commanding tone.

“If you fail to save her, everyone who treated her will be held responsible.”

At first glance, it looked like a predator had cornered its prey.

“You are known as the greatest healer in the Empire. Your reputation will suffer greatly if you fail.”

“……”

“Those who already dislike you will use this opportunity to attack you for the rest of your life.”

But Mom, Yuria…

She was a skilled hunter who had already defeated predators far more dangerous than this.

“I understand.”

She didn’t back down.

Instead, she looked directly at the Emperor.

“But I also understand why Your Majesty, who dislikes me more than anyone, called me here.”

“……”

“Because there is no one else in this Empire who can treat Her Majesty the Empress, is there?”

I tightly held Mom’s hand and pouted.

Exactly!

They even sent an entire army to drag Mom and Dad here.

And now they’re saying this?

Even if Mom refused, they would probably force her to treat the Empress anyway!

“I cannot promise that I will definitely be able to cure Her Majesty the Empress. Especially before I have even examined her condition.”

“Then—”

“Even so, I will do everything I can to save Her Majesty the Empress.”

Her purple eyes shone with determination.

“This is something I can swear to.”

Mom and Dad had said something similar when they stood before the Emperor before leaving to fight the Demon King.

“I cannot promise that we will definitely defeat the Demon King and return.”

“……”

“But I can promise that we will give our lives trying.”

“That is something I can swear to.”

And back then, they really did return after defeating the Demon King.

“Not only me, but every physician who has treated Her Majesty until now must have approached this the same way.”

“……”

“At the very least, I sincerely ask Your Majesty to understand their intentions.”

When Mom finished speaking, a deep silence filled the throne room.

I swallowed nervously and glanced at the Emperor.

His expression was…

Gasp.

I immediately held my breath.

Is it just me, or does he look even more serious than before?

No.

I’m not imagining it.

Look at those eyes.

He looked like he could devour my entire family at any moment!

Is he angry?

Mom’s words basically meant that even if something went wrong, the people involved should not be punished.

Not only Mom, but every person who had treated the Empress.

She was essentially asking the Emperor to protect them if the worst happened.

And since the Emperor already doesn’t like Mom, it’s understandable that he might be upset…

“Hmm.”

At that moment, the Emperor finally broke the heavy silence and began to speak.