Like A King | bl | WMMAP | ✓

C17: a dandelion on a windy day

C17: a dandelion on a windy day

The dusk sunlight peeked through the foliage, caressing his face. I was pushed away. Ijekiel bit the inside of his cheeks before making his way back to his room. He locked up his door, preventing anyone from coming in. As he sat on his bed, he recalled what happened that early afternoon.

Although he didn't know what happened at the palace, he cared more about Idris more than anyone. Even if he was friends with the princess, that person would always be his number one priority.

So when Idris ignored him and looked for the princess instead, it felt like his vision darkened for a moment.

Even at this time, his heart continued to throb in pain, his thoughts chaotic, and his eyes stinging from unshed tears.

"I was also worried for you, Idris," he whispered to the quiet. "Won't you even try and tell me you're alright? I know you were worried for her but you could have reassured me first that you're alright even if it was a lie." He had waited for him to finish checking up on the princess and yet—

— yet he never came out of her room, as if he had been forgotten in that instance.

It's alright, Ijekiel told himself. I'll just wait for his message tonight.

.

.

Idris never sent anything that night.

.

.

— that same day; after Ijekiel left —

Athanasia and Idris could be found sitting across from each other, the pair drinking tea after the princess finished informing the magician of what occurred that day. After hearing what happened to Claude, Idris couldn't help but frown.

"What that foolish emperor did should not have lead to losing his memories. Using his mana to stabilize your body's condition would never cause amnesia unless your mana itself attacks his mind. However, from what you told this one, that did not happen at all."

Across from him, Athanasia glanced at her clasped hands, the tips of her fingers turning pale with how tight she held them together. "None of the magicians in the palace could figure out what happened either. Not what happened to me nor what happened to my dad."

That helplessness and sorrow adorning her face caused an unprecedented anger to appear on Idris' normally prideful face. "This one shall go and see the emperor. You stay here."

Although the princess wanted to accompany him, she relented in the end when that look of hostility flashed in her mind. It would be better if she didn't appear before him for a while.

Upon leaving the room, Octavius — who had heard of Idris' awakening — knelt before the magician. "This servant failed to protect Lord Idris! Please issue a punishment."

"Nonsense," said Idris with a wave of his hand. "None of that has anything to do with you, Octi. Instead of getting your punishment, lead this one to see that emperor." Hesitation flickered in Octavius' eyes the second he heard that order.

"Lord Idris, about His Majesty..."

"This one is aware so lead the way."

Octavius bit his lower lip before pushing himself up from his kneeling position. "Then, please follow me."

Before taking another step, Idris paused. His eyes wandered around, looking for a youth with golden eyes. However, he couldn't see him. Did that child leave? "Lord Idris?" Octavius called out, snapping him out of his thoughts.