A Blend of Romance and Fantasy Chapter 12

“That’s not something to brag about.”

Chapter 12

“In my empire, it is.”

“Wow. What a lovely place. To transmigrate into that kind of imperial family and even compete for the throne—you must be thrilled.”

“….”

He didn’t respond to my sarcasm.

Come to think of it, they say thirty people die every day in the Blake imperial family. Maybe I went a bit too far.

Feeling slightly uneasy, I glanced at him.

After a brief silence, Leonard met my gaze and smirked.

“Well… more or less.”

What was that supposed to mean?

As I tried to figure it out, he continued,

“Anyway, now that I’ve untied you—shall we make a deal?”

“A deal?”

He shrugged lightly.

“I told you before—I need the Saintess. But you want me to give up kidnapping her, right?”

“That’s right. Aurora isn’t just Singcester’s protector—she’s my friend.”

“Then help me instead.”

“…What?”

Not even a please? Just help me?

Unbelievable.

“Why should I help you?”

“Because Singcester is about to be destroyed.”

“Hey, I know the original story. I already took care of the villains. Don’t start talking nonsense about destruction.”

“There’s still something you don’t know.”

Unlike my rising anger, his tone remained calm—almost indifferent.

“You’re someone who transmigrated into an extra. You don’t know your own country as well as I do. Why do you think someone from Blake would go out of their way to stir trouble here?”

I clenched my fists.

I was furious—but still technically his captive.

Better to hold it in… for now.

I could always blast him later.

He leaned casually against the wall.

“I don’t act without reason. I don’t waste time on things that don’t benefit me. Your country is heading toward a crisis—and I intend to stop it. Because—”

BOOM—!!

A deafening explosion cut him off.

Beyond the iron bars, the wall shifted, opening into a hidden passage.

A man rushed in—

Broad shoulders, sharp features—

ranked #13 on my personal handsome men list.

Eric.

“Your Highness, the White Owls are searching for the princess. We might be discovered.”

The problem?

He was holding a spear.

White Owls. Weapons.

My face went pale.

Leonard glanced at me.

“Don’t panic. I have no intention of harming your subordinates.”

“Of course not! They’re all handsome—no scratches on their faces allowed!”

Leonard narrowed one eye.

“…You didn’t pick them based on looks, did you?”

“Of course not. I picked them for skill—they just happened to be handsome. Probably the power of the original story.”

To be fair, it was partly for Aurora.

In the original story, the White Owls eventually served her.

Looking back at Leonard, I wondered—

Is he some kind of hidden male lead? Why is he this handsome?

He suddenly laughed.

“You’re unbelievable.”

Despite everything, he sounded oddly relaxed.

Then he held out his hand.

“Take it. I’ll return you to the princess’s palace.”

“But we’re not done talking. And why should I trust you?”

“Then don’t.”

Before I could react—

I was lifted into the air.

“Ahh!?”

“Why are you acting fragile all of a sudden?”

“I am fragile!”

So this is what a princess carry feels like?

Not romantic. Not even a little.

“Then exercise. You’ll need it to survive in this kind of world.”

“What did you just say!?”

“Hold on.”

Why do I have a bad feeling about this—

Instinctively, I clung to him and shut my eyes.

He stiffened for a brief moment—

then started running.

Through a dark corridor.

Wait.

This isn’t outside.

And more importantly—

Isn’t he terrible with directions?

“Wait! Do you even know where you’re going!?”

“……”

He stopped abruptly.

The sudden halt nearly sent me flying, but he tightened his grip.

We stood at the top of a staircase—

leading down.

He’s completely lost.

“Put me down!”

He set me on my feet—but kept hold of my wrist.

“I’m not going to run, you know.”

“That’s not the issue. You might get eaten.”

“…Eaten? By what?”

“The monsters roaming this place.”

“…What?”

“…No choice.”

He sighed.

“Charlotte. I’m about to use magic. Don’t let go.”

Flames flickered into existence.

A massive magic circle formed instantly—no staff, no incantation.

A teleportation gate.

“That’s teleportation magic, right?”

Even Sarah—lazy as she was—used teleportation, but nothing this fast or this large.

Why does he get all the cheat abilities!?

In this world, there were three power systems:

• Aura (swordsmanship)

• Divine power

• Magic

Magic itself wasn’t evil—but when unstable, it could turn into dark magic… or even monsters.

People from Blake were born with strong magical power.

So yes, it made sense that Leonard could use magic.

But still—

Why does he get magic and swordsmanship, while I get nothing!?

“Stay close. If you let go, you might end up somewhere… else.”

“…Why?”

I moved closer instinctively.

He pulled me in even tighter, one arm wrapping around my waist.

“I’m not very good at controlling it yet.”

Of course you’re not.

And then—

I was lifted again like luggage—

and dragged straight into the portal.

“AAAH! Someone save me—!”