Alpaca (Crossed Out) Reynold's Dog Food Taste Test Report 1 (Continued)

It was I... who said it.

I was so angry I wanted to slap myself. In my time with Ciprins, I discovered he was even more outstanding than I had imagined. For example, although his potions were counterfeit, they were of excellent quality. The recovery potions I had once looked down on quickly proved me wrong. Although they still tasted strange, their effects were amazing. When I was busy with official duties, I relied heavily on his calming potions, but he wouldn't give me too many, saying that long-term reliance on potions would damage my health. He said that with a serious expression, a young man who liked to wear an overly solemn face. His female assistant was always yelling and trying to get him to show some of the youthful energy he should have.

Ciprins was indeed too composed; if it weren't for the occasional dazed look on his face, I would have thought he was over two hundred years old instead of in his twenties.

I suspected that Ciprins must have had many experiences in his younger days, which might have contributed to his current mild-mannered personality. So I had my people investigate privately. That's when I learned that he had been kidnapped by criminals, and for quite some time—the case was very famous. A group of young students, funded by the Federation, were kidnapped by terrorist forces during an activity organized by a magic elementary school, and Ciprins was the only survivor among them, rescued seven years later. I even dug up some old news footage—

The camera was shaky, so a caption was added in post-production to explain, "Because the scene was too dangerous, reporters were not allowed to participate and could only place the filming equipment on the commander of the Magitech Corps the team."

Fully armed warriors stormed into the dilapidated underground castle. It was a rather large bunker with a complex network of secret passages hidden underground. If it weren't for the Hellfire soaring into the sky and the wailing of the undead all around, the Federation's reconnaissance speed would never have been able to enter so quickly. At that time, I was still studying at the magic academy, and our instructor said that it was a battle between two legendary dark mages. Even though the magic had dissipated, the Magic Power residue they left on the battlefield was enough to make an ordinary person fall seriously ill.

The bunker was dilapidated. The soldiers who stormed it encountered no attacks from mages, nor were there any strange mage creations inside. There were only corpses, crumbling walls, and a ceiling that let in sunlight. Then the soldiers broke open a locked cell. Inside was a small, thin figure, huddled in fear. From his ill-fitting black robe, a bony wrist protruded, trying to shield his face from the sunlight.

The boy covered his face with his hands, his body was covered in wounds, he was in terrible condition, and tears were streaming down his face.

I almost instinctively reached out and touched the screen. Although the boy's face was never shown, judging from his hair color and the shape of his knuckles, it was undoubtedly Ciprins. I wanted to touch his back because his body was tense and taut. Even as the soldiers in the camera kept telling him that he was saved, he still cowered in the corner, seemingly filled with fear.

His soft, fine hair obscured his face. After a moment, he realized he seemed truly safe. Barefoot and trembling, he leaned against the wall to stand up. The medic immediately covered his eyes with a black cloth to prevent excessive sunlight from harming them. He wiped the dust, blood, and tears from his face with his slender fingers. I heard him speak softly and hoarsely to those around him:

"Thank you... thank you all, the sunshine is beautiful."

At that moment, I felt my heart clench.

It was probably those experiences that made Ciprins overly complacent and incredibly patient. Every time I went to the research institute to see him, I would hear Doug causing him trouble, but every time I suggested teaching Doug a lesson, Ciprins would stop me.

He said, "There's no need. That would be a waste of time. We'd rather go read a new book."

Ciprins made me many kinds of potions, each one better than the ones I bought in stores. I think if he hadn't been imprisoned by terrorists, his magical achievements would certainly have been much greater. It's just a pity that time can't be turned back, and I can only try to make up for it later.

So I'm quite used to drinking the potions he makes. That night I had a social engagement, a cocktail party, to receive several visiting royals from more than one country. They came to discuss marriage with the royal family of our Federation... Although everyone treats royalty as mascots, they are still mascots representing a country. I went to find Ciprins to get some hangover medicine in case I couldn't stay completely sober throughout the party. Ciprins wasn't in his office; he should be in the library at this time.

But I know where he usually keeps the medicine he makes for me.

I just never expected... that his female assistant would secretly switch the medicine bottles! (Of course, I only found out much later; at first, I just thought I had taken the wrong one or that Ciprins had put it in the wrong place!)

The hangover medicine I drank that night, I later asked the mages at the Tower of True Knowledge, and they told me it was a Truth Potion, and a strangely concocted one at that, with the formula altered by who knows who. Ordinary Truth Potions are often used for interrogating prisoners; after drinking it, the person being questioned cannot lie, but at least can choose to grit their teeth and remain silent. This modified version...

That's absolutely vicious!

You can't even keep quiet! After drinking it, you won't be able to stop yourself from revealing your biggest secret.

... so...

That night I was already quite drunk, and by the God of Light, I thought I had taken a hangover cure, so of course I drank freely, because the hangover cure concocted by Ciprins could make me go to the toilet ten times in one night without getting drunk...

After taking the fake medicine, of course I blacked out! I was so drunk that all I remember is going home. Ciprins stayed at my house that night. When I woke up the next day, I still felt dizzy. That's when I knew something was wrong because Ciprins was gone. He usually waits for me to have breakfast together!

Then, he broke up with me.

He said clearly and calmly, "Since we are not truly in love, let's not waste each other's time."

My heart skipped a beat, and sure enough, he then said Mephistopheles' name.

My first thought was that something was wrong. I went home and checked the security camera footage from my room... My God of Light, I... I was actually hugging Ciprins in bed and calling out Mephistopheles' name?

Good heavens, only this guy could be Ciprins. Any other person would have killed me on the spot.

Even if you don't kill me, I'll chop off my penis!

I've thought about this for a long time. I can't go on like this anymore. Ciprins is an excellent mage, and besides, he has such a tragic past. Since I chose him, I should stay with him to the end. I admit I can't forget my feelings for Mephistopheles all at once. Even now, my heart still flutters when I think of Mephistopheles. But I think all I can do is persevere, I absolutely cannot cheat on him, and I must win Ciprins back. I can't let him suffer any more. From now on, I must make it up to him doubly.

But...

I...

Can someone explain this to me? I thought he was giving me the silent treatment, but the reality is that Ciprins turned around and... was with Mephistopheles???

Could it be that I've traveled through time?

Meow?

I opened my mouth and let out a bleating sound like a sheep...

Then I realized, my God of Light! Why have I turned into a sheep wearing underwear! My God! I...

I crawled out of my clothes and saw Mephistopheles and Ciprins embracing... Good heavens, they were wearing identical robes and had the same hairstyle. (God knows I thought yesterday he was imitating Mephistopheles to try and win me back! I want to slap myself. Thank goodness I didn't let Ciprins know about this stupid and ridiculous idea... right?) Mephistopheles' hair was a bit longer, but they both looked terrible. Ciprins was leaning listlessly on Mephistopheles' shoulder, while Mephistopheles was holding him tightly around the waist, his other hand...

That beautiful Mage Hand was pointing steadily at me.