Chapter 156

So Helios went to the slums. He began bringing back sick children — first one, then another, and before he knew it, there were six.

“I want to save all the people in the slums, but I don’t have the power for that yet. Even sneaking them out has its limits. No matter how poor someone is, if too many people disappear at once, the city guard will start investigating. And I hate things getting complicated.”

He called it something he started on impulse, but added that, if the opportunity arises, he wants to properly begin relief efforts for the slums.

I couldn’t say a single word as I listened to his story.

I was shocked to learn that I had been the starting point of his good deeds.

A wave of overwhelming emotion rose within me, along with a sudden fear.

Without realizing it, I had become a huge influence in Helios’s life.

But I’m someone who will eventually leave his side. Should I really be this deeply involved?

As much as he thinks of me, won’t he be deeply hurt when I’m gone?

I’ve been thinking a lot today.

“Rienna? Are you worried about the children downstairs? My men are taking good care of them, so you don’t have to worry. Let’s focus on Kama Jin for now.”

By the time I came to my senses, we were on the second floor.

Despite Helios’s words, the truth was I wasn’t worried about the children at all.

Because Helios was the kind of person who followed through. If he’d decided to take care of them, I was certain he’d give them the best environment possible.

Setting up a study room underground was unexpected, though. Ah, maybe…?

Could it be that there were some plot devices from the novel that couldn’t be changed?

Don’t overthink the small stuff.

I’d already maxed out my daily quota of worries. Any more and my head might actually explode.

“Alright, Your Highness. Let’s go in.”

Helios gave a slight nod and opened the door.

A man standing by the window caught my eye.

From the way his small frame was hunched, I could sense his anxiety. Slowly, he turned around.

His eyes were bloodshot, likely from lack of sleep. His lips were cracked and peeling, and his face looked rough. His clothes were shabby and stained in places.

He looked like someone who hadn’t eaten properly in days and had been on the run.

“G-Greetings… sir…”

The man bowed first.

Helios crossed the room and sat down in a chair. He flicked his fingers.

“Come on, sit.”

“May I ask who you are…?”

For a moment, I thought he recognized us, given the polite greeting. But no, he was just scared and trying to read the room.

“I’m the one who had you brought here,” Helios said calmly.

“H-His Highness Helios!”

The man abruptly dropped to his knees and bowed his head deeply. Helios frowned.

“Um, hello? I’m His Highness Helios’s attending physician…”

I could feel Helios’s gaze stabbing into the back of my head mid-introduction. When I glanced back, he was glaring at me. He clearly didn’t like how I introduced myself.

“…and also the crown princess-to-be, Rienna Harris. I believe we met your friend at the World Fair — Mr. Kama.”

“You… you know Kama?”

“Yes, he helped me a lot.”.

I shared the story of how I met Kama. As I spoke, a faint curve formed on the man’s lips.

“That guy was always sticking his nose in other people’s business…”

Though it sounded like a complaint, his expression was full of fondness, as if he was proud of his friend for helping someone.

“He was a good man,” I said softly.

“I didn’t expect to see anyone here who knew Kama. It’s nice to meet you.”

I smiled in response.

“Are you feeling more relaxed?”

“A lot more than I was at first.”

Bringing up Kama had the intended effect. He was less nervous now.

“Shall we get to the point? I don’t have much time,” Helios said.

He had been lounging in a crooked posture the whole time we talked, but now he tugged me closer to his side.

The moment the man met Helios’s cold gaze head-on, he visibly flinched, looking completely flustered.

“Start talking. Tell us your story.”

Helios crossed his legs and gave the order.

“Well, it’s just that…”

The man hesitated, clearly struggling to open up. His words were slow, uncertain, tangled with anxiety.

I let out a quiet sigh and reached for Helios’s arm, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Please call someone,” I said.

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