“Worry that unsanitary conditions will affect the Prince's health.”
Perhaps she thought I wouldn't be able to live in this place, so she prepared herself to protest openly.
So I was a bit surprised when I saw Countess Elvira's perfect smile suddenly stop.
"Soon the maids will be managing this place. Really, this is completely unexpected."
"I understand. Please convey your thanks to the Queen for your concern."
I sent her off with a determined smile on my face.
In this vast palace, there are certainly palaces that operate perfectly. Leaving me in such a remote place was like a form of mental torture. A cheap warning, wanting to humiliate me, impose on me with power.
“Ha…”
But, to be honest, compared to what I endured in the Flores family, this level of 'torture' is just child's play.
It's so laughable that I want to burst out in laughter. A petty, despicable thing that doesn't bother to hide. I just curled my lips.
“It's not much different here.”
The palace maids arrived, announcing that the bath had been prepared.
“Your Highness, please allow me to take a bath.”
I shook my head slightly, my eyes turned to the floor. I don't want anyone to see my damaged body.
“No need for a maid to bathe me anymore.”
With that, they retreated, and I only soaked myself in the warm water when I was sure they were completely gone. Feeling like your body is melting and tired with the flow of water.
When he finished bathing, the palace maids were waiting.
“Dinner is ready.”
“Where is the prince?”
"Upcoming."
Elvira told me that Cesar and I would use the Emerald Bow together. At least, when Cesar is around, there will be reliable backing. Even though he was considered 'cursed', he was still the prince of an entire nation.
With that thought, I sat at the dining table, waiting for Cesar.
But that naive thought was quickly shattered.
“Oh my god!”
The sound of metal vibrating made me realize that this situation was no different from a crazy palace.
I jumped up, because before my eyes, Cesar was again tied up with iron chains, pulled in by the knights.
“Uh…yeah!”
His mouth was still gagged with leather, his words turned into meaningless noise.
The whole body was scratched and bruised, clearly visible, and had never been treated. This treatment is no different from that of a wild animal.
“Why are humans treated like this!”
I rushed forward, but a knight stopped me:
"Shh, step back. Otherwise, you'll get bitten."
Cesar raised his head, his eyes as sharp as last night, red and full of hatred.
He curled up, breathing rapidly, his dark left hand moved, black veins bulging. The iron chain was stretched, twisted, then bent like candy.
“B-you bastard!”
The iron chain was torn, part of his binding was released.
The knights held sticks to suppress the orderly approach, making him more alert. I could only stand and watch, amazed.
“Uh…uh…”
Cesar lost his reason, his eyes were red, and black veins appeared on his forehead. Ready to pounce on anyone. Immediately the knights used sticks to block him from the floor. A person pressed a towel to his mouth, seemingly laced with anesthetic.
He struggled, his eyes gradually blurred, then became motionless.
I watched with both horror and tension. The knights, as if they were used to it, removed the towel, lifted him onto a chair, and tied him with iron chains.
A knight softly warned:
"Don't touch the gag or the iron chain. Otherwise, your fingers will be in danger."
Then he handed me a bottle of anesthetic, telling me to throw it in Cesar's face if necessary. They retreated, leaving me in a daze.
Immediately, the servants put food on the table. Cesar and I were the only ones sitting still.
“What is this…”
Looking at them carrying things, no one dared to meet my eyes. The table was full of meals, then they withdrew, leaving us alone.
“So how can I eat this…”
I quickly realized, Cesar's gag was not completely sealed, there were bars, through which food could be inserted with forceps.
“What is this?”
I shook my head as I looked at the plate of food. They had no intention of treating Cesar kindly. There was no one for me to ask for help.
“Hey…”
I decided to call Cesar. This is the second time. He remained lying still, unresponsive.
“Sigh…”
I sighed, looking closely at his face, the bruises and scratches.
“Oh my god…”
The wound is still fresh and clearly visible. Just this morning, they were unprecedented.
“This is crazy…”
I remembered how the knights brought him in, and I couldn't help but be stunned.
"Even if he is cursed, he is still royalty. How can he behave like that..."
Indignation rose, my throat burned. I know how painful it feels to be treated like that.
His breathing was rapid, his body shaking in pain. I put my hand on his shoulder, Cesar was startled as if touched by fire, then trembled.
“Uh…uh…”
I am no longer afraid. A gasp came through the gag, his eyes looked at me.
“…Cesar.”
I called his name, slowly. At least, there must be one person who does. Cesar took a quick breath.
“…Ah…”
My eyes met his eyes, my heart sank and ached.
He understood what I said last night. Maybe this time too.
I carefully and slowly raised my hand.
“I'm going to take this off now.”
I admit fear. His red eyes full of hatred and alertness made my heart pound. But I think, this has to be done, because no one deserves to be treated like that.
His hand touched the lock, Cesar pulled hard, the iron chain clanged
king
.
The lock opened, the gag loosened, he shook his head like a big dog, his face still marked with binding marks.
“Uh…uh…”
He roared again, appearing ferocious. But I know, deep inside, it's just fear. I called his name again, softly.