Chapter 200
Pitter-patter.

Nersarn poured black tea into Filia’s cup. It had already been several days since they’d arrived at the imperial palace, yet his beloved seemed utterly unable to adjust to this place.

It was understandable. She had lived her entire life in a poor frontier village. Even when she first stepped into the Hielo estate, she was overwhelmed by its luxury. But this palace was on a whole different level.

“Filia, since it’s just the two of us, please, sit comfortably.”

“Do I look uncomfortable?”

“Quite.”

Filia gave an awkward smile and ran her fingers through her hair. The sleeve of her dress swayed gently with the movement. Ian had prepared the dress for her to wear comfortably, but it still felt strange, as if she were wearing someone else’s clothes.

“Maybe I’m just not cut out for indoor work. It’s only been a day, but I can’t seem to stay still.”

“They say the castle gates will open soon. Our tasks are done for now, so it’s okay to indulge a little. Besides, you deserve it.”

Nersarn said warmly as he handed her the steaming cup of tea.

At first, when it came to physical cleanup—removing rubble and debris—Chunryeo’s presence was unmatched. But once the administrative tasks took precedence, Romandro arranged for the warriors to stay in Prince Gale’s quarters within the palace.

“Still, staying in the prince’s chambers? That’s beyond indulgence.”

Filia had heard that the palace’s etiquette surpassed even that of the nobility. As someone born a commoner, she worried that any misstep might burden Ian. So she did her best to maintain a rigid posture. Meanwhile, Nersarn leaned back comfortably and kissed the back of her hand.

“Filia, we didn’t come here as guests. We came at Ian’s request for help. And no matter how kind Romandro is, he wouldn’t let us stay here without reason.”

There were many reasons. First, to protect Gale. Given the political turmoil, the prince’s condition could tip the balance, so guarding him was paramount.

“Second, to hide. If frontier folk roamed the palace openly, it would only sow confusion among the empire’s citizens. Besides, Gale’s quarters are off-limits to others. It’s the perfect place to stay hidden.”

Still, it was undeniably Romandro’s kindness. Not just anywhere, but the prince’s chambers. The warriors rested as if they had fallen into a new world.

“…Nersarn, how should we return?”

Filia toyed with the edge of her teacup and asked quietly. No matter how she thought about it, this place didn’t feel like where she belonged. She longed for the warmth of the Hielo estate. It had only been a few days.

“It would be easier if the Magic Department raised the Black Moon again, but that’s unlikely. It draws too much attention, and it seems to be a last resort for mages. It’s unstable.”

“Right? Then we’ll have to take a carriage. I heard it takes about two weeks from here to Hielo. I’m fine, but I worry the warriors might find it uncomfortable.”

“Filia, those warriors endure both desert dawns and scorching noons. I’m more worried about you. And there’s no rush, is there? We just saw Lord Ian after a long time. Let’s take our time to catch up.”

“I don’t want to be a bother. Ian is handling such a huge matter right now. Seeing him safe is enough for me.”

Filia smiled hesitantly, hiding her disappointment. They barely had time to see each other properly. She knew her son was running around without even time to sleep. She was grateful he had taken the trouble to prepare clothes for her.

“Or…”

Nersarn rested his chin on his hand and looked at Filia slowly. His gaze was tender and intense, pressing on every inch of her.

“Shall we have a simple wedding here?”

“Huh?”

“There won’t be many chances to be with Lord Ian. We can vow our love in front of your son now, and once we return to Hielo, swear eternity. That journey will be the first memory of the days we spend together.”

Since they couldn’t leave the estate unattended, he suggested taking a leisurely trip back as a honeymoon. Filia was so surprised she covered her mouth.

“Um? What do you think?”

“I—”

Bang!

Just as she was about to accept with joy, a loud noise came from outside. Such a commotion in a place where Prince Gale’s safety was the priority? Both their heads turned toward the door.

“What could it be?”

“Don’t worry. The warriors are rough, but it’s nothing serious.”

It was probably some hotheaded warriors causing trouble. Nersarn smiled but cursed inwardly. Whoever it was had terrible timing—cutting off his lover’s answer? Especially when it was about their engagement?

“Filia.”

“Y-yes? I—”

Crash! Bang!

Again, the noise erupted. Filia looked toward the door with concern.

“I think I should go out.”

“I’ll go. You stay seated and rest.”

With a sly smile, Nersarn gently pushed Filia back into her seat. He looked like he was smiling, but there was something fierce about it.

Left alone, Filia perked up her ears, trying to catch what was happening outside. The loud noise didn’t stop.

“Prince Gale must have woken up.”

Thinking so, Filia opened the door opposite the one Nersarn had exited through. They were in a small sitting room between the bedroom and the main reception room—a space where mages and doctors rested and waited, with easy access to various areas.

Click.

She peeked into Gale’s bedroom to check if everything was alright. The prince was still sound asleep, as if unconscious. And by his bedside stood a child, watching over him.

“Prince Jin?”

The silver-haired child wore familiar clothes. Filia had never met Arsen, so she naturally assumed this was Jin. The child turned his head slightly.

“Your Highness, what brings you here? I apologize, but…”

Was it proper to speak first to the prince? Ian was a minister, but wasn’t the prince of higher rank? Did the no-entry order Ian gave include the prince? She’d heard Jin and Ian were close—did that matter?

Filia was utterly confused.

“Your Highness, please wait a moment.”

She decided to call Nersarn and turned away. Then a firm command stopped her.

“Stop.”

“Huh?”

Arsen turned his head. Filia was startled, but he smiled gently and beckoned her closer. She lowered her posture as much as possible and approached respectfully.

“Ah…”

“Are you Ian’s mother?”

“Yes, that’s right. My name is Filia.”

The child’s face bore no scars. Even though they had clung to each other during Marib’s attack, he treated her as if he’d never seen her before. Filia realized this child was Jin’s twin brother.

“You must be Prince Arsen. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“…Annoying.”

“Huh?”

“Before, many people confused me with Jin. But now, they can tell us apart just by looking. It’s no fun.”

Arsen muttered as he perched on Gale’s bed.

Something about him felt dangerous. Filia just turned her head to check on Gale. His chest rose and fell gently—he seemed fine.

“Sometimes even the mother who bore us couldn’t tell us apart, but now strangers can? What a disaster. Isn’t that right?”

“I—I don’t really know.”

“Hmm? Why?”

Filia answered nervously.

“Prince Jin is Prince Jin, and Prince Arsen is Prince Arsen. No matter how alike they are, they can’t be the same person. It’s natural to tell them apart, and I’m glad.”

Arsen’s cheerful smile stiffened. She had clearly struck a nerve. With his small hands, he lightly slapped Filia’s cheek.

Smack!

“How rude.”

“I-I’m sorry.”

“Is it because you’re Ian’s mother? You act just like him—annoying enough to get on anyone’s nerves.”

Arsen grabbed Filia’s chin and shook it. His touch was light, but it made her head spin. She couldn’t resist. Dizziness swept over her, and the room spun.

“Hmm.”

Arsen looked down at Filia, who was barely holding herself up. The noise outside continued. If the Chunryeo warriors were stationed here, it was probably their ruckus. It seemed their hidden subordinates had been discovered.

“Terrible timing.”

Arsen clicked his tongue. They had already broken through the guards once and were exhausted. If the warriors came rushing in all at once, even he wouldn’t find an escape.

He tapped near Gale’s heart with a dagger, then looked back at Filia.

“Filia?”

“Y-yes, Your Highness.”

“Jin and I were always one. But now, a mere scar separates us. How lamentable.”

Filia, holding her dizzy forehead, nodded without realizing it. She didn’t catch his words fully but felt compelled to agree.

“Y-yes, that’s true.”

“So, won’t you help me?”

“Help? With what?”

“You know about Jin’s scar, don’t you?”

A thin line stretched from the left side of his forehead down to his right jaw—when traced with a finger, it matched Jin’s scar perfectly, without the slightest deviation. Arsen handed the dagger to Philia with a smile.

“Look closely. From here to here.”

“Y-Your Highness…”

“You’re the one who’s going to make it. Since my brother has been avoiding me ever since I got this scar, it pains me deeply. Maybe if I had the same wound, Jin would like me more. If you help me, I’d be truly grateful.”

The sounds outside grew louder. The warriors and guards were approaching. It wasn’t the ideal moment to kill Gale, but in another sense, it was perfect.

“Come now, quickly. Draw the line.”

Something felt off. Philia’s mind went blank, as if hot milk had been poured over her thoughts, leaving them white and soggy. Without realizing it, she gripped the dagger and leaned closer to Arsen.

“Your Highness, I…”

“I am the Emperor of the Empire. If you help me, it will also benefit my son, Ian. As a mother, you must not hesitate.”

‘The mother of Ian is about to harm the Fourth Prince. She’s drawn a blade, and blood will surely be spilled.’

This was exactly what Arsen wanted. Even if they couldn’t kill Gale immediately, this would give them a significant advantage.

The dagger’s tip touched Arsen’s forehead.

“Ian.”

Philia whispered his name, her eyes widening in shock. Reflexively, she brought her other hand up and grabbed the blade.

“Ah!”

A voice seemed to shout beside her, telling her it was wrong, that hurting Arsen wouldn’t help Ian. As Philia cut her own palm and stepped back, Arsen scowled.

“I gave an order.”

“Your Highness, no!”

“Silence. I’m already very tired of you.”

Arsen tried to force Philia’s hand to pierce his forehead. Despite her youth, his brutality was overwhelming, and she let out a scream mixed with tears.

“Your Highness!”

Suddenly—

Snap!

Arsen’s head jerked sharply backward.

The child glared at his opponent with a feverish intensity. Though they were looking at each other upside down, their gazes locked without faltering.

“…What’s this?”

“Brother, you’re in better shape than I thought.”

It was Gale, now fully conscious. Arsen’s pupils dilated as he laughed aloud.

“You can’t even die properly, and the palace was filled with sighs. What’s the matter? Did the one who left before you tell you not to come?”

Bang!

In response to Arsen’s taunt, Gale grabbed the child by the hair and slammed him onto the table. As the boy collapsed weakly, the door burst open.

With Ian, Romandro, and the warriors and guards flooding in, everyone frowned at the strange scene unfolding in the room.