TOOCM 74

Chapter 74

“The North will likely suffer greatly in this 100-year cycle. No matter how hard he tries, the Duke alone can’t protect it all,” Michael said confidently, pleasing the Emperor, whose expression softened.

Feigning concern, the Emperor replied, “That’s unfortunate. The North is the Empire’s shield; I hope it avoids major damage.”

“With the Duke, the capital should be safe, Your Majesty.”

“Good. It should be.”

The Emperor smirked, tapping the armrest. “By the way, how’s the girl? Has she gained any weight?”

“Reina, you mean? She’s still thin but looked healthy.”

“You think I’m asking about her health?”

Michael faltered as the Emperor’s mood soured, clicking his tongue and revealing his true intent. “If she were pregnant, there’d be physical changes.”

“Oh.”

Michael realized the Emperor was probing about Reina’s pregnancy, recalling the secret letter. Bowing deeply, he said, “She’s not pregnant yet, but their bond seems strong. It’s only a matter of time.”

Satisfied, the Emperor’s face lit up with a smile. Leaning back like a sated predator, he mused, “How admirable. A useless child turning out so useful… Sometimes, the ones who grow on their own outshine those carefully groomed.”

He added cryptically, “The Eve children are special to me. Jeffery, and now Reina, are so endearing.”

It was the first time he’d mentioned the missing Prince Jeffery.

Had he not said “Eve,” Michael might not have connected him to Reina’s brother.

Trying to understand, Michael looked up, meeting the Emperor’s eyes.

A primal fear gripped him, cold sweat trickling down his spine.

“Indeed, an unexpected treasure. Not quite like Jeffery, but impressive enough,” the Emperor said.

Michael, hiding his trembling hands, replied calmly, “Such a pity, lost so young.”

“Pfft.”

The Emperor laughed silently, as if hearing a joke.

“Your Majesty…?”

“Yes, a pity. So young.”

“…”

“But I feel Jeffery will soon stand before me again. He’s a dutiful son.”

Dismissing Michael with cryptic words, the Emperor waved him away.

Leaving the audience chamber, Michael rubbed his arms. The corridor’s cold air felt warm compared to the chilling encounter.

Something’s off. I need to confirm.

Sensing unease in the Emperor’s words, Michael hurried to his study.

* * *

Chapter 8: One Year Later

A year had passed since Reina arrived in the North.

Crensia Castle bustled, preparing for the ducal couple’s first wedding anniversary and Reina’s birthday, which were close together.

Despite the 100-year demonic cycle, the North was surprisingly peaceful.

Though fiercer beasts emerged, Crensia subdued them early.

Rumors credited Aiden’s magical tools, but he had a secret helper.

“It’s embarrassing,” Aiden mumbled. “You do the work, and I get the praise.”

Reina replied calmly, “Without your tools, we wouldn’t have succeeded. You’re invaluable.”

“Why not just say it’s your doing? I only made them.”

“We’re all Crensia, aren’t we? Your success is mine, and mine is yours.”

Her firm refusal made Aiden sigh wistfully. “You make me sound useless.”

He still saw her as the Oracle’s proxy.

For the past year, she’d fed him information and clues for tool-making, posing as the Oracle’s intermediary.

Fortunately, the beasts followed patterns similar to her past life, allowing her to handle them without revealing her power.

Having seen the results, Aiden revered the Oracle and now held Reina in high esteem.

“Your ability is incredible. How do you pinpoint the beasts’ origins so quickly? Can I meet the Oracle in the capital?”

Reina laughed it off, unable to admit she was the Oracle.

Aiden was thrilled over their recent success with golems, a major Northern threat.

Their tough bodies had wrecked walls, causing growing damage.

But Reina devised a method to soften their bodies like tofu, letting them be sliced like radishes.

Better yet, their remains reinforced the walls, making them nearly impervious to most beasts.

With consecutive victories, the North thrived, defying the demonic cycle.

Aiden grabbed her hand. “This is all thanks to you coming to the North. My brother must’ve saved a nation in a past life to marry you.”

Reina awkwardly avoided his fervent gaze. “I just gave advice.”

But that didn’t quell his admiration. “No, without your guidance, I wouldn’t have developed those tools with such confidence. Not everyone has that creativity.”

“Really?”

“Yes! Honestly, you should be a professor at the Academy, not here. They lost a genius to Crensia.”

His praise flushed her cheeks, both embarrassing and gratifying.

Seeing her tomato-red face, Aiden toned down his excitement, lest she bolt.

“By the way, your latest tool request is intriguing. I never thought of using a beast’s core like that.”

“You’d have figured it out eventually.”

“You make me sound like a genius, and it’s embarrassing.”

She shrugged, knowing these were ideas he’d had in her past life.

Back then, timing had led to struggles, but now she ensured they were used effectively.

“I’ll have the tool ready on time,” he said.

“Thanks. By the way, how’s Dahlia lately?”

Reina’s casual question got an unguarded reply. “Now that you mention it, she’s been scheming something lately.”

“Dahlia?”

“I caught a glimpse.”

Aiden glanced around, then leaned in.

Reina, intrigued, leaned closer to listen.