Chapter 88

Chapter 88

Translator: Yonnee

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As my head was now down on the table, I was lost in thought.

…If I was a mage, then I could learn how to wield magic with all that I can for the rest of the year, then I can become Blanc’s contractor. If it’s like that, then will Blanc be able to live?

If I do my very best for a year…?

What if I gather all one hundred of the best magic teachers and try to sleep as little as I could just so I could absorb everything?

If not that, wouldn’t it be possible for me to learn from Albert?

But the moment I thought about Albert, I also recalled how he tried to throw out Blanc. I just know he’d be against me becoming Blanc’s contractor.

I wouldn’t be able to hide this from Albert for the rest of my life, so I think I really would need to talk to him about this. Though it’s true that I’ll need to wait for the right timing.

Otherwise, I had a very strong hunch that I’d have to say goodbye to Blanc. I could already imagine the smile he’d have on his face as he’d say ‘It’s okay,’ in front of me, then everything between us would be finished.

“Ah, you’re still here!”

In the midst of these serious thoughts, I heard the voice of the attendant. As I turned my head to face him, the sweaty attendant looked as if he ran here as fast as he could.

“His Highness is looking for you.”

* * *

With the help of the attendant, I brought back with me several books about magic and dragons. Then, he turned to guide me towards the direction going to the room where Albert was waiting.

Seeing as how the attendant’s steps were more urgent than before, I could already expect that Albert’s mood was not going to be the usual.

Rushing through the corridors, I saw the sun slowly setting over the horizon out the windows. At the same time, my stomach rumbled.

…Come to think of it, I haven’t eaten anything.

It didn’t seem like it’s been long since I went to the library, but before I knew it, it was already dinnertime. I seem to have taken quite a while because I’m not a speed reader.

Then, I remembered that I left Blanc in Schubert’s care.

“Can you look for the cat that’s always with me? It’s time to eat dinner, you see…”

“I understand. I’ll look for it while you’re with His Highness.”

He hastened his pace. After meandering past the labyrinth-like halls, I once again found myself in front of Albert’s room.

“We’ve arrived, sir!”

The attendant opened the door and ushered me in.

“Rosé.”

The voice beckoning me sounded like a sweet melody. I turned my head towards the sound of that voice.

Just like yesterday, Albert was wearing a thin, sheer shirt that was half translucent.

His hair clung to his forehead as though there was a wet towel there just now, and through that soaked fringe were his eyes that were opened languidly that just attracted people’s attention automatically.

Greten wasn’t sitting on the chair beside Albert’s bed. Seeing that she was away, it seemed like she now knew that I was right.

The tray next to the chair had a bowl of soup prepared for Albert.

I arrived during dinnertime, so I should take charge. I set down the books on the floor and sat on the chair. Then, I reached for the bowl and lifted the spoon. Now, I’m all prepared to help Albert eat.

Albert’s gaze was resting on my hand that was holding the spoon. He was staring at me with his lips closed in a tight line. As if he was waiting for me to speak first.

Seeing Albert with no expression like this was terrifying. I now understood why the attendant came running in a hurry to fetch me earlier.

“Prince, I didn’t intend to leave. I was kicked out.”

“I heard.”

After I spoke first, Albert’s gaze visibly relaxed. But still, his eyes were still narrowed like that. Perhaps it’s because of the shadows from his long lashes, but his eyes looked especially red right now.

I lowered my shoulders and pretended to be pitiful.

“No matter how much I told Your Highness’s nanny that I know you much better…”

“Why have you never told me? That you know me much better.”

Albert’s words made me pause. In the first place, I couldn’t really say that I knew him better. I slipped past this and brought up something else.

“I said that time can’t account for everything, but… I thought that it wouldn’t be good to keep squabbling when we’re in front of Your Highness while you’re sick. You should be resting in a quiet place.”

Albert blinked.

“I guess you never thought about how it’s much worse when you’re not here with me.”

“……”

“And why are you changing the subject, Rosé? I’m trying to ask you about what you said about knowing me better.”

Albert leaned closer to me. Then, his hand touched my cheek. His face drew nearer in an instant.

…This touch. His hands were unusually hot. Inhaling, I stared at him for a moment.

In this short distance where even our breaths could be shared, Albert laughed and whispered.

“You, too. You broke your promise, hm?”