Chapter 38
‘Furthermore, we were unaware that the merchants had ventured into the forest.’
Newcastle is not accountable for Cielo finding the badge, which was deliberately left behind with the anticipation that Cielo would eventually come back to that spot. This scenario is clearly planned.
‘Does this mean that the Traveler was truly oblivious to everything?’
If those people devised a trap to find him, it means that Cielo was innocent and not part of any scheme. This realization, despite the sudden turn of events, brought a sense of relief to Alistair.
“The Emperor has not yet provided us with his definitive conclusion, but I presume it aligns with ours?”
The Emperor was tasked with investigating the gold badge found in Faye’s Garden, a responsibility he had been managing for several months. However, they have yet to pinpoint the individual responsible for infiltrating or gather enough evidence to verify that it was truly a member of the Merchant Guild, rather than an imposter trying to tarnish the guild’s reputation.
“Indeed. The Emperor also believes that the target may be someone within the empire, someone we are all aware of.”
“…Is that so…”
Alistair trailed off as Newcastle continued to speak.
“The empire and its three factions are currently on high alert. An emergency meeting is set for tomorrow at the Banyan Palace.”
The Head Butler’s expression darkened at the mention of that place.
The Banyan Palace is the official site for urgent discussions. Choosing this location suggests that the issue at hand represents a serious threat to the empire.
“Though I doubt that they will take any significant action. It seems more likely to be just another fancy meeting filled with disagreements that ultimately result in no resolution.”
Newcastle stated and then shrugged.
The nobles are probably feeling a sense of unease at the thought of the Merchant Guild’s higher-ups who have been inactive for 50 years suddenly becoming active now. However, Newcastle knew that they would likely avoid any significant response, especially considering the guild’s immunity.
Alistair chooses to overlook Newcastle’s comment and presents a different question.
“What comments did His Imperial Highness make?”
“He has called for an emergency meeting this evening.”
This is not surprising considering the seriousness of the situation.
Newcastle jumps down from his earlier position as he straightens his clothing.
“The Traveler was supposed to be present, as this directly affects him, but he seems to be in a rather poor state of mind. Update him on the meeting details once he is feeling better.”
“I shall.”
The head butler acknowledged with a nod as Newcastle disappeared quietly.
Alistair stood alone for a moment, the silence enveloping him.
‘The guild is making a move.’
As soon as he began his plan to eradicate the three factions of the empire, an unexpected event would occur that he hadn’t accounted for.
The Head Butler then moved to the window, which reflected the happenings in the East Wing where the maze was located, and watched as the Traveler meandered nearby.
‘This is certainly an unexpected turn of events that caught us off guard, however, as long as that guild refrains from taking any provoking actions, we should be able to proceed with our current plans.’
Alistair followed the Traveler with his eyes until he disappeared, likely heading to the rose garden.
***
Cielo felt deeply thankful for the break, even though he had been hesitant at first, as it turned out to be quite helpful. Just staying in the garden and watching Fisher admire the roses helped calm his feelings.
‘I’ve been thinking about this. Should I pray for myself and light a candle or something?’
In what ways do people convey their sorrow for those who have passed away?
He ought to find a suitable place for a memorial in his memory since there is no grave dedicated to him here. Perhaps his room could fulfill that role? Although, that suggestion might feel a bit uncomfortable.
‘Do I even have a grave back home?’
He is unsure whether he has truly died and left his old body behind in his previous world, or if his body was revived and brought to this new world.
‘I would prefer the first option over the second.’
At the very least, his mother should have a body to mourn.
“… .”
“… … .”
‘…Even if my physical body were to be left behind, it is unlikely that my mother would have a body to bury.’
Even in that scenario, if he were to leave a body behind, would the government allow his mother to recover it for burial? It’s probable that they would opt to donate it to science for research or similar purposes.
Cielo took a deep breath, watching the rose petals dance gently in the wind, hoping that November would hurry by so he could return to his usual self.
When Cielo returned to the West Wing after unwinding, a lively doctor approached him.
“What’s going on?”
He asked, confused.
“I have something to show you!”
Her excitement was contagious, and even though he wasn’t particularly in the mood, Cielo found it hard to say no to her invitation and ended up following her to the infirmary.
“Ta-da!”
Dr. Happy showcased her finished product to him: a silver-white dye that matched his hair color perfectly.
“Is it ready?”
He asked with excitement as he looked at the bottle, momentarily pushing aside his feelings of sadness with the anniversary of his death nearing.
At first glance, it looked similar to the previous version, but it was noticeably thicker and more vibrant.
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The doctor replied with a bright nod, her tousled hair revealing the toll of a sleepless night.
“I’ve already submitted the hair dye to the Magic and Research Department, and it’s officially credited to me. Although the staff there were skeptical about its market potential and initially declined to produce it, His Imperial Highness mentioned that you would be the first to try it and noted that it would suit you well. He expressed confidence in its success.”
He wasn’t surprised by their decision to involve him in the product promotion, as Dr. Happy had reached out to him months earlier to ask for his permission, which he had gladly given in appreciation for the help she had provided in making his life easier.
‘What surprises me, though, is the prince’s praising my looks.’
This revelation was, in fact, the most astonishing part of what Dr. Happy had just shared with him.
“Still, I genuinely hope it turns out to be a great success.”
Dr. Happy spoke softly, her eyes sparkling with delight as she gazed at the bottle of dye, a smile gracing her face.
“… .”
He found himself momentarily at a loss for words as he watched her.
In the past, he might have found it puzzling that she showed such enthusiasm for a seemingly ordinary dye gaining traction in the market. However, after discovering that Dr. Happy was simply a talented individual from modest beginnings who had earned the prince’s recognition and support, he began to understand her excitement.
She is the main provider for her family, channeling a significant portion of her income towards their needs. At the same time, she is saving money to buy a house and land in the capital, allowing her to visit them during her time off since they live on the outskirts of the Empire.
It is genuinely uplifting to hear this, which is why he subtly advised the prince to allocate a portion of his earnings to the doctor without her awareness. Feeling a pang of profound guilt for breaking her contact mirror after learning her story, he aimed to make amends with this gesture.
‘I would have liked to give her a larger amount, but Alistair mentioned that Dr. Happy is not one to take advantage of others and would probably refuse my help. So, we agreed on a small sum that she wouldn’t notice.’
Cielo could only hope that it would offer her enough resources to buy her dream home and property in the future.
“By the way, have you finished your contact lens?”
The doctor inquired while delicately setting the bottle down on the table.
Cielo adjusted his position in the seat while responding to the question.
“Yes, I’ve designed the perfect one.”
He created a lens with a black base and a white upper part. This design allows his eyes to appear normal from a distance but upon closer distance, it would become evident that something is amiss with his eyes.
Both Alistair and the prince showed their approval as well.
Doctor Happy clasped her hand and expressed her excitement with great fervor.
“That’s fantastic! Now that the dye is officially submitted, you can style your hair however you like without having to hide it, along with your eyes.”
Cielo acknowledged her with a nod.
“I’ll do that, thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
By the end of the day, he found himself in a more positive mood than he had anticipated.
***
Surrounded by white walls, white curtains, and white linens, he finds himself in a space that feels hauntingly familiar. The area is filled with people in white coats, and the sharp scent of antiseptic hangs in the air.
The doctors exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of empathy and professional detachment, as if they were discussing a case rather than a person. He cannot shake the sensation of being a mere spectator in his own life, watching as they deliberate about his future, their words echoing in the clinical environment.
The voices of doctors rise in disagreement over topics he would prefer to avoid, their discussions a blend of medical jargon and hushed tones swirling around him like a distant storm.
The young man with brown hair and eyes briefly glances at the door before turning his attention to the window beside his bed. He had specifically requested to be placed near the window, longing to catch a glimpse of the world outside, as he could no longer step beyond these walls.
Sunlight streams through the glass, casting a warm glow on his pale skin, a stark contrast to the chill of the room. He watches shadows flit across the pavement, children playing, couples walking hand in hand, and the vibrant colors of life that seem so distant from his own reality. Each moment outside serves as a poignant reminder of what he has lost, a world that continues to move forward while he remains cocooned in this sea of white.
This scene is painfully familiar to him.
Cielo reflects on the events of that day and the chaos that engulfed the hospital. What started as a typical day quickly unraveled with a revelation that shattered the fragile peace he had clung to.
‘They found out I was approaching the end of my life.’
A wave of panic swept through the crowd, but he stayed calm.
Since childhood, he had expected this moment. He had mentally rehearsed it countless times, each scenario playing out like a well-known script. Seeing the shock the doctors displayed leaves him bewildered. Their attempts to save him had been, at best, half-hearted. Why are they acting surprised now?
His hand clenched into a fist, the nails digging into his palm as he battled the rising tide of frustration. Anger simmered just beneath the surface, a bubbling core of resentment ready to explode.
‘I’ve always loathed this place.’
He yearns to escape.
Click.
Click. Click.
The sound of heels resonated against the tiled floor, halting at the foot of his bed and capturing his attention. When he turned to see who it was, he was met with a breathtaking woman, her long, wavy brown hair cascading down and her large almond-shaped eyes captivating him. She wore a tailored black tuxedo beneath a crisp white coat, a striking combination that accentuated her elegance and confidence.
He recognized her immediately. She was the first person he had ever deemed beautiful and also one of his doctors.
As she opened her mouth to speak, her lips formed words that seemed to dance in the air, but he suddenly lost consciousness. The world around him faded into a blur of colors and sounds.
When he woke up, Cielo realized it was already November 3. The day of his death had come and gone, and he was now prepared to fully immerse himself back into his schedule of classes.
Sitting up slowly, he took a moment to gather his thoughts.
What triggered his sudden recollection of that specific moment in his dreams?
As one approaches the day of their death—not that everyone experiences death and sudden revival—it’s not unusual to imagine the day of their death. What might have caused him to dream about that particular day instead?
“… .”
“… … .”
Cielo, unable to find the answers he was looking for, decided to take a bath to unwind. With the reassurance that the carpets and walls in the West Wing’s bathroom were protected and that the bathtub would never overflow, he now enjoyed using the facility.
He kept a frown on his face while in the bathtub, unintentionally splashing water everywhere.
After finishing his bath, he made his way to the dining area, where he found Konstantinos, Dr. Happy, Newcastle, and Alistair all gathered in one room, causing him to pause at the entrance.
What is happening? This was the first time in six months that he had seen all the residents of the West Wing together in one place.
The prince was the first to notice him, raising an eyebrow in his direction but otherwise remaining silent. Puzzled by the unspoken signal, Cielo rubbed his cheeks before stepping into the dining area.
“Good morning, young master.”
Alistair welcomed him, followed by the others, except for the prince, who usually stayed quiet unless spoken to first.
“What’s going on?”
Cielo asked, bewildered, as he took a seat next to Dr. Happy.
As he looked down at the table, he realized the setup was much more extravagant than usual. There was even a bottle of wine, something he had only seen displayed in the main palace before. He remembered hearing that such items were not meant for the servants.
Newcastle flashed a playful smile as he spoke to the group.
“Is it really so unusual to celebrate your arrival at the Imperial Grounds?”
“I might have believed you if this had happened, say, six months ago?”
Cielo let out an exasperated sigh as he turned his attention to the prince.
“Your Imperial Highness, what is the real reason for this celebration?”
“Alistair emphasizes the necessity of providing you with an appropriate welcome.”
“A welcome gathering? In the morning?”
Who would even want to celebrate so early in the morning, especially when everyone has just gotten up? Who is in charge of organizing it?
“It is a hectic week. This is the sole time us three can be present.”
“Hmm…”
As he glanced at the long-haired man, he was met with a genuine smile that seemed heartfelt.
“…Alright then.”
He could have contested the necessity of a celebration, but understanding that Alistair and Newcastle usually steer clear of each other yet are willing to come together for this moment, he opted to stay silent out of respect for their willingness to endure each other’s company, even if just for a short time.