Chapter 304: Lorelei’s Concern
Lorelei was meticulous and often noticed problems from details that others overlooked. This time was no exception.
She quickly recalled every scene involving Shinji from his arrival until now, analyzing all possible scenarios.
He walked into the house with steady steps, indicating no issues with his legs or feet.
Upon entering the living room, the first thing he did was heavily lean against the sofa. Although it was unrefined, his upper body seemed uninjured; otherwise, he wouldn't have adopted such a casual posture.
He patted Sakura's head with his left hand and interacted with her using his left hand when she tried to lift his cloak, showing no signs of injury.
Eliminating all other options, the most likely answer was clear—his right hand had to be the problem.
With this preliminary conclusion, Lorelei began looking for additional evidence. She thought back to her brief yet unforgettable interactions with Shinji before he returned home.
This boy, a few years younger than her, was ambidextrous but primarily used his right hand for tasks like writing, eating, and playing games. However, he had been using his left hand exclusively, not moving his right hand even once.
The evidence was compelling. With this in mind, Lorelei extended her hand and pointed.
A tiny wisp of magic, enhanced by her ancient and powerful magic circuits, activated the air currents in the room.Discover new chapters at novelhall.com
The change in airflow was subtle, not disturbing the room's furnishings or the humans' senses. Its effect was localized, starting at Shinji's feet, sweeping upwards, and parting his cloak along its seam.
Because the magic used was extremely weak and Lorelei hadn't chanted, Shinji didn't have time to react when he sensed something amiss.
The gray cloak billowed, revealing a shirt made of special material underneath.
The shirt covering Shinji's upper body was incomplete; the right sleeve was missing, replaced by tightly wrapped bandages stained with black blood spots, looking gruesome.
The Barthomeloi family had a long history, but Ortenrosse's thousand-year accumulation was not much shorter. Moreover, due to the unique loyalty structure of a vampire's progeny, his followers' devotion was more assured.
If they clashed, the outcome would be uncertain, and other enemies would seize the opportunity. As long as Lorelei showed any intention of escalating the fight, neither her family nor the other Clock Tower nobles would agree. All she could do was vent her anger by opportunistically killing some of the White Wing Lord's progeny, causing him minor losses.
Lorelei was both smart and rational; she knew what she could and couldn't do. That's why she couldn't make any promises. But precisely because of this, she felt frustrated and disheartened.
Her negative emotions also affected Sakura, Byakuya, and Kariya, who now looked at Shinji with increased concern.
Guessing his family's thoughts, Shinji gave a calm smile, indicating he was fine. He then addressed the dejected young lady, "It's enough that you care. A mere curse is nothing to me."
"This is Ortenrosse's most vicious curse developed specifically for magi. It..." Lorelei thought Shinji was just comforting her, and her face showed even deeper frustration.
Shinji raised his hand to interrupt her explanation. "I know. I've read all the information you gave me, which is why I say it's nothing. Tell me, what's today's date? And when did I fight Ortenrosse?"
"It's March—wait, you mean you've had the curse for a month already?"
Lorelei instantly understood Shinji's point. Her intelligence should have made her realize it sooner, but her worry had clouded her thinking, ever since that day Shinji said he wanted to knock her out.
"That's right," Shinji nodded with a smile. "According to your family's records, no magus has ever lasted more than two weeks under this curse, and I've lasted a month. More importantly, the curse hasn't worsened; it's gradually weakening."
"Really?" Lorelei still found it hard to believe, given how deeply ingrained the fear of this curse was within the Barthomeloi family.
"Of course it's true. Here, let me demonstrate how to dispel this curse, and you'll believe me."
Shinji nudged his sister with his elbow, signaling her to step back. He then sat down cross-legged, clasped his hands together, and began to chant a Buddhist mantra.
"May the boundless light of the Supreme Leader of Heaven and Earth shine upon us."