KCDT Chapter 12

“We’ve arrived at the gate, Your Highness.”

“Hmm. I’ll explain later.”

“Are we cutting it off here?”

Yujin was curious about the explanation he hadn’t heard, but for the three of them, Yujin’s rest was more important. Even though Haniel’s abilities might have healed his physical wounds, they couldn’t alleviate the fatigue that had built up over time.

Since carriages couldn’t be used at the gate, they had to get off, and Yujin, citing the lack of shoes, had to be carried in Cairo’s arms this time.

“Hold on a second. Do we really have to go like this?”

It was said to be a royal gate, so there must be many people around. It was embarrassing enough to be seen in such a disheveled state in front of all those people, let alone being carried like a child as before.

Yujin’s face turned red with embarrassment, but Cairo, finding his appearance charming, had no intention of putting him down.

“Your feet hurt, don’t they? And it’s okay. If anyone dares to mock Yujin, I won’t let them off easily.”

“No, don’t do that.”

How could people not stare when a prince of his stature returned carrying a disheveled man in his arms?

“Besides, wow, this is the gate? It’s huge.”

Yujin quickly changed the subject to prevent any other comments and marveled at the magic circle. Cairo chuckled cutely at Yujin’s all-too-obvious attempt to change the topic.

Regardless, Yujin was genuinely amazed and lost in admiration.

Semi-transparent emerald-like jewels floated in the air, and the ground was covered with complex patterns that glowed softly.

Yujin’s heart raced with childish excitement at the sight of such an unrealistic device, something he’d only seen in movies. He wondered if this was how he felt when looking at anything fascinating at Yujin’s old home.

Urich, who had completed the current gate, smiled contentedly at Yujin, who was engrossed in admiration. He then gestured for the approaching magician, who was about to operate the gate, to go away.

‘Yujin is enjoying it so much, where are you going.’

Moreover, Urich had to reveal that he was the one who created the gate and received plenty of compliments, so he couldn’t let this moment be disturbed. After ensuring the magician had left, Urich approached Yujin.

“Is it fascinating?”

“Yeah. Is it floating by magic?”

“Correct. Advanced magic stones are needed for teleportation, but there are only a few magicians who can refine them, so I carved all of them myself.”

As he casually mentioned his involvement, Yujin’s gaze swiftly turned to Urich.

“You made this?”

“Yes. From one to ten, I did it all by myself.”

His confident smile burst forth as he proudly spoke, drawing exclamations of admiration from Yujin.

“Wow, Urich, that’s amazing. How did you make something like this? Truly impressive.”

“Heh.”

Yujin, who had been marveling at the intricate patterns, looked up at the sound of a small laugh, only to see Urich quickly compose himself, pretending he hadn’t laughed.

However, having heard that laughter before, Yujin reached out to Urich, who was trying to appear serious and not amused.

“Oh, my, what a commendable young man. When did you grow up to make something like this? Oh, how praiseworthy.”

“Ah, well, it’s just this much. Ahem, the teleportation part is even cooler? I’ll show you.”

Urich, who had boasted hoping for praise from Yujin, felt ticklish and embarrassed by the sincere compliments and pats. Clearing his throat, he infused magic power directly into the magic stone.

“Wow…”

As if his words were not in vain, the translucent emerald magic stone began to glow with a transparent brilliance as magic power circulated through it.

The magic power flowed from the stone to the magic circle, emitting a bright light, and when Yujin opened his eyes again, they were in a different place.

“This is insane…”

Yujin couldn’t stop marveling at the teleportation, something he thought was only possible in his imagination. Urich’s shoulders rose with pride, much to Cairo’s annoyance, who didn’t like the sight at all.

“Gasp…!”

Then, turning his head forward, Yujin saw dozens of people lined up, bowing towards them.

“Welcome back, Your Highness.”

An elderly man, looking every bit the typical butler, bowed deeply to Cairo with a precise posture. One might expect surprise at the sight of the prince suddenly appearing with a man in his arms, but no such emotion was evident.

“Please prepare a bath and a meal right away.”

“I will make sure to prepare something light, so as not to overburden Your Highness. As for a physician, ah, I see that won’t be necessary.”

The butler seemed entirely uninterested in Yujin’s identity or circumstances, promptly setting the staff behind him in motion.

“Your Highness, I will take care of the guest.”

It wasn’t that the butler was entirely indifferent, as he reached out to Yujin. However, Cairo quickly frowned in displeasure, making the butler realize his mistake and bow in apology.

“My apologies.”

Had Yujin not been in his arms, the butler might have faced a more severe reprimand. The pallor of his face suggested he was well aware of this.

Yujin, oblivious to their silent communication, was left wondering why the old man was suddenly acting this way.

‘Did he give some kind of signal…?’

When Yujin finally looked back, guessing close to the truth, Cairo was all smiles, as if he’d never frowned in the first place.

‘Right, as if he’d signal anything. It must be because he’s the prince; they just know to read the room.’

Cairo’s gentle smile widened even more as Yujin returned it.

Everyone present held their breath and bowed even deeper, choosing to pretend they hadn’t seen what they couldn’t believe. Any hint of their real thoughts could cost them their necks or their jobs.

Only the seasoned butler managed to act with appropriate discretion.

“I will ensure the guest experiences no discomfort.”

However, Cairo found even the term “guest” for Yujin irksome. Why should Yujin be referred to as a guest? If Cairo wished it, Yujin could become the master of this royal household.

Indeed, should Cairo ascend to the emperor’s throne, Yujin would virtually be the master, for Yujin was his guide, his companion.

Seeing no need to hide this fact, Cairo decided it was time to reveal Yujin’s true status.

‘Well, it’ll be quite a sight to see them all turned on their heads.’

Ever since meeting Yujin, they had been astonished to see Cairo no longer suffering as before, even without a guide.

Back then, lacking power, Cairo had to hide Yujin’s existence, who wasn’t from this place. But now, things were different. Cairo, with a smile at the corner of his mouth, said,

“He’s not a guest; he’s my guide. See that he lacks nothing.”

That was all it took. The previously visible signs of confusion vanished, and the butler’s attitude changed immediately.

“We will serve with the utmost sincerity and care. Please forgive any rudeness.”

“Oh, no, it wasn’t really… there was no rudeness to speak of…”

“We are simply grateful for your magnanimity.”

‘Really though…’

Yujin was merely perplexed by the level of politeness, a stark contrast to earlier. It made sense for Cairo, being a crown prince, but why extend such formality to him as well?

Yujin, who had completely forgotten their earlier quarrel about companions and such, found the old man’s respectful demeanor simply uncomfortable.

“Let’s, uh, go quickly.”

“Right. To my room.”

Yujin, feeling both concerned and overwhelmed by the butler who remained bowed without moving, urged Cairo to leave. It was clear that the butler was deferential to Cairo, so convincing Cairo to leave seemed like the best option.

As a flustered Yujin clung closer, Cairo, with a smile tugging at his lips, took long strides towards his bedroom.

Haniel and Urich naturally intended to follow, but they were blocked by someone who, with sharp intuition, had discerned that all three were entangled with Yujin – the butler.

“It is an honor to have the Tower Master and the Pope visit the royal household.”

“Thanks for the hospitality, but could you move aside for now?”

Urich, visibly annoyed, spoke sharply, but the butler, with a chuckle reminiscent of a kind neighborly grandfather, did not budge an inch.

“You are aware that we must first record the names of the visitors, aren’t you?”

It was a natural procedure, given they had arrived without an invitation. However, both were unable to hide their irritation as Yujin and Cairo grew increasingly distant while they were detained.

“The butler is quite devoted, I see.”

Haniel murmured, his smile faint but his eyes chillingly cold. However, that was all. They had no intention of confronting the royal family at this point, and causing a scene here would only upset Yujin.

“Tch. Hurry up and lead the way.”

“Right away.”

The butler, bowing politely, walked at a pace that was neither too fast nor too slow, fully aware of the urgency felt by the two. They were left fuming, unable to bypass him until their names were recorded.

‘Damn, should’ve just warped back to the Tower.’

‘If we had gone to the Temple…’

Regretting their choice, they lamented that had they gone to their respective sanctuaries, renowned for their strict access, they might have remained by Yujin’s side. They moved on, filled with this regret.