Ch. 13: Secret Passageways [1]

I stared at my reflection in my teacup. I didn't get it all. If he intended to kill me, wouldn't it be better to let me go outside? So, why did he suggest staying inside the Castle?

I couldn't help and sighed. I wasn't a psychopathic murderer, so there was no way I would know the way he thought. Also, the secret passage piqued my interest.

"What's with the long sigh?"

I glanced to the side and found my mother smiling at me. For your information, the first wife and Alexander had left. We continued the afternoon tea with both of us.

Not to mention that we could only meet once a week, so we spent some more time together. Plus, I didn't have any schedule left for today.

"Mom, why did you give him a sword?"

I almost forgot to ask about it!

"Was that the reason why looked at me with a jealous face?"

"What? No. I'm not jealous."

How come I was jealous? I was concerned, it was a completely different matter.

"Then, why did you give me such an expression?"

"Because you gave him a sword."

"It means that you are jealous."

What kind of misunderstanding was this?

"No. I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"Mom--"

I shut my mouth when I saw she rested her index finger on her lips. It wasn't a good sign if I kept denying it.

"There's no need to worry, I also have prepared a gift for you, Ian."

'Mom, why are you like this? No. I don't want a gift. But, wait–'

"Actually--"

I hurriedly cut in before she could order her lady-in-waiting. After I got her attention, I continued.

"Instead of a gift, could you grant me a wish?"

"As long as it is within my power, I will grant anything you want."

"Then, Count Andreas will tell you the details."

"Count Andreas?"

"That's right."

Requesting an audience with the Emperor was not an easy task. The Emperor wasn't just some random guy who we could talk to as we pleased. Also, I worried the Count wouldn't make it.

Even if he did make it, it still took time; estimated around a month or two. I couldn't possibly wait that long! My heart burned with passion for adventure! And so, I attempted to deduct that time through my mother. I would have my mother speak directly to the Emperor.

"Alright."

She turned to her lady-in-waiting.

"Lady Sancus, please send the gift to the Prince's Palace."

"As you wish."

Wait. Why was that? Was she going to revoke my wish?

"I believe I have changed the gift with a wish, haven't I?"

 She smiled.

"Why pick one, if you can have both?"

I jumped from my seat and hugged her.

"Hehe, mom is the best!"

Wait–What in the world did I do? I tried to flee from her but she was faster. She embraced me tightly. Urg. I could feel my cheeks burning. I buried my face deeply to hide my embarrassment.

Unlike others, I couldn't maintain my emotions well when I was around her. Maybe because she was the first one who showed and gave me love which made me more open to her.

"Pardon me, Your Majesty. It's time for the meeting."

"I understand."

And finally, she released me. She smiled and patted my head.

"Guess it's time for us to part. We'll meet again next week."

I nodded. I lied if I wasn't sad. As I was growing up, our quality time was reduced almost every year.

"Don't skip your meal, don't stay up late, take care of your health, and don't push yourself too hard, okay?"

I couldn't help but chuckle.

"You too, mom."

"Of course."

I gave her my best smile to reassure her before distancing myself and bowed lightly

"I wish you have a good day."

"Thank you."

I got up and Fedel came to my side.

"Your Highness, this way."

He guided me and I followed him.

"Since there's no schedule left, is there a place you would like to visit?"

Hmm. In movies, a secret passage mostly appeared in the library. You know, like--lifted a book, and then, boom, a secret passage appeared! So, I should choose the library.

"I want to go to my library."

"I understand."

I glanced at my mother for the last time and saw her waving her hand. I smiled and waved my hand back to her before entering the Blink Sphere room.

With that, I returned to my Palace--my library to be exact. I dismissed Fedel, butlers, and maids and finally, I was all alone. For your information, my library was renovated. 

'Now, it's time to start my 'secret passage' hunt!'

.

.

.

'Secret passage hunts my ass.'

Laid down on the couch, I stared blankly at the ceiling. 

'Damn. I'm tired.'

It had been five days since I started looking for a secret passage in my library. I lifted every single book in this library, tried to move every bookshelf, the tables, the chairs, the couches, rotated the statues, the standing chandeliers, checked every flooring, and looked for a hidden switch, but all of them were futile. No matter how hard I searched for them, I couldn't find them.

'Ah, so frustrating.'

I massaged my temples, and I could feel my head throbbing in pain. I wouldn't wonder if my head exploded in the next few seconds. Well, it was worthy of its name, it wouldn't be named 'secret' if it was easy to find, right? But what if... There was no secret passage in this library.

Sighed. What a waste of time. I sat and scanned my surroundings. I had checked every corner of the room, yet I found nothing. Also, I didn't find anything suspicious here.

Sighed. I was such a fool to believe in movies. Also, I should have asked him when I got the chance. Now I didn't know when I could meet him again. I glanced at the door as light knocks were heard followed by Fedel's voice.

"Your Highness, it's time for dinner."

"I understand."

Sighed. Damn. Just, how many times did I sigh today?