Extra S*ave Saves the Crown Prince Chapter 13

The heat that started in my arm spread throughout my entire body. My throat was dry, my mouth parched, and my head felt heavy. Whenever that happened, something cool brushed across my forehead. I liked that sensation so much that I think I tried to grab it with my hand. The cold, large hand felt so good that I kept holding onto it, unwilling to let go.

Even before I came into this slave’s body, I lost my parents early and had to endure alone. I never thought of myself as unfortunate. I simply accepted it as fate and lived each day as best as I could. The reason I was able to endure the work of a slave was because the days of my previous life had built up calluses. Both on my body and in my heart, I had grown calluses from trying to overcome what was given to me.

But still, sometimes I wished for it. That when I was sick, someone would stay by my side and watch over me. That they would sincerely care for me, praying for my recovery. That they would wipe away my tears if I cried.

So, even in my hazy state, I was comforted by the presence I felt beside me. I liked the hand quietly held in mine so much that I wrapped both my hands around it. If possible, I wanted to stay like that forever. I wanted to cherish the feeling of someone watching over me when I was ill for a long time. I was so happy that I kept smiling, even though I was in pain.

“Sez.”

I liked hearing that low voice resonate with emotion. If it meant feeling this warm and cozy, I wouldn’t mind being even sicker. I prayed an impossible prayer, sincerely wishing I could stay ill like this for a long time.

＊ ＊ ＊

“Your Majesty. He must not be kept in the palace any longer. How long are you going to let things slide like this?”

It was rare for the Empress to visit the Current Emperor’s office during the day. The Current Emperor sighed, sensing just how important this matter was to her.

“How many days has Shihien even been in the palace for you to say this?”

“Please don’t let him attend the princess’s memorial anymore. It’s absurd. I can’t stand by and watch any longer.”

“Empress. He is the Crown Prince of the Empire.”

“I’m not sure he deserves that title. Your Majesty, you heard it yourself—he wasn’t supposed to live long, but look at him. He only seems healthier.”

“It sounds like you’re hoping for his death.”

“Aren’t you, Your Majesty?”

“Empress! You’re going too far.”

The Empress’s first child, Shihien, killed two maids and a midwife with an explosion of power the moment he was born. If not for the priest who had come to bestow a blessing, the Empress herself would not have survived.

From that moment on, she never acknowledged him as her son. She believed a monster had been born using her body. It was horrifying.

“If he must stay in the palace, at least allow a barrier. You never know when he might explode. He shouldn’t be allowed to wander around the palace like this. Your Majesty, what will it take for you to listen to me?”

“He’ll be returning to Enafok soon anyway.”

“Of course he should. But right now, this very moment! He’s in the palace. Even if the Crown Prince’s quarters are separate, I can’t feel at ease. Just look at our princess…!”

She paused, perhaps choked up, to compose herself.

“Your Majesty, I can’t breathe easy for a single moment. I’m so anxious about what incident he might cause next that I can’t sit still.”

“I’ll discuss the barrier with the Pope.”

The Empress usually had a cold demeanor, so when she showed such vulnerability, the Current Emperor found her even more delicate. The side of her that only he could see was both lovable and pitiful. He got up from his chair and ended up embracing the Empress.

“He’ll be leaving soon, so don’t worry too much.”

“Your Majesty… I’m afraid.”

The Empress leaned further into his chest. The Current Emperor comforted his frail wife, gently patting her.

『He won’t be able to endure for long with that innate power.』

The palace physician. The priests from the temple all said the same thing. They said it was not a power a human vessel could withstand. That as the day of his birth came around each year, the pain would only grow greater. There were even historical records of royal family members who had gone mad and wasted away from the pain. That case was