Tok-! Tok-!
“Is there anyone inside?”
The sound of the knights’ footsteps approached and someone’s fist knocked on the cabin door. The woman’s lips turned blue.
“Stay where you are.”
Apollonia unknowingly stretched out her arms and blocked the woman from going toward the door.
“Pardon?”
Apollonia decided to protect the woman. It wasn’t because of compassion alone. Obviously, she pitied that woman, but it was only a minor factor. Apollonia could not deny that she was overwhelmed by this woman whom she briefly met. It was just like the first time she met Uriel.
Her heart skipped a beat. A heavenly genius. Some talents made people ecstatic just by existing. Apollonia did not want to let that woman die. It was such a waste to do that.
“I’ll take care of it, so stay here until evening. I’ll get you a horse so you can leave at midnight.”
Apollonia searched through her robe and pulled out a pouch of gold coins.
“Get out of Lishan. There’s no one here to protect you. If you go to the northern border, you’ll bump into the knights, so go east.”
“But…”
“Promise me one thing. Don’t use your magic to directly hurt anyone.”
The woman trembled and accepted the money. Then she bit her lips and nodded. The woman appeared to deliberate for a bit.
“Tell me your name.”
“…I can’t.”
Apollonia couldn’t trust her yet and reveal her identity. In fact, it was also dangerous for her to release the woman.
“If you want to find me, go to the capital. I’ll find you.”
Apollonia also pondered.
‘Yeah, I’ll find her for sure. How can one hide such a presence? If I can find her, this talent will be mine. I’ll make her one of my people.’
“Open the door if someone’s inside!”
The guards kept knocking on the door. They had no time left. Apollonia took a step to open the door.
“Please take this.”
She felt someone was grabbing her from behind, and when she turned around, the woman was holding something in her hand. It looked like a small scented pouch.
“It’ll protect you one day.”
Apollonia nodded because she didn’t have time to ask for any more details.
“My name is Amoreta. Please keep that in mind.”
Amoreta. It was an unforgettable name.
“There’s no one inside.” Apollonia smoothly stepped out of the cabin. The guard tried to peek in but she closed the door before they saw anything.
“Yo-your Highness, why are you in this place…”
“I went because I was wondering what’s inside. There’s nothing but junk inside.”
“I see. But it’s dangerous to enter such a place alone.”
“I won’t do it anymore.” She smiled meekly.
“It’s a pretty forest, and I think this cabin is ruining the view.”
“It’s going to be demolished anyway. Lord Berton told us to look around.”
“I’ve already looked around! There was nothing.” Apollonia knitted her forehead, acting as if she didn’t like the cabin’s ragged appearance. “I don’t like it because it’s old and rusty. Burn it tomorrow.”
“Pardon? But Lord Berton…”
“It’s because I don’t want to see it. Please tell Lord Berton that it’s my command. Today is the day of the viscount’s execution, so burn him outside tomorrow.”
The guard nodded after a moment of apprehension. Just like any girl her age, the princess was unable to bear anything nasty and unpleasant, so it was only natural for her to act that way.
“I understand.”
And it was arranged perfectly.
No one came to and from the forest on the day of the Viscount’s execution, and no one saw a woman wearing a hat leaving the cabin.
The next day, the knights faithfully carried out the Princess’ order.
The traces of Amoreta and the curse disappeared forever.
***
“Your Highness, look at this!”
Tan, a handsome man with tied-up hair, called Apollonia with a sweet smile. He was busy brandishing a wooden stick in his hands like a young boy. She just smiled at him.
It was close to midnight, a day before Apollonia’s group returned. It was also the day after the execution.
He was executed dishonorably on countless charges. Most of the people who lost someone precious or suffered other damages because of the viscount went to the execution site to watch and cheer during the procedure.
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