My Fiancé Fell in Love with My Older Sister. After Locking Myself in My Room for Five Days, 500 Years Had Passed. - Chapter 29

“My name is Lumiere, Crown Prince of the Lumos Empire. …I’ve heard the story from the official. You are the Witch of the Tower of Lament, aren’t you?”

“…Um, that word, ‘witch’…”

It was not a name I liked being called.

In my past life, I had learned that in foreign countries, there was a time when being called a witch meant being burned at the stake…

What if they think I’m a danger to the Empire?

Just imagining that made my stomach start to ache painfully.

(The sandwich I had in the castle town was really good…)

I started thinking about it to escape reality.

Apparently, it was a sandwich made with meringue.

The idea was so unique.

The soft texture and gentle sweetness matched perfectly with the rich sauce.

Prince Lumiere’s eyes stared straight at me, and they looked filled with doubt.

(…Of course!! No one would believe it!! A human from five hundred years ago?)

It was way too unbelievable.

It was about as trustworthy as someone saying, “An alien crashed on Earth when a meteor hit the planet!”

The fact that Prince Lian believed me felt like a miracle in a way.

There was no expression at all on Prince Lumiere’s face.

He just kept staring at me, and even though I had done nothing wrong, it made me feel uneasy.

Just as I was about to look away, he spoke.

“Excuse me. Your name is Felicia Frenzel, correct?”

In a low voice, he corrected himself.

Then, Prince Lumiere turned his gaze to the window.

Finally free from his eyes, I quietly let out a breath so he wouldn’t notice.

(His gaze is really intense…)

“My younger brother has always been fascinated by that tower.”

It seemed like the tower was visible from where he was looking.

“My brother, interested in magical studies, tried every method to break the curse. …Normally, the control of the Ministry of Magic is passed from the Emperor to the Crown Prince. But I suggested it, and let Lian take charge.”

The role of Crown Prince… given to the second prince?

Is that something that can be changed so easily?

It would be natural for people to think the second prince is aiming for the throne. And wouldn’t that cause others with bad intentions to show up?

Just as I was thinking that, Prince Lumiere suddenly looked at me.

Then, the corner of his mouth lifted in a sarcastic smile.

That cold smile made my heart jump.

Of course, not in a romantic way.

It was more like my heart felt cold.

“As expected of a noble lady. Even after five hundred years, your thoughts are still the same.”

“…Has this caused a problem with the royal succession?”

Since he saw through my thoughts, I had no choice.

When I said what I honestly thought, Prince Lumiere shook his head and said, “No.”

…No!?

But just now, it really felt like it was going that way, didn’t it!?

As I froze up, he let out another low laugh.

“Before the sparks could become a flame, I cut them all off. So, there was no problem.”

…Apparently, the Crown Prince of the Lumos Empire was quite aggressive.

While I was at a loss for words, Prince Lumiere turned his eyes back to the window.

“Also, using a sword suits me better. Everyone has their strengths. If I took charge of the Ministry of Magic, which I don’t care much about, it would only slow things down. We couldn’t expect any growth. That wouldn’t benefit the Empire.”

Prince Lumiere said this clearly and with confidence.

In those words and that tone, I felt the presence of a true ruler.

As I looked at him, surprised, Prince Lumiere continued.

“Lian has an endless curiosity and interest in magic. …And now, he has gained something even more interesting—you.”

Prince Lumiere took a few steps toward me.

Then, he gently touched my left shoulder with his fingertip.

“…!”

I quickly looked up.

At close range, Prince Lumiere looked me in the eyes and said:

“Please take care of my brother… Miss Witch.”

☆

When I returned to the guest room assigned to me, I slid down against the door and sat on the floor.

(That…)

“Please take care of my brother… Miss Witch.”

Prince Lumiere had shown no real expression.

There was no kindness, no cruelty—nothing.

He had just stared at me.

When those amethyst eyes looked into mine, it felt like he could see straight into my soul—it was deeply unsettling.

At least, there was no one like him in the social circles of the Kingdom of Tsobellar.

That’s why I was so nervous. And even though it was a short time, I felt completely drained.

“Haah…”

Letting out a sigh, I finally stood up.

I sat on the sofa and leaned back against it.

(Was that… a warning…?)

Like he was saying, “Don’t get too close to my brother Lian.”

To Prince Lumiere, I must seem like someone suspicious.

It’s hard to prove that I’m really someone from the Frenzel family.

I can explain my past life and background, but it’s only words—just a story.

I don’t have any physical proof that would convince someone right away.

(If only my unique magic was more flashy…!!)

Like a power to make flowers rain down during a parade.

Or the ability to move dolls or plushies however I want.

If I had something like that, I could show it and prove it.

But my unique skill—my special magic—is always active. It’s a constantly released type.

So I can’t really say, “Let me show you my magic!!” and perform it.

(While I’m trying to find a way back to five hundred years ago, I also need to gather solid proof of who I am…)

So much to do… So much!!

Just as I was holding my head in my hands—

There was a knock at the door.