I pulled the drawer, expecting a magic wand or something of the sort—perhaps a dragon's heart, an eye of destruction, or a demonic sword…
On second thought, let's ignore the demonic sword that would only hasten ruin. But what is this?
"A cube?"
The first drawer contained a cube.
The second—well, it wouldn't open.
I tried every side, but no other drawer opened except the first one, as if there were a condition that hadn't been fulfilled.
"This cursed magical world."
If it's made of wood, maybe I should just smash it. My curiosity is burning over what's inside those drawers, but let's return to the first one. What is this cube? Honestly, I hesitate to touch it. It's a strange cube—resembling the geometric form of a Menger sponge. It gives off both a technological and magical impression at once.
Looking at it more closely, it might not be an ordinary artifact.
"Could it be a nuclear bomb?"
The legends are starting to scare me.
"Let's think positively. Maybe it's the system I've been looking for—the Emperor System that hates coffee mixed with water or something like that. Yes… let's be optimistic."
Fine. I touched the cube. Nothing happened.
I could almost feel the Third Emperor's mockery slapping me across the face. At least explode or do something. Do I need to say some kind of incantation?
Before I could try anything else, the force inside me—the one that opened the door—stirred again and flowed into the cube. Words appeared above it in a language painfully familiar. Not the language of this world.
My own.
"Now this is getting stranger."
[Question: What are the first five prime numbers?]
I stared at the floating words in disbelief. The question sounded ridiculous—but not here.
"What are the first five prime numbers?"
I laughed dryly. Was this some kind of identity verification? Don't tell me the one who made this cube came from my world too. This world revolves around magic, not mathematics.
Just answer.
"2, 3, 5, 7, 11."
[Verified. Please confirm: Is the planet flat or round?]
Square, obviously. What kind of questions are these?
"It's neither square nor rectangular. It's elliptical—roughly spherical."
[Confirmed. Seeker of truth, may my legacy guide you to it.]
"Alright, skip the dramatic line. Does this thing come with a manual or not?"
[Answer: There is no manual.]
It… answered. It actually answered. And again, in my language.
"What is this? Can you talk?"
[Question: Who are you referring to?]
"You. The cube. The thing in front of me."
[Answer: The cube cannot speak, but it can evaluate the mental stability of the one who believes it does.]
"You bastard. Then who are you?"
[Answer: I am a specialized program created by a master who refused to leave his name, designed for analysis, support, and guidance.]
"What can you do?"
[Answer: Analysis, support, and guidance.]
"So you're some kind of system?"
[Answer: My master defined me as an artificial intelligence. I can answer any question within my capability. My name is the Advanced Phone. You may call me Cube.]
"…Ah. So your master came from my world too."
Interesting. But what's the use of a modern phone in a magical world? I don't know. One thing is certain.
"Either your creator was terrible at naming things, or the name hides something. Anyway, let's test you. Tell me what's inside these drawers."
[Scanning. Please wait.]
"Alright."
[Please do not distract the scan.]
"Alright."
[Please stop breathing so loudly.]
"Alright, I'll hold my breath faster."
[Please do not rush me. Remain silent.]
"You're raising my blood pressure."
[Scan complete.]
"What did you find?"
[Nothing.]
This is what they call testing someone's nerves. I haven't even dealt with the nobles yet—I'm still too young for this, don't you think?
"Damn it. Are you joking?"
[Correction: There exists an independent spatial field within the drawers. It is interconnected and secured by condition-based locks. Items shift randomly.]
"What does that mean?"
[Simplified: The items move every second. They cannot be analyzed unless removed from a drawer whose condition you have fulfilled.]
"I see. You could have said that from the start."
[Apology: I mistakenly raised your intelligence rating.]
"…"
"Can I smash this cube?"
[Challenge: Try.]
"Annoying cube."
Despite everything, I had to take it with me. It might prove useful. I left the treasury and returned to my office. Lunch had been prepared on the table, but I suspected it was poisoned.
Yes… this was the perfect chance to test the cube.
"Scan this food. Tell me if it's poisoned."
[Scanning. Please wait.]
"Alright."
[Stop saying 'alright.']
"Alright, alright, alright—hurry up."
[Scan complete. Would you like a simple, detailed, or complex analysis?]
"Just tell me if it's poisoned or not."
[Please select.]
"Simple. Choose simple."
[This food will be poisoned…]
"And?"
[…if left uncovered for seven days. Mold will grow, and flies will lay eggs. Would you like to see an image?]
"Damn it. I've lost my appetite."
[There is currently no poison in the food. However, there is poison in your body.]
"And that's exactly what I needed to hear."
[It is slowly consuming your magical energy. Estimated lifespan remaining: approximately 1,540 days. Please return me to the drawer before you die. Thank you.]
"You're joking… right?"
Death itself isn't frightening. Knowing exactly when you're going to die is.
The news arrived suddenly, without warning. I didn't know how I was supposed to feel. It sounded like a doctor's bad joke.
"Fine. You must have a cure."
[Answer: A treatment exists in the form of a molecular formula. If you find materials capable of achieving the required balance and richness of elements, a remedy can be produced.]
"Molecular formula… So you don't actually know what the ingredients are?"
[Correct. There is no data on this era's materials, herbs, foods, or chemical variations. Even if you gathered every herb in the world, identification would not be guaranteed. Can you do that?]
"Isn't there another solution?"
[Yes.]
"Then tell me."
[The solution is to return me to the drawer and wait for death.]
"…Shut up. Let me think."
Execution first. Poison second. Give me a moment to breathe—I haven't even tasted this world's food yet.
But that doesn't change the objective. No panic. Focus.
"Are you sure this is poison, not a disease?"
[Yes.]
If it's poison, then there must be an antidote. Since the cube doesn't recognize names, maybe it's the same issue with materials. It can't match substances from this era to its data. I'll have to identify them myself if I want the cure.
[Warning: A creature has entered a 50-meter radius and is approaching rapidly. Estimated to be stronger than you. Recommend hiding.]
"Seriously? What now?"
Hide? I'm the Emperor. Why should I hide?
Let's see who it is. If it's an assassin, the Shadows will deal with it. If it's a noble, he'll arrive wearing a smile.
Fortunately, the Shadows never approach the room or spy on the Emperor. They respond only when summoned. Come to think of it, I could feel something stirring in my chest.
Not fear.
Recognition.
The blood contract.
After a moment, I understood. One of the Shadows appeared, carrying documents about Morgana Velvet. There was even a portrait.
"That was fast. Are you sure of this information?"
"It was prepared in advance and awaited Your Majesty's command. It has been reconfirmed by the Shadow assigned to observe the target."
Did I order surveillance on Morgana? I don't remember. Perhaps something was said after the wedding ceremony… and then forgotten.
This unit is more efficient than I thought.
"So what is she doing now?"
"Report: Her Majesty has been confined to her chamber by the servants."
My hand froze.
The Empress… imprisoned by servants?
"Confined? Why?"
"Your Majesty, she has insisted on seeing you for nearly three hours. The observing Shadow intended to report this, but upon investigation found that the palace servants restrained her to prevent the meeting."
"Most of her servants are from her family, correct?"
"Confirmed. All information is before Your Majesty."
"I see. You may go."
"By your leave."
The Shadow vanished.
My eyes narrowed without realizing it. I looked down at the papers and sighed.
Let's not rush to judgment. First, read the report.
Before that, I rang the enchanted bell on the desk. A knock followed shortly after.
A maid entered—her clothing far too plain for an imperial palace.
"Inform Empress Morgana that she is to come to my chambers tonight."
"As you command."
She left.
A spy.
I could tell. Normally, people's expressions change when the Emperor does something unexpected. Hers didn't move at all—even though he had never once spoken Morgana's name before. And I had addressed her with the title of Empress, affirming her authority.
"Alright… one identified. A thousand more to go."