No Entry Except for the Master - Chapter 52

Eventually, Teia summoned Hecate to the garden early one morning. It was a tea party invitation, supposedly to discuss literature with the famous author. Teia put aside his bad mood and greeted Hecate warmly as usual, wearing a friendly and gentle mask.

After exchanging trivial personal questions, Teia moved directly to the main topic.

“I looked into your books. Many are banned in the empire. As a member of the imperial family, I found your perspectives quite interesting. I’m curious about your interpretation of the myths involving the beastkin and spirits. Could you explain?”

Teia asked bluntly, trying to suppress emotion. Even if asked casually, an ordinary person might hesitate to speak negatively to a royal family member. But as a great writer, Hecate began explaining his views without hesitation.

“From my research, it’s true. Contrary to the empire’s myths, humans were the first to betray their lover, the beastkin king. The ones who were betrayed and massacred were the beastkin. Perhaps history is told from the victor’s side, so the empire inherited a human-centric story.”

“Honestly, I don’t think the myth itself is entirely credible. But you seem to believe it all. So, do you think spirits exist? And that spirits betrayed the beastkin?”

Hecate’s previously fluent words faltered. He paused for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts, then spoke in a tired voice quite unlike before.

“That point aligns somewhat with the empire’s myth. The spirits, disappointed in the beastkin after associating with humans, abandoned them.”

“Have you considered what happened after that?”

“Perhaps the spirits regretted that choice. They likely didn’t expect the beastkin king to die so easily after their disappearance.”

The more he spoke, the more unpleasant it felt. It sounded like humans had intervened and ruined the peaceful love between spirits and beastkin. No wonder these books were banned.

Having heard all he wanted, Teia prepared to end the meeting quickly. He had never intended to mention Lilith to him.

But Hecate deliberately brought her up, provoking Teia. Teia quickly hid the chill in his gaze and sipped his tea.

“I’ve heard rumors beyond the duchy that Your Majesty is very fond of your pet rabbit, but it’s a shame you didn’t bring it to the party this time.”

“It got injured in an unfortunate accident. It’s currently receiving treatment and resting. I wanted to show it off to everyone, but maybe next time.”

“I see… Your Majesty, although a pet is a fragile life, you must treat it carefully, both physically and emotionally. Otherwise, even animals might leave their owners to survive.”

Though the words sounded like concern, every word carried a sting. Teia gave a dry laugh, sensing sarcasm. Hecate was openly hostile. His gaze even hinted at blame.

“No need to worry. Whether human or animal, I have criteria for those I take in. Those who would die quietly before betraying me, those who cannot betray me even in death—only those I accept. So you don’t have to worry.”

Teia dropped his friendly, weak mask and met Hecate’s hostility with a fitting provocation.

“I love animals more than humans. If an animal I cared for would be happier leaving me, I would gladly wish them happiness and let them go. Isn’t that the attitude of someone who truly loves?”

“If that’s your belief, then follow it. I don’t believe in love. I trust more in emotional subjugation masked as love. So I’ll keep them tied to my side, whether in life or death, so they can’t leave on their own.”

Teia mocked Hecate’s sentimental ideals. Hecate quietly rose from his seat. After silently gazing at Teia’s face for a long while, he offered a polite bow.

“It’s unfortunate that Your Highness and I differ in our views. Thank you for the pleasant time.”

Teia didn’t stop Hecate as he turned and left. He kept a composed face until the end, but every word Hecate had said gnawed at his nerves.

The headaches that had disappeared since meeting Lilith had returned. Teia pressed at his temple and let out a low groan. Just like before, his chest tightened, and a stifling weight pressed down on him.