The 14th Prince's Sage

Chapter 11

The following day, Cielo found himself face-to-face with a stranger at his door, causing him to pause in surprise. Having regained his ability to walk, today was particularly important as it was his first chance to explore the 3rd and 4th floors of the West Wing.

The West Wing, as Alistair described, is an area of the palace with stringent access restrictions, limited to fewer than eight individuals, excluding him, all of whom are trusted by of Imperial Prince Konstantinos. Their reliability granted him the opportunity to venture into this space.

Regrettably, he was still unable to tour the entirety of the palace or venture outside, as doing so would jeopardize their plan if the servants from the main house were to catch sight of him.

At that moment, as he prepared to exit his room for the first time without the aid of a wheelchair or the company of Alistair, a cheerful man blocked the doorway. His presence was more than just a casual hindrance, he towered significantly over the entrance.

The man was impressively tall, easily standing at 190 cm, and wore a simple all-black outfit along with a black and green striped coat. While he was not unattractive, the numerous moles adorning his face proved to be quite distracting.

‘I’ve never seen someone with so many moles before.’

He had three prominent moles beneath his eyes and another below his lip, along with several faint moles that were only noticeable up close.

‘Why are people from the fantasy realm always so good-looking?’

Cielo did not lack physical appeal. In fact, he had frequently received compliments regarding his appearance in his previous life. Nevertheless, the faces around him seemed almost otherworldly, making him feel insignificant despite his unique appearance.

“Are you the stray that His Imperial Highness referred to?”

“… .”

‘So, I’ve been labeled a stray.’

Cielo's opinion of this man had taken a nosedive. Putting aside the man's appearance, his attitude was quite off-putting.

“Who are you?”

He inquired with a level of aggression that he seldom displays.

“I have never encountered a Traveler before! That hair is quite impressive, by the way.”

Cielo shot a disapproving look at the man who had ignored his question.

“What do you want?”

“You have green eyes! It's quite fascinating how intriguing Travelers can be.”

The man appeared to take delight in provoking him, choosing instead to turn away and continue on his path.

“Isn't that rather impolite?”

Cielo found it just as disrespectful to ignore his questions as he made his way to the third floor.

Upon reaching his destination, he took a moment to take in his surroundings.

The decor on the third floor of the palace was even more lavish than that of the second floor, where he had been living until now. While it reminded him of the historic palaces and castles he had seen online, experiencing it in person was truly awe-inspiring.

Although he didn't have a natural affinity for art, he acknowledged that this palace was a remarkable work of art. The creation of such a structure must require immense time and skill. How is it that some people possess such extraordinary talents?

‘I wonder if there is a particular reason why the second floor is less lavish than the third?’

The difference between the second and third floors was quite noticeable. Couldn’t the second floor have been designed to match the elegance of the other levels? It's bothering him how asymmetrical they are.

“Is it truly remarkable?”

Cielo instinctively nodded in response to the inquiry.

The stranger's soft hum indicated their interest in his reaction.

“Is that the case? Would you like me to show you around? Which place would you prefer to visit first?”

Cielo's interest quickly faded as the stranger kept talking without pause.

He decided to ignore the stranger and tried to open a door. Although most doors were unlocked, they seemed to require a particular method to gain entry. He felt that this was connected to some kind of magic, just like everything else in the palace.

‘That green light wasn't an imagination.’

He remembers the doors cast a soft green glow whenever Alistair opens them for him.

“Most of these rooms are empty, but I can unlock them for you if you'd like?”

The voice of the other person reached his ear.

Cielo was lost in his thoughts, making it hard to concentrate on the other individual.

‘It seems the prince still has reservations about me.’

This implies that he won't be able to explore freely. He let go of the idea of checking every room and opted to wander for now. The hallways are expansive, providing a great opportunity for some physical exercise.

A gentle tap on his back was paired with an exasperated voice.

“Hey, stop ignoring me.”

Cielo chose to disregard the interruption and looked around, noticing a window that overlooked the back of the palace. He hurried over to investigate, but his hopes were quickly crushed. All he could see were trees and a tall wall that obstructed any further view.

When the time comes, he will find it impossible to climb that wall. It was unfortunate that he had to give up his quest at the rear of the palace, and he mourned his weak physique.

“That is merely an illusion. You won't see it unless His Imperial Highness dissolves it.”

Damn it.

Magic is such a cheat.

‘…Hold on.’

Was the scene outside his bedroom window just a product of his imagination? It looked remarkably real. He decided to explore it further at a later time.

“Do you want me to break the spell for you?”

He took a deep breath. It seemed that examining his surroundings had been in vain. With nothing specific to see, he wandered aimlessly, lacking any clear goal. He felt completely adrift and without direction.

“I’m here to help!”

The stranger he had left behind shouted and rushed after him.

“Come on, talk to me?”

“… .”

His veins throbbed visibly as he ultimately lost his temper. He decided to confront the man.

“Can you just leave me be?”

The man stopped and looked at him for a moment before erupting into laughter, his voice echoing through the empty hallway.

“Sorry, sorry! You are too fun to tease.”

“It's nice that you're having fun.”

But I am not. Please leave me alone and have your fun somewhere else, preferably, on the other side of the palace.

The man raised both his arms in surrender.

“All right, I'll stop. No need to be so aggressive!”

He wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes and extended his hand.

Cielo chose not to take it.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Newcastle. His Imperial Highness has designated me as your instructor and to keep an eye on you."

“I appreciate your honesty but what the fuck is that name?”

At first, there was Doctor Happy, and now we have this person? Are the people in this world really that peculiar? At least Cielo, Konstantinos, and Alistair possess names that are quite decent, in his opinion.

Newcastle pulled back his hand when it wasn't taken, but he didn't appear to be offended. Instead, he started laughing again.

“Haha! I know, right? That’s why I’m surprised that your name is somewhat decent.”

Cielo looked puzzled, furrowing his brow.

“What do you mean by that?”

Newcastle casually draped an arm over his shoulder and began to walk, leading him along. This gesture emphasized their height difference. He despised how effortlessly the man could reach his shoulders.

Damn his 175 cm stature.

He clutched the hand resting on his shoulders.

‘And why is he so incredibly strong!?’

Despite looking like a typical high-paid model, this man possessed considerable power. His grip remained firm, regardless of how hard he fought to escape.

The man kept talking, seemingly oblivious, or probably just ignoring him and his attempts to break free.

“His Imperial Highness bestowed that name upon me after I renounced my family name. Quite amusing, wouldn't you agree?”

“Just why…”

There was no question that it was Konstantinos’s doing. This revelation explained Alistair's strange reaction when he requested to be called Patient or when he urged the prince to select a new name for him.

His response was completely understandable because what the fuck?

What led the prince to select Newcastle from the numerous suitable names available? What might have influenced this decision?

Newcastle chuckled lightly before offering an explanation.

“His Imperial Highness possesses an unusual tendency to assign names based on the initial impression he forms upon meeting someone. In my case, he referred to me as Newcastle because our first meeting took place in a recently constructed castle.”

Years later, during their next meeting, Konstantinos remembered him as the person he had encountered in that new castle, which is why the name continued to stick. Newcastle accepted this name without any reservations.

Yeah, okay.

Did he call the doctor “Dr. Happy” because she was smiling or laughing during their first meeting? This is quite an unusual habit for an Imperial Prince, who is expected to embody an ideal of perfection.

“Fortunately, he didn't opt for names like “Meteor” or “Newcomer” or anything of that sort.”

Cielo would have considered such a name disrespectful and could have faced serious repercussions for showing disrespect to an Imperial Prince. He narrowly escaped a serious situation this time.

Newcastle chuckled softly at his expense.

“I can assure you, he definitely considered that option. Luckily, Alistair stepped in, otherwise, you would have just been another casualty of His Imperial Highness.”

Looking back, Alistair had indeed leaned in to whisper something to the prince while he pondered a fitting name for him.

“I should take the chance to express my gratitude when it presents itself.”

He murmured, ignoring Newcastle's laughter.

Fortunately, Alistair is quite approachable, making it easy to communicate my thanks.

After walking several miles and engaging in light banter with Newcastle, he suddenly remembered the man's earlier remark.

“Wait a minute, it seems we're going off track. Did you just say you're my instructor?”

He stopped short, shrugging off the heavy arm that had been resting on him. Newcastle let him pull away, still wearing that annoying grin.

“What?”

It was obvious that he needed a mentor to truly master the art of magic. However, that is not the main issue at hand right now.

“Why are you the one teaching me?”

The real question is why this frustrating person is his instructor when Alistair also has significant magical skills. Surely, he can't be so busy that he can't spare some time.

“I am capable.”

“And what about Alistair?”

The man paused, and Cielo realized he had pressed too hard with his question. He shouldn't have asked that.

“I… I didn't mean to say that…”

He stumbled over his words, but Newcastle cut him off.

“Alistair? You call him that?”

“Yeah? He asked me to use that name.”

Newcastle seems indifferent to his wish for Alistair to be his teacher. Instead, he appears more interested in the way he addresses Alistair by that name.

“I'm surprised.”

Newcastle then erupted into laughter, as if he found something amusing. This left him blinking in confusion. Is there something important about Alistair's name?

‘It could be connected to Alistair's secret lore.’

Of course, he was curious but not enough to pry.

The man pushed his hair back and continued talking.

“Regardless, while Alistair may seem like he has all the time in the world, he is actually the busiest worker in the palace. He just has a talent for managing his time.”

“Ah, I see…”

This suggests that Alistair won't be available for tutoring help.

Newcastle smirked at his lackluster reply.

“How about you spend a day observing my teaching methods to determine if they align with your learning style? I promise you, I'm a highly effective instructor.”

“…Alright then.”

He had learned not to judge by appearances, a lesson gained through experience that he needed to remember.

Newcastle's grin grew broader at his timid agreement.

“Very well, student, you may refer to me as Teacher.”

“In your dreams.”

“You have a good sense of humor.”

Cielo rolled his eyes at the man.

While Newcastle acted as his mentor, he was also responsible for keeping a close watch on his every move. Just because he shows a friendly demeanor doesn’t mean he wouldn’t act if he noticed any suspicious behavior. This situation is disconcerting, yet it’s understandable, as the prince feels a sense of distrust towards him.

It's suffocating.

This is the harsh reality of being thrust into an unfamiliar world alone.

Just as he was about to leave, Newcastle called out to him from behind.

Cielo stopped and turned to face Newcastle, whose expression was strikingly different from his usual demeanor. Rather than the familiar smile he often wore, there was a look that filled Cielo with a sense of unease.

Newcastle's gaze sharpened.

“You're interesting. I find that appealing.”

“… .”

Cielo struggled to respond and looked away instead. It seems Newcastle's the type who hides his true self behind that casual smile.

‘…What a weirdo.’

“Hey, want to check the library with me?”

“… .”

“… … .”

“…No.”

“No?”

He glances at the man.

“…I'm going to the fourth floor.”

He didn’t wait for a response before quickly climbing the stairs. As expected, Newcastle kept up with him.

“There’s nothing of interest on the fourth floor. It mainly consists of rooms.”

The man commented as he continued upward.

“Still, I want to see everything that’s available to me."

Cielo shrugged.

Once he began his studies in magic, his freedom would be greatly limited. Moreover, once he started working officially for the prince, his chances for exploration would likely decrease even more.

When he reached the fourth floor, he was astonished. How is it that the hallways become more luxurious and artistic with each level he ascends? The asymmetry is starting to concern him.

“Is the prince’s chamber located here?”

This would explain why it is more luxurious than the lower levels.

“Nope. His Imperial Highness chamber is located on the fifth floor, but his office is here.”

It's only natural for the Imperial Prince to reside on the top floor.

What might one expect to find on the fifth floor? Lavish chandeliers? Walls and floors embellished with gold? A stunning palace within a palace?

Cielo will not have the chance to experience it for himself, as he is forbidden from accessing the fifth floor, leaving him to speculate about its splendor.

He began his walk, this time at a more relaxed pace than on the lower levels, as there was much to take in.

One detail that particularly stood out to him was the exclusive presence of double doors, which had noticeably wider openings, suggesting that the rooms were more spacious than those below. It's clear that this floor is occupied exclusively by important figures. Alistair is likely one of them, given his close ties to the prince. Most of his interactions with Doctor Happy have taken place on the second floor, leaving him unsure of her role within the palace.