Chapter 121

[system: Quest <Clear after a certain amount of time.> has failed.]

[system: Igrid Orton Taikan’s revenge will now begin.]

[14 days remaining until the end.]

“Just one thing after another…”

I closed the window and headed into the bathroom.

A foul stench wafted from my entire body. I could hardly tell the difference between myself and a monster.

That was why I had to return to the mansion instead of going back to the Guardian headquarters. Of course, I didn’t have the energy to work anyway.

“Wow…”

The face in the mirror was a complete mess.

Not only was there dried blood crusted on the corner of my mouth where Igrid had struck me, but my whole body was mottled with bruises from being thrown from the Earth Dragon.

I hadn’t realized it was this bad until I saw the mirror… Anyone who saw me would think I fought the Earth Dragon all by myself.

I carefully wiped away the dried blood near my lips with my fingertips.

“Hiss…”

The stinging pain I’d been too exhausted to feel rushed in all at once.

[system: The Anonymous Constellations have sponsored 1,000,000 points.]

“Whoa, a million points? Thank you, dear Constellations! Pew pew, I’m so cute, wink! Take my love bullet!”

Seeing my reflection, going from near-death to excitedly performing for a few points… a wave of self-pity washed over me.

‘This is the life of a point slave…’

I reluctantly curled my fingers.

“I thought a million points was something you only got for eating show missions or dating sims… I guess not.”

– Anonymous Constellation: Gotta admit, we’ve been a bit stingy until now. That’s on us.

– Anonymous Constellation: But we couldn’t help it. The Administrator told us to maintain a balance with the others.

– Anonymous Constellation: Said your conditions were too favorable compared to the rest?

– Anonymous Constellation: You know what that means, right?

‘So, it means the balance has been more or less evened out now.’

I hadn’t expected the Administrator to intervene to that extent, but it was good information nonetheless.

It meant there was a high chance the rankings would change soon.

‘I need to work hard and save up points before that happens.’

Now that I had developed an alliance with Duke Ruthius, the need to defend my number-one spot had diminished.

However, until the Emperor was brought down, I couldn’t lose the top rank, no matter what. My ranking was my greatest weapon and shield.

I stepped into the tub, sinking into the warm water. My body, stiff with muscle aches, began to relax, if only a little.

“Hah… I’m exhausted.”

I ran a wet hand over my face and closed my eyes.

– Anonymous Constellation: Is it okay for you to be lazing around like this? What are you going to do about the penalty? Shouldn’t you be making a plan?

– Anonymous Constellation: Revenge? Let him try. What’s a little bird’s revenge gonna be, pecking at you with its beak? ㅗ

– Anonymous Constellation: That may be, but… Astell, remember this is a penalty.

I knew that, too. Since it was a penalty for failing a quest, Igrid’s revenge wouldn’t be a light matter.

It wouldn’t just be him losing his temper and slapping my cheek or spewing insults like he did in front of the gate.

‘He’s not that stupid…’

Ten to one, he would use the full extent of his authority as a prince to apply political pressure. That was the only weapon Igrid possessed.

It wasn’t something to worry about. I had power, too. Power even stronger than a prince’s.

“Do you know the best way to avoid revenge? You make it so they can’t get revenge in the first place.”

It was a simple problem. Igrid had a fortnight to exact his revenge, so all I had to do was strip him of his power before then, right?

[system: An Anonymous Constellation has sponsored 300,000 points.]

“Oh my, another 300,000 points… You were impressed because I looked more wicked than a demon just now? Oh, stop, you’re making me blush… Thank you for the sponsorship! Pew pew, I’m so cute, wink!”

– Anonymous Constellation: OMG, I just went to Yulia’s channel and saw something weird!!!

– Anonymous Constellation: No mentioning other streams.

– Anonymous Constellation: Just listen! You know that place she works at!

– Anonymous Constellation: ??The Magic Tower??

– Anonymous Constellation: Yes, the Magic Tower! Guess what video is playing at the Magic Tower headquarters right now?

– Anonymous Constellation: Hint >> Bluebird

– Anonymous Constellation: No way… him?

– Anonymous Constellation: Yessss lololololololol

‘So the video of Bluebird running away from the boss has been released?’

The number of viewers dropped by fifty in an instant. They had all rushed over to see the spectacle.

The video released by the Magic Tower was not only a disgrace for Igrid but also a massive stain on the Imperial Family.

‘After all, it showed a prince abandoning the safety of his people.’

The Emperor probably wanted to kill Igrid.

He had worked so hard to prevent Dante from becoming Crown Prince. Igrid, far from helping, had just ruined everything.

‘On top of that, he’ll have to negotiate with the Magic Tower to get the video taken down.’

What had Kaiel said before joining the gate? That he would be sure to exact a price?

So that’s why he released the video. To bring the Emperor to the negotiating table.

‘He’s as clever as ever.’

I smiled quietly and submerged myself deeper into the water.

* * *

It had been a long time since I’d enjoyed a bath for nearly two hours.

I’d been so busy lately that I’d barely had time to do more than rinse off. My overworked body finally felt like it was unwinding.

I stepped out, wrapped myself in a bathrobe, and drank a glass of cold water.

“Ah, that’s better.”

As I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, I suddenly felt a breeze. The window was slightly ajar.

‘Who opened it?’

All the windows had been closed when I entered the bedroom.

‘It couldn’t have been Zenia, who’s at the Guardian headquarters…’

But besides Zenia, no one was allowed in my bedroom.

“…”

Someone had broken into my room.

The moment I realized it, I sensed a presence approaching rapidly from behind.

‘How did I not notice until they were this close?’

Even if I had let my guard down, this was absurd. I spun around quickly, swinging my elbow.

*Thwack!*

“…My dear, your aggressive side is part of your charm.”

Dante caught my elbow with his hand, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

He looked utterly bewitching and alluring, but I felt like I was about to explode.

“Your Highness! I told you to announce your presence!”

“I did.”

“What good is making a noise when you’re right behind me? You know, a misplaced elbow to the face could kill you!”

“I can dodge.”

This man…

“Are you saying you can dodge my attacks at will? You’re remarkably confident.”

As I asked, I stretched my lips into a tight smile, and a sharp pain flared at the corner of my mouth.

“Ah…”

In my frustration, I’d forgotten my lip was split. This competitive streak of mine was a real problem.

I gently prodded the corner of my mouth with my fingertip. Thankfully, it wasn’t bleeding.

“Anyway, why are you in my bedroom? I told you to stay in the guesthouse… You did come without anyone seeing you, right?”

“…”

Dante said nothing, simply staring at me intently.

“Why aren’t you answering… Don’t tell me the staff saw you?”

He remained silent. His grave expression made me serious as well.

“Is something wrong? If you’ve done something you shouldn’t have, don’t hide it. Just tell me.”

Dante slowly reached out and slightly parted my bathrobe.

I was wearing nothing underneath, but I stood still. I didn’t sense any ill intent from him.

His eyes scanned my bruised neck before his hand moved up to cup my chin.

“What are you doing?”

“You’re hurt.”

“Ah… is that all?”

I let out a hollow laugh. His expression was so grim I thought some major catastrophe had occurred.

“A gate opened this morning. I got a little injured while clearing it.”

“You’re lying.”

Dante stepped closer. As our bodies pressed together, his distinctive scent enveloped me.

“The injuries below your neck are from that, but not the one on your lip. This is the kind of wound you get from being hit.”

Dante’s voice was a sweet, low murmur, tempting me.

“Tell me.”

“…”

“Who hit the Princess?”

It was a good thing I had my wits about me. I almost blurted it out without thinking.

‘Stay sharp. This man is a demon who bewitches people as easily as he breathes.’

For some reason, I had a feeling I shouldn’t tell him the truth. I played dumb.

“Who would hit me? Please stop with the strange talk and let go of my hand. Making such a fuss over a scratch that will heal if I lick it is a bit cheesy.”

Dante didn’t let me go. Instead, his grip tightened, and he pulled my chin toward him.

“…”

The soft, warm tip of his tongue traced the corner of my mouth, a sweet, lingering touch.

He slowly pulled back and whispered, his lips hovering just inches from mine. His fragrant breath tickled my skin.

“It’s not healing.”

“…”

I couldn’t say a word. I couldn’t get angry, nor could I slap his cheek.

My mind was completely filled with someone else…

“It’s not healing.”

It was Shinwoo’s face, from when he had licked the wound on my cheek.