[IYFILWATIP] Chapter 28

“Sister, come back soon. I’ll miss you.”

“Of course, Asil. I’ll definitely return.”

Kirona embraced Asil tightly as he finally released the tears he had held back. She then turned to hug Pine, but Pine pulled away in irritation.

“Enough. Don’t cling to me. I don’t like touching people.”

“Hasda and Pine... You two are my siblings, but your personalities are something...”

Kirona awkwardly withdrew her hand in the air. Pine was so cold. What was the harm in a bit of affection just this once?

Kirona calmed down Molly, her horse, who was excited, sensing they were going on a long journey. As she fed Molly a sugar cube and dusted off the saddle, Pine asked sharply,

“Are you just going on a trip?”

“Yes, Pine. Once I become the Crown Princess, I’ll be stuck in the capital, so I thought I’d see more of the empire while I still can.”

Kirona nodded vigorously, caught off guard.

Pine was unusually sharp and quick-witted. Sometimes, there was even a glimpse of insight.

For a child, that is. Kirona wasn’t particularly fond of the mages’ clan, with their unique, gloomy culture, but there was one thing she had to admit: mages were all exceptionally intelligent.

Kirona noticed Pine’s radiant platinum hair and sharp, striking features.

In the Mihadas Empire, the identity of a child’s father remained a secret unless the mother revealed it, and everyone knew who Pine’s father was.

Anyone who didn’t recognise that distinctive hair colour would have to be a fool. The owner of the Mage Tower, Archmage William Bryce. Although he and the Emperor were sworn enemies who couldn’t stand each other, somehow Pine had been born between them.

“On my way, I’ll stop by the East and give your regards to the owner of the Mage Tower. Your father, I mean.”

Kirona tried to change the subject, but Pine didn’t have any.

“Stop dodging the question and answer me. How could you lead a group of ragtag soldiers on a trip? When have we ever sent a royal out like this? Where’s your escort? And why did you change your eye colour? Is there a reason your eyes mustn’t be recognised? Why is your trip a secret from everyone?”

No one will follow you to the underworld, Pine. I had hoped for support from the royal knights, but those bastards think their lives are too precious to waste on me. They’re supposed to protect the royal family, and the state pays them, yet none would step up. I’ve decided to overhaul the entire order if I survive.

The truth lingered on her lips, but Kirona instead forced a smile and gave a clumsy excuse.

“It wouldn’t be fun if someone tagged along. This is like a secret inspection.”

“Do you expect me to believe that?”

Pine scoffed. Kirona, sweating nervously, avoided her gaze. Smart kids—how difficult it was to deceive a twelve-year-old.

“... You’re not going on a trip; you’re looking for Nadaline’s Flower, aren’t you?”

Kirona was about to come up with a ridiculous excuse, but before she could, Pine asked sharply. Kirona froze. She was so shocked that she momentarily forgot she should deny it.

“How do you know about that...?”

“Who else has been borrowing that book from the library repeatedly? The Bestiary of 500 Legendary Creatures. You’re the only one who’d underline and dog-ear the pages, Kirona.”

“Asil, take the baby over there for a moment.”

Kirona asked Asil. Pine handed the newborn she was holding over to Asil. Caught off guard by the sudden responsibility, Asil frowned and asked,

“Sister, what’s going on? Why all of a sudden?”

“Pine has something to discuss with me.”

Asil hesitated, wanting to eavesdrop on the suspicious conversation, but when the baby began wailing, he reluctantly followed Kirona’s request and moved away. Once they were alone, Pine got straight to the point.

“I’m not like those other idiots. So answer me honestly. Kirona, are you going to die?”

“...”

“I’m asking if you have Tetra Fever.”

Pine had dug up the carefully hidden secret with precision. In hindsight, the clues were scattered everywhere.

The Emperor’s cold treatment of Kirona, her attendants making a fuss whenever she showed

even the slightest sign of cold, suspicious library records. And most of all... Pine had been watching Kirona’s gradual deterioration all along.

“I’m going because I don’t want to die.”

In the end, Kirona gave up lying and answered honestly. That answer didn’t convince Pine.

“You’re out of your mind. Would someone who wants to live to lead a band of criminals into the Eastern Monster Territory? And all for Nadaline’s Flower?”

Nadaline’s Flower.

It was a magical flower mentioned in the founding myth. Some considered it a type of monster, but most treated it as a sacred object. Theresia, the god worshipped by the Mihadas Empire, was said to have been created through her divine power.

Kirona had to find that flower. She didn’t have time. She couldn’t dedicate thirty years to studying Tetra Fever as the young Emma Hugin had done.


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[IYFILWATIP] Chapter 29

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[IYFILWATIP] Chapter 27