I felt my temperature rise just from saying that.
It was embarrassing to say something that could be misunderstood in front of so many people.
I need to get used to this kind of boldness.
…Though even if I feel embarrassed, I don't hesitate to say what needs to be said.
Or is that why I used to fail interviews?
I returned to the office. I had genuinely forgotten to remove the notes I'd written.
And I was also curious about what the Cube wanted to say.
After entering and stepping away from the door, I didn't notice any change in the room—
but I'd be an idiot to believe that. Especially in a magical world.
"Anyway, Cube. What is it?"
[Temporal fluctuations have been detected.]
"What do you mean?"
[One of the individuals in the hall possesses an ability related to time.]
"Did she rewind time? Or something like that?"
[Based on her reaction patterns and elevated heart rate, she exhibited shock and suspicion upon seeing you. She must have experienced a timeline in which you had died—or discovered that you are not the same emperor as before.
The ability to witness or experience a potential future appears to be a side effect triggered when her power awakened.
My analysis suggests her primary ability is time suspension.]
"And how do you know I'm not the same person?"
[How do you think I learned about her?]
"Forget it. Is it Morgana?"
[Similarity between archived image and subject in the hall: 93%.
The individual is most likely Morgana Philip.
You do not appear surprised.]
"She was the only calm one… or maybe she insisted on meeting me because she realized today was the day I die.
But you're saying her ability is time stop, and when it awakened she briefly saw the future?
Does that even make sense? Even in a magical world?"
[Special abilities are rare, but not exceptionally so.
During my creator's era, all nobles possessed one. Some could glimpse fragments of the future.
However, such abilities were deemed forbidden, as the future is a variable construct influenced by the observer's knowledge.
Occasionally, the primary condition is bypassed.
My predictive capability is derived from the same foundational principle.
Thus, I can estimate probable outcomes after analyzing variables—such as your death by poison, or the empire's collapse.]
"I see… sort of. So she lived through a false future that cannot occur now.
She might be more useful than I thought.
And what about time stop?"
[It is likely a form of accelerated state. Her body, spirit, consciousness, and cognition are drastically enhanced, creating the perception that time has halted.
This is my creator's analysis.]
"Your creator sounds intelligent."
[My creator preferred to be addressed as 'The Genius Monster.' You are requested to do the same.]
"Yeah… I'm now certain your creator was terrible at choosing titles."
Time reversal, huh…
This world just keeps getting stranger.
"By the way, did anyone enter the room?"
[Windows remained closed.
Documents shifted approximately three centimeters.
Pen and papers displaced.
Fingerprints detected on chair and documents.
Seven individuals infiltrated after your departure.
Highly skilled at erasing traces.
Five female. Two male.]
As expected. Someone entered.
Because of the Rabbit Grandfather's decree, the Shadows cannot enter the office, the room, or eavesdrop beyond certain limits.
The rule remained unchanged under the Rabbit Father.
And the Rabbit himself kept it, deeming it reasonable.
That must change.
Because of that restriction, I can't even ask them who entered.
I know they wouldn't allow an assassin through window, door, underground, or sky.
Perhaps they even prevented the food from being poisoned.
But in the end, they are human.
And in the end, there is poison in my body right now.
Perhaps this very restriction allowed it to go unnoticed.
"Cube. Can you tell if someone is watching or listening right now?"
[There are mana-recording devices embedded inside the lion-eye carvings on the bed column.
Thirty-two similar units distributed across the room.
However, my security protocol automatically disables them when communication with me is initiated, replacing the feed with a looped daily scene.]
"You have that kind of ability? Why didn't you tell me?"
[It is a passive function. It cannot be manually controlled.
It prevents recording or scanning of the Cube without authorization.
Additionally, the Cube cannot be destroyed—regardless of attempt.]
"Tch."
"So its only function is preventing detection of you?"
[Correct. Therefore, all your conversations and movements in the hall and corridor were recorded.]
"Thank you. Now I know I'm living under a live broadcast."
[You're welcome.]
Seriously… this is a lot for a small rabbit.
I can't think straight. My head feels like it's going to explode.
It's time.
Let's go to my private chambers.
Morgana should be waiting.
If I complain about this mess, would I look weak?
It's not my habit to complain… but this is genuinely irritating.
I dragged my exhausted body toward my room. Morgana wasn't there.
I don't know.
And I don't want to think about it.
I went in to shower—maybe cool myself down.
I genuinely felt steam rising from my body. It was suffocating.
But of course—even the bath is monitored.
And the room I thought was safe? The Cube said it's watched too.
I took the Cube out and left it beside me while I washed.
But its activity consumes energy, so I could only cool down slightly before stepping out.
A knock came just as I had barely put on light trousers.
I sighed and stepped out of the bathroom holding my robe.
The Cube turned back into a ring. Surveillance resumed.
I put on the robe and opened the door.
Cute.
That was my first thought.
Light clothes. Black hair. Violet eyes.
A shy yet rebellious gaze.
Yes. It was Morgana.
"Come in."
I understand Morgana entering my room.
But why are two maids following her?
"Are you planning to watch or something?"
"We apologize, Your Majesty. We only came to arrange the bed."
What an excuse.
If looks could kill, I would've murdered them a thousand times over.
Thankfully they understood and stepped back.
The door closed.
Behind me, a mischievous girl smiling at the situation.
Was this amusing?
Damn it. My temperature rose again because of them.
But let's address the first question she dropped like a blade:
"You're not the Emperor, are you?"
That fast?
Was I exposed already?
Isn't this supposed to be my greatest secret?
"Let me sit first. Then ask."
I moved toward the bed.
First, I drew the curtains.
Black. Purple. White. Three layers.
They block external mana flow and prevent surveillance.
This bed is the only place in the room where devices cannot be placed.
The wood itself repels mana transmission.
Anyway…
This bed is soft.
Maybe I'll add one like this to my small dream room.
I wonder if it would fit.
Perhaps I should request a larger room. Or a smaller bed.
"So?"
Morgana sat as well, watching me curiously.
I wonder what fascinates her.
More importantly—how do I answer?
I don't know.
And I don't want to think.
My thoughts feel heavier.
"What makes you think that?"
"Your soul's aura is different. And it was foretold that— …nothing."
"Morgana," I asked, staring at the strange carvings on the ceiling,
"Are you an enemy… or an ally?"
She smiled gently and replied with a question:
"You're not the Emperor, are you? It's the same body and soul—but something is different."
"Well. You've uncovered the secret. I suppose I have to eliminate you."
I tried to stand and intimidate her.
Failed.
This bed is too soft.
I can't even get up properly.
Forget it. She doesn't look scared anyway.
"Then who are you? Don't worry. I need you—even if you're a demon. So you can consider me an ally.
How did you do it? Possess the Emperor's body? Is this black magic?"
"No. Just think of it as awakening memories of a past life.
I am truly the Rabbit Emperor. I remember everything from birth to death.
But this morning… something triggered those memories."
"When?"
She suddenly leaned closer, her face tense.
Did I say something wrong?
That sounded logical enough.
"Calm down. Don't raise your voice. My head hurts.
It was this morning. Probably around the same time you insisted on seeing me.
Speaking of which—why did you want to meet me?"
"To stop your death."
"I see."
"You see? You don't look surprised."
"I know. My memories awakened when this rabbit committed suicide.
So perhaps you think it's connected to your time reversal?"
"…."
"Yes. Surprise. I know that too."
"How? …Never mind. Since you know, this might be convenient."
"No. It's not."
I can't endure this anymore.
I feel like I'm going to pass out.
"Wait… you don't look well."
Cold.
Her hand is small and cold.
Refreshing.
I really think I'm about to lose consciousness.
But I need to tell her—
She must not call the servants.
I grabbed her hand and said it.
…Or at least, I think I did.
If everyone starts paying too much attention to me now,
my plans will fail.