—
After assessing myself, I tried to walk around the palace and look for some opportunity to escape soon.
I didn't have a plan yet on where I'm supposed to go, or what I'm supposed to do after escaping but for now I have to focus on walking in thin ice.
Especially since. . .
"What month is it right now?"
I asked a passing servant.
"Answering the first prince, it is currently the month of spring in the year of the solar calendar."
". . ."
'Fuck.'
I had to face it that I was put by some entity in a time when everything was already starting to get murky.
Because, in the month of spring, somewhere this month, the time when the empire celebrated the birth of the sixth prince born from the empress.
And so would be the time when the sixth prince, unfortunately, died from "sickness".
But actually, Helion found out that it was first elder his brother who slithered his way into the sixth prince's room and put a poisonous scent around the baby's room for the baby to inhale and get sick, dying quietly after.
It was the turning point of the story, the beginning of when Esteffan had to pull Helion down so he could be safe from getting caught. And when Helion's view of his brother would crumble.
"This is driving me crazy." I muttered and went for a turn towards the garden.
Surprisingly, there was no one around, no maids, butlers, or gardeners, making it the perfect peaceful area to think.
I sat down and began trying to assess the situation.
Esteffan was someone bad, badder than bad, so why did I even transmigrate into his body?
I didn't do anything wrong in particular to be put like this!
But. . . If I knew It was going to be like this, maybe I should have finished reading Esteffan's special POV document that I put off. Maybe then I could've try to escape whatever he was trying to do.
"Hoo. . . this is a really tough place for an old timer like me " It just occurred to me that Esteffan right now was only 15, and he died when he was 23.
While I, Kang Jungwon, died at the age of 35.
This sucks.
Just then, a servant ran with no breath inside the garden looking for me, telling the orders given to him.
"First prince! T-the Duke. . . Duke Winchester is looking for you. . .!"
I blinked and tried to remember who Duke Winchester was but–
"Okay, you can go now. Please just bring Duke Winchester to the garden, and let some servants prepare us some tea."
"Yes, your highness!" The servant's cheek flushed from my smile and ran away.
I squished my cheeks, thinking that even when Esteffan had no gift of magic or aura, he sure knew how to charm people with his face alone. Maybe that's why he appeared both harmless and devious.
After waiting a couple more while, the tea were served into one of the tables in the garden and now I was only waiting for Duke Winchester to come.
Clack. Clack.
The sound of good quality shoes reverberated into the peaceful garden and I looked at where it came from.
"!!!"
Seeing a man in his early twenties, dark hair and red eyes– it made me recall those cliche Duke of the North male leads.
"Good afternoon, your highness the first prince."
". . .Duke Winchester, nice to see you today,"
Holy crap! He's really handsome and cool!
Now I remembered him.
Duke Klios Winchester, Duke of the East and one of the 3 Ducal families currently serving the imperial family to his fullest to make sure that a proper emperor could be created.
However that tradition of all Winchester seemed to crumble the moment Klios saw Helion, the male protagonist.
He made sure that moment on to follow the man with extreme loyalty, and eventually became a prominent person that aid Helion on his way to kill off Esteffan.
Why is such a man here. . .? Was this in the novel?
"I'm sure you must think I'm delaying my words, so I'll cut to the chase your highness." Duke Klios chuckled and sipped on his tea.
"Your highness, you should know that the current empress is pregnant with the sixth prince, yes?"
". . .Yes, and why would you bring that up into the topic?"
Clang.
Duke Klios calmly slammed his teacup down making me flinch, but his eyes seemed to conceal his true thoughts as well.
Klios gazed down on the flowers and opened his mouth.
"We have received reports that a few nobles have already gathered up to discuss the use of an unborn child, and I know this is not your problem, but your highness. . ." Klios suddenly looked me straight into the eyes.
"If this continues, the balance in this power struggle is going to continue, an innocent baby will be used and abused, so I hope that you will do something about this."
'Goosebumps! He looked so fierce.'
Inside, I was questioning why would Klios come here and play words with me, especially since it concerned the victim Esteffan was going to kill. And now he's actually saying I should do something about it?
". . .I'll try to do my best," I nodded after thought and went to see him off.
Suddenly, I got an idea.
"Ah, Duke Winchester, I'd like to walk with you out of the palace so that you can exit comfortably," I said with a smile.
So did he, "That's wonderful, your highness."
But I wasn't just going to send him out that easily!
I quietly asked a servant where the fourth prince was and fate did not disappoint, Helion was with the knights sparring. I decided to take Klios there first to at least let him get familiar with the person who will become the Emperor soon.
When we got there, I could hear the clashing if wooden swords.
"Hap!"
"Ugh! Nice one prince Helion!"
"Haa. . . you guys are really sturdy!"
"Haha!"
Hearing the cheers, both Klios and I grew curious about what was happening. When we came there, I finally saw the protagonist who was currently sweaty and dirty from the spar.
However that did not hide his beauty, and I must say– he really does outshine Esteffan in every way.
"What a strong one, right your highness?" Duke Klios suddenly commented and I nodded.
"He has. . . potential." To be the greatest hero.
It seemed like Helion noticed us finally and waved, coming over with a slight smile on his face.
12 years old Helion who had nothing but hope and happiness on his shoulders right now. He seemed so innocent that I really couldn't understand why Esteffan was so shrewd unlike his brother.
"Edler brother! Did you come to join us?"
"Eh, no. Duke Klios and I were just passing by as I send him off back,"
"Oh!" Herion finally looked at Duke Klios which looked at him strangely. He bowed and greeted, "I greet the Duke,"
"I greet the fourth prince as well," Duke Klios hid his thoughts again and smiled at Helion.
I thought, 'This should be good enough.' and finally sent him back after a few talks with Helion.
"Aaah! Such a long day," I plopped on the bed and dozed off.
It seemed that Esteffan was not aware. How he had finally flapped his wings to start the hurricane crashing down on this world.