The light in the royal infirmary was soft, but the atmosphere inside was tense enough to snap a steel wire.
I woke up on a luxurious feather bed, my throat feeling dry like desert sand. The burning pain in my magic core had settled into a dull, rhythmic ache. Beside my bed, Prince Leo was sitting on a high-backed velvet chair, holding a glowing blue mana crystal against my forearm to soothe my overflowing spatial energy.
On the other side of the room, Chloe stood with her back pressed against the wall, her eyes glowing dangerous emerald as she watched Leo's hand touching my arm.
"You pushed your body too far, Rosel," Leo said softly, his golden eyes filled with genuine concern instead of his usual arrogant smirk. "Adrian told me your magic core is undergoing an abnormal evolution. You could have destroyed your own mana circuits during that duel."
"I am fine, Your Highness," I muttered, trying to pull my arm away, but Leo tightened his grip gently, refusing to let go.
"You always say you're fine," Leo whispered, leaning closer, his face inches from mine. "Why do you refuse to rely on me? I am the Crown Prince. I can give you whatever resources, protection, or status you desire."
*Ping!*
[Reading Prince Leo's Thoughts...]
*‘Her hand is so cold... I want to pull her into my arms and shield her from every threat in this empire. Why does she look at me like I'm a complete stranger?’*
"Because I don't need a protector, Your Highness," I replied, forcing Rosel's signature cold stare. "I need you to stay out of my way."
Before Leo could answer, Chloe stepped forward, her voice dropping into an icy, threatening whisper. "His Highness should release Lady Rosel's arm now. The royal physician explicitly stated that she requires absolute rest—without unnecessary physical contact."
Leo narrowed his eyes, turning his head toward Chloe. "You speak boldly for a simple maid, scholarship student. Remember your place."
"My place is right beside Lady Rosel," Chloe retorted smoothly, her wind mana swirling silently around her heels. "Where yours is clearly not."
* **[User_YuriSimp]:** *CHLOE IS STANDING HER GROUND AGAINST THE PRINCE! GO GIRL!*
* **[User_OrangeCat]:** *The tension in this room is higher than the final boss fight, LMAO!*
"Enough, both of you," I groaned, holding my forehead as a throbbing headache set in. "Prince Leo, thank you for the treatment. But I wish to return to my estate now."