[IFITAOAMV] Chapter 12

Nevertheless, this left me with a heavy heart.

I understood how Edwin felt when he lost his father because my mother also died early.

As I struggled to shake off my depressing thoughts, the camel’s pace suddenly slowed.

“This is Ambria.”

Before my eyes, A vast sandy desert stretched out under the intense sunlight.

It was a desolate landscape where not a single grass or tree could be seen, and the only movement was the grains of sand fluttering along with the wind.

Although it has been a long time since the Jueri was exterminated, this place was not a place for people to live.

“Did the Jueri really live here? I thought there would be an oasis.”

“It wasn’t like this when the Jueri were alive.”

Confused, I looked up at Edwin, and he placed his large hand on my head.

“Did you forget about the jewels?”

“Didn’t you say they only had healing abilities?”

“Most of them did. My father said there are beautiful forests and lakes in Ambria.”

‘Is that even possible?’

Now I coveted the power of the jewels even more than before.

“Have you ever been here before?”

“When you inherit a territory, you must visit it at least once.”

‘Are you here to inspect as the Lord of the land?’

I hoped that was the case.

“Did the previous dukes visit Ambria as well?”

There was no explanation in the original work about how the Jueri lived before the emperor’s conquest.

Given that the previous dukes came and went, did they also spend time interacting with the people?

“My bride has a lot of questions today.”

When I saw Edwin smiling brightly, I came to my senses.

He was so docile that I forgot for a moment that I was talking to a madman.

A crazy guy who doesn’t like questions.

“… … I thought it might help me recall my memories. I think I will be able to use the jewels once my memory returns.”

Edwin grinned as I made excuses with a shaky voice.

“I’m proud of you. Are you motivated because you’re greedy for rewards?”

Either way, he seemed to be satisfied with my answer.

“As your groom, I can’t stay still when you’re showing such enthusiasm.”

Edwin smiled meaningfully as if he was about to do something great, stopped the camel, and got off first.

Then he held my hand so I could get down as well.

“I think the lands of Ambria begin here?”

Edwin walked a little further forward and drew a line in the sand with his foot.

When I looked around, there was no change in the scenery, so how the hell did he know the boundaries?

From what he said before, I don’t think he’s ever seen Ambria in person.

“Ambria was protected by a barrier. So, it wasn’t visible to those who weren’t allowed entry,”

“Like a space that doesn’t exist,” Edwin whispered in my ear. My eyes widened as I stared at him in surprise.

Holding me with a small smile, he slowly began to walk forward.

When he halted, we were in front of an old tree boasting majesty.

The trunk, which was thick enough that it could be surrounded by a dozen or so men, was barren without any vitality, yet it felt lofty.

“This is the guardian tree of the Jueri. It is said that the power of this tree was able to maintain the barrier.”

The fact that the Emperor annihilated the Jueri would mean that the barrier had been broken.

Was there a problem with the guardian tree? Is that why it looks dead?

The more I listened to Edwin’s explanation, the more questions I had.

“Okay, go take a closer look.”

Edwin put me down and gestured toward the old tree with his chin.

When he set me down, I immediately glanced around for a place to run, but the knights quickly surrounded us.

‘Well then.’

If I tried to run on the sand, I’d be caught in a second anyway.

With resignation, I slowly walked toward the guardian tree.

Up close, the guardian tree had a dignified aura, despite being devoid of life.

I carefully touched the trunk and it felt dry and rough under my fingertips.

‘Do you recognize the owner of this body? She is a Jueri, the people you use to protect.’

I expressed my frustration because I still had no idea who I possessed.

Who else could I tell this story to, if not this tree?

As I conveyed my thoughts to the tree, I felt a sense of unity with the owner of this body.

I didn’t think her life would have been any different from mine because it would be difficult to survive as a Jueri.

However, since she didn’t survive, the amount of grief, and resentment I felt, simply couldn’t be described with words.

At the very least, this guardian tree should recognize this woman.

My eyes were brimming with tears as I expressed my sadness to the tree, and suddenly I could hear my heart beating loudly as if it was resonating with something.

Thump. Thump.

Panicking, I tried to take my hand off the old tree, but it was as if it was glued to the trunk of the tree.

And then…

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

My heart pounded louder than before.

At the same time, I felt a building pressure in my heart and a sharp pain in my chest.

“Ugh.”

“Angelina?” Edwin called out with a concerned voice.

Grabbing my chest with my free hand, I fell to my knees, as I groaned in pain.