Chapter 59~
Ian looked at Marie briefly, then alternated his gaze between Havel and Cecilia.
“Whatever it is, it’s definitely affected by the dark red mist.”
“Dark red mist?”
Cecilia tilted her head, hearing the term for the first time. Havel gave a brief explanation.
“This survivor witnessed the person who destroyed Caldera Village with the dark red mist. She wasn’t directly harmed by it, but it seems the mist still affected her.”
“Ah… so we don’t exactly know what the dark red mist is?”
“Yes. The Magic Tower is studying it directly, so the results should come out soon.”
Cecilia frowned.
“From what I see, this isn’t ordinary power. Even pouring divine power into her hasn’t improved the symptoms…”
“Saintess, it’s not certain, but I think it might be ancient sorcery.”
“Ancient sorcery?”
“Something modern magic can’t undo. It’s a type of magic used during the long-lost Mage Era.”
Astia listened to their conversation with serious attention.
Even though Marie hadn’t been directly affected by the ancient magic, she was suffering from a disease that couldn’t be healed.
That someone could get such a curse without direct contact with the ancient magic was shocking.
And the fact that some victims of ancient sorcery had disappeared without a trace…
Unlike the shocked Astia, Havel seemed calm, as if he already knew some of the information, agreeing with Ian.
“That’s right. The palace will do its best to find the culprit. Any force that threatens the empire must be eliminated.”
“You can’t do it alone, right, Crown Prince?”
“…We will need the Magic Tower’s help, Tower Master.”
Havel’s request made Ian cross his arms and think for a moment, then he looked at Astia and spoke.
“I will help willingly. If the empire isn’t safe… it could become dangerous.”
“Why, Ian?”
“Nothing.”
Astia was puzzled. Ian was staring at her so deeply, as if he wanted to say something.
But their gazes were so intense that she just tapped her lips in surprise and spoke as naturally as she would with him normally.
Cecilia and Havel exchanged glances, surprised by her casual tone.
“Did you two know each other already?”
Cecilia’s sharp eyes focused on Ian.
He met her gaze calmly.
“I already knew. Why?”
“No reason, just curious.”
Cecilia’s sharp tone made Ian chuckle.
“Your eyes are threatening too, you know.”
“No, you’re the one giving the scary stare.”
Astia noticed the tension between them and stepped in to mediate.
“I met him by chance when I was young.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I didn’t even know he was the Tower Master at first.”
“Can you tell me how you met?”
“Hahaha. I barely remember.”
Cecilia’s curiosity wasn’t satisfied. Astia thought that if she told her about Ian suddenly appearing while Diego was in her arms in the garden, Cecilia might believe it. She chuckled awkwardly, and Cecilia nodded knowingly.
“Right. It was shocking enough that you wanted to forget what happened to Artie, wasn’t it? I understand.”
“…Huh. I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
Cecilia spoke calmly, making Ian laugh at her reaction. She then winked at Astia.
“Astia. You seem to be surrounded by strange people.”
“Tower Master, you’re saying I’m strange?”
“You claimed angels descended and lifted the Saintess, but that was just a rumor.”
“Never seen someone insult the divine in front of me, and you’re the Tower Master?”
Ian continued to tease Cecilia, while she prepared to show her divine power defensively.
He had a notoriously wild personality, and seemed to dislike humans by nature. He didn’t hide his hostility toward Cecilia, and she growled back like facing an old enemy.
“Don’t fight. We’re here to treat Marie, right?”
“That’s right. I’ll be quiet.”
“Sorry, Astia.”
Astia stepped in, and both quieted down, looking a bit apologetic. Havel watched Ian calmly, puzzled by his usual obedience.
“Anyway, Ian, can you treat Marie?”
“Hm… If we assume it’s ancient sorcery, it’s not impossible.”
“R-Really? May I ask for your help? I’ve seen so many die before, I really want Marie to survive…”
Cecilia’s desperate words made Ian pause and sigh.
“But don’t expect a complete cure at once. I’m busy with Tower work. We’ll stay a few days and focus on treatment. Divine power alone won’t work on ancient sorcery.”
“…Understood. Thank you, Tower Master.”
“I’m not doing this just to help you. I’m doing it because Astia asked so sincerely. Tch.”
Ian had noticed Astia’s sad gaze toward Marie. Since entering the room, she had been watching Marie with sorrow. Cecilia blamed herself for not being able to heal her fully, and tried her hardest to do everything she could.
Ian decided to help, respecting Cecilia’s strong will to save lives. As a half-dragon living independently, he didn’t fully understand humans, but he was willing to cooperate.
“The problem is… we don’t know which ancient sorcery this is exactly.”
Ian considered how to treat her from a human perspective, knowing that humans were fragile and could die easily. He wanted to do his best to prevent Astia from worrying.
“It’s hard to accept that I can’t heal her myself. If there’s anything I can do, please tell me.”
“Saintess, your role is done. I’ll handle the rest.”
Astia saw a more human side of Ian. Though he often appeared carefree, he seemed to understand human hearts.
“Astia. Why are you looking at me like that? Don’t trust me?”
“No, it’s not that… I just didn’t expect this.”
“Humans indirectly affected by ancient sorcery are new to me. Take care of your body. You’re being treated by the Saintess, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. How did you know?”
“…I have my ways.”
Ian avoided her gaze and started examining Marie casually.
“The Tower Master seems interested in the young lady.”
“R-Really?”
Havel lowered his voice so Ian couldn’t hear. Astia stammered, embarrassed. From Havel’s perspective, Ian seemed genuinely interested.
“Then I’ll leave the survivor’s treatment to the Tower Master and go finish the investigation.”
“Crown Prince, I’ll send Alvis with you. He’ll be helpful and won’t cause trouble.”
“Thank you, Tower Master.”
With that, Havel left for the crime scene.
“Cecil, you look tired. Take a short rest. I’ll help if you need it.”
“Is that okay? Thank you…”
Cecilia looked exhausted. Astia helped her leave, worried since she had overused her divine power the night before.
“Ian.”
Finally, only Astia and Ian remained in the treatment room.
“Why are you calling me?”
“I’ll help if I can. Thank you for coming.”
“…What did I do to deserve that?”
“I’m surprised you, who normally ignore humans, came to treat someone personally.”
“You… are the reason I’m doing this.”
“…Huh?”
“Never mind. Just stay out of the way for now.”
Astia left the room. Ian, stiff at first, noticed himself smiling and straightened the corners of his mouth.
“You still don’t know why I became like this, do you?”
He let out a deep sigh, feeling a bit frustrated at Astia’s ignorance.
