I Tamed the Monstrous Prince - Chapter 62

Schedule: Wed and Sun

Chapter 62

“Delphina,” I asked, my voice taking on a strange, distant quality, “do you know how Lady Peregrino died?”

She startled, shaking her head rapidly, her fingertips trembling uncontrollably. “I, I wouldn’t know anything about such… unsettling matters…” Rumor had it that the woman who was almost the Crown Princess had died at the hands of the cursed prince. Until now, I’d believed it to be true.

“Did Cesar… truly kill her?”

Could the Cesar I knew be capable of such violence? He certainly possessed a volatile nature; there had been altercations with the Empress’s knights, and even physical confrontations with the servants, resulting in injuries.

However, his aggression seemed more defensive than malicious. Of this much, I was certain: there was always a reason behind Cesar’s outbursts.

“Did Cesar really… kill someone?” I murmured, and Delphina, looking distressed, lowered her head, clutching her apron tightly.

“S-Someone of my standing wouldn’t know such things.” Her evident discomfort prevented me from pressing further. My mind clouded with dark thoughts. “Right. I shouldn’t have asked.” We finished my morning preparations in strained silence, the atmosphere thick with awkwardness.

I spent the morning searching the Emerald Palace for Cesar, who had disappeared without a word. Where could he have gone, even skipping breakfast? “We’re supposed to start his new lessons today. Where is he?”

Just then, a small pebble landed at my feet. I looked up to see Cesar, perched atop the highest spire of the Emerald Palace. He was so high up, he looked no bigger than my little finger. There seemed to be just enough space for him to sit. The slightest movement could send him plummeting to the ground. Yet, there he was, waving cheerfully down at me.

“Heavens!” A sharp cry escaped my lips. “Cesar! It’s dangerous!”

A chill ran down my spine. He, however, seemed completely unfazed, while I fretted over the possibility of him falling. Ignoring my concern, Cesar suddenly shifted into a jumping position. I could hardly believe my eyes when he leaped from the spire.

I squeezed my eyes shut, unable to watch the horrific scene unfold. I didn’t want to see him fall to his death. But no matter how long I waited, there was no sickening thud, no sound of impact. Only the soft sound of footsteps approaching.

“Ren.” Cesar’s voice whispered my name near my ear, like a final farewell… A final farewell? “Huh?” I cautiously opened my eyes. Cesar stood before me, completely unharmed. I blinked several times, unsure if I was hallucinating. He was still there, perfectly fine.

“Hehe.” His lighthearted chuckle brought the reality of the situation crashing down on me. A wave of dizziness washed over me, followed by a surge of intense emotion. “You…” My heart pounded, my shoulders trembled. I wanted to scream, but no words came out, only ragged breaths.

“You idiot!” I burst out, my voice thick with tears. Cesar flinched, his eyes wide. “What if you had gotten hurt?!” I rushed towards him, frantically checking for injuries. He was completely unscathed.