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SEVERAL days later, Richard took me with him to the royal family’s villa. Situated in the center of a fantasy flower garden, the structure was cozy compared to the royal palace. There, we would be meeting a certain individual for the first time. The former Crown Prince Medaikonar’s older brother, the new Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Stevvay. He had been reinstated into the line of succession.
White furnishings filled the room softly illuminated by indirect sunlight. Lying on his bed, the current crown prince welcomed me and Richard with a smile as we bowed formally to him.
“Apologies for my unsightly appearance. It’s difficult for me to get out of bed.”
He resembled Medaikonar quite closely, but at thirty, he was seven years older than the former crown prince. Possessed of a fragile constitution, he was fair-skinned and ethereal. His neatly combed, long golden hair was tied back in a loose knot. His pale green eyes stared thoughtfully at me as I curtsied.
“Monica, is it? This is our first time meeting, hm? My family put you through much hardship.”
“I’m truly delighted to make your acquaintance, Your Royal Highness Stevvay.”
I hadn’t been able to meet him even when I had been in residence during my queen’s training. A terrible accident in his youth left half of his body paralyzed. He never left the villa for fear he would succumb easily to disease due to his weak constitution. Richard told me there were also some suspicious circumstances surrounding the accident.
Actually meeting him now, I found the new crown prince to be much more dignified and dependable than the rumors gave him credit for. I thought he would be able to capture people’s hearts much better than Medaikonar ever could.
Ah-ha, I understood now what Richard meant by the suspicious circumstances of his accident.
Taking his health into consideration, after making some small talk, I cut to the chase.
“If you’ll excuse me, Your Highness.”
“Yes, of course. I leave myself in your hands.”
Our purpose for visiting him today was to heal him with my saintly powers. Supported by his attendants, he sat upright on the bed, with his thin legs exposed over the bedside. I knelt in front of him. With my hands hovering over his legs, I cast my powers on him.
The crown prince closed his eyes and enjoyed the sensation of my supernatural abilities coursing through his body.
“Thank you… I can feel the pain receding. What a fine talent.”
There was only so much my saintly powers could do. They could improve blood circulation and lessen pain, but they couldn’t return a worn-down body to its former state. Of course, even casting my powers as the Arousing Priestess had no adverse side effect—unfortunately.
“I have decided. You no longer need to use your power on me. Save it for those in greater need than me.” His Royal Highness lowered his eyes softly and directed his gaze to Richard. “Prince Richard. I want you to give her the best place she belongs. That is my wish as Kophe’s next king.”
“Your will be done, Your Royal Highness.”
Richard bowed deeply. Then he quietly winked at me at an angle the crown prince couldn’t see.