Chapter 64 - Her Highness Amelia

“Why is Daddy looking for holy relics?” I started thinking about what I had seen the day before. The novel never mentioned that he was looking for holy relics. 

Holy relics were relics left by holy individuals, but they had a different meaning in this world. Here, they were legacies left by priestesses. Most of them were given by God in certain situations. If used properly, they could revive the dead or even turn back time. However, the one downside was that they couldn’t grant every single wish.

“Which holy relic is he looking for?” There were many good ones, and I didn’t know which of them he wanted. ‘Did he become a villain because of this?’ I thought about it for a while but still didn’t have a clue. 

“I need my people.” There was only so much that I could find out on my own. I went to meet my right-hand man, Ludwig.

“…You’re saying that Claud disappeared?” I frowned when Ludwig gave me the news. It was the last thing I wanted to hear. “He went missing a few days after he left the city. The area he was in is full of monsters, so the temple presumed he’s dead.” 

“Huh? The temple didn’t do anything to Daddy?” I frowned and shook my head. I couldn’t understand what they were thinking.

“Well, anyway, how’s Harel doing?” 

“Harel ate some breakfast and then immediately went back to sleep.” 

“Are you sure he’s getting better?”

“The doctor says he is.” 

I didn’t like how slow his recovery was, but I trusted the doctor. The real problem was next, “And Kais?”

“Well…” Ludwig’s expression froze. 

“It’s fine, just tell me,” I urged. Ludwig seemed reluctant as he sighed, “It’s not looking good. The paladins are on high alert, and the slaves don’t even want to go near him.”

“Really?”

“There’s what you said before, and although the atmosphere seems better, there’s still a wall between him and the others.” 

“They probably think he’s getting better treatment or something.”

“Yes, I think so too.”

“So, how did Kais react?”

“He hasn’t done anything,” I laughed involuntarily. I had expected as much from Kais. He didn’t care about anything that didn’t concern his younger brother. ‘He has no social skills.’ He wasn’t cute for a kid, but that’s why I wanted to take care of him. 

“I think…” Ludwig chose his words carefully, “…He wants to be alone.” 

“Alone?” It was an unexpected suggestion. 

I looked at Ludwig for a while. He turned red and quickly explained himself, “It seems that he doesn’t care what other people think of him. He’d rather be alone than close to others—that’s the vibe he’s giving off.” Ludwig wasn’t wrong; that’s Kais in a nutshell. Truth be told, he was lonelier than most people. 

“Do you dislike Kais?” 

“He’s still a child. It’s not a matter of liking or disliking him.” 

“But everyone else hates him. He’s not cute at all.” He didn’t have any adorable qualities: he was curt, hid his emotions, and didn’t welcome anyone. It was difficult for people to warm up to him, which was why he was often bullied. 

I didn’t know what to do with him. I wanted to hide him away and feed him until he was happy and healthy, but the current situation made it difficult to do so. 

“Hmm…” I suddenly wondered if there was a rich family who liked kids and would adopt him.

“Ludwig, do you trust me?” I asked. Ludwig widened his eyes at my abrupt question. 

“Yes, I do,” He replied in a heartbeat. There was some use in brainwashing him after all. I was gratified to see how different he was from before. 

“Well then, how much do you like me?” 

“Pardon?” Ludwig’s face reddened in confusion. 

“How much do you like me?” I didn’t let him off the hook that easily; he had to give an answer! I made a sad face, and Ludwig glanced over at Luciana before replying, “As much as the world and sky…” 

It was a lot more than I expected. I grinned widely in satisfaction when Luciana piped up in a monotone voice, “I like you more than the world and sky and space.” While Ludwig looked confused, she smiled victoriously at him. 

“…?” ‘Why are you happy to have beaten him? What did you win?’

“Keuk!” Ludwig clenched his fist in anger.

‘Why are you mad?’ I looked at the pair, who had suddenly become rivals in love. Puzzled, I tilted my head. ‘What’s going on?’