TOOCM 63

Chapter 63

Michael trusted his own eyes more than rumors.

In that sense, the world had misjudged Reina.

She seemed to have used that misjudgment as a shield, carving out her own path to survival.

Life for royals without strong backing was rarely smooth.

Men swore loyalty to higher-ranking heirs to secure their place, while women sought advantageous marriages.

In that regard, Reina had secured the best future possible—the position of Duchess of Crensia.

Like a quiet cat climbing onto a lap at the right moment, her moves were bold and precise.

The Emperor cared little for Reina and Kaiden’s romance, only for the marriage itself.

But Michael was curious about their connection.

How did she win the Duke’s heart? What about her caught his favor?

Kaiden Crensia was not an easy man.

He wouldn’t choose his partner based on mere feelings.

There had to be something between them. Michael planned to uncover it during his stay in the North.

After a moment, he adjusted his glasses and said, “By the way, belated happy birthday. Did you enjoy it? I heard the Duke threw a banquet.”

“Yes, thanks to him, I was celebrated by many for the first time.”

“Why hold the banquet the day before?”

Despite the probing question, Reina answered calmly, “Because I wanted to spend the actual day with the Duke.”

Her romantic reply didn’t sway Michael’s suspicions.

Reina didn’t overplay her hand either—actions spoke louder than words.

After some small talk, Michael got to the point. “I came here on His Majesty’s behalf to verify your divine power.”

“Do you have proof His Majesty entrusted you with this?”

Divine powers were shared only with the Emperor.

Even full siblings kept their abilities secret to protect themselves and check others.

Michael smirked at her sharp question. She acted naive but knew more than she let on.

“Of course.”

He produced the sacred relic—a ceremonial vessel inscribed with indecipherable ancient runes.

It was Reina’s first time seeing it with her eyes. In her past life, blind when her powers awakened, she’d only felt it by touch.

The Emperor, upon seeing Ritsi, had radiated a euphoric emotion tinged with sinister intent, chilling her even now.

As she stared, Michael explained, “This relic reveals divine powers. Summon your divine beast and use its power on the vessel.”

“Understood.”

Reina nodded and whistled.

She and Ritsi had prepared for this.

Moments later, Ritsi fluttered through the open window.

Chirp!

The clear birdsong rang as Ritsi dove into the vessel.

“Hmm.”

Michael let out a low hum, observing the red sparrow.

Seeing another’s divine beast was always intriguing.

“It’s my familiar,” Reina said.

“Quite a small bird.”

His interest quickly faded.

Compared to other divine beasts, the sparrow was plain and unremarkable, lacking grandeur or intimidation.

Without Reina’s claim, he wouldn’t have recognized it as a divine beast.

Seeing his attention wane, Reina inwardly cheered.

Now, a little performance was all she needed.

“Shall you demonstrate its power?”

At Michael’s prompt, Reina closed her eyes briefly and opened them.

A faint yellow light shimmered around him—curiosity, weak and fleeting.

It was the color of indifference, neither friendly nor hostile.

Then, she sensed a strange energy from his pinky finger.

“There’s a restriction on the ring on your right pinky.”

“!”

Michael, startled, hid his hand, his expression asking how she knew.

Reina continued calmly, “Ritsi’s power shows people’s emotions as colors. It also detects supernatural forces, distinguishing between corrupt and pure energies, alerting me to danger.”

“So you can sense the power in this ring?”

“Yes. I can see the strong mana flow around it.”

Michael examined the relic.

If Reina lied, the divine beast would show pain.

But Ritsi, nestled in the vessel, preened its feathers calmly, proving her words.

He paused, deep in thought. He hadn’t expected much from her power, making this revelation all the more surprising.

Touching his lips, he asked seriously, “One more question. Can you remove this ring?”

So it’s a restriction he can’t remove.

Catching his intent, Reina shook her head. “No, I don’t have that power. I can only see it.”

“I see.”

Michael couldn’t hide his disappointment, fidgeting with the ring as he pondered.

Something was off, but Reina couldn’t pinpoint it.

The energy in the ring was unfamiliar to her.

Could it be a restriction from the Emperor?

Come to think of it, in her past life, mentions of Michael ceased months before the Emperor stopped visiting the dungeon.

As she tried to recall, Michael put away the relic. “That’s enough verification. I’ll report to His Majesty.”

He stood, and Reina rose to follow, but he stopped her with a gesture.

“No need to see me out. I’m sure you’re not comfortable with me.”

With his usual polite smile, he left, instructing the waiting butler to show him to his room—maintaining his clear boundaries.

As soon as he was gone, Reina exhaled deeply.

Success. Michael hadn’t seen through her deception.

Chirp chirp.

Ritsi landed on her shoulder, nuzzling her with its beak.

At its warmth, Reina smiled faintly. “Good job, Ritsi.”

Chirp.

“We’re free now.”

She suppressed a surge of emotion.

No longer would the Emperor exploit her power.

From now on, it was hers alone to wield.

Gazing out the window, she recalled the morning’s events.

“A patrol in the eastern village found a guard turned to stone. Several young men from Gomel have gone missing too. I need to investigate.”

Kaiden, preparing to receive the delegation, had been troubled by the urgent report.

The victims were mostly young, handsome men.

Given the circumstances, it was likely a Medusa, an isolated demonic beast that fed on human vitality, turning those who met its gaze to stone.

Skilled at stealth, it was notoriously difficult to approach.

One wrong move could petrify you.

“Don’t worry about me and go.”

“How can I not worry? Who knows what Michael might do to you.”

“If it’s a Medusa, delaying will only cause more harm. I’ll be fine, so be careful.”

“I’ll return as fast as I can. If anything happens, contact me. I’ll drop everything to come to you.”