Chapter 55
The High Priest stood before them, staring up at the pitch-black sky. The storm clouds above looked just like the corrupted land.
“The knights who went into the forest… have perished.”
Shock spread across the people’s faces.
“The Duke and his knights’ survival is unconfirmed. But according to a soldier’s testimony, they faced a monster who lost its young—the Celt Ant.”
“Celt Ant…!”
“We cannot bring back the dead. But in the goddess’s name, we shall punish the one who caused their deaths.”
“Who is it?”
“The arrogant magic toolmaker who endangered us all with her foolish knowledge.”
All eyes turned at once. Toward Melody, who was standing among them, listening.
Her lips trembled as she bit down hard. Most of the Celt Ants had been killed by Deonis. She could swear her life that the deaths were not caused by her tools.
“Seize her!”
Knights rushed forward, bound her hands, and dragged her before the High Priest.
At a time when they should have been searching for survivors, their answer was to punish her.
“You meddled with your tools, and in the end, you killed them all!”
Melody’s lips moved soundlessly. She turned her gaze to the corrupted land. She didn’t know about the others, but she was certain Deonis was alive.
Once Deonis returns, everything will be solved.
His testimony would end it. There was no point in trying to defend herself now. But then, another voice rose:
“But it wasn’t intentional, was it? Shouldn’t we be searching for survivors before placing blame?”
The crowd, who had been shouting at Melody, fell silent. The High Priest’s voice came low and heavy.
“Even the elite knights did not return alive. To send more is the same as sending them to their deaths.”
“But—!”
“I have sent word to the palace. Reinforcements will come. Until then, our duty is to defend the village. Recovering bodies will come after.”
His words sounded as if he had already declared them all dead. Melody finally spoke.
“Your Holiness, if you cut off my head here, it will bring nothing but failure. But if you send me into the corrupted land, I will bring back the survivors.”
“Trying to escape punishment with such lies? Foolish girl.”
“You just said it yourself—sending knights there would be forcing them to die. Then do you really think I could escape alive from such a place?!”
The High Priest clenched his teeth in anger.
“Your death will at least bring comfort to the families who lost their kin because of you.”
“Even if I can save someone alive in there? Is showing my corpse really more valuable than saving a life?”
“Do you dare to call me, who follows the goddess’s will, a bloodthirsty madman?!”
His fury filled the air. He turned to the soldiers.
“Lock her away. Do not let her escape.”
Just then, someone stepped forward.
“Wouldn’t it be worth at least one attempt?”
It was Talia.
“What did you say?”
“You all saw what her tools could do. Before, I would’ve thought it nonsense. But now? No. If someone’s alive in there, don’t we have to try?”
The crowd stirred uneasily.
“With the same woman who endangered us?” the High Priest snapped.
Talia glanced at Melody.
“Yes. I’ll go with her. If she runs or dies, I swear on my life, I’ll drag her body back.”
“Sir Talia! To trust that girl is only courting more danger!” cried a priest.
“Isn’t this already dangerous enough?”
The words silenced them.
“Am I wrong?”
The crowd buzzed, and the High Priest shut his eyes with a sharp sigh. He had no excuse left to forbid it.
“I will go as well. At least allow me to recover the Captain’s body.”
This time, it was Dering from the holy knights who stepped forward. The High Priest pressed his forehead.
“Fine. You will have your chance. But, Sir Talia—since you risk your knight’s honor for this sinner, you must return with her body, even if it costs your life.”
“I will obey the goddess’s will.”
Talia knelt on one knee, bowing her head.
“Lady Melody…! What happened?”
Inside the tent, Anna looked ready to burst into tears.
“It was just an accident.”
Melody stopped there but quickly opened her mouth again. At least Anna had to understand—she didn’t want her to misunderstand.
“It wasn’t because of my magic tools. I can’t say it was impossible, but… there’s no way the Duke lost to Celt Ants. And besides…”
“I believe you. I know it wasn’t your fault.”
Her voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt. Melody’s chest ached with relief.
“Thank you… for trusting me.”
“Of course. I’ve seen your tools every day. Hic… Our Duke isn’t really dead, right?”
Anna sniffled, and tears welled up in her eyes until one rolled down her cheek.
“He’s alive. Look.”
Melody lifted her wrist, showing the bracelet she wore—the same as the ones she had given Deonis and Anna. Inside the bead, a flame still burned brightly.
“What is that? Fire?”
“This left one belongs to the Duke. See? It hasn’t gone out.”
She pointed to the beads.
“The middle one is me. The right one is you, Anna.”
“They’re burning… Then the Duke is alive, isn’t he?”
“Yes.”
“But… to find him, you’ll have to go into that place. Where the monsters are…”
Anna bit her lip hard, trying to hold back tears again. Melody thought for a moment, then said,
“Anna… the truth is, I was born outside the barrier.”
“…What?!”
“I know that world better than here. So don’t worry too much.”
But instead of calming her, Anna burst out crying louder.
“How can I not worry?!”
“……”
“To think little Lady Melody grew up in such a place…! That’s even sadder…!”
Her tears fell endlessly. Melody didn’t know what to do. Anna wiped her eyes on her sleeve, then looked at her firmly.
“Sniff… You’ll come back, right?”
“Yes. I’ll bring the Duke back with me. Wait for us.”
“I’ll wait. But you must… come back and tell me about your magic formulas. This time, I’ll listen to the very end.”
Anna hugged her tight, her tears soaking Melody’s shoulder, and then let her go.
“Are you ready?”
At that moment, Talia’s voice came from outside the tent. Melody slung her bag of tools across her back and stepped out. Talia and Dering stood waiting.
“Please… take care of me.”
Talia bowed her head politely.
“And I ask the same of you.”
As Melody walked away, she felt the cold gaze of the High Priest on her back until the very end.
