Episode 83

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

The rhythmic sound of hooves filled the carriage, where a momentary silence lingered.

Jamie seemed elated, as if she’d just triumphed over a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Ludwig’s flustered expression still lingered in my mind.

Meeting my gaze, Jamie shrugged playfully.

“Comfortable ride, isn’t it? Let me know if you get motion sickness.”

There was no way I’d feel motion sickness—not in a carriage as luxurious and smooth as one fit for a princess.

Still, there was something I couldn’t help but ask.

“Why are you being so kind to me?”

It couldn’t simply be because I matched her aesthetic tastes. Jamie hadn’t reacted this way to Ludwig, Jenna, or Arzen earlier.

With them, she had offered brief admiration before quickly losing interest.

Objectively speaking, I wasn’t particularly more beautiful than they were.

Jamie seemed surprised by my question, then smiled.

“Was that an inappropriate question? If so—”

“No, not at all. I suppose I was a bit excessive with you today. Even I felt unusually exhilarated.”

“Why is that?”

Jamie gazed at me intently, almost as if she were seeing someone else through me.

“Because you remind me so much of someone I cherished deeply. The moment I saw you, I knew—you’re Sionna’s daughter.”

“You knew my mother?”

“How could I not? She saved my life,” Jamie said, her expression turning nostalgic.

“When I was young, as an heir to the throne, I was required to study in the Empire. My frail body, already prone to illness, didn’t adjust well to the unfamiliar environment, and I was struck by a severe fever.”

The Kingdom of Devar, once a vassal state of the Empire, had long endured varying degrees of interference, including the tradition of young royals receiving their education in the Empire.

“One day, I truly believed it was the end for me. That’s when Sionna came to treat me.”

I had heard stories about my mother’s skills in medicine—how she was renowned for curing even the gravest illnesses.

“After just one night under Sionna’s care, I recovered as if it had all been a bad dream. My health improved overnight.”

Jamie smiled wistfully, as if the memories were still vivid.

“I was surprised to see a noblewoman so skilled in medicine, but what I glimpsed that night in my fevered dreams wasn’t medicine. It was divine power.”

“Divine power?”

“Yes, just like the holy energy I saw earlier from Lady Selber at the banquet.”

My mother hadn’t possessed any awakened abilities. It was likely the “divine power” Jamie witnessed had come from the spirits.

Little was known about the exact abilities of spirits, though many speculations existed—such as unmatched wisdom or even the ability to foresee the future.

Did they also possess the power to heal?

If my mother had possessed such incredible healing powers, capable of saving someone on the brink of death…

Why hadn’t she been able to save herself?

Since that last night in the south, the spirits had never appeared to me again. So many questions remained unanswered.

“I wouldn’t be here today if not for Sionna. I wanted to repay her for saving my life, but I was soon called back to my kingdom, and within two years, she was gone.”

A mixture of longing and regret crossed Jamie’s face.

“And now, time has passed, and here you are, her grown daughter. I want to do whatever I can for you, Sierra. It feels like a small way to finally repay that debt.”

“But I’m not my mother. You don’t need to feel obligated to help me.”

“Maybe I became obsessed with beauty because of her. Do you think I could just leave someone who resembles Sionna so much?”

Jamie chuckled, her tone light-hearted.

“Yes, it’s partly selfish, but I also genuinely like you, Sierra. You feel like my little sister.”

“Jamie…”

Jamie was set to become the Queen of Devar. The generosity of a powerful figure, without strings attached—what could be better?

Feigning reluctance, I let myself appear touched, offering a soft smile as I nodded.

“Then, thank you. I feel like you’re my big sister already.”

“…!”

Jamie clutched her chest dramatically, whispering under her breath.

“Beautiful… so pure… how can such an angelic being exist in this harsh world…?”

“Haha…”

If her infatuation truly stemmed from her memory of my mother, it was understandable that she was helpless before someone who resembled her so much.

“Will you call me sister?”

“Of course, sister Jamie.”

I smiled warmly as I spoke.

“An… angel?”

Jamie’s muttered words nearly made me blush, but I managed to keep my composure.

* * *

The carriage soon arrived at the Drenihan estate.

“Are you sure you’ll be fine alone? The night can be so dangerous.”

Dropping me off just a few steps away and calling it dangerous—what a joke.

“I’ll be fine. Thanks for bringing me, Sister Jamie.”

“Oh, don’t mention it. I was on my way anyhow.”

Behind her, the coachman subtly dabbed at his eyes, clearly holding back his frustration.

“Well then, see you soon! Get home safely, Sierra.”

“You too. Travel safe.”

I waved with a cheerful smile, watching Jamie’s carriage roll away. Only when it disappeared from view did the exhaustion of the evening hit me. Slowly, I turned toward the estate and trudged inside.

Inside the estate, the atmosphere was unusually hectic. Servants bustled around, and the air was filled with the noise of hurried steps and hushed conversations.

I caught sight of Nella rushing past and called out to her.

“Nella!”

“My lady, you’ve returned!”

“Yes, but did we have unexpected visitors? Why is everyone so busy?”

Was it related to Father’s sudden return to the estate earlier?

“Well, um…” Nella hesitated, then spoke in a quiet voice. “The head of the family… he’s lost consciousness.”

“…What? But his condition has been improving lately!”

“Yes… but suddenly he collapsed and hasn’t woken up since.”

Unconscious? How could this have happened?

I had seen Grandfather this morning before leaving for the palace. He had been his usual robust self, and I hadn’t doubted for a moment that he would soon recover fully.

“And that’s not all. News of his condition has spread outside the estate, and now members of the extended family are arriving.”

Without hesitation, I made my way toward Grandfather’s chamber.

The closer I got, the louder the commotion became. At last, I saw a crowd of about a dozen people gathered outside the room.

“You must expedite the succession, young lord!”

“The head of the family is in critical condition—what are you waiting for?”

“He’s already received the blessing of Terium! The qualifications are indisputable. He must inherit the title without delay.”

From a distance, I could see Grandfather lying on the bed, his face peaceful as if he were merely sleeping. However, given how light a sleeper he usually was, it was clear that Nella was right—he truly was unconscious.

“Grandfather…”

Father, who had been listening to the relatives with a troubled expression, spotted me and quickly made his way over.

“Sierra, you’re back.”

“Father, how is Grandfather?”

“Well… that’s…”

He avoided giving a direct answer.

“Serkhan! This is no time to hesitate. The head of the family is unconscious; you must assume the title immediately.”

The relatives, showing no regard for the cause of Grandfather’s sudden collapse, pressed Father relentlessly to proceed with the succession.

As much as I despised their selfishness, their urgency wasn’t unwarranted. The position of the head of the family couldn’t remain vacant indefinitely.

Father sighed heavily, his face filled with conflict. Then, at last, he came to a decision.

 

 

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