Tancinol

A thousand years later, the disease Philip created for his selfish desires were still bothering countless people.

But when I think about it, it was weird. Why is the disease still here?

Tancinol was created by artificially twisting the mana of light. It was not a disease that occurs naturally.

Of course, after a long time, the disease called tancinol itself may have been transformed.

There was a possibility that a disease that was completely different from a thousand years ago could have spread all over the world under the name of 'tancinol' or that the mana contained in the mana of light spread to humans in some form.

But even if I think about it like that, it's still weird.

"Sister, what are you thinking so hard about?"

"No, it's nothing."

I shook my head.

We were on our way back to the palace after leaving the Camellia orphanage.

I said I was fine, but Diana insisted on escorting me back to the palace.

Everyone seems worried about me.

"More than that, Diana, have you thought about what I said?"

"Huh?"

"I mean your debut."

Diana is already an adult but hasn't made her debut.

Gilbert Bellacian died, and her mother didn't take care of her. Hence, there's no one who could help her prepare her debut.

If only I was there, I could help her...

But I couldn't just regret it. I was going to help her make her debut now that everything is not that hectic.

"No need. It's already past my birthday."

"Many people do it after their birthday."

"You didn't do it either."

"I attended a lot of other parties instead."

"His Highness also didn't do it."

Blake also did not have his coming-of-age ball. Maybe it's because of me...

"His Highness will do it soon."

Blake refused, just like Diana, but I wanted him to experience it.

"Then just tell His Highness to do it. I hate wearing dresses and dancing in turns with men."

She shook her head. I didn't say it anymore because she refused it.

But I really want to make a ball for Diana...

While I was thinking about it, the carriage arrived at the Forens Palace.

"Diana, thank you so much for coming with me today."

"No, you call me anytime."

She said she needs to go back to the academy without time for a cup of tea.

"Get in the carriage."

"I can just ride a horse. That's more comfortable, I'll be on my way now."

I was looking at her back when she left and ordered Jayden.

"Jayden, please escort Diana."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Jayden strode to Diana's side. But Diana waved her hand.

"No need, just go back."

"Let's go together."

"You don't know what I'm capable of? I don't need an escort."

"Who said I was escorting? I just want to walk with you."

Diana was embarrassed when Jayden spat out indifferently.

"Ah, wha, what, I see..."

The two walked side by side.

Are you sure he's simply a friend?

Looking at them, I smiled brightly.

"Why are you smiling like that?"

Hearing the familiar voice, Blake's eyes met mine.

"Huh?"

"You smiled at the guy."

"When?"

"Just now."

He pouted as he hugged my waist.

"I smiled at Diana."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Don't smile at the other guys."

Unlike his cute voice, his eyes looked serious.

"Alright."

I smiled and stroked his hair.

Then, his expression visibly relaxed.

He looked like a puppy today.

"How was the event today?"

"I was dying to meet my wife throughout the whole event."

Now he sounded like a puppy.

I know that he would have done well even if he said it like that.

Blake was known for his great skills in handling political affairs.

The minister of finance, who was known for his strictness, boasted that Blake is a very good heir of Tenstheon, there are also many other compliments from others.

"Have you been well, my wife?"

"Yes, but I'm a little disappointed."

"Why?"

"A kid is still on my mind. I should have hugged her a little more..."

I kept thinking about Shulia, who was crying. I felt sympathy because it felt like I was seeing myself before I married Blake.

"Let's go there with me next time."

"Can I really do that?"

I thought he'd say no...

"Go wherever you want, but you have to go with me. If you try to go alone like this, I'll get mad."

Blake seems to be very surprised by my sudden visit today.

"Okay, let's go together next time."

I hugged my worried groom tightly and said that.

***

Kaluo was studying, the door suddenly opened as Shulia came inside.

"Brother, are you studying?"

"Yes."

"What are you studying?"

"You won't understand."

Kaluo had the best grades in the orphanage. He is 9 years old, but he could solve problems that 11-year -old Tom couldn't solve.

"Hehehe."

"What are you laughing for?"

Kaluo spat out curtly.

She's always gentle, that's why other people used to pick her on because they think she's an easy target.

At least she's smiling now, it's better than crying. He thought that she was still sad about the recent incident.

"Brother, eat this."

Shulia reached out her hand. Two yellow candies were placed on her small hands.

"What's this? Where did you get it?"

"Her Highness gave it to me during snack time earlier. You didn't come, that's why I brought yours. Let's eat it together."

She gave him a proud smile. But Kaluo threw the candy in her hand to the floor.

"Why would you take this? You can't eat it either!"

"Brother!"

"She is the Crown Princess!"

"I know, but I thought she's a good person."

Ancia hugged Shulia, who was bullied by Tom.

Even though she knew that she's a Roum, she said Shulia did nothing wrong.

Shulia really likes the Crown Princess.

"They're not a good person! She's one of the imperial family who tried to kill Richard! You're going to eat what she gave you?"

"But they said it was Richard's fault..."

"They're lying! Richard was framed because they were afraid that he would become the Emperor! It was always like that! The Emperor unjustly killed Richard's family!"

Richard said that the Crown Prince is a monster.

Also, the emperor is extremely wary of Richard because he knows that Richard is better than the Crown Prince.

Other nobles were not happy with the Roums becoming the next emperor.

So they worked together to accuse Richard's family for treason and take away Richard's title.

"The people of the empire are all the same! They're our enemy!"

Kaluo recalled the past. He once lived in a Roum village.

Although the village only consisted of Kaluo, Connin, and Shulia's family.

The Roums were treated harshly wherever they went and were targeted by slave traders.

The three families lived in a deep forest, relying on each other. It was a hard time but they were happy. There was no discrimination there.

Yet, the happy days ended so suddenly. People living in the land far away came there.

They killed their parents, siblings, and set fire to their homes, saying they should destroy the Roums who spread the tancinol.

Everyone died, only Kaluo's sister, Karan, Connin, and Shulia survived.

They were engulfed with grief and vengeance. But realistically, there was nothing they could do.

There was no one to side with the Roums, even if they complained.

Richard appeared in front of the four when they were in despair.

Richard saved them. He taught Karan and Connin black magic and helped his family to take revenge.

Kaluo and Shulia went to Camellia orphanage.

"I want to be with my sister."

Kaluo wanted to be with his sister, but she shook her head firmly.

"No, it's dangerous. I will help Richard become the emperor. When he becomes emperor, the Roum will have a world where they couldn't be discriminated against."

"I'll help you too!"

"You should study well instead. Richard will need a great assistant when he becomes emperor. You have to play that role. I'm going to make a country for the Roums with him."

His sister was right. Kaluo remained in the orphanage as she said. In addition, he was the only one who could protect the young Shulia.

"The Emperor framed Richard. You need to be careful! We have to trust Richard!"

Richard saved them. He will help him to establish a world where Roums are not discriminated against.

"Richard will surely create such a world for us..."

But Kaluo didn't explain much to Shulia.

It was too difficult to comprehend for the young Shulia. In addition, it was a secret plan that only Richard and some people knew.

She's nice, but keeping secrets was another problem. It's not the time to tell her yet.

"I hate Richard."

said Shulia timidly, looking at the candy lying on the floor the whole time Kaluo spoke.