The Genius Physician Princess

“Here we are.”

Yeo-ul’s heart was pounding. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself before slowly opening her eyes. She gasped softly at the gradually clarifying view.

“Ah.”

Without realizing it, she took a step outside the magic circle and looked down at the scene below with trembling eyes.

“What do you think of Wizardian?”

Sprawling, lush greenery, sparkling river reflections beyond, and scattered, uniquely shaped grand mansions. All of it was breathtaking, but what stood out the most was the absence of something she had expected.

“The country of wizards… has no magic tower!”

That was it. In the novel, she distinctly remembered that the magic tower was visible right from the magic circle. Yet, there was no tower in sight!

Kite chuckled, as if he had anticipated this reaction, and explained.

“There used to be a magic tower in Wizardian long ago. One of the former guardians of Wizardian found it too chaotic and blew it up.”

“What? Really?”

“Yes. The structure of the magic tower was too complex. They got tired of it and decided to live like normal people, spreading out.”

Yeo-ul burst into laughter at Kite’s joke.

Kite smiled warmly, happy to see her laugh. After all, children look best when they are smiling, and it is the adults’ role to protect that innocent smile.

“Anyway, nowadays, wizards build their homes according to their own tastes instead of having a magic tower. That house over there is my brother’s.”

“Wow, that’s amazing.”

‘This is different from the novel too. Fascinating.’

In her imagination, Wizardian had a towering magic tower. Even in the novel, there were descriptions of wizards climbing up and down the tower.

But the real Wizardian had no tower at all, not even buildings that resembled one.

‘Well, wanderers and successors. These concepts weren’t in the novel either. Lantus and Princess Isolde of Fatima were never past lovers.’

There were many subtle differences like this.

Lost in thought, she walked until she reached the stairs leading down to the city.

“The stairs are steep. Should I carry you?”

“No, I want to walk.”

Walking was enjoyable, especially on challenging paths like slopes or stairs. They were paths she had never dared to take before. Each difficult step felt like she was leaving her painful past behind.

However…

‘There are quite a lot of stairs.’

The stairs, leading all the way down to the flat ground, were steep for a child.

‘If I’m not careful, I could tumble all the way down.’

Gulping, Yeo-ul clung to the railing with both hands, ready to descend, but paused.

She remembered her promise to Lantus to not push herself too hard and act her age.

“Um, Kite, can you hold my hand…?”

No, that’s not it. If she was going to rely on someone, she should do it properly.

Yeo-ul, having made up her mind, boldly extended her hand.

“Kite, please hold my hand!”

Kite smiled, as if he had been waiting for her to ask. He placed a hand over his chest and bowed gracefully.

“It’s an honor to escort the noble lady of Wizardian.”

He took her small hand in his, like a noble escorting a lady.

Then, dropping his serious demeanor, he teased.

“Did I look cool just now? Like a really impressive noble?”

“Hehe. Yes, you did.”

“I knew Miss Yeo-ul would tell the truth. I’ll remember this kindness when I become a duke.”

Yeo-ul looked up at Kite, who was winking playfully.

“Are you planning to go back to your family to become a duke?”

Kite shrugged.

“That was just a joke. I don’t have fond memories of that place. I don’t want to get involved, and there’s no guarantee I could win against my family.”

“Why not? You’re a senior in Wizardian, aren’t you?”

“Politics isn’t just about physical strength. You need connections, and I have none. Unless my brother and Princess Isolde get back together.”

Kite quickly added,

“Oh, but don’t tell my brother I said that. I’ve been told to behave for a while.”

“Hehe. Okay.”

Chatting and laughing, Yeo-ul and Kite descended the stairs and finally entered the city of wizards.

* * *

Hugo, the elderly butler managing Lantus’s mansion, greeted Yeo-ul with a kind smile.

“I’ve heard about you from the master. Thank you for saving his life. On behalf of everyone in the mansion, I sincerely thank you.”

Meeting one of Lantus’s people for the first time, Yeo-ul nervously clasped her hands and bowed.

“Thank you for the warm welcome! I look forward to staying here!”

Hugo, deeply moved by the little girl’s politeness, laughed heartily.

“Haha. It’s wonderful to have such a lovely person here. We look forward to having you with us.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Blushing at Hugo’s compliment, Yeo-ul turned to Kite, who grinned and addressed Hugo exaggeratedly.

“Hugo, please take good care of me too? And maybe even find me lovable?”

“Haha, Master Kite, you’re already like part of the furniture here. Make yourself at home as usual.”

Laughing, Hugo led the way.

Yeo-ul looked up at Kite curiously.

“Kite, do you come to Lantus’s house often?”

“Oh, not just often. I practically live here. I don’t stay at my own house much.”

“Huh?”

“It’s boring to be alone. My brother’s house is the largest and most comfortable, so I ended up staying here a lot.”

Kite grinned.

“Of course, my brother grumbles about why I don’t stay at my own house, but it’s pointless resistance.”

Yeo-ul giggled and held onto Kite’s sleeve.

“Then you’ll come here often, right?”

Kite’s eyes widened for a moment before he smiled warmly.

“I was planning to stay away more, but I think I’ll just keep coming. It’ll be more fun with you around.”

“Hehe. Yes, please tell me more fun stories like before.”

“Sure. How about I sell my house and move in here? We can have fun together.”

“I’d like that!”

“We can tell ghost stories at night, and when it thunders, we can ask my brother to sing a lullaby.”

“Hehe. I’d love to see that.”

“Of course. You’ll have to stop him from killing me when he tries.”

“Hehe, of course!”

“Exactly.”

Click.

Kite snapped his fingers, momentarily muting the sound, and whispered.

“Having a wanderer as a friend is the best.”

“Hehe.”

“Remember, it’s a secret that you’re a wanderer, okay?”

“Yes, I remember.”

They had agreed to keep Yeo-ul’s status as a wanderer a secret until Lantus returned and could set up protection spells.

When Yeo-ul’s identity as a wanderer was revealed in Amos, Lantus had placed a spell on all the wizards present, making it so anyone who revealed her identity without her permission would die immediately.

Kite, who was explaining things to Yeo-ul now, also had that spell on him.

“We won’t keep your identity a secret forever. When my brother returns and can cast the spell again, we’ll reveal it to the elders. It’ll make things easier for you.”

Having heard this before, Yeo-ul just nodded.

However, both then and now, she felt uneasy.

‘Do we really need that spell? It seems dangerous.’

Calling it a protection spell was like having a time bomb. She didn’t like the idea of others being in danger because of her.

Playing with the drink Hugo had brought, she cautiously asked.

“Kite, is that spell really necessary?”

“Of course, it’s for your safety.”

Kite looked at her as if wondering why she would even ask, making Yeo-ul hesitate.

“Well, it could be dangerous…”

Seeing her hesitance, Kite’s eyes narrowed. He slowly put his drink down and asked.

“Yeo-ul, are you feeling guilty about this? That we’re taking risks for you?”

“A little?”

Embarrassed by being seen through, Yeo-ul smiled sheepishly.

Kite shook his head firmly.

“No, that’s not something you should worry about. It’s something that had to be done.”

“But you’re taking a risk for me.”

“Ah, I didn’t explain properly. The spell isn’t just for you. It’s also for our safety.”

“What?”

“Since my brother is the guardian, we accept the spell willingly. It’s better for us to accept it.”

Yeo-ul still looked confused.

She knew Lantus was the guardian of Wizardian, a country with one guardian each.

But she didn’t understand how that related to the spell.

Kite noticed her confusion and continued,

“My brother, as the guardian, has enemies and needs to ensure the safety of those around him. The spell protects not just you but everyone who knows your identity. It’s a safeguard.”

He paused, seeing if she understood.

“So, it’s not just about you. It’s about making sure everyone involved is protected.”

Yeo-ul nodded slowly, starting to understand.

Kite smiled reassuringly.

“So don’t worry. It’s the best way to keep everyone safe.”

With that, Yeo-ul felt a bit more at ease, knowing the spell wasn’t just about her but a way to protect everyone involved.