CPSMBD Chapter 27

​Chapter 27

Hold my hand

"Hmm, this path seems more traveled than I expected. I wonder why no one has reported seeing the fairy folk, especially given the frequent merchant traffic along the southern mountains of Epola?"

"Just because you know where fairies dwell doesn't mean you'll encounter them easily. They're rather reclusive creatures—they rarely reveal themselves to humans," the Crown Prince explained.

"So knowing their habitat isn't enough to actually meet them, is it?"

The Crown Prince snapped his fingers with a bright smile. "Precisely!"

"But meeting them is crucial..." My heart sank. While I hadn't expected finding the antidote to be simple, the scarcity of information was disheartening.

Then, like a ray of light piercing through darkness, hope emerged.

"I do know a way to meet the fairy folk," the Crown Prince said with a hint of mischief in his voice.

"Really? What is it?"

"Ah, but that's rather valuable information. I can't simply give it away without compensation."

Really now... why must he be like this with me?

Sigh. Well, if it's just patting his head again, that wouldn't be too difficult...

"Alright, you want me to pat your head again, right?"

But contrary to my expectation, the Crown Prince shook his head.

"That won't suffice this time."

"No? Then what?"

"You'll have to offer something more valuable."

"And what might that be?"

The Crown Prince extended his hand toward me.

Oh, honestly.

'Well, holding hands with His Highness won't wear my hand out, I suppose.'

Rationalizing it to myself, I sacrificed one of my hands. The moment I reached out, he caught my hand in his, almost like catching prey.

His warm, large hand enveloped mine completely. Was it because his hands were so big? Mine felt exceptionally small in comparison.

Still holding my hand, the Crown Prince revealed his secret: "The fairy folk have a particular weakness. There's an item that, when used near their dwelling, forces them to reveal themselves regardless of their wishes."

"Something they like? What is it?"

"The Root Incense Burner. They're absolutely entranced by its fragrance."

"Root Incense Burner? I've never heard of it. Is it easy to obtain?"

Never having heard of it usually meant it wouldn't be easy to acquire. The antidote that had seemed within reach suddenly felt distant again. Anxiety crept in.

Knowing how to summon the fairy folk meant nothing if we couldn't obtain the necessary tool.

"It's a magical artifact," the Crown Prince continued. "Should be in the Imperial Treasury right now. You can request it from the Magic Department."

Relief flooded through me—acquiring the Root Incense Burner wouldn't be difficult after all.

The Fairy's Tears potion was truly remarkable, judging by how the Crown Prince answered all my questions so thoroughly and kindly. Though he did extract his price for the information.

This love-struck version of the Crown Prince was practically a different person. I could finally understand why the Empress had said he'd make a decent husband.

'Though would it kill him to be this nice without being under a love potion? Seriously!'

The more I thought about it, the more irritated I became.

"Was that helpful?" he asked.

"Yes, extremely! Thank you."

Now that I knew how to meet the fairy folk, obtaining the antidote would be simple. I could finally breathe easier.

"Then I deserve a reward," he said with a wink, tapping his cheek.

Had the Crown Prince always been this smooth?

'The Fairy's Tears have some serious side effects.'

I couldn't help but frown.

"Why should I?"

"How disappointing," he said with a playful smile, revealing his right dimple.

'Wait, what?'

My heart plummeted at this unprecedented playful side of the Crown Prince. His narrowed eyes gazed at me intently.

Something about it made my fingertips tingle, as if I were wrapped in sweet cotton candy. I quickly lowered my gaze to the desk, trying to hide my flushed face.

"Just get back to work."

"Alright, alright."

Though slightly dejected, the Crown Prince returned to his seat obediently.

My heart continued pounding long after he'd returned to his place.

'What's wrong with me?'

The love-potion-affected Crown Prince was dangerously charming.

This was getting risky.

I needed to obtain that antidote quickly.

***

The next day, I visited the Magic Department to borrow the magical artifact needed to lure the fairy folk.

After filling out my name and purpose of visit, I waited for my turn.

Finally, after what felt like forever, my name was called.

"Violetta Estrisen, from Crown Prince Friedrich's Aide Office."

Wait for me, fairy folk! I'm coming!

The day to obtain the antidote and return the Crown Prince to normal wasn't far off. I knew the method and would soon have the magical artifact to lure them.

'At this point, getting the antidote is practically guaranteed.'

As I approached the counter, the Magic Department clerk scanned my application with lifeless eyes and muttered, "Miss Violetta Estrisen. From Crown Prince Friedrich's Aide Office... Purpose of visit: borrowing the magical artifact 'Root Incense Burner'?"

Though the clerk's attitude screamed indifference and discourtesy, I could empathize completely.

'Yeah, earning a living isn't easy.'

Just as I was feeling a deep sense of kinship with the clerk, their next words nearly made me snap.

After shuffling through some documents, they peered at me through clouded glasses and said dismissively, "A Legendary-grade artifact? Not just anyone can borrow something of this caliber."

Not just anyone! Sure, I might be just one of countless worker ants in this palace, but that stung, I have to say!

'But what can I do? I'm just a powerless worker after all.'

Though this clerk was processing work with zero enthusiasm, they were at least following proper procedures.

'But I have my ways.'

Six years of palace life teaches you how to navigate bureaucracy by leveraging power.

I pulled out the Crown Prince's letter of authorization that I always carried.

'This is my master key. No one can stand in my way with this.'

Sure enough, the moment I presented the Crown Prince's authorization, the clerk's approval came swiftly.

"Please wait in Waiting Room 5. I'll call a mage to assist you. Next!"

Having to meet a mage just to borrow one magical artifact—the procedures were extremely rigid.

'These unnecessarily formal procedures should be abolished, shouldn't they?'

But being just an obedient cog in the machine, I followed procedure and headed to Waiting Room 5.

Shortly after, a familiar face entered—Failum Dale, the man I'd recently had an arranged meeting with.

Lord Dale was still as tall and radiant as when I'd last seen him.

I found myself standing up with a bright smile before I knew it.

"Lord Dale, hello!"

"Miss Violetta? What brings you here..."

His surprised expression shifted as he seemed to realize something, and he carefully continued.

"Could it be... are you the one requesting to borrow the Root Incense Burner?"

"Yes, that's right. It's me."

Lord Dale sat down in one of the waiting room chairs and said, "Ah, I see. If you don't mind my asking, may I inquire about your reason for borrowing the Root Incense Burner?"

I decided to leverage the Crown Prince's name once again.

"It's under Crown Prince Friedrich's orders."

"I see. However, even with Crown Prince Friedrich's directive, the Root Incense Burner requires a Magic Department staff escort when borrowed. Being a Legendary-grade artifact, it cannot be removed from the Magic Department premises without proper supervision."

"Ah, I understand."

I was actually grateful for Lord Dale's accompaniment. Truth be told, the prospect of traveling alone to the Epola Mountains had been rather daunting.

Moreover, spending time with Lord Dale during our journey might present another opportunity to make a good impression.

I nodded solemnly.

"Yes, I understand."

'Turn crisis into opportunity!'

That was our family motto.

Who knows?

Perhaps I could overcome the failure of our previous arranged meeting and successfully fall in love with Lord Dale this time.

Until I submitted the external work approval form to the Crown Prince, I was filled with hopeful dreams.