CH 178

Her first trip had been with him, and the many first experiences ahead of her would always be with him. That thought evoked a deep satisfaction that spread across his face. Never in his life had thoughts other than revenge and war consumed him like this.

Cradling Cecile in his arms, Estian raised himself out of the chair and headed back into the room. After tucking her carefully into bed, he moved to the table where he’d left the papers he brought along. They were the reports documenting what’d happened while he’d been away conquering the dukedom of Etia. Estian’s expression darkened when he picked up the topmost report and began reading it.

Princess Yuliana has been missing since the casino incident, and the envoys of Aswan are also searching for her, but not much progress has been made. Aswan has also officially deprived Yuliana of her title of princess…

Estian had heard of all the particulars of the casino incident from Richard, who’d concluded that Cecile’s powers were that of a witch, and were deeply related to the Archwitch at that. The archmage wasn’t alone in his speculations. Aled also spoke of his experience in the spirit realm and supported Richard’s words. Recalling the things he’d heard, Estian rubbed his face, while muttering, “Archwitch…”

She was a legendary being that had disappeared long ago, and most people didn’t even know of her. Estian wouldn’t have known such people had even existed, had it not been for his research into Eugendiph’s blood. But now one such legendary existence was resurfacing in the world, and it was somehow related to Cecile.

‘But it’s not just about her.’ According to Aled, the archwitch had also gone around enquiring about Eugendiph’s blood herself… 24 years ago. And Cecile was 24 years old. This couldn’t be a coincidence.

Aled had returned to the spirit realm to investigate something on Estian’s behalf, but not before being warned not to return within two weeks and not dawdle like last time.

Richard too had also been assigned a task by the emperor. Estian had told the archmage he was free to return to the Mage Tower, but the man had clung to Estian’s pants and pleaded to stay.

“You’re telling me to get lost, aren’t you? No! Let me help too!” It would’ve been a moving line if it was spoken by anyone else.

Estian mercilessly stepped on Richard’s back and asked, “What’re you up to, you wretch?”

The archmage didn’t give up as he asked in tears, “Could I have a piece of the empress? Like her blood or hair? Honestly, a finger or an eye would be even better—she’s a subject worth researching, I tell you! Once she dies, let me dissec—aaaaagh!”

Mustering his utmost patience, Estian refrained from lopping off the archmage’s head, cutting something else instead. Nevertheless, as Richard’s knowledge was necessary, he eventually compromised by giving some of Cecile’s hair after asking her for permission. Still, the archmage earned himself another thrashing when he dared ask, “Couldn’t you give me ten strands first as a down payment?”

‘There’s the mystery regarding the gate too.’ The gate that closed after Cecile fell through had somehow opened up exactly at the dukedom of Etia—an impossibility. Estian’s mind grew complicated, and he pressed his fingers to his temple. There were so many things happening, yet nothing was certain.

“Hnn…” Cecile made a troubled sound as she tossed in bed.

Was she not feeling well somewhere? Surprised, Estian rushed over to her, and called out, “Cecile?”

Though Cecile had appeared to be deep asleep, she opened her eyes at his voice and giggled while reaching out for her. Though her grip wasn’t strong, he felt inexorably drawn down by her and ended up lying beside her. As if she’d found what she was looking for, she snuggled closed and hugged him, before closing her eyes with a satisfied smile hanging on her lips.

Estian gazed at her silently for a long time. Nothing was solved, but for some reason, he had the feeling that things were fine as they were right now.