
Emperor Alderuan requested that the witch be investigated for only one thing.
She noticed that her daughter was a little more sensitive around the man than she was with anyone else.
However, after an investigation, it was revealed something surprising.
"What?"
“That's right, Father.. I go and make sure it myself.”.
Witch Antonio is a ruthless man who far exceeds his expectations.
It had been a long time since that bastard had returned to the magic tower, and this meant that the affinity of mana since childhood was somehow very good.
But after this, he had no other visible traits.
“In addition, I saw him linked to many cases of financial-related corruption.”
"Huh."
After receiving the documents given by the Crown Prince, Emperor Alderuan smiled in vain.
The documents reveal everything he has done under the guise of being the official business of the tower.
Even the most evil sins.
"How could he do that to the kids?"
As a child from the slums, becoming a witch was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
These bastards tricked these children by saying they had an affinity of mana.
He gained the trust of the children first, lured them to other places, then sold them as slaves.
"What about the kids he caught?"
“I'm sure I'll be able to uncover more after the hurricane season has passed, but it seems like most of them have been sold to other kingdoms.
Slavery was not legal in the Empire, and this was because of the First Emperor's decision, everyone was equal under which law.
There was still a difference in status between the Imperial Family, nobles and commoners, but even though they were commoners, they were still people who should not be harmed carelessly.
Even so, slavery is rampant in other parts of the continent, and the worse the closer you get to the south.
“Pursue their tracks and save them. Every precious person in this Kingdom.”
In particular, the treatment of slaves was very poor in the southern kingdom.
It was difficult even for the prince to imagine what kind of pain the children were suffering from being sold now.
"Yes. I will do without fail.”
The cheating act of that bastard is clever. First of all, he had never kidnapped many children at once.
And besides, he made the people around him say that the children went of his own accord, therefore it was never known that they were lost.
If not for this, he would have long been caught.
"What kind of excuse does the magic tower give?"
The position of the Empire's magic tower was at a precarious balance between the two sides.
On one hand, it was an eternal ally of the Imperial family, but on the other hand, it was also instrumental in guarding the Imperial Family.
This is supposed to ensure that support for their research will be provided, and to prevent the power from being gathered in just one place.
“They say that they do not know about this matter and pretend to be innocent.”
Therefore, the relationship between the magic tower and the Imperial family differed from generation to generation depending on their relationship with the ruling Emperor.
The group that greatly guarded Emperor Alderuan was the council of elders of the magic tower. It was because he was the strongest magician in the entire Empire along with being the Emperor.
The emperor would try to repair his relationship with the magic tower if his magic ability was lacking, but he didn't have to do that.
“A witch under their command did this. It is impossible for them not to know.”
Alderuan narrowed his eyes. With her elbows propped up on her throne armrest, she looked bored while leaning her chin on the back of her hand.
However, his gaze was ferocious, as if he was staring at a magic tower in the distance.
The Hex Chancellor, who was next to the Emperor while listening to the prince speak, stepped forward.
“As a result of the investigation, I know that Antonio made money from the nobles, but unexpectedly I heard that he was involved in human trafficking.”
"Hm."
“This time, we have got cooperation from someone who is expert to open the perpetrator laboratory. However, he seems to be very concerned about his involvement.”
It was said to be a 'concern', but in reality, the magician who helped Hex open the laboratory was actually very anxious.
A laboratory was as valuable as the life of the witch herself, so it was easy to guess what the witch was thinking before they even opened it.
If the accusation were to prove true, it would be a crime that could not be ignored just like that.
From the point of view of the tower, which was always in conflict with the Emperor, this was the same as a crisis that had to be eliminated immediately.
“Make sure you take care of him so he doesn't stand out.”
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Everyone in the tower involved in this will not be forgiven."
Hex bowed deeply at the Emperor's cold command. He tried to ignore the cold sweat running down his back.
It seemed that this incident would greatly affect the power dynamics between the magic tower and the Imperial Family.
“After all, I'm afraid Siervy is too weak.”
The Emperor continued leisurely while frowning.
Just now, he was talking about a massive purge that could be recorded in history.
Next to the Emperor, the Crown Prince also shook his head. Both of them seemed indifferent to the command they had just issued.
"Call the doctor."
Hex, who was just in a daze, followed the Emperor's orders and gestured to the officers outside.
The Emperor's temperament usually did not allow him to point out or talk about his worries.
'But His Majesty seems to be very concerned about this incident.'
Thinking of this, Hex had no choice but to show a very troubled expression.
This was because he had a premonition that the Imperial Palace and everyone who served within it would be immediately turned upside down.
"You called, Your Majesty?"
“How's Siervy?”
As soon as he entered, the doctor bowed so low that his forehead practically touched the ground, and he told the Emperor in detail about Siervian's condition.
The emperor, knocking on the throne while listening, rejected his explanation with just a brief summary.
“So he still hasn't recovered his strength.”
"I-I apologize deeply, Your Majesty."
He had lost weight quickly, and at this moment, the Imperial Palace physician further lowered his head.
Siervian couldn't get out of bed. It was not a matter of magic and it seemed like he had no problem with his constitution, so he would go crazy just thinking about what should happen.
The intermittent beats on the throne were like a countdown to the rest of the lifespan that the doctor had.
"I hate to have such a useless person in my palace."
Immediately after hearing the Emperor's words, the palace doctor gulped.
It would be lucky if he was only expelled from the palace. But in this kind of horrible atmosphere, he didn't even think he could get out of here with his own two feet.
“I will m-prescribe medicine for the recovery of the body Princess.”
No problem with the examination. However, it was clear that the princess still lacked strength.
As the doctor concluded earlier, it can only be suspected that the trauma he received was severe.
But it could also be attributed to how malnourished he was not long ago.
"You don't even know the cause, but you said you'd feed him something bitter and horrible?"
“I-This is to improve the condition of the Princess, Sire..”.
For now, the best he could do was make a recipe to improve the Princess' health.
However, for some reason, the Emperor's anger grew stronger.
Was it because he was worried about what medicinal herbs were in the medicine?
“Do you know what kind of taste our Siervy likes ?!”
However, what he called for was very unexpected.
Every time he made a medicine, he never considered his 'feel', thus making the palace doctor cry out in despair.
"I'll — I'll make it tasty, Your Majesty!"
* * *
"Daughter, please drink this."
A small bowl of medicine was carefully placed in front of Siervian.
The medicine bowl itself was wrapped finely with a luxurious blue cloth, but the medicine was black in it.
Blue was the color of the Imperial family, but this was very strange because he had never been treated so precious whenever he had to take medicine.
'No, but ... Why does it look so magnificent?'
Sipping a little bit of medicine in front of him, he raised his head and looked around.
To be exact, he saw people around his bed.
“Now, Siervian, you must drink this. So that you can regain your strength.
"Please drink, Siervy."
His father and brother watched him closely, their expressions serious. Behind them, Ellie was holding another bowl with a serious face.
However, the expression of the palace healer was the gloomiest of all.
[Hanta Mandersang ]
Occupation: Royal doctor (Lv.96)
Mind: Princess, please, get well soon…!
His desperate mind was clearly shown.
Thanks to this, they were very surprised, they saw Siervian taking the medicine in front of him. It was a light bowl that was easy to lift, even with small hands.
'But I don't like drugs ...'
She dislikes it because of its strange taste, but she hates it more because she has bad memories of it.
Because of something related to Harmin tea in his previous life, he had to take medicine regularly.
“I specifically told the doctor to make sure it tastes good. Don't worry about that and drink it now.”
Was it too clear from his expression that he did not want to take the bitter medicine? His father suddenly said something strange.
Why did he order the doctor to make a tasty medicine?
“I-That's right, Princess. Please don't worry and drink.”
[Hanta Mandersang ]
Mind: Please — I hope you drink well…!
[Eylie]
Mind: You must drink it well, Princess.
[Damian Erveldote]
Mind: I hope you become healthier now, Siervian.
[Alderuan Erveldote]
Mind: I have to find a way to revitalize you myself with magic.
The surrounding people did not say anything and remained silent, but their status windows were loud.
Unable to cope with this unspoken pressure, Siervian made up her mind and lifted the medicine bowl.
As expected, the medicine was not good.
“... So it's not good.”
The Emperor said this as he watched his daughter's expression stiffen.
“Mmh..”
Siervian only reflexively reacted honestly, but he saw how the palace doctor immediately deflated.
Even his enthusiastic mind had changed.
[Hanta Mandersang ]
Mind: If I add more flavor, the remedy will no longer be effective. I cannot do such a thing to sacrifice the health of the Princess. Even if I was expelled.
So Siervian closed her slightly open lips.
His father seemed to put a lot of pressure on the doctor to make the medicine 'tasteful'.
However, the doctor really cares about his health and seems determined to help him recover.
“Siervy? Are you okay?"
"Siervian, are you okay?"
"Daughter!"
Those watching him desperately looked at him as if he had swallowed poison.
After seeing the disposition of the doctor, Siervian strengthened his resolve. He could only ignore the bitter taste of the medicine left on his tongue.
"Wow. It's de..bijak.”
However, contrary to his intentions, an extremely awkward voice came out.
He's in trouble now.