WTSP - 37

“Your Majesty, Empress!”

“Good heavens! Are you hurt? Sir Cloden, fetch the physician immediately!”

“Enough of this commotion. My limbs are intact. Attend to this child first.”

The moment the officials appeared, events unfolded exactly as I’d anticipated.

They gasped and flailed as if Serdel had contracted some fatal illness.

But drawing everyone’s attention would only fuel rumors. With a raised hand, Serdel silenced them, then gestured toward the trembling Theo.

The boy’s palm, clasped tightly in mine, was slick with nervous sweat.

Judging by his tense expression, it seemed this was his first time surrounded by so many adults—especially nobles.

“Summon the mages as well. Those negligent fools who couldn’t even track participants’ locations during the tournament.”

One official, pale with fear from Serdel’s icy tone, hurried off to call the mages.

“And where are Sir Rovair and the knights?”

“We sent the remaining knights to inform them of Your Majesty and Her Highness’s return. They should arrive within ten minutes. Additionally, about a hundred soldiers are currently stationed nearby.”

Serdel frowned deeply.

“Inconvenient. Have the nobles caught wind of anything?”

“No, Your Majesty. We announced that the awards ceremony would be delayed by half an hour due to internal matters and served refreshments. Most accepted the explanation, though some voiced suspicions of foul play regarding the winners.”

It seemed the knights had handled things well in our absence. Listening intently, Serdel turned to the three accompanying knights.

“When the Vice-Commander arrives in ten minutes, guide him to where Sir Harpin went. And ensure no one’s memory has been tampered with, understood?”

“Yes, Your Majesty! Shall we join forces with Commander Harpin upon arrival?”

“Precisely. If hostages are found while apprehending the culprits, prioritize their rescue. The operation may involve significant numbers, so proceed with caution.”

As the conversation stretched on, one high-ranking official with a long beard approached Serdel and whispered discreetly.

“Your Majesty, forgive me, but the awards ceremony will soon begin… Perhaps it’s time for you to change.”

“Very well. Before that, Theo, was it?”

Despite the urgency of the situation, Serdel addressed Theo gently. Once again, all eyes turned to the boy, whose face flushed crimson like a ripe tomato.

At least he wasn’t visibly trembling anymore—a small relief. The boy nodded nervously.

“Y-yes… Your M-Majesty. I’m T-Theo.”

“The Carlot Empire has long invested in nurturing mages. It’s rare for a boy your age to display magical talent. Once this matter is resolved, I’ll arrange for you to receive proper magical training.”

“R-really? Thank you…! But… my parents are waiting for me.”

“It goes without saying that your family will also come under the Empire’s protection.”

“You can stay with your parents, Theo. And eat meat soup instead of just mushrooms,” I added with a soft whisper into his ear, translating Serdel’s formal tone into simpler language.

For the first time, Theo’s confusion melted into a bright smile, tears welling up in his eyes.

“…You won’t have to suffer or feel threatened anymore.”

I murmured sincerely, my words flowing straight from my heart.

“Then, until later, Empress.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

With a customary farewell, Serdel disappeared.

Less than five minutes after he left, the physicians arrived, breathless and laden with medical supplies.

“Huff, huff… We apologize, Your Highness. We came as quickly as we could…”

“You didn’t keep me waiting long. Catch your breath. I’m fine, but please examine this child. His body bears the marks of abuse.”

The physician, cheeks flushed red, nodded urgently. Theo clung anxiously to my sleeve.

Just then, someone pulled me into a tight hug from behind, startling me into a fit of coughs.

‘Today’s been full of moments that leave me breathless.’

Even without turning, I knew who it was. Smiling faintly, I patted the arms wrapped around my waist.

“You were worried, Lena? Sorry about losing my way in the forest.”

“Your Highness! If you keep doing this, I might actually collapse! I’ve already fainted several times worrying about you! Evelyn and I were so scared… Thank goodness you’re safe…”

“But I did manage to hit a deer, you know?”

“Is that supposed to be comforting right now?! Honestly, sometimes I don’t know what to do with you…”

Lena glared at me, hands planted firmly on her hips. Oddly enough, her scolding felt far more intimidating than Serdel’s stern gaze.

Her eyes practically burned with intensity.

Meanwhile, Theo had slipped behind me, hiding shyly.

“I can’t spank Your Highness’s bottom, but I can lecture you endlessly… Oh! Who’s this adorable boy? He looks a bit like His Majesty, doesn’t he?”

Lena, who had been lecturing me like an older sister, finally noticed Theo peeking out from behind me. Her eyes widened in surprise.

I nodded in agreement.

“He does resemble His Majesty, doesn’t he? Though Serdel himself would never admit it. I found him in the forest.”

“In the forest? Was he lost?”

“It’s a long story… Ah, could you keep an eye on him for a moment? I think my two brothers are looking for me.”

Unraveling the entire tale here wouldn’t be wise.

Understanding, Lena nodded and extended her hand to Theo.

“Of course… Oh dear, isn’t that bracelet heavy on your wrist? Let’s get you checked first.”

Lena handled children with surprising ease. Like a kind older sister, she reassured Theo with a confident smile, promising to take good care of him.

Leaving him with her eased my worries. Knowing Lena was by his side made me feel secure.

“Alright, I’ll be back soon.”

After entrusting Theo to her care, I stepped out of the tent to search for Elian and Raquelle. They were likely at the awards ceremony site.

Pausing at a fork in the path to consider which way to go, a fleeting figure darted past me.

Though the palace housed many unfamiliar faces, something about this person compelled me to chase after them.

‘That man—it’s definitely him from that night!’

The violet-haired stranger who had entered my room on the night I collapsed from exhaustion. Few in the palace had such striking hair.

In fact, I hadn’t seen anyone else with that shade of purple.

Which meant this man was almost certainly the same individual from that night. The familiar color confirmed it.

Without hesitation, I sprinted after him.

“Stop! Wait, huff… Just a moment, I need to talk to you!”

Oddly, though he walked at a normal pace, no matter how hard I ran, I couldn’t close the distance. Instead, he seemed to grow farther away with each step.

‘I have to catch him.’

Ever since encountering him, my stamina—which had been utterly depleted—had suddenly recovered. Clearly, there was a connection.

Yet no matter how close I got, I couldn’t quite reach him. Frustration bubbled over.

“Please, just stop for a moment… Huff, ugh…”

Sensing I might collapse if I pushed myself further, I paused to catch my breath.

Had my words failed to reach him? Determined not to lose sight of him again, I lifted my head—

“…Could he have vanished?”

For a moment, I wondered if I was dreaming.

The violet-haired man had disappeared like a mirage in the desert, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

Frantically scanning the area, I found no trace of him.

A deep sense of disappointment stabbed at my heart, forcing a sigh from my lips.

I had so many questions for him about what he’d done to me that night. The letdown was overwhelming, leaving me questioning whether he’d even been real.

Though regret lingered, Theo’s safety remained my priority.

‘Next time, I won’t let him escape.’

After searching the surroundings thoroughly, I reluctantly turned back toward the awards ceremony site, empty-handed.