Episode 90

After returning from the temple, I pondered deeply over what I could do.

‘Everything started at the center of the Black Forest…’

Based on the priest’s words, there were only two ways to grant Lloydin his freedom.

Two ways weren’t many, but one of them was something I could never do or even attempt.

‘Is it possible to eliminate all monsters from this world?’

If I had the power like Lloydin, maybe it would have been possible.

Even though it would be nearly impossible alone, having the strength to confront the monsters might have made it worth attempting.

In any case, if I had that kind of power, I would have definitely done it.

But unfortunately, I was just an ordinary person without any special abilities.

“So, the only option left…”

The only choice left to me was to uncover the truth hidden in the Black Forest.

The information I had gathered so far was insufficient, so I decided to proactively collect and read every book related to the Black Forest and monsters.

However, given the dangerous nature of the Black Forest and the monsters, only a few books were available despite my efforts.

Moreover, the contents of the few books I found were either travelogues skimming the area or common knowledge.

‘This is far from enough.’

Pushing the useless books aside, I pondered alternative methods.

That’s when I thought of finding people who might know about the Black Forest.

I began discreetly inquiring about people who had been near the Black Forest or knights who had participated in monster subjugations, ensuring my identity remained hidden.

Time passed relentlessly during my search.

It had been over a month since Lloydin left for the north.

I missed him.

I missed Lloydin so much.

But there was no way to know when he would return.

Last time, he came back sooner than expected, within two months, but this time it could take much longer.

Suppressing my longing, I focused even more on what I could do.

But all efforts were in vain.

I met several people with the butler by my side, listening quietly, but none of them knew much about the Black Forest.

‘Of course.’

If even a long-time priest like Gabriel didn’t know, how could others?

With no fruitful results, I had no choice but to think of the one person who could potentially help the most.

‘I have to visit Father.’

Father knew everything; he might know the truth I was seeking.

Despite being the easiest option, I had avoided it to prevent worrying my family. But now, there was no other choice.

Once I made the decision, I headed to the Anaitz estate the next day.

Since I had contacted them by letter the day before, my entire family was there to greet me as soon as I got off the carriage.

“Ayla!”

“You all came to see me?”

I had expected only my parents, but seeing my brothers Jade and Luke as well surprised and delighted me. I approached my family with a smile.

“I’m here.”

I first greeted my parents.

“Welcome, Ayla.”

“Welcome, my dear.”

“Have you been well?”

“Well enough. Why has it been so long since you last visited?”

“Living well? Why has it taken you so long to visit?”

Luke, my brother, interjected with a displeased look.

“Sorry. I’ve been busy since the Duke has been away.”

“But you could have visited occasionally. You have no idea how much Mother…”

“Luke, enough.”

Jade, my other brother, intervened to stop Luke from continuing.

“You know, Jade. Mother has been…”

“Luke.”

This time, it was Mother who interrupted him.

“Alright, I won’t say anything.”

Finally, Luke sulked and fell silent.

Noticing the sudden drop in mood, I carefully observed my family’s expressions before speaking up.

“I’m sorry. Mother, I really wanted to come, but there was so much to do.”

“It’s alright. You’re here now, and that’s what matters.”

Mother smiled warmly and hugged me.

Overwhelmed with guilt, I buried myself in her embrace.

I felt remorseful for neglecting my family while focusing solely on Lloydin and for coming with a purpose other than just wanting to see them.

“I’m sorry.”

I apologized repeatedly to Mother.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about. It’s understandable when you’re busy. Luke was just being thoughtless.”

“No, I should have been more mindful.”

“It’s okay.”

Mother’s comforting words made me emotional, and tears welled up in my eyes.

As I hugged her tightly, tears brimming, I suddenly heard Luke cry out.

“Ow! Father, my foot, my foot!”

I quickly pulled away from Mother to see what was happening. Father was stepping firmly on Luke’s foot.

“Oh dear, why was your foot there?”

Father’s bemused remark made my tears vanish and a small laugh escape.

Mother and Jade also had smiles on their faces.

“What?”

Only Luke seemed clueless, staring at Father.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

Realizing something, Luke began to protest to Father.

“Are you talking back to me?”

Father’s voice turned icily stern.

“N-no, that’s not what I meant. I just… Ah, forget it.”

Luke quickly backed down, scratching his head.

We all burst into laughter at the scene.

Thanks to Father, the previously tense atmosphere brightened up.

Except for Luke, of course.

“Let’s not stand here. Let’s go inside.”

“…Yes, Father.”

I held Mother’s hand and went inside with my family.

We headed straight to the dining room for lunch, catching up on all the conversations we’d missed.

It was a joyously refreshing time.

Talking and sharing moments with those who cherished me brought immense happiness.

Because of that, I was torn about disrupting this moment.

‘Maybe I should just go back today.’

Hearing that my family had been waiting for me made it hard to bring up the real reason for my visit.

‘Yes, there will be other opportunities. I can come back soon and ask.’

Resolving to come back soon, I continued to enjoy the pleasant afternoon and evening with my family.

“I should be going now.”

It was already dark outside after dinner.

“Ayla.”

I was getting ready to leave when Father called me.

“Yes?”

“Why don’t we have a little talk before you go back?”

“Huh? Yes, sure, Father.”

I immediately followed Father to his study.

As soon as we entered and closed the door, the silence felt almost surreal after being in such a lively space moments ago.

Father sat down on the sofa first, and I took a seat opposite him.

“Is there something you wanted to talk to me about?”

I could feel Father’s intense gaze on me.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Puzzled by his silence, I finally asked, and that’s when he spoke.

“I heard you went to the temple.”

“What? Oh, did Priest Gabriel tell you?”

A wave of surprise hit me as I realized Father knew about my visit to the temple.

But I quickly calmed down, understanding the situation.

Priest Gabriel was one of Father’s close friends.

I had expected Father to eventually find out about my temple visit, but I hadn’t thought it would happen so soon.

“Yes, that’s right. I went to the temple recently.”

“Ayla, what is it that you truly want to do?”

“I…”

Instead of answering immediately, I took a moment to gather my thoughts.

I had planned to leave without bringing this up today, but now that Father had asked, there was no turning back.

“Father, I want to break the chains binding the Blighton family.”

I finally voiced what I truly wanted.

“Are you serious about this?”

“Yes, I am. I don’t want to see the Duke being forced into battle anymore.”

Father remained silent for a while.

Feeling both anxious and reluctant to push him, I waited patiently.

“I had a feeling this day would come.”

After a long pause, Father’s words surprised me.

“What?”

“Do you remember what you said when you first told me you were marrying the Duke of Blighton?”

Seeing my confused expression, Father continued.

“You promised to come back home as soon as you were cured.”

His words made my heart sink.

“Yes, I remember.”

I had made that promise, and it weighed heavily on my conscience now.

“But my illness was cured, and I found new purpose and meaning in my life. I want to help free the Blighton family from their burdens.”

I looked at Father earnestly, hoping he would understand my determination.

Father sighed deeply, his eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and pride.

“Your intentions are noble, Ayla. I can see how much you care for the Duke and the Blighton family. But this path you’ve chosen is fraught with danger and uncertainty.”

“I know, Father. But I can’t just stand by and do nothing.”

Father leaned back, contemplating my words.

“There is much you do not know about the Blighton family’s history and the covenants they are bound by.”

“Then tell me, Father. Help me understand so that I can find a way to help them.”

Father looked at me long and hard before nodding.

“Very well. If you are determined, I will tell you what I know. But be warned, Ayla, the truth is not always what you wish it to be.”

I nodded, ready to hear whatever he had to say.

“First, let me tell you about the origin of the covenant. It all began long ago, in the time of your great-grandfather…”

Father began to recount the history of the Blighton family, the covenants made with the empire and the temple, and the events that led to their current situation. The story was complex and filled with hardships, but it gave me a clearer understanding of the challenges ahead.

By the time Father finished, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.

“Thank you, Father. I will use this knowledge to help the Blighton family.”

Father nodded solemnly.

“Be careful, Ayla. This path is not easy, but I believe in your strength and determination.”

“I will, Father. Thank you for your support.”

With newfound resolve, I prepared to leave, ready to face the challenges ahead and free the Blighton family from their burdens.