Chapter 22
Observing his uncertainty, the prince offered reassurance and grasped his soiled hand firmly.
“Share your thoughts, and I will do my utmost to assist you.”
Although his face remained impassive, his voice reflected true sincerity.
The reaction of the two knights flanking the prince suggested that his words had a positive impact. They appeared to take pride in the prince’s gesture, remaining silent yet steadfast.
“… .”
‘He is quite adept at this.’
As per Newcastle, it was Alistair who guided the prince in the nuances of engagement, as his prior aloofness often resulted in intimidation rather than solace for those in his presence.
“May I have the hor—honor of serving His Imperial Highness within the Imperial Grounds? I am eager to devote my life to your service!”
The knights positioned behind the prince displayed frowns, indicating their disapproval of his request, yet they remained silent.
“If that is what you wish, I will find a suitable position for you.”
The prince helped him to his feet before letting go.
Cielo noticed the moment the prince wiped his hand on his coat.
‘Ha!’
He could hardly believe that this person had the nerve to behave like that in public. Yet, his casual demeanor suggested that he had done this many times before.
“Are you unable to see? What is the purpose of those peculiar glasses you are wearing?”
Konstantinos asked casually as he sheathed his sword.
The question took him by surprise. He had not anticipated that the prince would pose such a question, especially in the presence of the knights accompanying him, thereby revealing his blindness.
“I’m not completely blind. I can see some things, but my vision is quite blurred. These glasses are… Well, I made them to protect my eyes.”
He opted for partial blindness, as being entirely blind would require him to engage in more overt actions. He preferred to avoid using a cane or touching objects, as it would only complicate matters.
He then proceeded to explain, stuttering and stumbling with his words, that his eyes were so hideous that he decided to cover them because he didn’t want to scare people.
“That is unfortunate.”
His voice sounded solemn but the prince’s face remained impassive.
‘Look at this bastard.’
Konstantinos has remarkable voice-acting talent. If he had been born in a modern era, he would surely have become a star.
The prince turned his attention to Newcastle and gave an order.
“I shall escort this individual to the palace. You will remain here to ensure that everything goes according to plan.”
“Understood.”
Konstantinos must report to the Emperor, which explains his role in accompanying Cielo to the Imperial Grounds. Furthermore, all relevant information has been gathered in advance, eliminating any possibility of delays.
His former mentor bid him farewell as he was escorted by the prince’s knights.
Upon reaching the vicinity of the city walls, they used teleportation to return to the Imperial Grounds.
This scenario is likely linked to the high concentration of mana in that area. Since four individuals are teleporting at the same time, a significantly larger amount of mana is necessary for the process. Therefore, they first look for a location with a dense concentration of mana before proceeding with the teleportation.
As he opened his eyes, he found himself in front of a vast white palace, surrounded by vibrant red roses. The crimson petals sparkled, their deep color standing in stark contrast to the immaculate marble of the palace, which rose majestically against the clear blue sky. The walls were decorated with detailed carvings showing scenes of beauty and mystery, while the sweet fragrance of the flowers filled the air, creating an enchanting atmosphere that felt almost dreamlike.
“Welcome to the Haunted Palace.”
The prince spoke softly, ensuring only they could hear.
Cielo’s awe at the palace was suddenly interrupted when he heard the name, turning to the prince with a look of confusion and disbelief.
“…Come again?”
“The Haunted Palace.”
The prince repeated nonchalantly.
If this is Konstantinos’s house, this must mean this is the place he has been living in for the past month. The place appears to be called The Haunted Palace…
Is this the place Newcastle meant to show him? It’s not as unappealing as he expected. In truth, it is completely unlike what he expected. Although he isn’t thrilled about the limited colors of green, red, and white, it is, at the very least, not as disappointing as its name.
As he looked around, he found a maze that resembled the one he often saw from his window, with the only difference being its location on the opposite side.
‘Was it not an illusion, but simply a reversal of the perspective?’
The scenery he had been viewing from his window was actually located in the East Wing of the palace. However, he did not see the red roses in the window, probably because they were only present at the front of the palace.
‘That’s one way to trick intruders.’
Cielo thought while adjusting his sunglasses.
At that moment, a group of maids and male attendants entered, bowing in unison to the prince.
“Congratulations on your achievement today, Your Imperial Highness, the most devoted subject of our Empire.”
Konstantinos’s brow twitched slightly, but he simply nodded in acknowledgment of the greeting, accustomed to such formalities, and called for the elderly man who stood at the front of the servants.
“Tree, step forward.”
Cielo suppressed a cough to hide his amusement.
What an unusual name that is!
As he chuckled quietly to himself, the individual known as Tree turned his keen, wrinkled gaze toward Cielo before responding to the prince’s summons.
“Yes, Your Imperial Highness?”
“This man from the slums assisted us in our mission, and I have rewarded him by appointing him as a servant. Do accompany him while I go to greet my father, His Imperial Majesty.”
“…It would be my honor, Your Imperial Highness.”
The prince then cast a glance in his direction, prompting him to stand at attention. His eyes narrowed as if he were aware of Cielo’s effort to suppress laughter before he began to speak.
“Allow me to introduce Tree, the Head Butler of the Haunted Palace. He will be your guide for today and will show you to your accommodations.”
You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
“I am immensely grateful.”
Cielo bowed his head deeply, a gesture that seemed to please the servants.
“I shall take my leave now.”
Following the introduction, the prince made his announcement.
The servants appear taken aback by the prince’s sudden departure, as they seemed to anticipate his presence for the day.
The Head Butler, Tree, stepped forward, his demeanor composed. He spoke on behalf of the others, his voice low and respectful.
“Is it necessary for you to depart so quickly? We had arranged a banquet in celebration of your achievements.”
“Regrettably, I must attend to my father, His Imperial Majesty, today. The servants may enjoy the meal.”
“Very well.”
Head Butler Tree replied, his voice respectful.
“Therefore, I shall be departing now.”
With a slight nod in his direction, Konstantinos vanished along with his two knights, leaving him in the company of the servants who had come forward to welcome the prince.
He stood there awkwardly, feeling the weight of the servants’ gazes, which were filled with both curiosity and disdain. They made no effort to conceal their judgment as they scrutinized him.
Sigh.
‘It’s obvious that my life here will be challenging.’
They likely share the same mindset as that knight, believing that someone of his stature would tarnish the prince’s palace.
“Return to your duties, all of you.”
Head Butler Tree issued a command, and the servants immediately scattered.
The elderly man, appearing to be between 60 and 70 years of age, possessed long gray hair and piercing dark eyes. He smiled as his gaze settled upon Cielo. The man’s impressive stature and intimidating presence made Cielo instinctively shy away from his gaze.
“Uh…”
“Kindly follow me.”
His voice was smooth and commanding, yet laced with an undertone of warmth that was hard to ignore.
“…Yes.”
Cielo nodded, swallowing hard as he stepped forward, his heart racing. Before him stood the entrance door, an impressive structure made of polished mahogany, adorned with intricate carvings that told stories of the past.
As it swung open, Cielo was greeted by a stunning sight. The interior was a feast for the senses, showcasing a vibrant mix of colors and rich textures that embodied both wealth and history.
A magnificent chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystals sparkling like stars in the soft light, casting a warm glow over the marble floors. Two sweeping staircases, elegantly curved, ascended to a landing above, where ornate railings and plush carpets beckoned.
‘This place feels surreal.’
Cielo thought, his mind struggling to comprehend the opulence surrounding him. The estate’s grandeur was overwhelming, leaving him with a sense of smallness and insignificance in its majestic presence.
As Cielo walked down the lavish corridor adorned in shades of black and green, he observed the head butler, whose elegant movements belied his age.
‘There is something strangely familiar about him.’
Cielo’s mind raced as he tried to recall the head butler’s face, his demeanor, and the authoritative aura that surrounded him. He struggled to identify the source of his unease.
Then, a memory surfaced, reminiscent of a similar behavior he had encountered in the past.
‘…Could it be him?’
This thought flickered in his mind like a candle’s flame, casting shadows in the corners of his consciousness.
The person in question is recognized as the Head Butler, and while his appearance is distinct, the old man’s presence felt oddly familiar and comforting, like that of a long-lost friend or a guardian from a distant time.
The Head Butler halted in front of a door and turned to look at him. A brief silence settled between them, filled with unspoken questions and unacknowledged tension.
“This will serve as your quarters from this point forward.”
The man opened the door, unveiling a well-furnished room.
Cielo cast a glance at the butler before stepping inside to take in the surroundings.
The room was bathed in a soft, warm light that wrapped around him like a comforting embrace. While it didn’t rival the grandeur or size of his previous chamber in the West Wing, it still possessed a unique charm.
Frankly, the room’s understated design is quite attractive. The walls showcased sophisticated artwork, and the furniture, though simple, was crafted with great care and precision.
Although the room was new to him, it still brought about a feeling of familiarity. That is, it feels frigid.
Given the significant amount of mana he sensed in the room, it’s likely that several inscriptions are at play.
‘Even here…’
He thought in astonishment. That prince is excessively cautious. He might want to allow himself to relax a bit.
“Will you be taking a shower before we commence the tour or not?”
The Head Butler inquired.
“I will shadow—shower first.”
He responded quickly, keen to avoid the buildup of dirt and the unpleasant odor that would linger throughout the day.
“There are garments in the wardrobe.”
The Head Butler informed him.
Cielo nodded and began to open the wardrobe. Inside, he found a selection of simple shirts, trousers, and shoes, all uniform in style and color. They reminded him of what he had worn in the West Wing, though they were less elaborate.
As he searched through a drawer for socks, he also discovered shawls and a hat. Next to the wardrobe, there was a cane as well. It appeared the prince had made ample preparations for him.
After gathering his clothing and retrieving the cane, Tree guided him to the restroom.
“Typically, the bathrooms are shared by the servants.”
The Head Butler commented, his voice calm and steady as they proceeded in silence.
The intricately adorned walls, decorated with elaborate tapestries and ornate frames, seemed to close in on them, heightening the seriousness of the moment. Suddenly, he halted, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings before he crouched down, his movements deliberate and careful.
“The prince has informed me of your situation, esteemed Traveler. Therefore, I have arranged for a private bathroom for your comfort.”
He continued, straightening up with a slight nod to him.
“… .”
Noticing the silence, the Head Butler paused and turned to confront him directly.
“Is there a problem?”
“… .”
“…Are you Alistair?”
He asked in lieu of receiving a response.
The striking resemblance in their gestures and way of speaking was unmistakable. It couldn’t just be a coincidence, this was undoubtedly the Alistair he recalled.
The elderly gentleman responded not with words but with a knowing smile. That single gesture was sufficient to validate his suspicions. His shoulders relaxed as he ceased pretending to be blind.
Cielo set the cane aside and finally stopped pretending to be blind, though he kept it nearby, aware that some servants might still be present.
“Is this really how you look now?”
He asked, chuckling softly.
The head butler doesn’t act old nor does he feel old, but who knows. One can never be certain. Regardless, he is aware that Alistair likely employs inscriptions throughout his attire to obscure his true appearance.
“Certainly not, young master.”
Alistair responded with a lighthearted laugh, appearing unbothered by the inquiry, which led him to request further clarification.
“Is your actual name Tree, or do you prefer Alistair?”
He inquired, a playful glint in his eyes.
The Head Butler’s expression shifted slightly, a fleeting seriousness crossing his features.
“Young master, I would prefer if that name were not mentioned in this vicinity.”
His tone was heavy with seriousness, prompting Cielo to respond with a nod. It seemed to pertain to something significant or related to Alistair. The name “Alistair” clearly held more weight than just a label. It was a crucial aspect of his identity, one that could unveil truths better left hidden.
“On another note, I would recommend that the young master refrain from becoming overly familiar with the staff.”
The Head Butler continued, shifting back to a professional demeanor, his words laced with careful discretion.
“I doubt they would be interested in becoming friends or interacting with me, so there’s no need to worry.”
From their expressions, he gathered that they were likely to either intimidate him or completely overlook him. While this might not be true for every servant, it certainly described the majority present.
“…I always make it clear that harassment is unacceptable in this establishment. However, if it does happen, please let me know.”
Cielo tilted his head in thought.
“Wouldn’t that raise questions about your unusual concern for my safety?”
Not that he wanted to face harassment, he was simply being cautious to steer clear of any troublesome situations.
“I would address it quietly. We cannot allow our esteemed Traveler to be subjected to any harassment, can we?”
“…Alright then.”
He doesn’t view himself as important, nor does he take pride in being a Traveler, but he does appreciate the special treatment he receives.
Alistair gazes at him with a serious expression as they pause outside the bathroom.
“By the way, young master, His Imperial Highness will summon you to his office in the West Wing in the coming days.”
Given his inability to recall how he transitioned between worlds and his lack of magical abilities, Konstantinos has been contemplating his options regarding him, trying to avoid either dismissing him or allowing him to remain useless.