Chapter 3.1
The passage Leticia pointed out in the ancient book contained a description that perfectly mirrored Terdis’ condition. Carlyle read the words over and over, his hands trembling.
[…Though little known to history, the sword Pashanoi, said to house a dragon’s soul, was known to exit its blade and cover its chosen master’s body to protect them if the master lost consciousness. At such times, the master’s body would be covered in scales like a Dragon-kin or a reptilian humanoid. The distinguishing feature was the appearance of membrane-like wings cradling the face or chest.]
[When the hero Gilbert of Arsha passed away from old age, Pashanoi broke itself out of grief. Gilbert’s children buried the remains of the sword in his coffin out of respect, though it is rumored to have been looted later.]
“But Leticia, I’m not in any danger,” Terdis said cautiously, glancing at Carlyle, whose eyes were already filling with hope.
Carlyle, however, was already convinced. “Terdis, until now, not a single person could identify the ‘curse’ in your body! They said there wasn’t even a trace of cursed energy! If that’s because it’s not a curse at all…!”
“It is a strong possibility, Young Lord!” the secretary added firmly, trying to bolster the boy’s spirit. Terdis remained skeptical, conditioned by years of disappointment every time a new lead proved to be a dead end.
“…I hope so. But if that’s the reason, why won’t it leave my body? I’m safe right now. I’m not being threatened.”
Silence fell over the room. Carlyle remained quiet, his mind racing with grim possibilities. He wondered if someone was secretly poisoning Terdis, or if an assassin was already planted by his side.
“Still, Terdis, the description of the ‘membrane wings’ wrapping the face is exactly like you. I was thinking… maybe because you’re young and weak, the spirit thinks you’re in danger?” Leticia suggested.
“I’m weak?”
“Well, this Gilbert person was a hero. He was incredibly strong. Maybe it thinks it has to protect you until you become an adult?”
Terdis gave Leticia—his own age—a subtle, flat look for calling him “young.” He knew he was a child, but he didn’t consider himself weak. He was tall for his age and could hold his own against boys years older, like Godfrey.
‘I mean… I’m not Sword Master strong, but…’
He thought of Duke Aaron de Tesseia. The aura of a Sword Master was indeed on a level incomparable to a young boy.
“Tch. I’m not that weak…” he grumbled, though a spark of anticipation finally began to kindle in his chest.
The secretary spoke up excitedly. “If this is true, we can test it differently. Until now, we’ve only treated your condition as a curse.”
Carlyle nodded. His first move was to summon the Lyon family mages who had been obsessively researching curses at the estate.
“You’ve done a wonderful thing, Leticia. To think you would help us like this… I truly don’t know how to thank you.”
Leticia’s face flushed bright red. Since she already knew the “answers” from her knowledge of the original story, she felt her contribution was easier than they realized.
“N-no, it’s not certain yet…”
“Even if it isn’t, I won’t be disappointed, so don’t worry,” Terdis said, looking at her. He took her hand gently, and Leticia let out a small, relieved laugh.
***
The mage arrived from the Lyon Dukedom within two days. He was ecstatic, calling it an “unexpected perspective” and itching to test the theory.
“There is a simple way to verify this. Ahem.” He cleared his throat and cast a spell, forming a large semi-circular magic circle around Terdis. “…Now, for the next twenty minutes, nothing can harm the Young Lord.”
“Because no one can enter that circle?” Carlyle asked, tapping the barrier.
“Correct!” the old mage declared proudly.
‘Wait, that means I’m trapped for twenty minutes! You should have told me! What if I need the bathroom!’
Terdis’ complaints muffled from inside the circle, but the mage ignored him.
It was then that a collective gasp erupted from the onlookers.
A hazy, dragon-like shape slowly slithered out of Terdis’ body, revealing his true skin and face.
“Terdis!!” Carlyle cried out, overwhelmed at seeing his son’s true face for the first time in three years. Terdis, realizing the change, frantically touched his own arms and cheeks.
The dragon spirit, having emerged, hovered lightly above his head. It had been the size of a gargantuan dragon when it first slid out, but it had now shrunk to the size of a large eagle. Terdis glared at it and waved his arms.
‘Go away! Get lost! Stop pestering me!!’
The spirit looked almost sorrowful but did not leave, perching near the ceiling of the barrier and watching him. Terdis glared back, exhausted by its presence.
‘So that’s what he really looks like.’ Leticia thought.
With jet-black hair and striking blue eyes, Terdis was a slender, exceptionally beautiful boy. While he was busy gritting his teeth at the spirit, he caught Leticia’s eye and gave her a shy, lovely smile. The way his eyes curved as he smiled made Leticia’s mind go blank.
‘He’s… really handsome…’
“Leticia was right! Haha! It’s all thanks to you!” Carlyle shouted. The looming threat of the Church no longer mattered. If it wasn’t a curse, it was only a matter of time and strength before it was resolved.
‘The problem I have to solve now isn’t the curse—it’s the traitors.’
Carlyle had already sent a secret agent to investigate Rupert’s movements and ordered a background check on every employee. Once the “threats” were removed, Pashanoi would likely rest easy and leave Terdis’ body for good.
***
The twenty minutes passed all too quickly. Terdis looked annoyed as the dragon spirit merged back into his body.
‘I want to play with Leticia in my real form. This thing is a total nuisance!’
His mindset had shifted completely. Before, he felt he had to hide his feelings because of his “curse.” Now, he felt a surge of ambition.
‘Is it okay… to want more?’
He stole a glance at Leticia.
“If we send data to the Magic Tower, we might find more info on Pashanoi. Congratulations, Your Grace. Young Lord,” the mage said.
Carlyle smiled, wanting to announce this to the world. His son wasn’t cursed; he was the chosen master of a legendary spirit.
‘Telling the world might be dangerous while the threats are unknown, but…’
Carlyle knew spies were already in the house. And then there was the High Priest, who had tried to pressure him using the curse as leverage.
‘The Church will be disappointed to lose their greatest bargaining chip.’
“I have a proposal for you both,” Carlyle said, looking at the two children. “Now that we know Terdis isn’t cursed, there’s no reason to stay in the capital.”
The capital was good for news, but the Lyon Dukedom was far safer. It would also be easier to protect Leticia from the Church’s reach there.
“…You mean we’re going back to the estate?”
Carlyle nodded. Leticia, who had never seen the Lyon territory, looked curious.
“You’re coming with us, of course. Is that alright with you, Leticia?”
The Lyon territory was rarely mentioned in the original novel, as the drama usually centered around the capital.
“I’d love to!” Leticia beamed. Away from the capital, she wouldn’t have to worry about bumping into Aaron or her three brothers. She could live freely.
***
In the capital, Cesare frowned at the rumors. The “Cursed Monster” of Lyon wasn’t cursed, but chosen by a sword spirit?
“They say the spirit is just trying to protect its master,” a servant reported.
“Nonsense. Then why hasn’t it returned him to normal?” Edward asked skeptically.
“Who knows? Regardless, the Lyon family has stopped spending a fortune on curse-breaking. The scholars are in tears—they’ve lost their biggest financier.”
“And they’re leaving for their estate soon.”
“Really? I suppose Carlyle only stayed here for his son’s treatment anyway.”
Edward glanced at Cesare. He knew Carlyle wouldn’t leave without Leticia. “Your sister is leaving too. Must be a complicated feeling.”
“Not at all,” Cesare replied coldly. He told himself it didn’t matter. If Leticia lived far away in the Lyon territory, it would be a relief.
***
The Emperor was full of curiosity. If Terdis was a chosen one, it meant a future powerhouse was being raised for the Empire.
“Duke, are the rumors true?” the Emperor asked during the farewell audience.
Carlyle bowed, a wide smile on his face. “It is true, Your Majesty. My son was not cursed, but chosen by the spirit of a legendary blade.”
“Incredible! I suppose we can expect another Sword Master in the Empire soon!”
The Empress cautioned the Emperor not to pressure the boy, but she looked at Carlyle with relief. “And Lady Tesseia? Does she go with you?”
“Of course. Terdis is very fond of her.”
“I see. True character cannot be bought with gold.”
Carlyle left the audience chamber with a light step. In the hallway, he spotted Duke Tesseia discussing matters with other nobles. Carlyle felt a twinge of pity. Anyone in Aaron’s position might have been deceived, but Aaron had allowed his sons to be cruel.
‘Poor man…’
As Carlyle’s group passed, other nobles swarmed him, eager to congratulate him. House Lyon was no longer a declining family with no heir; people were already whispering that Terdis would be the youngest Sword Master in history.
Carlyle exchanged pleasantries and caught Aaron’s eye. They shared a stiff, formal nod. Aaron remained silent. Carlyle felt a pang of sympathy—Aaron and his sons had thrown away a priceless treasure like Leticia.
***
The Lyon estate bustled with activity as servants packed. Leticia focused on her recovery, while Terdis made a silent vow.
‘I can’t wait until I’m an adult! I’m going to get strong enough so Pashanoi feels safe leaving me!’
In the Empire, a noblewoman’s debutante ball was at eighteen, usually in the capital. Terdis wanted Leticia to have the best. He wanted to be the one to escort her.
‘I have to get my true form back before her debutante ball. I want to be the one at her side.’
He had eight years.
In those eight years, he planned to achieve what no one else had. Within those eight years, he intended to accomplish what no one else had managed. Even if this form wasn’t permanent, he couldn’t ask Leticia to see him as a man while he looked like this.
‘I want to touch her, hold her, have my first kiss with her… with Leticia! I can’t do any of that like this!’
With newfound confidence, Terdis threw himself into his sword training. His heart was no longer full of fear, but of a burning resolve.
***
Daily life since returning to the Lyon Dukedom was, for Leticia, like reclaiming her lost childhood.
Perhaps because Carlyle had praised her to his vassals until his voice went hoarse, none of the young ladies in the vicinity dared to look down on her. Fundamentally, she was still Lady Tesseia, and even if they had different fathers, she had three older brothers who held real power in the Tesseia Dukedom. Since the noble daughters of the Lyon territory did not know that those three hated Leticia, they treated her with caution.
Of course, not everyone was well-disposed toward her. The young ladies who had once been considered for an engagement with Terdis quickly changed their tune once the truth was revealed, now hungering for the position of his fiancée. They were hostile toward Leticia, despising her as a “mere bastard,” but they dared not act in a way that disregarded Carlyle, who openly adored her.
In the Lyon Dukedom, Leticia spent her childhood making friends and learning everything she desired. Terdis’ training sessions increased, so he couldn’t spend as much time with her as before, but he tried to see her every day by taking several classes together. Even in his busy schedule, he made sure to spend weekends with her—going on picnics, strolling through the gardens, or playing games as they used to in the playroom.
Because the days were so joyful, time flowed faster than ever.
She had planned to leave the Lyon family once she became an adult and Terdis regained his original appearance, but she had to revise those plans due to a piece of news Carlyle slipped to her. It was the story that the High Priest had summoned him and demanded he hand Leticia over.
‘Me, becoming a Saint?! There were no signs of that…’
It seemed her efforts to raise her “devotion stats” by praying a dozen times a day had backfired. If anything, the fact that she prayed less while hanging out with Terdis had likely delayed “that period.” Since the life of a priestess and that of a Saint differed greatly in terms of freedom, Leticia changed her mind about joining the Church.
‘I don’t want the life of a Saint without any backing. I’d be swayed at the Church’s whim, and once my holy power declines, I’d be sold off to whatever family offers the highest donation!’
If she truly was going to possess that level of holy power later on, she had to either build enough power to prevent the Church from seizing her or find a spouse. Since Terdis and the male leads would be preoccupied once Isella appeared, she didn’t even consider them. Nor could she rely on the Lyon family forever.
‘Uncle Carlyle is a good man… but he sees me as a good match for Terdis, not necessarily as his own daughter or niece.’
One should never assume kindness will last forever. Leticia sighed deeply, contemplating her future. If the Church was an entity that would steal her freedom, she could run away when the time came. But the Church’s trackers were persistent, making that a foolish choice.
‘Do I really have to get married to create a backing for myself?’
There were men in the world who weren’t Isella’s male leads. The problem was that securing safety through marriage didn’t seem like it would lead to a free life either. Ultimately, Leticia felt a surge of anxiety, thinking she might have to return to the Tesseia family. While she struggled to find a way, time marched on.
Many seasons passed… and both Leticia and Terdis grew significantly.
It was the spring of their 20th year. Since it coincided with Leticia’s birthday, the Lyon family decided to head to the capital for her debutante ball. It was an event that should have happened the previous year. Because Leticia was wary of being forced back to the Tesseia estate against her will, she wanted to postpone her debutante until her adulthood. Carlyle had agreed, and thus the date was set. Terdis, who had not yet crossed the wall of a Sword Master by last year, was also relieved by this fact.
As her birthday approached, Leticia’s heart was heavy. Her birthday was the anniversary of her mother Teresa’s death. Because of this, her birthday had never once been celebrated at the Tesseia mansion. Not even her nanny had ever offered a small gift. The first time she received a birthday present or had a small party thrown for her was with the Lyon family. Since they would be traveling to the capital on that date this year, they decided to hold a party in advance.
Leticia felt she shouldn’t celebrate her birthday because of her mother’s death, yet she was happy for the time she spent with them.
‘This year, I will resolve Mother’s… resentment.’
Her curse had been broken a few weeks ago by a mage Carlyle brought in. He separated the curse from Leticia’s body and contained it in a magic tool he had created. It was a glass bottle with a lid, looking like a medicine vial at first glance. It wasn’t just a procedure to lift the curse; when Carlyle spoke of breaking it, Leticia had said she wanted to catch the one who cast it. To this end, he brought in the best mage—a recruitment made by mobilizing all his connections. Fortunately, the mage was intrigued and agreed to help.
‘If you open the lid of this bottle, the curse will return to that person, but if they aren’t right there, even I will have trouble tracking them.’
Carlyle was currently keeping the important bottle containing the curse. He had refused Leticia’s request to keep it, citing it was too dangerous. Despite this, Leticia’s hair was still green because she was using a magic tool to disguise her appearance.
‘The one who cursed me must be off-guard right now.’
She figured that since she had left the Tesseia Dukedom, they wouldn’t even have her on their mind. Thus, she planned to catch that person during the spring festival, when her debutante was held. It wasn’t right to cause a massive scene at the Imperial Ball, but the Empress, who had cherished her mother, would likely overlook it.
Her one concern was if the culprit didn’t attend the Imperial Ball. If she sent the curse back and they were in a place where they couldn’t be tracked, she wouldn’t be able to catch them. That was why Leticia chose the spring festival period. It was the time of her debutante, but also when people from all over the country gathered in the capital. Even if the culprit wasn’t a noble and didn’t attend the ball, she hoped they would come to the capital to see the festival. If such a transformation occurred in the middle of a festival street, it would cause a huge commotion, and they would eventually be caught.
‘The best-case scenario is that the culprit is inside the Imperial Ballroom.’
The mage explained that the curse placed on her was one that used a human as a medium. Since such a curse is only possible if the person harboring the grudge steps forward, the person who requested the curse would have likely been the medium. Furthermore, since they would have had to stay nearby until the curse took hold, it was almost certainly someone close to Duke Tesseia or someone who had easy access to the estate.
‘I have to succeed.’
“My Lady.”
At Molly’s call, Leticia snapped out of her thoughts. Looking up to see what was wrong, she saw Molly wearing a somewhat mysterious smile. Leticia looked at her curiously.
“What is it?”
“The Young Lord is calling for you. Please go out to the garden.”
‘Terdis?’
She stood up, remembering that Carlyle had stepped forward as her debutante partner. Leticia would have been fine with Terdis in his current form, but Carlyle had firmly insisted he would do it. His cold reasoning was that Terdis in that state would be of no help in a situation where they would accuse the person who caused the Duchess of Tesseia’s death via a curse. Leticia had been greatly flustered by Carlyle’s uncharacteristic remark, while Terdis tried to maintain an indifferent expression.
‘I tried to comfort him, but he said he was fine and went out to train.’
Leticia knew he would regain his original form when he turned 23, but she was anxious that her interference might have changed his future. She thought he would be swinging his sword for a few more hours, but it seemed he had finished early. Leticia decided she should comfort him and hurried her steps.
She quickly left the building and headed to the garden the maid had mentioned. It was in full bloom with deep pink flowers to welcome the spring. The Lyon territory was located in the southern part of the capital, so spring arrived earlier there than in other regions. Thanks to that, it was the first place in the Empire to welcome spring.
“Tisha.”
Terdis smiled shyly as he stepped out from a pavilion situated on one side of the garden. Leticia was now completely accustomed to Terdis’ appearance and could find his features within the skin covered in membrane wings and scales. Over the past eight years, they had become closer, and of course, they had started calling each other by nicknames.
“Ter. Are you feeling… okay?”
“Ah… that?”
He looked at Leticia with a mischievous smile. Leticia, not catching his meaning, walked toward him. One thing was strange: while she had seen the garden flowers in full bloom yesterday and the day before, the white pavilion was now completely decorated with pink flowers.
‘What is this? Is something happening?’
“Tisha. Actually… I want to be your partner. It feels unfair for you to enter holding Father’s hand when I am your fiancé.”
“I’d like that too, if you’re okay with it. I’ll try to persuade Uncle again.”
“No need to persuade him.”
Terdis smiled brightly and took another step toward Leticia. In that instant, the dragon spirit surged out of his body and transformed into the form of a dragon about the size of a large eagle. Leticia’s eyes widened as Terdis returned to his original form in a flash. His blue eyes sparkled as he closed the distance and kissed Leticia on the cheek. Actually, he wanted to kiss her on the lips, but he felt that might be too much.
“Ter?”
“I… became a Sword Master. Now I’m qualified enough to be by your side, right?”
Terdis smiled radiantly and pulled Leticia into an embrace. Leticia felt stunned and dazed. It was an achievement three years faster than in the original story.
‘He really is a genius!’
“Answer me, Tisha. You have to give your permission.”
As Terdis teased and coaxed her with a playful smile, Leticia looked at his face and slowly nodded. The original Terdis was so beautiful that looking at him made her feel enchanted.
“I already gave it…”
“Still. I want to hear it again in this form.”
As Terdis spoke with eyes sparkling like a dream, Leticia opened her mouth. Her heart pounded, even though she felt he was someone she shouldn’t have feelings for.
“Be my partner, Terdis.”
“I’d love to, Tisha.”
He kissed her on the cheek again and tightened his arms around her. Leticia felt her face heating up as she looked at Terdis. They were too close! No, he had been hugging her for a while now!
“Ter, you can let go now…”
“No~. I finally became a man who can stand by Tisha’s side, right? So I’m going to enjoy this privilege more.”
“You were always by my side.”
When Leticia spoke with a slight glare, Terdis grinned.
“Yeah. So I’m going to keep hugging you. Your face turned red—it’s cute.”
“It’s… it’s not cute at all! We aren’t children anymore…”
The old Terdis used to try to stay with her, but he wasn’t a boy who clung to her this much. Now, however, he seemed unwilling to let go.
‘Why is he suddenly like this? He’s so handsome… my—my heart…!’
“Oh? Tisha?”
At Leticia, who was closing her eyes tight and didn’t know what to do, Terdis’ face also turned red. Even though they were engaged, neither was an adult yet, so he wasn’t sure how far they should go.
‘We’ve been staying like friends all this time.’
“If you keep your eyes closed, it looks like you’re asking for a kiss.”
At those words, Leticia quickly opened her eyes. Terdis pouted.
“Tch. It would have been fine to keep them closed longer.”
“A k-kiss, all of a sudden?!”
“This is the first time I’ve seen Tisha so flustered.”
Terdis chuckled, kissed Leticia on the cheek once more, and finally let her go. He wanted to hug her more, but he feared she might grow to hate him if he did.
“I really like you, Tisha. On the day of the debutante, you will be the most beautiful lady.”
As he spoke, he took Leticia’s hand and pressed his lips to the back of it. Leticia was seriously contemplating why he was acting like this. Although he said he liked her, Leticia, who only saw him as the original male lead and Isella’s future husband, did not think of it as a confession. She dismissed it as something one friend might say to another.
“Yeah… I’ll try my best.”
When Leticia replied shyly, Terdis smiled broadly.
“You don’t even have to try, Tisha is the prettiest.”
‘That’s a very kind thing to say.’
Determined not to let her heart flutter for someone who would soon enter the female lead’s “fishing pond,” she let the words go in one ear and out the other.
***
As it turned out, Terdis had become a Sword Master a few days ago. He wanted to tell Leticia happily that day, but he had held it in until today because he wanted to surprise her. Showing his true appearance in that garden seemed to be a sort of “event” for Terdis. To this end, Carlyle had coordinated with Terdis and completely fooled Leticia. He was delighted with his son’s achievement.
That day, Terdis acted as if sticking close to Leticia was a special occurrence just for that day and returned to his usual attitude. Leticia was relieved, yet felt a bit of regret in her heart. This was because Terdis had a truly beautiful face.
‘Even though I know he can’t be mine, my heart is wavering.’
Around the time the debutante incident was settled, Duke Tesseia would meet Isella and take her in as his adopted daughter. By then, their attention would be entirely focused on Isella, who resembled Teresa, and they would completely stop caring about Leticia.
‘Maybe Ter’s interest too… It’s sad to grow apart from Ter, but… if it’s the path to his happiness, I have no reason to interfere.’
Since it was finally the day to leave for the capital, they boarded the carriage. For some reason, Carlyle said he had matters to discuss and took a different carriage, leaving only Leticia and Terdis in their carriage. Molly the maid and Terdis’ manservant also took a different carriage.
‘Why?’
Leticia, unaware that all of this was Terdis’ request, was flustered. Since that day, Terdis had been walking around in his true form. Pashanoi dwelt within a sword Carlyle had gifted Terdis or stayed in a necklace he wore.
‘Being close makes my heart pound…’
Furthermore, since he was a Sword Master, he must have noticed that Leticia’s heart rate had sped up. Lately, Leticia was troubled by Terdis, who smiled as if tempting her every time their eyes met. She shouldn’t like him as a member of the opposite sex, but the temptation was too great!
‘Let’s calm down! Even if I become an adult when my birthday returns soon, we’re both still minors before our birthdays! Anyway, Terdis has Isella, so it won’t work!’
“Tisha. Do you dislike riding in the carriage with me?”
When Terdis asked, Leticia reflexively shook her head. She knew that Terdis had been deeply hurt by people because of his appearance and was sensitive to rejection. So, she generally granted all of Terdis’ requests. Terdis himself was not a person who made unreasonable or frequent requests.
“N-no. Of course not.”
“That’s a relief then. I’ve been looking forward to traveling with Tisha.”
Because it had taken him eight years to regain his true form, Terdis wanted to get closer to Leticia as quickly as possible to make up for the lost time. He wanted to marry her as soon as he became an adult.
‘Tisha has become so pretty.’
Though she didn’t seem to notice, according to the words passed on by Leticia’s attendants, more and more people had been staring at her lately. There were more than a few young lords who persistently requested meetings even though they knew she had a fiancé. Terdis was also finding it a headache because marriage proposals were pouring in again. Families that used to get furious at the mere thought of a proposal when he was thought to be cursed were now scrambling to acknowledge him. Of course, some didn’t believe the rumors about Terdis and belittled him, saying it was all a fabrication.
‘The biggest shock was Uncle’s betrayal.’
He had only heard it through his father, but he was deeply shocked to hear of the betrayal of his uncle, Rupert. It was confirmed that the attack at the lakeside where he met Pashanoi was orchestrated by Rupert, and that he was the one who had targeted Terdis’ life for several years. This began when Carlyle checked the Church’s headquarters and found that Rupert had never stayed there for a long period, nor had he ever requested an audience with the Pope. After catching the spies within the house and tracking the funds that were leaking under the pretext of breaking Terdis’ curse, Carlyle finally learned the whole truth. He handled the matter outside the Lyon territory so the children wouldn’t get involved, and Rupert was currently wanted for the attempted assassination of the Duchess and had lost his title.
‘Tisha still thinks of me like a younger brother she has to take care of…’
He planned to appeal as hard as he could from now on. He didn’t want to lose the girl who had held his hand during his most difficult times to anyone else.
***
“This spring’s ball will be a huge success.”
Many nobles already seemed to be looking forward to attending that day. The Empress was preparing the largest ball ever, and many nobles were invited. He knew why so many people were looking forward to this day. The Spring Ball was held every year, but this time was different. It was because Young Lord Lyon would be attending. It had been eight years since the news broke that he wasn’t cursed, so it was a time when suspicions that their words were a lie were beginning to leak out.
However, the Young Lord, who hadn’t budged from the Lyon territory, announced he would attend the Spring Ball this year. Because of this, people speculated that he had become a Sword Master. If this were true, it would be the birth of a new Sword Master, something many would celebrate.
‘If it’s true, it would be the birth of the youngest Sword Master.’
The timing wasn’t what was important. However, the fact that the small boy who had stood against his father at the banquet eight years ago had surpassed him was surprising. Cesare, who was 26 this year, had not yet crossed the wall of a Sword Master. It was an exceptionally fast achievement, but since the rumors of the Young Lord Lyon were circulating, no one would say that anymore.
‘Most Sword Masters cross that wall only in their late 40s. Your achievement is already fast enough, so you don’t need to worry about that.’
He didn’t worry. He knew he was already far superior to others. What irked Cesare more than the fact that Terdis became a Sword Master faster than him was the fact that the bastard was scheduled to have her debutante at the Spring Ball.
‘The family has finally settled down.’
Godfrey had also quietly finished his knight training and passed the Imperial Knight exam with a high score. He was already working as an Imperial Knight, and Sebastian was also doing his part to bring honor to the family name by distinguishing himself as a young mage. Amidst this positive atmosphere, news came that Leticia was returning to the capital. His father hadn’t mentioned anything, but for some reason, Cesare felt that Leticia was going to throw mud on their path ahead. Since Young Lord Lyon seemed to have regained his original appearance, there was a possibility they would decide that the bastard Leticia was no longer good enough and cast her out of the family.
‘If that happens, things will get complicated.’
In any case, it seemed they were going to hold Leticia’s debutante. Judging by the fact that they hadn’t contacted them at all despite it being a major event, the Lyon family seemed to be handling it on their own. While that was a relief, the feeling that something was lurking beneath the surface made Cesare anxious. It felt as if a venomous snake were slithering beneath his feet.
‘It’s just needless anxiety.’
Cesare shook off his thoughts and focused on his work. He was still performing his duties assisting the Crown Prince at the Imperial Palace.
***
Godfrey was a man of conflicted heart. Many had assumed that during his two-year stint as a knight-errant, he would waste his time in debauchery, but they were wrong. The overseers appointed by the Empress had done more than just watch him; they had scolded him and guided him toward a righteous path.
While he initially found their presence offensive and irritating, by the end of those two years, he felt a deep sense of gratitude toward the Empress.
‘But that doesn’t mean I’ve become a good person.’
His realization and shame arrived far too late. He now understood that his actions toward Leticia eight years ago were profoundly shameful and cruel. He realized that his older brother, his younger brother… even his father had mistreated her.
He knew this, yet he had not even managed to send a single letter of apology. He was terrified of how she would receive his words and lacked the confidence to face her.
‘Is this regret and guilt just a product of my own greed?’
To Leticia, he was likely nothing more than a thug who would burst into her room and exert violence. He had placed snakes and insects in her bedroom and bed so she couldn’t even rest in her own space, cackling all the while and calling it a “prank.”
‘How much must she loathe and dread me?’
Adultery is a sin, but the child born of it is innocent. They had been venting their resentment over Teresa’s actions onto a powerless little girl.
He realized with agonizing delay how horrific that was. The fact that he was young and “didn’t know any better” was no excuse. Even when he was causing her terrible pain, he hadn’t been completely ignorant. He knew that chasing Leticia and hurting her was wrong. How could he not? The concept of good and evil is learned even younger than he was then. He simply hadn’t wanted to stop.
He needed an outlet for his own unpleasant emotions, and Leticia was nothing more than a convenient target with no one to protect her.
Once he grasped this, everything became a source of horror and regret. The anger he once felt—believing Leticia was receiving better treatment than she deserved at the Tesseia mansion—had utterly crumbled. His father had chosen to be her father but failed to protect her, and he, along with his two brothers, had participated in or condoned the abuse.
They were all terrible sinners. Yet Sebastian still cursed her name, and Cesare would frown and silence anyone who even mentioned her. As for his father…
‘Father is not the type of man who wouldn’t know that what he did was wrong.’
Even wise men make mistakes. But in the case of his father, Aaron, it wasn’t a sin of ignorance, but one committed with full knowledge. It was closer to a deliberate act of evil.
Godfrey felt his spirit sink as he realized he could no longer respect his father as he once had. Acknowledging the truth and trying to become a good person was a constant, painful struggle.
‘I still… don’t have the courage to apologize.’
He lacked the confidence to face his crimes and beg for forgiveness. So, he simply hoped he would be forgotten by her. If he stayed away from her so that she wouldn’t have to remember his, his father’s, or his brothers’ faults… perhaps one day her wounds would fade.
***
“A debutante? For her? Who is she trying to embarrass?!”
Sebastian, who was scheduled to attend the Imperial Ball with his fiancée, fumed at the news of Leticia. Since the “bastard” had gone down to the countryside, he had been enjoying his time moving freely between the mansion and the Magic Tower.
He had been taken aback when Godfrey returned from his two-year service looking unexpectedly subdued, but he figured it was fine. They had to grow up eventually, after all. Godfrey’s hot temper cooling down was a fortunate thing for the family.
But for that bastard to return to the capital! And to have a debutante ball was nothing less than a signal that she intended to lead a full social life!
Sebastian, who hadn’t had to hear Leticia’s name for a while since she moved to the Lyon territory, suddenly found everything distasteful.
‘She’s already engaged, so why does she need a debutante? Ah, did the Lyon family decide to kick her out now that the Young Lord regained his original form?’
Certainly, the youngest Sword Master was far too good of a fiancé for Leticia. The only reason a bastard could latch onto the Young Lord was because he was cursed; now that the curse was gone, it was only right that she be sent away.
‘But since Duke Lyon became her guardian… throwing her out immediately wouldn’t look good. Are they planning to tie her up with some lowly fellow after the debutante and then kick her out?’
If that were the case, he would be satisfied. If she were paired with some loser from a pathetic family—ideally not even a capital noble—he truly would never have to see her face again.
‘Then, should I not ruin her debutante? If she makes a mess of herself at the Imperial Ball and no one wants her…’
Sebastian gasped at the sudden thought.
‘Then she’ll come back to our family! Damn it, no! That can’t happen!’
The thought of her returning was horrific, but letting her have a proper debutante was also infuriating. Hadn’t Godfrey suffered for two years because of her? Cesare seemed pleased that Godfrey had become more mature, but Sebastian thought it was an ordeal that never should have happened. So, just a little…
‘A little bit of venting won’t completely ruin the debutante.’
Even as a child, she had a pretty enough face that some boys would ask him about her, and he heard she had grown even more beautiful. Such fools would still want to propose even if she was slightly disgraced. In fact, it would only attract the low-level scum she deserved, making it easier for her to find a husband suited to her rank.
‘Good! Just a little… just enough to make her realize her place!’
Sebastian’s eyes gleamed with the thought.
***
Duke Tesseia had recently found the High Priest’s attitude quite bothersome. He would request private meetings for no reason and ask questions about Teresa.
‘It felt like he was trying to make me think about Leticia…’
He would act mysterious as if hiding something, then suddenly hold his tongue. Since it looked like he was trying to manipulate him, Aaron found it strange. What could the High Priest possibly know about him to act like that?
‘There is no special relationship between the Church and me…’
While the Dukedom sent ritualistic donations every year, they never exceeded the standard amount. Other than that…
‘Leticia. That girl used to visit the temple frequently.’
Since that wasn’t an action that could be publicly criticized, Aaron hadn’t bothered to intervene. He had been sharp with her when she was younger, but as she grew, he had treated her with almost total indifference. He had provided her with the background to grow up on her own and believed he had fulfilled his duty.
‘Now that I think about it… they said Leticia is having her debutante at this year’s Spring Ball.’
He had heard the news through another noble. That person had been surprised, asking, “You didn’t know?” assuming the Lyon family would have informed the Tesseia family. Aaron had felt a slight prick of irritation at that.
‘Duke Lyon is a generous man; he probably took care of it himself!’
He decided he would make up an excuse to decline the High Priest’s next invitation and pulled off his gloves. As he sat in his carriage, the look of displeasure didn’t leave his face.
***
Finally, the Lyon family’s carriage passed through the capital’s gates. It had been eight years since Leticia had been at the Lyon mansion in the capital, yet she felt a sense of nostalgia as if she were returning home.
Holding Terdis’ hand as she stepped off the carriage, Leticia felt how much she had grown. Her perspective was different than it was at twelve, making many parts of the mansion feel new.
“It’s been a long time, so let’s go out and play everywhere. Let’s go on dates, too!”
Like her, Terdis seemed excited. Seeing her face turn red when he leaned in close, he smiled broadly. He was satisfied with the reactions Leticia had shown throughout the carriage ride.
‘Leticia is definitely conscious of me!’
They might have been just friends before, but now it was clear she was flustered by him. The pounding heart, the red face… all these reactions signaled her favor and affection.
‘I’ll confess once this debutante is over.’
He didn’t plan on saying those words on the day of the debutante itself. That day was for catching the enemy who had harmed Leticia’s mother. It would be great if they could catch the culprit in the ballroom, but there was also the possibility of failing without any results.
So, his plan was to confess his heart the day after the event was safely over. Since Leticia was clearly attracted to him to some extent, once the confession was accepted, he would spend about a year preparing and then hold the wedding immediately!
That was the future plan Terdis had established.
‘I’ve done it so far, and I will continue to protect Tisha by her side.’
In his current form, he could clearly do that. There would be no more fools who would dare look down on him or the Lyon family.
***
High Priest Orlando checked the letter he had received with an anxious face. Although a junior priest serving as his attendant had already said there was no contact from the Lyon family, he had to check for himself. He returned the bundle of letters to the junior priest and asked for tea.
‘Of all things, for the Young Lord’s curse not to be a curse!’
His most important and useful card had become worthless. Perhaps because of that, the donations from the Lyon family had dropped significantly, and their interaction with the Church was no longer what it used to be. While the relationship with the Church was linked to the welfare of the territory’s people—meaning they hadn’t cut ties completely—it was at an absurdly low level compared to before.
Orlando believed this was due to his confrontation with Duke Lyon eight years ago. Back then, he had mistakenly believed the Church held the upper hand in the relationship.
‘I have no means to persuade Lady Tesseia!’
Since her engagement to Young Lord Lyon, her visits to the temple had decreased noticeably. She seemed to have visited the temple in the Lyon territory after moving there, but she didn’t seem to bother going unless she was with Duke Lyon.
He was certain Carlyle’s influence was at play.
‘He must be wary of the Church persuading the Lady.’
Although the Lady of Tesseia had not yet manifested her holy power, he believed it was only a matter of time. Many Saints receive power from the Goddess between the ages of 16 and 20. If things were left as they were, it would only benefit the Lyon family.
‘I cannot let that happen!’
So, Orlando tried to show friendliness toward Duke Tesseia, even meeting with him as if they had become close, but the Lyon family didn’t seem to feel even a hint of pressure. Orlando couldn’t help but fume at their attitude of “Go ahead and tell the truth to Duke Tesseia if you want.” It was obvious that Duke Aaron Tesseia, would take an even harsher stance than Duke Lyon once he knew the truth.
‘The Church has already lost two Saints.’
Strictly speaking, they hadn’t “lost” them. In the thousands of years of history, there were two among those who manifested as Saints in the last century whom they had failed to secure. One was a princess of a certain kingdom, and the other was a lady from a lower-ranking noble family. The princess manifested the Saint’s power but belonged to the royal family, so she didn’t act according to the Church’s wishes. She only lent her power when her father made a deal with the Church. The lady from the lower-ranking noble family immediately got engaged to the prince of that country and behaved similarly to the aforementioned Saint.
While there were other Saints in between, it was a source of bitter resentment for the Church. A Saint had to belong solely to the Church.
‘But what am I to do?’
At this rate, Lady Tesseia would marry Young Lord Lyon and become his wife. While there are cases of married women working for the Church, it was extremely rare for a married woman to be called a Saint. It was the fate of past Saints to be sent all over the continent for the Church when their holy power was strong, and then to be married off in a political marriage for the Church’s benefit once that power faded.
Orlando sighed in regret. It felt as if the countless gold coins and jewels he would have gained if he had drawn the Saint into the Church were slipping through his fingers.
***
Once the unpacking seemed mostly finished, Terdis led Leticia by the hand and slipped out of the mansion. Since Carlyle had also told them to have a good time with a smile, the two went out into the streets of the capital, accompanied by attendants and escort knights.
It had been eight years, but since neither Leticia nor Terdis had roamed the capital much before, everything felt unfamiliar.
‘This is my first time walking through places like this!’
Leticia had only visited the temple because she had to worry about the Duke and her three brothers, and Terdis had never gone out at all unless he was with his father, fearing he might be mistaken for a monster.
Fortunately, Terdis had gained some confidence in the Lyon territory, so they had gone out together occasionally. Besides that, Leticia had roamed around with the ladies who had become her friends.
They drank tea at a cafe they liked and entered a suitable restaurant. Since Carlyle had an appointment in the evening, it was a day they could dine on their own.
As it was a restaurant frequented by nobles, the other guests inside stole glances at them as they sat down. Terdis’ beautiful face and Leticia’s green hair were eye-catching.
“…Isn’t that the bastard?”
“…It seems the rumor that the Young Lord’s condition wasn’t a curse was true.”
The unpleasant whispering voices were clearly audible to the ears of Terdis, a Sword Master. He worried that Leticia might feel bad hearing those words. Fortunately, she didn’t seem to hear them, and Terdis ignored them as he ordered food.
“…What a shame. If I had known, I would have pushed my daughter forward as well.”
“…What’s so difficult even now? Now that the Young Lord has regained his original appearance, he’ll soon realize that bastard doesn’t suit him.”
‘Scum!’
He could almost understand those who rejected him because of his hideous appearance. He would have hated it too. But what truly made him angry were those who assumed that even after he regained his true form, he would be as “easy” as he was in the past. They all ignored or treated Leticia’s existence—the one who had stayed by his side during his most difficult times—as if it were nothing. Knowing that Leticia’s position was more vulnerable than his own, Terdis feared she would be hurt.
‘You’re not a person who deserves this kind of treatment…’
“…We shouldn’t just sit here; we should at least go greet the Young Lord.”
“…Will it be okay with that bastard by his side?”
“…Who would say anything about just greeting him? That bastard needs to realize her place too. Now that things have turned out like this, she should have stepped down on her own… but instead, she’s clinging to him so hideously.”
A man with a hideous beard stood up and spoke confidently. Terdis realized what they were trying to do. They intended to greet only him and not say a single word to Leticia by his side. It was a behavior some nobles had shown even in his home territory of Lyon. Knowing this, Terdis signaled to his escort knights.
The couple was already approaching their table, and the escort knights quickly picked up on it. When choosing a spot in the restaurant, Terdis had wanted a place where their privacy could be protected. Since the private rooms were full, they had to sit in another area, but like a restaurant for nobles, there were recessed seats where escort knights could stand and block access.
“…What is your business?”
The couple was taken aback when the cold-faced escort knights blocked their path. They had underestimated Terdis because he was still a minor.
“Do you not know me? My family has deep ties with House Lyon. We have traded with them, and I have a personal relationship with the Duke…”
“Our Young Lord is busy. It seems they are about to leave after finishing their meal, so please go your way.”
At the escort knight’s words, the man’s face flushed as if he had been insulted.
“I was merely trying to greet the Young Lord. Why are you being so stiff?”
Of course, he hadn’t intended to just greet him. He had also planned to pay for their meal and promote his own family. But the escort knights didn’t budge. Their eyes seemed to say, “We’ve seen plenty of guys like you.”
“We have our orders, so it will be difficult. Please greet him another time.”
The man couldn’t bring himself to call out to Terdis loudly and retreated. If he caused such a scene, everyone in the restaurant would stare. If the Young Lord scolded his escort knights at that moment, he wouldn’t be embarrassed, but if Terdis ignored him, it would be a huge disgrace.
‘That brat is being arrogant, forgetting his past!’
Afraid the Young Lord’s escort knights might overhear, he didn’t dare say those words out loud and turned away with an angry face. His wife also stole regretful glances before hurrying after her husband.
Leticia, who had looked toward the entrance at the slight commotion, felt relieved to see them withdraw.
“Is it someone you know?”
“Not at all. Things like that happened occasionally even before that guy came, so don’t worry about it.”
Leticia knew who “that guy” Terdis was referring to. He was currently dwelling in his necklace.
“What do you want for dessert?”
When he spoke with a smile, Leticia turned her gaze to the menu.
***
They had set out onto the streets of the capital with joy, but after only three days, they decided to give up on outings. Too many strangers were constantly approaching them. While the escort knights and attendants did their best to ward them off, almost everyone approached Terdis or Leticia with a condescending attitude.
‘I can’t exactly radiate murderous intent to drive them away.’
Terdis, whose pleasant dates with Leticia were being constantly interrupted, ground his teeth. Even with the Spring Festival only days away and the city buzzing with excitement, their behavior was inexcusably rude. Because more than half of them were specifically disrespectful to Leticia, Terdis’ anger was immense.
“L-look, Ter… don’t be so angry. It’s a problem we can’t really help.”
“But still…!”
Swallowing the words ,How could they do that to you?, Terdis looked at Leticia. Even if she had truly been illegitimate, such treatment was unjust.
‘Is Leticia being treated this way because I am weak?’
Though rumors were spreading that he was the youngest Sword Master, people still viewed him as “just a kid.” It was a thought born of ignorance regarding the sheer terror a Sword Master could command. Because he had been pointed at as a monster and was still a minor, many felt they could still push him around.
“I’m fine. I have to prepare for the ball anyway… and so do you. On the day of the Spring Ball, everything will be revealed, and things will be different.”
“I hope so. But it still makes me mad. I want you to enjoy only the best things in the world…”
Leticia smiled at Terdis’ words as he reached out to hold her hand. Even though she knew his heart would eventually turn toward another woman, his words made her happy.
***
The reserved dress fit perfectly with almost no need for alterations. The same went for Terdis’ formal attire. Since there were many things to prepare starting from the day before, Terdis was growing bored.
“If it weren’t for the fact that I get to dance with Tisha, I wouldn’t go to a ball like this!”
“Now, now, Terdis. You shouldn’t say such things ahead of the Imperial Ball.”
Carlyle chuckled and teased Terdis. He, too, was fully dressed up. Although he was a father to a grown son, he still appeared to be in his late thirties, making him a man who received many advances. Though he himself seemed to have no intention of remarrying. Having seen his own father’s second wife’s son murder his first wife and attempt to kill both him and his son, he had no desire for a second marriage.
“Ter, are you very tired?”
Terdis’ eyes widened as Leticia stepped lightly out of her room, fully adorned. He rushed to her side, his blue eyes shining with enchantment. Carlyle watched this and chuckled, remarking that his son still had a long way to go before becoming a man.
“Tisha. You’re truly beautiful… like an angel.”
“Haha, Terdis. Don’t forget your current heart and always praise her like that.”
“Uncle!”
A flustered Leticia glared at him, but Carlyle simply shrugged as if to say What’s wrong with that? In his mind, a man who withheld praise from the woman he loved was nothing but a fool. Even if it was cringeworthy to hear from his own son, he could endure it if it meant his son would be loved by the woman he liked.
“My Lady, we must head to the Imperial Palace now…”
“Ah! I’m sorry, Duke.”
When Leticia realized her slip of the tongue and apologized, Carlyle shook his head. Until now, he had occupied a position like her uncle, so it was natural to call him that. In fact, he had told Leticia to call him whatever was comfortable.
“No, it’s fine. Though it might be a bit awkward to keep calling me that after you marry Terdis.”
At the mention of marriage, a flicker of panic crossed Leticia’s eyes, causing Carlyle to pause. However, the expression quickly vanished as Terdis took Leticia’s hand.
‘Why? Is she uncomfortable with the idea of marrying Terdis? Is it because she’s still young? Or is it just my imagination?’
Terdis was already happily escorting Leticia to the carriage. Carlyle decided not to dwell on it as he followed them. Terdis loved Leticia and his biggest problem had already been solved. Even if he were rejected by Leticia, it wouldn’t be as desperate as before.
***
When boarding the carriage, Carlyle had followed behind, but when the Lyon family carriage arrived at the palace and headed toward the ballroom, it was the opposite. He descended first, and after seeing the children step down, he led the way into the ballroom.
Terdis felt a marked difference compared to when he and Leticia were alone. Those who used to ignore the escort knights and try to approach them were now merely stealing glances, not daring to come close. Whenever someone approached, Carlyle would either accept their greeting with the grace of a high-ranking noble or simply ignore them. No one seemed offended; they took it as natural. He was Duke Lyon, after all. Terdis, knowing he would one day hold his father’s title, watched and took notes.
‘That way, Tisha won’t be looked down upon when she’s with me.’
Their family weren’t the only ones attending today. Carlyle had arranged for the mage who broke Leticia’s curse to be present to assist with her plan. Furthermore, he intended to meet the Emperor and Empress to reveal Leticia’s plan. Since they needed to break the curse trapped within the magic tool right here, they needed imperial permission.
Unlike her usual outings with Terdis, Leticia was not wearing her ring. The Spring Ball was held in the main palace, and she knew the illusion magic on the ring would be useless under the powerful barriers here. So, Leticia hid her hair with a veil as she had before. Ensuring not a single strand of her original gold hair was visible, she entered with Terdis.
Since Leticia had done this in the past, people simply assumed she was doing it because the Tesseia family was present. It was an open secret that she wore the veil to hide her hair due to the pressure from the Duke and her three brothers.
“The Emperor is about to enter.”
At Carlyle’s word, Leticia and Terdis straightened their clothes and waited. Soon, an attendant announced the entrance of the Imperial family.
“Everyone, pay your respects!”
The ballroom fell silent as all the nobles bowed. Since this was Leticia’s first time at such an event, she and Terdis glanced at each other before bowing. The Imperial family entered through a private passage, and the Emperor looked out over the nobles. Only after his family was seated did he tell them they could raise their heads.
Leticia raised her head along with the others and looked at the Imperial family with eyes full of curiosity. She caught a glimpse of Duke Tesseia and his sons but purposefully avoided looking in their direction.
The Imperial family consisted only of the Emperor, the Empress, and the Crown Prince. After the Empress had suffered a miscarriage with their second child, she became infertile, leaving the Crown Prince as the sole heir. However, Crown Prince Edward was sufficiently brilliant and generous that everyone held high expectations for him.
“The long winter has ended, and spring has come to this Empire! Today’s ball is to celebrate that, so may you all enjoy this festival!”
At the Emperor’s declaration, the nobles bowed in gratitude, and under the Empress’s direction, the orchestra began to play once more. There was no specific first dance this time. Consequently, many young ladies and gentlemen began to move freely to the center of the ballroom to dance.
Near the Imperial couple, the highest-ranking pro-Emperor nobles offered their greetings first. Starting with them, those who wished to align themselves with the Imperial family began to scramble to greet them, naturally forming a line. Since this procession prioritized rank, high-ranking nobles stood at the front, while lower-ranking nobles hadn’t even formed a line yet. Since Leticia was treated as part of the Lyon family, she was able to move to the very front with Carlyle and Terdis.
This was because the few Ducal houses had the right to offer greetings first. The Emperor recognized Carlyle and looked at Terdis with curiosity. The Empress appeared deeply moved to see Leticia for the first time in eight years since the incident. While Leticia had strongly resembled Sebastian when she was young, as she aged, more of Teresa’s features began to show.
“Young Lord! This is the first time I’ve seen you since you were a child. You’ve grown quite well!”
“Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty.”
When Terdis replied, the Emperor laughed as if pleased. The addition of another Sword Master to the Empire was a cause for great joy. Carlyle looked at the Imperial couple cautiously and spoke.
“I have something urgent to discuss privately. Would you permit me to approach?”
The Emperor nodded without much thought. Duke Lyon was one of the most trustworthy among the high-ranking nobles.
“Permission granted.”
As Carlyle stepped onto the dais, the Emperor noted his serious expression and asked, “Do you wish for others not to hear?”
“Yes. There are other Sword Masters in the ballroom, after all…”
“Hmm.”
The Emperor gestured to a mage among the escort knights behind him. These mages had undergone special training that allowed them to use several spells even on top of the magic circles laid within the main palace. A spell to block sound from spreading to the surroundings was one of them.
“The truth is…”
As Carlyle explained Leticia’s situation, the expressions of the Emperor and Empress changed. Edward, who was nearby, reacted similarly. As their gazes landed on Leticia, she bowed her head as if pleading. Edward hurriedly searched for Cesare among the nobles.
‘Cesare!’
He was a terrible misogynist, especially toward his sister. But it turned out his sister didn’t actually have “half-blood.” He needed to know this truth. Edward couldn’t even fathom how much Cesare would regret and suffer.
“Is that true, Duke?”
“It is. To assist with this, I have even brought the Master of the Magic Tower.”
The Emperor knew he had allowed a mage into the ballroom at Carlyle’s request. Since this ball was open to lower-ranking nobles, it wasn’t a difficult request to grant.
“The Lady…”
The Empress looked as if she were stifling a scream. She had kept her distance from Leticia, believing her to be illegitimate. If it weren’t for that, she was a child who would have been mentioned as a match for the Crown Prince.
‘To think Teresa was framed… I should have doubted it!’
She had acted according to her convictions, but the result was tragic. She regretted that despite suspecting her friend’s daughter would be mistreated after her friend’s death, she hadn’t done much to help.
“Your Majesty, please permit it.”
As Empress Grace spoke, the Emperor remembered that the late Duchess Tesseia had been her friend.
“Uh, well… I suppose I must. Are you certain the culprit is actually in this ballroom?”
“We can only guess that it is someone close to Duke Tesseia. Since twenty years have passed, the probability might be low, but the daughter of the late Duchess Tesseia, who died unjustly, desires this. Please permit it.”
As Carlyle bowed deeply once more, Terdis and Leticia did the same. The Emperor then nodded.
“I permit it. One cannot leave someone who dared to harm the Tesseia family, who are relatives of the Imperial family, unpunished… However, if nothing happens, it could be an embarrassment to the Dukedom…”
“We will attempt it quietly. I am merely grateful for your permission.”
The Emperor seemed relieved by his answer. Just as they were about to withdraw after getting what they wanted, the Empress looked at Leticia.
“Lady Tesseia.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Seeing the veiled face looking up at her, the Empress looked back with eyes full of deep regret. she was reflecting on whether she had been too narrow-minded.
“You must have had a hard time… It is admirable to see you working so hard for your mother. I am sorry for not noticing anything.”
“No, Your Majesty. Who could have noticed? Everyone in the Empire was fooled.”
When Leticia spoke with a sad face, the Empress caught her breath. She had cherished Teresa, but they weren’t extremely close friends. She was the Empress, after all. The Empress had thought her heart was the larger one in their friendship. Since Teresa wasn’t the type to express herself often, when she gave birth to Leticia, the Empress felt she had been completely fooled. She had thought Teresa was just like everyone else.
“…I truly hope the culprit is caught.”
Because of that, the Empress had lost the moment to mourn Teresa’s death. The lies had tainted all their memories.
“I hope so too.”
The Empress didn’t cry, but the Emperor and the Crown Prince knew she was grieving. It was a feeling of sorrow and guilt toward a friend who had been slandered for twenty years. People were beginning to find the long conversation between the Lyon family and the Imperial family strange. As the whispering grew, Carlyle offered his final greeting and withdrew with the children.
“Are you alright, Empress?”
The Empress shook her head at the Emperor’s worried question.
“Of course I’m not. I didn’t cry back then, after all.”
Believing she had been betrayed by Teresa, she had sent her away without shedding a single tear. Likely, Duke Tesseia was the same. He was a man who loved Teresa even more than the Empress did.
“I regret my actions too… but what can be done about the years that have passed? I merely pity him, for he is in a far more miserable situation than I am.”
At the end of the Empress’s gaze was Duke Aaron Tesseia, who was surrounded by nobles, completely unaware of the truth.
***
As the Imperial couple resumed receiving greetings from the nobles as if nothing had happened, the suspicious commotion seemed to die down. People simply assumed the Emperor had many questions about the spirit of the sword that Terdis was said to be recognized by.
“Mage.”
Fortunately, an attendant quickly found the Tower Master. Tower Master Dominic was tasting various foods at the banquet table. Although he was a being who had lived for over a thousand years, his appearance was that of an eighteen-year-old boy, making it difficult to recognize him as a mage.
“Oh. Is the permission from the Emperor all finished?”
“It is. Now it is your turn to work your magic, Tower Master.”
As Carlyle spoke, he took out the magic tool he had hidden in a secret pocket. It was the glass vial containing the curse removed from Leticia’s body. Indeed, since it contained the Tower Master’s magic, it remained perfectly stable even within the palace barrier.
“Good. I’ve actually spotted a few suspicious people myself. To use oneself as a medium for a curse… What foolish people…”
He knew why they used humans as mediums. If a curse is cast using an object as a medium, the curse is easily broken if the object is destroyed. On the other hand, using a human harboring a grudge as a medium makes it difficult to track and easy to maintain the curse. However, this was a method no proper mage would ever use. Because if the curse fails…
“It returns to the caster several times over! Now, go! Return to the one who cast the curse!”
It was a curse that had resided in Leticia’s body for over a decade. That curse had grown like a monster, feeding on Leticia’s pain and tears. Trapped within the magic tool Dominic had created, it emerged like a pale purple mist as he pulled the stopper from the vial.
“What… Using magic inside the Imperial Palace is forbidden!”
Someone shouted in shock upon seeing Dominic’s actions, but Dominic didn’t even look at them. He was watching the translucent purple mist floating in the air. It circled briefly as if wanting to return to Leticia’s body, but upon realizing she was protected by the magic Dominic had placed on her, it turned away.
‘It’s moving!’
“We have permission from His Majesty…”
Terdis pulled Leticia into a protective embrace, while Carlyle explained the situation to the protesting nobles. Meanwhile, the swirling mist seemed to realize something, or perhaps like a hawk spotting its prey, it suddenly flew off in a certain direction. Leticia immediately recognized the noblewoman at the end of its flight path. Because the woman was an adult, her face hadn’t changed much since Leticia was a child.
“KYAAAAAAA!”
The mist engulfed the noblewoman, and a wretched scream echoed. Her neatly styled pale pink hair began to turn a murky green, even filthier than Leticia’s had been. And her hair wasn’t the only thing that changed. The curse, which had grown strong feeding on Leticia’s pain, caused deformities on her scalp and forehead. Her skin turned blue, and bulging veins could be seen snaking down from her forehead toward one of her eyes.
People recoiled in horror at the ghastly sight. The woman, writhing in the pain of the curse, froze at the reaction of the people watching her.
‘What is this?’
She knew her hair had turned a dirty green. But why were the others looking at her… with eyes that looked as if they were seeing something horrific?
“It was you. The person who cursed me and my mother.”
At the voice, she turned her frozen gaze to one side. There stood the veiled Leticia.
***
People drew back in a circle, avoiding her. Even the noble who had attended the ball as her partner did the same. She reached out as if pleading for help, but people recoiled in horror, perhaps thinking her curse was contagious. Consequently, an empty circular space was formed around her. It was then that Leticia’s voice was heard.
Whether the Imperial couple had noticed the commotion and given orders, the orchestra’s music also went quiet.
“What are you talking about, My Lady? A curse…”
A hysterical laugh hung on the face of the woman, Baroness Perdoba. She was one of Teresa’s old friends. Because she had written letters saying she was afraid of being alone after her husband died, Teresa had allowed her to stay at the Tesseia mansion out of kindness. At the time, Teresa was pregnant and couldn’t pay much attention to the children, and Baroness Perdoba was working as a governess. Since Teresa knew she took on the job of looking after young children, she never dreamed the woman would harbor a grudge against her.
“That hair is the proof, Baroness.”
Leticia spoke and removed her veil. Those who were quick-witted were shocked after a few moments, but others failed to realize it.
“…What’s that about? Did she dye it because she hates green?”
“…They said it’s a curse! Look, the Baroness’s hair is green!”
As suspicious gazes spread, Baroness Perdoba became terrified. Duchess Teresa Tesseia, was the daughter of a Marquis, but by marrying Aaron, she was treated as a member of the Imperial family. If the truth were revealed, she wouldn’t just die; she would be tortured to death.
“Why are you doing this to me? To curse another because you are pessimistic about your own situation is a grave sin, even for a high-ranking noble! My Lady!”
“It is no sin to deflect a curse. I merely removed the curse from the Lady and returned it to the one who cast it!”
At Dominic’s loud words as he approached Leticia, Baroness Perdoba felt as if she were going mad.
“What nonsense…!”
People exchanged curious glances at the sight of the tall boy with red hair who suddenly appeared.
“…Who is that?”
“…A mage?”
“Master!!”
Sebastian, pushing through the crowd, had eyes full of anxiety. There was a limit to hearing Leticia’s voice from afar. He wasn’t a knight like his father or brothers, after all.
“What about the Magic Tower? Why are you in a place like this?”
“Ah. I returned the curse that was on your sister to the one who cast it. Because today, that girl insisted she wanted to do it this way. She said she thought it would be the only way to catch the culprit.”
“What do you mean…”
As Sebastian turned his gaze, he froze in shock upon realizing that the girl with flowing golden hair was his sister. He hadn’t known the girl was Leticia because of the blonde hair.
‘Curse? Wait, did he say curse? And what is that sight…’
He was neither slow nor dull. He understood everything from Dominic’s words, Leticia’s blonde hair, and Baroness Perdoba’s face as her hair turned green.
“No. That can’t be…”
Baroness Perdoba had remained at the Tesseia mansion even after Teresa died. It was to look after the Duke’s three sons. He knew she had stayed until they were over ten years old but had suddenly left one day. Sebastian had never liked that woman. Her overly kind behavior felt strange, and he disliked the way she stole glances at his father.
“Young Lord! Please help me! You remember me, don’t you? I don’t know what misunderstanding the Lady has, but she has cast such a horrific curse on me!”
Perhaps mistaking Sebastian’s confused state for a lifeline, Baroness Perdoba rushed over and tried to grab his arm. Sebastian, who had already deduced the truth, roughly shook off her hand. If his current thoughts were correct… this woman was the one who cursed and killed his mother.
Leticia didn’t care about Sebastian’s emotions. She approached Baroness Perdoba with a face full of fury.
“My mother showed you kindness, so why did you frame her with such a curse? You tried to make it look like my mother had committed adultery to get her kicked out! My mother died because of that curse!!”
‘…Good heavens!’
The onlookers held their breath. These words immediately clarified the thoughts of those who had already deduced the situation and those who couldn’t follow what was happening. Baroness Perdoba turned her head to the surroundings as if pleading for help under the gazes full of suspicion and shock. People already seemed to believe Leticia’s words. This was the main palace, protected by the strongest barrier in the Imperial Palace, and Leticia’s hair was golden. It would be difficult to maintain that with any kind of magic.
‘But why am I in this state?!’
If the magic circles of the main palace were so great, her own curse should have vanished. Yet she had received the curse back, making her utterly furious.
“Lies!! It’s all lies! How could I possibly know such a curse? Look at this! Even I wouldn’t know of a horrific curse that works even in the main palace.”
That was something Leticia also found strange. In the original story, Leticia’s hair had returned to its original color as soon as she stepped into the main palace. However, as if refuting Baroness Perdoba’s words, the magic circles of the main palace slowly took effect. As if only now reacting to the curse she was under, her hair color began to return to its original dull pink.
Unfortunately for her, only her hair color returned to normal. The strangely deformed skin on her forehead and around her eyes did not return to its original state.
“…A curse returning to the medium is a natural occurrence following the laws of the world. Even the magic circles of this palace don’t interfere with it. Mages, you see, know this, which is why they don’t use themselves as a medium when casting a curse.”
Dominic spoke, stole a glance at the shocked Sebastian, and then turned his head back to Baroness Perdoba.
“It’s true that you couldn’t have cast such a curse. There must have been a mage who helped you. What I’m curious about is, who helped you with this curse?”
‘Who is it?’
Dominic’s eyes were glowing with a cold light as he asked. His reason for helping Leticia was to participate in the interrogation of this woman. Catching and punishing mages who cast such curses was one of the primary tasks of the Magic Tower. Casting a curse on a pregnant woman was one of the greatest taboos for mages.
Baroness Perdoba, who had been flatly denying Leticia’s words, found the gaze of Tower Master Dominic to be a force she couldn’t resist. Sebastian realized he intended to use magic to open the Baroness’s mouth. In reality, Dominic was the type of person who didn’t care about using magic to extract information. He believed it was fine because it was to catch the mage who helped curse the Duchess, not for information for an accusation.
“I… I don’t know who… Other than that it was an old mage who suddenly appeared…”
‘Tch. Was she just used?’
Dominic clicked his tongue inwardly at Baroness Perdoba, who was trembling and spilling information. Just as he was about to withdraw his magic, a young man pushed through the crowd. It was Godfrey, who was twenty-four and had just become an Imperial Knight. He had supposedly trained his heart while serving as a knight-errant, but this was a situation that warranted fury. Furthermore, he had been quite fond of Baroness Perdoba, making the betrayal feel even greater.
“Was it you?! Did you really kill my mother?”
The woman was terrified as Godfrey gripped her arm and shook her. For a moment, she didn’t recognize him, but then she found the features resembling the Duke and Teresa and realized who he was.
“Second Young Lord. Let go of this…”
“You just confessed with your own mouth! That you cursed my mother with the help of a mage! That you killed her!!”
Godfrey intimidated her, radiating murderous intent from his entire body. Feeling as if he would strangle her at any moment, Baroness Perdoba felt a sense of injustice. Even then and now, she viewed herself as a victim. Especially from the perspective of someone who had to watch others enjoy a radiant status while she herself failed to obtain what she wanted.
“No!”
She screamed at the top of her lungs. She couldn’t understand why something that happened so long ago was becoming an issue now. Since she had gained nothing. She had only lost.
“No! No! I didn’t kill her! I… the curse I cast was just a simple one to change a newborn’s hair color!”
Teresa had been very healthy and was expected to have an easy delivery. They said her mother had a similar constitution. Teresa’s nanny was relieved, calling it a blessed constitution. The Baroness had wanted to make her just a little, a very little bit miserable.
“I was tricked too! That mage tricked me! I didn’t know it would turn out like that!”
These words were a lie, but at the moment she shouted them, Baroness Perdoba believed them to be the truth. The mage had warned her, but she hadn’t really thought it would happen.
‘He was just saying those things to scare me!’
Furthermore, she had an unstoppable reason. Because Teresa…
‘That girl was a liar who betrayed her friend!’
Even when countless friends liked Duke Tesseia, Teresa acted as if she weren’t interested. That girl didn’t even show much interest in the Duke’s courtship!
“Why? Why Teresa! I liked him first! I even told Teresa that!”
Back in their girlhood, Aaron de Tesseia was a boy loved by many young ladies. When she shyly confessed her love for Aaron to her friends, the other young ladies scrambled to confess the same. Back then, like all girls, she knew her unrequited love wouldn’t come true. Aaron was a boy like a dream. So Teresa shouldn’t have been paired with him either. If she hadn’t, her heart wouldn’t have ached so much, and she wouldn’t have been so jealous.
“I only betrayed Teresa, who betrayed me!”
Conveniently, she had become alone after her husband died, so she made up her mind to seduce Aaron. She thought it would be possible because the foolish Teresa had invited her in and because Teresa was pregnant. Didn’t all men cheat at times like that? She thought Aaron would eventually be just like any other man.
But Aaron didn’t even notice her attempts to seduce him. He didn’t even look at her out of worry for his pregnant wife. Because of that, Baroness Perdoba grew to loathe Teresa. She only wished for the woman who had everything to become miserable.
“What’s wrong with what I did?! Teresa was the stupid one for not knowing her place…”
SLAP!
She was screaming and radiating malice when she received a huge shock while still being held by Godfrey. Because Leticia, who was despised and called “that bastard,” had dared to hit her. Even at the time Baroness Perdoba was being kicked out of the Tesseia mansion, Leticia was just a little girl who flattered the maids to avoid being hated.
Her anger exploded instantly.
“You…! If you hadn’t been born, Teresa wouldn’t have died! If Teresa hadn’t had you, I wouldn’t have been able to enter that mansion…”
SLAP! SLAP!
Leticia slapped her twice more in quick succession. She couldn’t stand the woman who killed her mother insulting her. Or the way she tried to shift her guilt onto someone else by any means.
“The things that happened because of your actions are solely your responsibility! Don’t you dare try to shift the blame onto my mother with that filthy mouth of yours!”
Leticia’s fingertips were trembling from the sheer force of her anger. Baroness Perdoba, who had been dazed by the shock and the pain in her cheeks, tried to say something but then rolled her eyes in frustration. Hostile gazes from the people were pouring onto her. No one around her tried to stop Leticia; on the contrary, they looked as if they were about to stop her from not fighting back.
“Sir Godfrey. Lady Tesseia.”
Imperial Knights, whom Godfrey also knew, approached them. They acknowledged Godfrey and offered their greetings to Leticia. Baroness Perdoba realized what fate was approaching her and became flustered. She struggled to escape, but Godfrey wouldn’t let her go.
“L-let go! It’s something that happened nearly twenty years ago! I’m being wronged!! How can this be happening after all this time!”
“I am arresting you on the charge of murdering Duchess Tesseia, Baroness.”
The struggling Baroness Perdoba was taken away by the Imperial Knights. Seeing that, Leticia breathed a deep sigh as if the tension were finally leaving her. Tower Master Dominic was by her side, but two steps away, Terdis was waiting to protect her. As soon as Baroness Perdoba was taken away, he stuck close to Leticia and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“Tisha, are you okay?”
Leticia didn’t answer but shook her head. Noticing her expression, Terdis quickly embraced Leticia and led her out of the ballroom. It was a passage leading in a different direction from where Baroness Perdoba had been taken.
“Le-Leticia!”
Sebastian had merely stood there while Godfrey caused the commotion, but Godfrey hesitantly called Leticia’s name.
“…I don’t want to hear anything right now.”
When Leticia replied, Godfrey’s mouth also shut. Terdis looked at Godfrey and Sebastian warily and supported Leticia as he left the ballroom. All that remained was silence.
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Hey_soup
HELL YA BROTHER!! now b*tch slap them mfs of house Tesseia !!!! WITH A QUICKNESS GIRL!!!!!!