Life as a Tower Maid: Locked up with the Prince - Chapter 267

Chapter 267

Translator: Yonnee

—

Her power might have the potential to influence more minds and hearts than my magic ever could.

Tampering with a person’s will is something not even the most powerful mages could do lightly.

Magic that controls people or dictates death is forbidden and considered as dark magic.

So, even instilling a minor wish in people is a significant thing.

“And I have a favor to ask, using that power of yours.”

It would be a waste to let her ability go unused.

“Please make a dish for me.”

I thought of an appropriate way her ability could be effectively utilized.

* * *

The wish I requested from Seo Ina was for people to speak the truth after eating her cooking.

Seo Ina looked stunned to hear what I said. At first, she tilted her head to the side in confusion, but she soon clapped her hands together once.

“I support your love.”

With a determined face, Seo Ina murmured and happily agreed to prepare the food.

She must have thought I intended to use the food on Albert.

Her attitude, though ensnared in misconception, wasn’t entirely wrong, especially given Albert’s recent state.

Albert has been extremely averse to spending time apart from me. He had people follow me wherever I went, too…

Though I hadn’t made it obvious to Albert, I knew that Schubert was watching—no, ‘keeping an eye’ on me—thanks to Blanc catching on and telepathically informing me.

I didn’t let on.

Schubert merely checked my whereabouts while making an effort to respect my privacy, and he only ever did that whenever Albert wasn’t by my side.

This made it clear that Albert’s mental state wasn’t as relaxed as it appeared.

He just hasn’t opened up about it.

…I’d be lying if I said his obsessive and somewhat irrational disposition didn’t scare me. But even that, I can accept because it’s him.

I’m just sad that Albert doesn’t realize this.

If waiting a bit longer doesn’t work, I’ll have to pin him down for a serious talk.

People need communication. Most discord in human relationships stems from a lack of it.

While pondering over Albert, I also diligently prepared for my promise with Seo Ina.

In front of her, I showcased all sorts of magic using water, fire, earth, and wind, fulfilling her curiosity.

“Wow!”

Like a child brimming with joy, Seo Ina clasped my hands once more, her expression mirroring the one I had when I first tasted her cooking.

“Please call on me anytime you need, Jung-in-nim.”

Tempted by her offer to call her whenever, I thought the time was now. I confessed my feelings to Seo Ina.

“I’ve actually wanted to hire you as my personal chef for a while.”

“But I’m already a palace chef?”

But being a palace chef means I can’t call on you whenever I want. Being affiliated with the palace comes with its restrictions.

I wanted the freedom to summon Seo Ina at my leisure to prepare whatever dish I desired. I had the means for it.

I knew if I asked Albert, he would immediately make Seo Ina my dedicated chef, but I didn’t want to rely on him for everything.

With a serious face, I delivered a line worthy of a K-drama’s male lead.

“I’ll give you as much money as you desire.”

I might not know exactly how much is in my account, but surely I can offer more than a palace chef’s salary.

Or, I could leverage my position as a dragon’s contractor to earn the money…

“Perhaps five times your current salary?”

As a last resort, I could pour the empress’s allocated funds onto Seo Ina’s lap.

So, how about it, Unnie? That’s too much money for you to refuse—

“But I’m already receiving more than enough.”

…It seems Seo Ina has different thoughts.

Though capitalism makes the world go round, there are still things that money can’t buy.

Thus, my first attempt to scout Seo Ina ended in a glorious failure.

* * *

The day before meeting Rosé Artius, Mercy came to visit my room.

It was a rare moment when Albert was away from my side, and it seemed Mercy had timed her visit accordingly.

While I was enjoying a pleasant tea party with Blanc sitting in front of me, Mercy, with a desperate voice, grabbed my hand. These days, a lot of people are grabbing my hand.

“Sister, please save me.”

Seeing her in trademark red short hair, which suited her well, I saw prominent dark shadows under her eyes.

Why though? I thought all the things that were troubling Albert were already gone…

But apparently, not quite.

Ah, because Rosé Artius was still around.

Given Mercy’s ability to cast illusion magic that affected Rosé and Albert’s nature, it made sense that Mercy was currently suffering.

A wave of pity for her surged within me.

“How can I save you?”

Mercy, as if having found her savior, smiled and stood up.