Marina burst into laughter as if the horrifying words about eliminating the parents in front of the child were some amusing joke.
That laughter only finally ceased when I met Valerie again after being taken by the knights.
“Mommy, Mommy.”
Valerie clung to a middle-aged woman who appeared to be Marina’s attendant. From a distance, the child quickly recognized me and started calling, “Mommy, Mommy!” her voice on the verge of tears.
“What a lovely child.”
Her unusually warm voice was jarring. It was completely different from the tone she used when spouting horrifying words about sacrificing the child’s soul to achieve her desires.
I never thought someone so malicious would still have any capacity for affection.
Perhaps she found the child lovely because she believed the girl would help fulfill her desires. I scoffed inwardly.
She likely thought she was punishing me, but in reality, this moment was an opportunity crafted according to my intent. While Minister Linke barely regained his composure, we hurriedly discussed ways to overcome this crisis.
Rather than a discussion, it felt more like I was receiving Linke’s thoughts, but since executing the plan was solely my responsibility, it felt like a collaboration.
“You must meet Miss Valerie again, no matter what.”
“And then?”
“They probably have a magical stone prepared to cast black magic on Miss Valerie. You need to go there with her.”
“…It seems daunting to even do one of those things. What comes next?”
“You must use it before they do.”
“The magical stone?”
How was I supposed to use it? I didn’t know how to cast spells, and I felt overwhelmed at the thought of defeating so many enemies by myself and securing the magical stone first. My mind went blank.
If I had lost consciousness before Linke said the next words, I would not have been able to act on Linke’s opinion.
“Through the magic of sending Miss Valerie back to her original spacetime… we can prevent two things at once. I’m not exactly sure how much magic stone they have, but I know that a considerable amount is needed for dark magic that deals with lives. If it’s the magic to return Miss Valerie to her original spacetime, it should exhaust all of their magic stones. And that would also ensure Miss Valerie’s safety.”
“To thwart their plan and secure Valerie’s safety. So, it means we can solve both issues at once.”
“Yes. If you can reach the place where Miss Valerie and the magic stones are, half of this plan will already be a success. The hardest part is getting there.”
“I’ll need to recite the right incantation, right?”
“Yes. The appropriate… I can’t guarantee it, as I’ve never actually performed magic that transcends spacetime, but I believe that if you recite the incantation to return everything to its original place, it should work.”
“The incantation to return everything to its place… that might let Valerie go back. Please tell me. I promise I won’t forget.”
“I’ve mentioned it to you before. The magic to return everything to its place.”
“Return… could it be Lemetior? Is that what you’re saying?”
As I said it, I immediately regretted it. I had muttered spells inadvertently before and got myself into trouble.
But fortunately, this time we had no magic stones left, so nothing happened. Truly, what a relief that was.
“Yes. It’s the incantation that means to return everything to its place. Therefore… it should definitely work.”
“But what if it leads to an unexpected outcome? We need to consider such variables.”
“If you can go with Miss Valerie to where their magic stones are, the chance will only come once, Your Highness. There won’t be a second opportunity. They won’t just stand by as you, the Archduchess, recite an incantation. Moreover, given their countless years of practicing dark magic, they will immediately recognize that you are reciting a magical spell.”
Linke paused for a moment to catch his breath. It seemed that even temporary healing magic was reaching its limits.
“I’ll say it again, there are no second chances. Unfortunately, we don’t have the luxury to consider variables, so don’t think about them. Only by earnestly chanting with the desires from your heart will the magic stone fulfill your wish according to the spell. Moreover, Lady Valerie is bound by a time-transcending spell that has flown here from the future, so I believe the nature to return to its original state will greatly activate.”
“Minister Linke…”
It was the truth. We do not have two chances. From the start, we didn’t even know if we had one.
With that, Linke made his next request of me and immediately lost consciousness. There were things I wanted to ask, but I couldn’t.
The reason I caused a commotion right after Linke lost consciousness and the spell was undone was precisely this.
Somehow, I had to meet Valerie and go to where Franz and his crew had hidden the magic stones.
And the plan unexpectedly started to become a success, thanks to Marina, who, intoxicated by her own wickedness, thought to punish me in front of Valerie.
“This might be the last time we see each other, so be sure to commit it to your memory.”
Marina began to dance around Valerie, humming. It was as if she was certain of our deaths and was offering a song of blessing for it. What a truly insane woman.
I sensed that a horrible hell awaited after this person’s death.
I carefully looked around for Marina’s magic stone. Whether she was going to kill me or sacrifice Valerie first, she would definitely perform magic not far from here.
“If there’s a considerable amount of magic stones nearby, a certain energy must be felt.”
I recalled Linke’s words. Hurting someone at the cost of a life is the worst and most evil kind of black magic.
I didn’t know for sure, but there were probably enormous magic stones hidden nearby. I calmed my breathing and concentrated to feel that ‘energy’ Linke mentioned. And,
“Bring the child to me.”
I called for Marina’s servant. She seemed flustered by my brazen demand. It was understandable that the hostage, who should be begging on her knees, arrogantly lifted her head and gave orders.
“Well, I won’t show even that much mercy to a poor soul about to die.”
Giggles broke out; Marina couldn’t stop laughing like a madwoman as she pushed the servant towards me.
“Come here, come here.”
Valerie reached out her hand to me. I hurriedly pulled the child towards me, embracing her as if snatching her away. The moment this small, warm, soft child nestled in my arms, I felt a comfort that nearly overwhelmed me.
Feeling such comfort from briefly holding a child in a crisis. If someone heard this, they’d surely think I was crazy.
I placed my hand on the back of Valerie’s head, pulling her close to me.
I made sure not to press her face too hard, allowing her to breathe, while completely hiding her in my embrace, my eyes scanning the room quickly. Where is it? Where could the magic stone be?
“Do you think the thought of dying brings out a maternal instinct you never had? It’s ridiculous and pathetic to think someone like you could feel maternal love.”
“Women like you claim to have maternal instincts. Couldn’t I have them too?”
Marina’s mention of maternal love was revolting.
Could her actions, under the guise of maternal instinct, justify the wicked deeds she committed in the name of her son? No, Marina’s crimes went far beyond any cover of maternal love.
“You insolent girl. You really want to die that badly?”
“How do you plan to kill me? With that blood contract you supposedly made 20 years ago?”
“With a single spell, I could tear your soul apart. It seems you’ve not only lost your memory but your fear as well… foolish and pitiful Louisette, my warning is not an illusion.”
Where could the magic stone be? I played along with Marina’s words and, while provoking her, discreetly searched the corners of the room. What is this magic stone’s energy? Where is it?
“If it’s not an illusion, then show me. I can’t help but think everything you say is just hot air.”
Finally, the smile vanished from Marina’s face. Her expression twisted, becoming so ominous that even the vitality conjured by magic faded away.
There was a reason for my audacious provocation.
Marina had two plans for me: to take my soul and to sacrifice Valerie to eliminate Karl.
Sadly for her, things wouldn’t unfold as she wished.
First, her initial plan of reclaiming my soul, Celeste’s soul, was practically impossible.
Why?
Because Celeste’s soul had long vanished.
