abcnovels
Chapter 20:
Chapter 20:
Chapter 20:
Insomnia is a disease that can recur at any time. But! Youre in luck. Because youre visiting me, Gilbert, the second most renowned physician in the empire.
......
If you drink this medicine, youll fall asleep instantly.
Ascal eyed the doctor suspiciously.
This was an era where the touch healing of priests, potions, and healing magic existed. Thanks to magic, some areas of the empire had advanced beyond modern standards. However, medicine was not one of them.
In a place where jesters could stick a needle in someone's hand once and were immediately hailed as doctors, that was the current state of imperial medicine.
May I inquire about the ingredients of the medicine?
Hmm. Normally, I dont disclose the formula to outsiders but...
Having been in public service for a long time, Ascal could sense the underlying opportunity in Gilberts tone.
Ascal placed a shining silver coin on the desk. In a flash, Gilbert pocketed it.
His sleight of hand was impressive; it hinted he might be skilled in surgery.
But! For the sake of my patients, theres nothing I wont share! This sleeping pill consists of a devils herb, mixed magic stone powder, animal tranquilizer, and chamomile. All personally compounded by me, a medical doctor.
I see. Ill be taking my pet goldfish for a walk then.
Wait! Dear patient!
Ascal didnt want to sleep forever.
So he quickly excused himself.
In the empire, it might be best not to visit hospitals.
****
Its time to return as the Prince of the Night.
Ascal applied oil to his hair, donned a black cloak, and put on the half-mask he had purchased from the flea market at the outskirts.
Despite the vendor trying to mark up the price claiming its antique value, he had managed to buy it at a bargain after some intense haggling.
He looked like a figure entirely draped in black.
Using a silver mirror, Ascal checked his appearance and felt a hint of embarrassment.
If Sushia were to see him like this...
<What is this, Director-nim? The Prince of the Night? Ahahaha! Isnt that something you outgrow when youre young?>
How mortifying.
She must never discover me like this.
Ascal cast a self-hypnotic spell. You must respect me. I am the Prince of the Night. The observer who oversees the night, the mastermind of darkness...
Perfect.
After mumbling the self-hypnosis like a mantra for a while, Ascal finally immersed himself entirely in his role as the Prince of the Night.
Its time for the night to welcome its master.
As Ascal swirled his cloak and stepped outside, he paused. The hem of his cloak got caught in the door. After struggling for a moment, he finally freed the hem. It was a close call.
****
The Empires Second Princess, Serena Barba, had been in quite a sour mood lately.
She was originally a sensitive person, but recently she had become so low-key that even the maids close to her started to notice the change in her.
Your Highness.
What is it?
Serena, sitting askew in her chair, tapped on the armrest, a silent expression of her displeasure.
Weve found him. The black-haired prince who recently visited the empire.
Really?
Serenas face lit up.
Her mood instantly brightened.
He will be visiting us shortly.
Really? Im not looking weird now, am I? No stray hairs, eyebrows well-groomed?
Yes, you look impeccable.
No, I should do it over. Starting with the dress.
With a fluttering heart, Serena inspected her attire. It was crucial to appear natural during their first meeting. Not too much, yet not lacking either.
With the help of her maid, Serena, deeming herself to be in perfect condition, sat calmly in her chair, waiting.
Do I look alright?
Yes, you look absolutely beautiful, Your Highness.
Three minutes passed.
Is the lipstick a bit too bold? Should I redo it?
No, its fine.
Another five minutes passed.
No, this isnt the right dress for our first meeting. I want to change.
Just as Serena was about to stand up to change her outfit, she had no choice but to stop.
The guest had already arrived.
The prince is entering!
The doors were slowly opening.
Serena nervously fiddled with her ears as she awaited the door to fully open. It had been a while since she felt this anxious.
Hmm. I didnt realize the princess was looking for me.
And there appeared the black-haired prince.
With a deep gaze, the prince smiled graciously at Serena.
Why were you looking for me? Oh, dont be shy. Youre as beautiful as Ive heard.
Flowing like silk, her stunning red hair complemented her pale skin, and eyes that seemed crafted from rubies.
The prince openly admired the princesss appearance.
Princess?
Serena, without uttering a word, looked up at the prince.
Its not you, she whispered.
What do you mean?
His chubby cheeks glistened, as if he had only ever dined on the most lavish foods. An air of navet surrounded him, suggesting he had never experienced hardship.
The expensive clothes, laden only with expensive gems, were of colors so bright they hurt the eyes. They betrayed an absolute lack of artistic sense.
This prince was not the one she was searching for.
A coldness settled in Serenas crimson eyes.
Leave.
How rude, Princess. This could escalate into a serious diplomatic incident...
I said leave.
His body stiffened, as if being watched by a snake. With a gasp, the prince stumbled backward, then bolted out, kicking the door in his haste.
Noella, you brought the wrong person?
I will accept any punishment you see fit.
...Haa. No, thinking about it, finding such a person couldnt have been that easy.
Serena heaved a sigh.
This had become somewhat troublesome.
The prince who had just left was, after all, merely a prince of a small island nation. Even weaker in status than a baron of the empire. The chances of this escalating to a diplomatic issue, as he had suggested, were close to nil.
The real issue lay elsewhere.
How can I see him again?
An answer came to her.
Thats right. Lets hold another play.
The Prince of the Night seemed to have a fondness for the arts.
If we do that, he will come back.
The princess smiled.
****
Ascal felt an eerie chill as he walked the streets at night. Despite his thick cloak, he hadnt expected to feel this cold...
Regardless, he had a destination in mind.
'Moonlight Theatre.'
After turning at the three-way intersection, a familiar alley appeared. In that place, the wandering musician was still playing his music.
Ah, sir!
Ascal flipped a coin towards him. This time, it was a silver coin.
Whoa! This is too generous.
Not at all. Thanks to the troupe you told me about, I had a wonderful experience.
Is that so, sir? Then, have you heard the news?
What news are you talking about?
The words from the wandering musician were shocking.
The Moonlight Theatre has failed. Due to financial hardships, they can no longer sustain the troupe.
This couldnt be.
Ascal, suppressing his initial reaction, responded in character as the Prince of the Night.
Ah, so the unfortunate moment has finally come. Its truly saddening that the troupe which stirred my emotions has met such a tragic end.
Still, they mustve been happy to have been able to perform for you, sir. Perhaps I can recommend another troupe that might touch your heart?
Please do.
Who knows? Maybe he would encounter someone else capable of curing his insomnia. With a hint of anticipation, Ascal went to the troupe the musician had recommended.
.
.
.
.
Ah! Isolde! You are truly beautiful!
Not Isolde again?
Ascal patiently waited, hoping to see that girl from the other troupe once more.
However,
The play was merely an assault on the ears, and no matter how long he waited, that girl never appeared.
If anything, the little sleepiness he felt vanished entirely, leaving Ascals eyes bloodshot.
I must find her.
He began to wander the streets at night.
He was very tired.
Yet sleep eluded him.
It felt like he could die.
Please... save me. Where the hell are you?
At this rate, hed be more of a ghost of the night than its prince.
He drifted from one troupe to another for a while, but he never saw that girl.
I want to see. I want to hear. That girls voice.
He still couldnt forget.
Upon hearing the first note, the girls soft voice had naturally lulled him to sleep, as if playing theta brainwaves. It felt like she was the very embodiment of a siren.
If Id known, I wouldve at least asked for her name...
Regret filled him for leaving so abruptly to maintain his cool demeanor.
Sighing deeply, Ascal headed into a theatre where the lights were still on, clutching at straws.
And then.
Upon seeing the girl on the stage, he instantly knew.
It was her.
Ive found her! My remedy for sleep.
[TN: You can support the translation and read 3 chapters ahead of the release here on Patreon: /OracleTls]