Chapter 25
The Stepsister’s Curse
The royal guardian spirit—bound by contract to Robert through the blood of the royal family—reacted faintly.
And with that reaction, a new emotion stirred within Robert’s heart.
He didn’t yet understand what connection existed between these events, but seeing Sena’s wound heal in an instant, and even the bloodstains that should have dirtied her dress vanish completely, filled him with astonishment.
“Unbelievable… To think you can use holy magic of such precision. Could it be—you’re a saint? Or perhaps a priestess serving one?”
“Of course not… I’m just a lover of archaeology.”
Sena tried to brush it off with a small lie, but Robert’s expression remained serious, his gaze sharp with suspicion.
Because he knew he had not invited any high-ranking clergy tonight.
“No, that can’t be right. None of the guests I invited were capable of holy magic this powerful.”
“Well… my family… we’re distantly connected to the Duke of Urbancle…”
Another lie slipped out.
No—part lie, part truth. Mia’s family was distantly related to Sena’s own.
But she was, in fact, the true daughter of the Duke of Urbancle…
Yet Robert accepted the excuse with a thoughtful “I see.”
He wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about the complicated ties of imperial nobility.
But he did recall having indeed invited the Duke of Urbancle’s family tonight.
“To think you were connected to the imperial bloodline… I’m surprised.”
“The imperial family? My branch is very distant. Their blood doesn’t run in me.”
Sena recited the corrected details of Mia’s family tree in her mind, revealing only what was true.
Because there were no lies in that statement, Robert accepted her explanation easily.
“Even without direct royal blood, for you to wield the goddess’s power so deeply… I’m honored to witness such talent.”
“Why? Your Highness, this sort of connection shouldn’t matter to you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well… it’s widely rumored that tonight’s party is to help you find your future wife. And I… I have no rank, no status. I’m not someone worthy of you.”
“Rank and status… well, yes. It’s true the guest list was chosen with those criteria in mind.”
“See? That’s why… whatever this is between you and me can’t go any further.”
As they spoke, the holy magic Sena had just used continued to emit a dazzling radiance.
Some guests mistook it for the fireworks’ glow, while others—security included—realized magic had been cast.
Those who noticed also recognized the crown prince in the light, watching with curious eyes, wondering what had happened.
Thanks to the mask and heavy makeup she wore, Sena’s colleagues did not recognize her.
She hid closer behind Robert’s figure.
But the moment she peered past his arm as he explained “It’s nothing” to security—
Her mind stopped.
Many guests had removed their masks to enjoy the cool summer night air.
And among their uncovered faces—
Sena saw them.
Her stepmother and one of her stepsisters—
Reina, the stepsister who had helped drive her out of her home.
The very last people in the world she ever wanted to see again.
Sena’s composure shattered instantly.
Even the mellow warmth of the wine—dissolved earlier by holy magic—was blown away by sheer terror.
“…!”
“What’s wrong?”
The sweet, angelic young woman from moments ago was now ghost-pale, trembling visibly even under the soft glow of the garden’s crystal lamps.
Robert’s finely honed instincts as a knight immediately sharpened.
“You don’t want to stay here.”
“I feel like I’m going to lose my mind…”
“What happened?”
“I… I can’t say.”
Her tightly pressed lips told him clearly that whatever it was, it was something she refused to speak of.
“Come. My suite is just up ahead. Rest there. Whatever danger comes—
I will protect you.”
She didn’t think—she simply nodded.
Her only wish was to get away from this place as quickly as possible.
Clinging to his kindness, supported by his arm around her waist and his steady hand on her shoulder, she let him guide her to his suite.
For her, a hotel employee who cleaned these rooms daily, the familiar space felt strangely comforting—like returning to her workplace.
Once she finally calmed down, Robert handed her a freshly opened champagne and spoke.
“I won’t ask what happened.
But if a danger exists that could terrify someone as clever and strong-willed as you…
then please allow me to protect you.
Allow me to protect everything in your future.”
“Your Highness…”
It was practically a proposal.
His words pierced through her mind like a shock.
And in this moment—
in this fragile state—
Sena wanted nothing more than for Robert to stay by her side.
Tears welled softly in her eyes.
The heart that had sunk deep into a dark, muddy place slowly began to rise—
and the world, which had been monochrome ever since she fled the garden,
finally began to regain its color.
