Ahwin offered a faint smile. Despite the evident constriction of the covenant’s chains, his expression seemed surprisingly at peace.
“It’s not just empty words. Just a moment ago, the pain subsided. I suspect it’s due to your presence, Lady Leticia.”
“You think I’m a Holy Lady?”
“That’s my belief.”
“But I can’t feel any power within me. Right now, I feel nothing.”
“There have been Holy Ladies who awakened their powers late. It’s not without precedent.”
“But that’s when…”
Leticia bit her lip, stopping herself from arguing further. She sensed Ahwin wouldn’t change his mind.
Her heart felt heavy, as if weighed down by a stone. Ahwin had staked everything on a possibility that even she couldn’t be certain of.
Knowing the potential outcome of his choice, Leticia couldn’t bring herself to ask him to stop helping her.
“I’m sorry, Ahwin. I know the covenant is causing you pain, but please, make sure to treat Banessa.”
Ahwin chuckled lightly.
“Of course. It’s something I deeply wish to do.”
He placed a hand over his heart and bowed slightly.
“And if there’s anything else I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. I would be more than happy to help, in any way I can.”
“I don’t know much about masters and wings. Noel isn’t my subordinate; she’s my friend. The first and most precious friend I’ve made in my life. But still, I have nothing to offer you.”
Leticia clasped her trembling hands together, her eyes brimming with tears.
“I can’t promise to help you in the future. Not only am I uncertain of my abilities, but I have people I must protect at all costs.”
Leticia nodded, took a deep breath, and then straightened up resolutely.
“Their safety is my top priority. I will dedicate the rest of my life to them.”
“Are you referring to the Principality’s delegation?”
“Yes.”
Ahwin appeared quite surprised. Leticia was committed to the delegation to the extent of staking her entire life. While he didn’t fully understand her choice, he respected it.
‘If they are to be her companions for life, that decision makes sense.’
Ahwin nodded in understanding.
“I respect your wishes, Lady Leticia. I assure you, the imperial knights will not attack the delegation.”
“Thank you so much. I’m sorry to ask something so difficult of you.”
“It’s no trouble at all.”
Ahwin smiled gently and shook his head.
“In fact, I promised Noel that I would protect you at all costs. Since your will is with the Principality’s delegation, it’s right for me to protect them as well. Please don’t feel burdened.”
Leticia remained silent for a while before speaking in a subdued voice.
“You mentioned a conflict between my mother’s power and mine. Perhaps a time will come when you have to choose.”
“It’s unprecedented, but it’s a possibility.”
The unpredictable had already occurred multiple times. No one could tell what might happen next.
“If that time comes, whom will you choose?”
Ahwin asked playfully.
“Are you worried about my choice?”
“More than worried, I am…”
Leticia gave a weak smile.
“Of course, I would prefer you to choose me. But you know my past. Even if you want to help me now, someday my past might hinder you.”
“You shouldn’t worry about that…”
Ahwin hesitated, about to say that regardless of her past, his choice would remain unchanged. But he stopped himself.
He wanted to help Leticia. He genuinely did.
Yet, he didn’t understand why he felt such a strong compulsion. If that was the case, perhaps she was right. Without knowing why he felt so compelled, he couldn’t confidently predict the future.
‘I can’t imagine ever changing my mind, but…’
It was still just a feeling, after all.
“I understand what you mean. Speak freely.”
“It’s nothing much. I just want you to remember what I say now if that moment of choice ever comes. That’s all I ask.”
“I will remember.”
Ahwin committed her words to heart, understanding the weight of the promise he was making.
Ahwin readily nodded in agreement.
It wasn’t a pledge of loyalty she was asking for, merely to remember her words. There was no reason for him to refuse.
“Okay. Then…”
Leticia exhaled a shaky breath. She hesitated several times, her lips trembling, and then managed a strained smile.
“I’m sorry. I’ve never said this to anyone before, so I’m a bit nervous.”
Ahwin looked puzzled. What could she possibly want to say that made her so hesitant?
“It’s okay. Take your time. If it’s too difficult, you can tell me another time…”
“I’ve never harmed anyone.”
Leticia’s eyes trembled as she looked at Ahwin.
“The story that I’m a murderer is all a lie. A lie my mother placed upon me. I never killed the nursemaid, the maids, or the boys from the Principality. It was all my mother’s doing.”
Her breathing was slightly labored, even though she tried to stay calm. It was the first time she had ever spoken the truth aloud.
“My mother has been abusing me since I can’t even remember. She blamed me for the diminishing of her divine power. When she could no longer hide the abuse, she pinned all the blame on me, claiming I was a ‘wicked girl’ who needed ‘reformation.’ That is the real truth behind the past you know.”
Ahwin didn’t respond. Leticia couldn’t meet his gaze and looked down at the floor.
‘Is it too hard to believe?’
Despite her mental preparation, a wave of fear washed over her.
‘It’s okay. Even if he doesn’t believe me now, it’s okay.’
She had nothing to lose, as she had nothing to begin with. Ahwin’s kindness was never something she had expected in the first place.
It was enough that he listened to her, even for just a brief moment.
When the moment of choice came, as she hoped it would, she only wished for him to remember her words.
But then…
“Is that true?”
Shock spread across his crimson eyes like paint.
“All the crimes attributed to you were fabrications by the Holy Lady? Such an unbelievable…”
Ahwin’s face had turned pale. He staggered back a step, visibly shaken.
The sound of the sword clattering to the ground echoed loudly in the tent, as if symbolizing the shattering of the heavy yoke that had burdened Leticia her entire life.
Tears welled up in her eyes.
She blinked rapidly, trying to dispel them, but her eyes still stung. To stop the tears, she clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.
“How could this be…”
Ahwin looked at Leticia in utter disbelief when a frantic voice came from outside the tent.
“Lord Ahwin!”
Startled, Ahwin quickly grasped the entrance of the tent. A bluish light flashed and then was absorbed into his hand, dispelling the remnants of the silence spell. He swiftly pulled aside the fabric and stepped out, positioning himself so that Leticia was completely hidden from view.
“What’s the matter?”
“The… the spring…”
The knight couldn’t finish his sentence, overwhelmed by the intense aura emanating from Ahwin, feeling as if a dark beast was about to pounce from the shadows.
“The waters of Kikelos… the poison has spread into the spring!”
In just those few words, Ahwin understood the gravity of the situation.
“Tenua? Where is he?”
“He hasn’t returned yet… ah!”
The knight’s knees buckled, and he started to tremble uncontrollably.
“Save… please…”
Ahwin, regaining his composure, shifted his focus to the urgent matter at hand.
“Yes. Tenua poisoned the spring with Kikelos. It’s a potent toxin, capable of inflicting severe damage even in small quantities. He must have intended to harm the delegation and create chaos.”
The gravity of Tenua’s actions was not lost on Leticia. The situation was dire.
“We need to act quickly. The poisoned water could spread rapidly, endangering not only the delegation but anyone else who comes into contact with it.”
Ahwin nodded in agreement, his expression grim.
“I’ll handle the spring. The poison must be neutralized before it causes more harm. As for Tenua…”
His voice trailed off, a mix of anger and determination etched on his face.
“Let me take care of the spring. I need you to alert the delegation and ensure no one else uses the water. Can you do that?”
Leticia’s eyes hardened with resolve.
“Of course. I’ll inform everyone immediately.”
As Ahwin hurried out to deal with the poisoned spring, Leticia turned to leave the tent. The weight of responsibility felt heavy on her shoulders, but she knew what had to be done. This crisis needed swift action, and she was determined to protect those under her care.
Leticia felt a slight relief at Ahwin’s words, but her worry for Dietrian and his group still lingered.
“Where is Tenua now?”
“If my guess is correct, he should be near the well now. Having released the poison, he would want to see the results for himself.”
“Then we need to find him. If we don’t stop Tenua, he could cause further harm.”
Ahwin’s eyes became serious.
“If we can disrupt his plan, I will join in. However, you mustn’t leave this place, Leticia. It’s crucial to protect the diplomatic delegation, and above all, your safety is paramount.”
Leticia pondered for a moment, understanding the gravity of her decision.
“I want to come with you. But for the safety of the delegation, I’ll stay here. Ahwin, please find Tenua and stop him. And come back safely.”
Ahwin deeply bowed his head.
“I will do as you wish. I’ll find Tenua and prevent his actions.”
Leticia offered Ahwin a grateful smile, filled with appreciation.
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