I had to talk to Charlotte, no matter what. 0

Due to her research on soul-binding magic, Charlotte often stayed at the palace rather than in the dormitory, and it seemed she had returned to the palace after observing Alsbringer’s choosing ceremony and congratulating me.0

It was Saturday night.0

I had been granted access to the imperial palace at any time. Instead of going through the main gate of the palace, I stood in front of the warp gate, holding the artifact Charlotte had given me. 0

Vertus already knew most of the facts, and he, too, did not wish to harm Charlotte. Nevertheless, it was still important to be cautious. Setting Vertus aside, even a record of me visiting the Spring Palace at midnight on the weekend could cause unnecessary rumors about Charlotte.0

I planned to use the warp gate in the basement of the Spring Palace, which Charlotte had provided me access to. Following her instructions, I activated the brooch-shaped artifact and used my priority to enter the warp gate. After a slight time lag, I was able to exit the warp gate.0

The underground room was dimly lit but not completely dark. The artifact had allowed me to interfere with the set path of the warp gate and exit through a completely different gate. Although it was my first time using it, I sensed it was a dangerous item.0

I climbed the stairs leading up from the basement of the Spring Palace, and soon saw a button on the wall that operated a secret door.0

‘Wait a moment. Why do I feel like I’m committing a crime even though I’m using something that was given to me?’1

Charlotte had told me I was free to enter anytime, and so I did. 0

‘What if she’s changing clothes or something? Or if she’s asleep?0

‘If she’s asleep when I enter, that would be a bit, well, awkward. But I have permission, right? It was given to me for...0