My Fiancé Fell in Love with My Older Sister. After Locking Myself in My Room for Five Days, 500 Years Had Passed. - 44 - Arrival at the Tower of Lamentation

In the past—back when I was in Tsobellar.

When I heard ‘another world’ and ‘magic exists’—I couldn’t help but think, Then maybe I’ll get to use amazing cheat magic!! That’s what I strongly hoped.

(This power would’ve been very useful if I were an assassin or a ninja who did stealth missions!
Unfortunately—though I don’t even know if that’s the right word—Tsobellar is completely peaceful now.
Which means, there’s no need for my stealth-blocking magic, Disappear.

A unique ability like mine that’s perfect for stealth work just isn’t popular at all these days…)

In Tsobellar, which seemed so peaceful, this kind of unique magic didn’t stand out much.

But now, in this abnormal situation, it’s finally a useful skill.

Prince Lian looked surprised at my smile—his eyes widened slightly—then he shook his head.

“I can’t agree. It’s too dangerous.”

“But isn’t this the most promising option? You don’t want to keep wearing… that thing… either, right, Prince Lian?”

I guessed what he was feeling and pointed to the inside of my own wrist. At that moment, Prince Lian’s face twisted bitterly. Thinking I just needed to push a little more, I kept speaking.

“It’s thanks to you, Prince Lian, that I can live comfortably here in the Lumos Empire. I want to repay that kindness.”

“That’s… true, but…”

“Please don’t worry. You know what my unique magic can do, right? As long as no one touches me, or I don’t let anyone notice me, no one will sense I’m there. I’ll go in quick, check it out, and come back just as fast!!”

“…………”

Even so, Prince Lian didn’t easily agree. It looked like he still had doubts.

(It’s true—I’ve never done any kind of spy work, and we’ve only known each other for two days. I’m basically a stranger…)

There are more reasons not to trust me.

If he actually said, “Alright, please do it!!” that would surprise me even more.

We’ve only talked for two days, but I think Prince Lian—though he looks gentle—is actually very cold at his core.

At the very least, he’s not the type to let emotions cloud his judgment.

Rather than thinking about removing the charm spell cast on himself, he’s more focused on the success rate and the future of the Lumos Empire.

That’s why I knew it wouldn’t be easy to convince him.

And also…

(I’m still not totally convinced I even have the power to cross time… and even if I can use it, controlling it is a whole different problem…!!)

Before I can even decide whether or not to sneak into Tsobellar, there’s this whole other issue.

While I was thinking that, the carriage stopped.

It looked like we had arrived at the Tower of Lamentation.

Prince Lian got out first and reached out his hand to help me down.

Taking his hand, I stepped down from the carriage.

And I gasped in surprise.

Because—there was absolutely nothing there.

Just forest! Forest! Forest! Nature! So much greenery!!

Five hundred years ago, there used to be a castle town nearby, and it was lively—

But now, five hundred years later, all that was left was greenery.

Nature, as far as the eye could see.

A bird’s cry echoed through the air and faded.

In the forest stood a single building.

It was called the Tower of Lamentation.

It was the place I had been.

The tower in front of me was about two stories tall—not that high.

Around the tower, lanterns were lit in a circle.

The lights looked like electricity, and beams of light connected the lanterns.

It looked just like the barrier surrounding the castle.

As I stood at the edge of the barrier, eyes wide in surprise, a third voice suddenly spoke.

“Haah… We finally made it. I’m worn out.”

“……!!”

Startled, I turned around. There stood the blue-haired knight—his name was Matthew, if I remembered right.
He stepped down from the driver’s seat.

That’s when it hit me.

(Oh…!! Of course, a carriage needs someone to hold the reins…!!)

Prince Lian had said we were traveling through the void, so I thought if I looked outside, I’d have to roll a sanity check or something…

But maybe it wasn’t that dangerous after all?

As I was thinking that, Matthew stretched and complained in a tired voice.

“This void space is really exhausting. Feels like I’m going crazy.”

“Really? Then maybe I should take over on the way back.”

“Please don’t. If someone finds out, I’ll lose my job.”

“It’s not that strict.”

Prince Lian replied with a smile.

Judging by Matthew’s reaction…

(Good thing I didn’t look out the window…)

I thought to myself with relief.
As I watched the two talking, Prince Lian suddenly looked at me.

Then, with a soft smile, he said:

“Would you like to sit in the driver’s seat? It’s next to me, and there’s nothing to worry about. You’ll have a rather unusual experience.”

“Eh!?!?”

“This void space is really exhausting. Feels like I’m going crazy.”

I remembered what Matthew had said.

(Feels like I’m going crazy—
Feels like—I’m going crazy—)

What on earth does someone see in the void?
Since it’s called the void, is it just… nothing?
Or maybe, since it’s related to dark magic, is it pitch-black?

Driving a carriage through total darkness—

Through a world without light—endlessly moving forward.

“…………!!”

Just imagining it made me shake my head violently before I could even think.

“I’ll have to politely decline!!”

“Heh, just kidding.”

With a smile, Prince Lian walked toward the barrier.

“…………”

Stunned, I stood there with my mouth wide open.

Not very ladylike.

But before I could even realize that—

Matthew behind me spoke with a troubled look.

“Sorry about that. He’s always like that.”

“…………”

“And also, you really shouldn’t sit in the driver’s seat. It really does mess with your head… I’ve gotten a bit used to it, but… He was totally fine with it from the start. Isn’t that weird?”

Looking completely exhausted, Matthew added.

I looked up.

Ahead of my gaze stood Prince Lian, already touching the barrier and chanting some kind of spell.

Watching him—I thought with all my heart. And I clenched my fist tightly.

(Jokes!! Should be said with a face that looks like you’re joking!!)

Prince Lian’s jokes don’t sound like jokes. Actually, he doesn’t even look like someone who makes jokes.

Rather than being tricked, I felt like I’d been totally played with. Sighing, I followed after him.

That’s why—I didn’t hear what Matthew said next behind me.

“But you know, that might be the first time I’ve ever heard His Highness joke around with a woman.”