Haven’t I smiled like this before?

    As I thought about it, it seemed true. My life up until now had been rather harsh. Despite that, I forced a small smile and said to Ardion, "Your Highness, if you have time, would it be possible to use a mana tracker?"

    After hearing my words, Ardion suddenly stood up. "No."

    His chest heaved visibly, though he kept his gaze fixed on mine, not avoiding my eyes.

    "But isn’t that the only way to find Derol?"

    "It''s dangerous."

    "Then, if I don’t search for him myself, could you at least teach me how to use a mana tracker?"

    He remained silent. Time was of the essence, and I couldn’t stand just sitting here helplessly. Finally, I lowered my head and made an effort to squeeze out a tear. When I looked up again, I slowly blinked. "Is it not possible?"

    My voice was pitiful, and Ardion’s eyebrows furrowed, his eyes wavering. It was as if his heart had been violently torn apart, and his gaze trembled with inner turmoil.

    I closed my eyes, then opened them again, and a tear fell from my cheek like a droplet of dew. "Could you at least teach me that? I''ve been here all day, and it’s driving me crazy."

    "Laila." Ardion’s voice was unusually soft, and for some reason, my heart stung.

    I blinked and looked at him.

    "Don’t pretend in front of me."

    “..."

    "I can tell."

    In an instant, my cheeks burned red. It was as if I had been caught doing something wrong, and guilt and shame rushed over me all at once.

    "Your Highness, I..." I hastily opened my mouth, trying to explain myself.

    But Ardion stepped closer, kneeled in front of me, and looked up. "And if you’re going to pretend, I’d rather you didn’t cry. It hurts my heart."

    He wiped the tear off my cheek with his hand. Then he lightly licked his finger, and the corners of his mouth curled up dangerously. "Isn’t this just another tear you’ve forced out?"

    For a moment, I thought I had misheard, but then I looked again. No, it was just too natural, and I found myself staring at him in disbelief.

    Noticing my gaze, Ardion looked up.

    "Why did you suddenly...?"

    "I’ve always been so curious about you."

    I was speechless. What in the world was he saying? I could understand his words, but understanding his feelings seemed impossible.

    I shook my head, trying to calm myself. Even though my mind was in turmoil, there was something I had to address first. "Then... you really won’t teach me how to use a mana tracker?"

    Ardion’s gaze was intense as it bore into me. His green eyes seemed unrelenting, as though there was no escape.

    This time, I didn’t avoid his gaze. We stared at each other for a long time. Ardion’s eyes were more focused on me than ever.

    Just as I was about to look away under the weight of his gaze, he spoke. "If you really want to use a mana tracker, then come with me."

    Come with him? For some reason, the idea didn’t sit right with me. I tried to sound indifferent as I asked, "Aren’t you busy?"

    "Rowell has taken over everything, so I’m free."

    "But don’t you have to meet with the nobles? I don’t think I should just go with you without a plan."

    "I actually have something to do too."

    At that point, I realized I needed to come clean. If Ardion was going to accompany me anyway, there was no avoiding it.

    "Actually, I’ve already found Derol."

    "What?" Ardion’s handsome brows immediately stiffened.

    I got up from the bed and walked to the closet. The sound of fabric rustling filled the air. I swung the closet door open wide.

    "Master!" Derol jumped into my arms. I petted his head as I turned toward Ardion. "Derol came to me, so the only thing I need to find now is the necklace you gave me."

    Ardion nodded lightly.

    Wow, it’s simpler than I thought.

    While I was inwardly amazed, Ardion held something out to me.

    “What is this?”

    “It’s a hat that prevents mana from escaping. It’s a rare treasure specially managed by the palace.”

    “Can you give me this?” I asked in confusion, but Ardion put the thin cloth hat on me.

    “This is for use when necessary. Leaving it here will just get it moldy.”

    Ardion’s words seemed strangely right, so I couldn’t think of anything to say in return.

    At that moment, Derol squeaked in my pocket. “Master, I’ll go with you.”

    “But you’ll be in danger if you’re with me.”

    “Master, I don’t mind dying. I will protect you until the end...”

    Ardion lifted Derol up, who twisted his body here and there, but he held him so he wouldn’t escape. In the end, Derol bit Ardion’s thumb.

    Ardion’s eyes became sharp.

    I held out my hand to him. He looked at Derol for a moment before putting him back in my hand.

    Derol raised his head and squeaked at Ardion. “Don’t grab me carelessly.”

    Ardion’s eyes turned cold, and he completely backed away from Derol.

    I patted Derol’s head lightly. “Derol, don’t worry too much. Ardion must be worried too.”

    Ardion’s gaze turned to me.

    I whispered in Derol’s ear, “If you want to go with me, swear that you will run away even if I’m in danger.”

    “Master!”

    “I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”

    I didn’t want to imagine Derol dying. He had been my only friend and family since we were in Duke Orchid’s mansion.

    “Master...”

    “If you don’t promise, I have no choice but to leave you here.”

    Derol lowered his head and nodded helplessly. I patted his head, and he lifted his head slightly, his black eyes sullenly downcast.

    “Don’t worry, Derol. I won’t be in danger. I’ll somehow escape before that happens.”

    “Then I will escape with you, Master.”

    I left that to Derol’s discretion.

    “Are you done?” Ardion was leaning against the wall, watching us.

    I nodded and put Derol in my pocket.

    When I activated the mana tracker earlier, it pointed north. If it was north from here, it was the forest beyond the palace. Also, the bottom of the compass was strangely red, so I was sure it was close to the palace.

    “Your Highness, I think Serina is nearby.”

    “That’s right, since Rowell is here.”

    Maybe the reason she took the necklace was to give it to Rowell, who badly wanted to kill Ardion.

    “Did she give that necklace to Rowell?”

    Ardion opened the door. When I left, he closed the armory completely. “Even if she did, it won’t be easy to use because it’s set to work with your mana.”

    When I heard that, Serina’s purpose became transparent.