Since then, people feared magic.

Magicians became very rare, but when one appeared, people didn't admire them. Instead, they hated and feared them.

Leon was the first magician seen in many years.

Because of that, everyone would treat him the same way.

The imperial family probably wouldn't kill a child immediately, but people would always look at him with fear and disgust.

They would see him as a monster.

I know exactly how that feels, I thought bitterly.

Being treated like you don't belong. Being thrown away like trash.

"Ugh! This is a disaster!"

I groaned and grabbed my hair in frustration.

"How am I supposed to fix this?"

I threw myself onto my bed.

Then a terrifying thought entered my mind.

Wait... what if Leon escapes later?

What if he comes back and destroys the empire to get revenge for being imprisoned?

My stomach twisted.

I could already imagine the future villain seeking revenge.

"No, no, no!"

I quickly sat up.

"That can't happen!"

I stared at the bed canopy with determination.

"I have to save him."

"I have to get him out of prison."

*****

The Next Morning

Creak...

I slowly opened the door to Kevin's office.

Inside, Kevin was reading documents with a serious expression.

Beside him stood Ravy, who looked completely exhausted.

"Papa," I called softly.

The cold atmosphere instantly disappeared.

Kevin's face lit up with happiness.

"Yes, my precious daughter!" he said immediately. "What's wrong? Did you miss your Papa?"

"Yes." I smiled sweetly.

"I missed you very much."

"Really?!"

"Really."

Kevin looked even happier.

If he had a tail, it would probably be wagging.

Perfect. This is my chance.

"Papa... there's actually something I want."

Kevin immediately leaned forward.

"What is it? Tell me! I'll get it for you right away!"

I lowered my eyes shyly.

"Actually..."

"I want to meet the boy from yesterday."

"I want to see magic."

"What?"

The room became silent.

Ravy immediately stepped forward.

"Princess, that's impossible!"

He looked panicked.

"Forbidden magic is dangerous! You could get hurt!"

"But Bella really wants to see it."

I turned toward Kevin.

Leon Rescue Plan #1: Use cuteness.

"Papa, please?"

I clasped my hands together and made my eyes sparkle.

"I just want to see the pretty magic."

Kevin's serious expression cracked.

A helpless smile appeared on his face.

Then he looked at Ravy.

"Arrange the meeting."

"W-What?! Your Majesty!"

Ravy almost choked.

"My daughter is asking for something for the first time."

Kevin's voice became firm.

"I will give her whatever she wants."

"If she asked for the whole world, I would give it to her."

Success!

I secretly sighed in relief.

Thank goodness he's completely weak against his daughter.

Step One: Complete.

*****

The Imperial Grand Hall

An hour later, we sat in a huge hall guarded by countless knights.

I looked around in disbelief.

Knights stood beside every pillar with their hands on their swords.

Seriously?

This much security for one little boy?

Then the large doors slowly opened.

CRACK.

The person I had been waiting for finally entered.

My breath caught.

Leon looked terrible.

His fluffy blue hair was messy.

His small body looked even smaller beside the armored guards.

Heavy iron handcuffs were locked around his wrists.

My heart hurt.

This is bad.

They're treating him like a dangerous criminal.

The guards stopped him in the center of the hall.

Slowly, Leon raised his head.

His dark blue eyes scanned the room.

Then our eyes met.

He froze.

Shock filled his face.

His eyes widened as he stared at me sitting beside the royal family.

But only for a moment.

The cold look in his eyes disappeared completely.

A gentle smile appeared on his lips.

A beautiful, soft smile.

Then he whispered quietly,

"Found you."