Chapter 119 

The Emperor of Temperchi had declared war. He had begun conscripting an army to eliminate the traitor, Thersion. The nobles who had turned their backs on the imperial family, of course, refused the call, instead, they began building defensive lines to fend off the imperial forces. They were preparing for a full-fledged civil war.

“A war really is about to break out. And between the Imperial House and Thersion, no less.”

“Obviously Thersion’s going to win, right? People have said for years that Thersion’s military strength surpasses that of the Imperial Family. According to legend, Thersion once swore eternal loyalty to the throne, and that’s the only reason our empire has stayed safe – because of Thersion!”

“Oh, please! Even if Thersion is a mere grand ducal house, the Imperial Family is still the Imperial Family! Besides, haven’t you heard? All the mages of the Tower have sided with Thersion.”

“Didn’t you hear the rumor that Thersion’s the one who ruined the Tower in the first place? Probably just nonsense.”

Even among those completely unrelated to the power struggle, rumors spread far and wide. Opinions varied. The current Temperchi dynasty, while not exceptional, had ruled the empire for generations, whereas Thersion, though mighty in force, had long remained indifferent, standing on the sidelines of politics.

In truth, it didn’t matter who won. For those far removed from power, it was all the same. For people struggling just to survive each day, the state of mind of their employer, who paid their wages, mattered far more than the political squabbles of those in power.

“By the way, I heard Thersion issued a bounty this time, didn’t they?”

“Ah, yes. I heard about that too. They’re offering a reward to anyone who reports someone with red hair, right? You report them to, what was it again…?”

“The Blue Moon Merchant Company! That’s where you go.”

“Finding someone with red hair would be like stumbling upon a four-leaf clover. I’d love to get that lucky!”

As they spoke, a man drinking quietly in a corner stood up. After cautiously paying at the counter, he stepped out of the tavern. This place wasn’t safe for him either. Even the most remote, ramshackle pub in the countryside far from the capital had already heard the rumors.

‘I don’t even have a place where I can lie down in peace.’

The man sighed and quickened his pace. It was common knowledge that the Blue Moon Merchant Company was closely tied to Thersion. Ever since Thersion began backing them, the company had grown exponentially. And the Blue Moon returned the favor by flawlessly completing every mission entrusted to them by Thersion.

Now that the Blue Moon had mobilized, they wouldn’t stop until every last member of the Red Clan was eradicated from the continent. The moment they caught wind of the rumors, the Red Clan scattered and went into hiding. The man, too, had joined the ranks of the fugitives. He ultimately failed to vanish completely. His pace quickened further, and by the time he reached the forest’s edge, he was running with all his strength.

“Hah… hah…”

He could feel the shadows closing in around him, growing tighter by the second.

‘I don’t have much time left.’

He bit his lip, tried to steady his breath, and ran faster. He had sensed their presence trailing him for the past two days but hadn’t expected them to catch up this quickly. His foot caught on a jutting rock, and he tumbled hard to the ground, crying out. Tangled against a tree root, he looked up, and there they were. Figures in black masks emerged before him.

“I don’t know why you made this so difficult when this was always how it would end.”

“Why are you doing this?! What did we ever do to deserve this?!”

“Isn’t a crime from the past still a crime? Honestly, it’s a miracle Thersion didn’t start this hunt sooner.”

The assassin who had caught up with him sneered.

“Grrk… I’m not the one you should be killing! If we’re going to break the curse and settle this grudge, then that girl Alexa must die! There’s nothing to gain by killing me–!”

His cry was cut off. The Blue Moon assassin drove a dagger deep into his abdomen. Blood gushed up, and the assassin watched it with a cold, indifferent expression before letting out a long sigh.

“The fact that you don’t understand that this is the problem… that’s the real issue. Why would you speak her name aloud?”

The man would never realize it, not even if he lived a hundred lifetimes. This purge was Thersion and Carlisle’s way of protecting Alexa, anticipating that the Red Clan would eventually target her to break their curse. The wolf had surrendered and pledged loyalty to Alexa. But that was all. Their true nature still lurked beneath the surface, alive, sharp, and dangerous.

* * *

No matter what chaos raged outside, spring still bloomed inside Thersion Castle. As long as Alexa was there, it always would.

“Alexa!”

Karrolf came running, sniffing as he approached with his massive frame. Word had spread that Alexa had regained consciousness, but visitors had been restricted for the sake of her psychological well-being. It had been two weeks before he was finally allowed to see her.

“Oh! Master!”

Alexa gasped and opened her arms wide. She had been out on a stroll when Karrolf spotted her and charged. Given the size of the charging wolf, even the other wolves quickly cleared out of the way. If they collided, they’d be the ones who got hurt! But Karrolf stopped just short of her, then gently wrapped her in his trembling, oversized hands.

“Let me see you. Are you hurt anywhere? Have you been eating? You’ll have to watch your diet for a while… Oh, oh dear… You must be so weak from losing all that muscle, walking must be hard…”

“I’m okay. I’ve been slowly increasing how much I walk.”

“Good, good… And the supplements I sent? Are you taking those?”

“Yes, Master! I think I’ll even be able to start studying again next week!”

“Studying? Bah! That can wait. What matters is sleep and proper medication. Understand?”

“Yes, Master!”

Alexa laughed brightly and nodded enthusiastically. Karrolf hadn’t changed a bit. While he was notoriously strict with his other students, he was softer than a steamed bun when it came to Alexa. It was the same with Countess Eneroff and even Brillia. They insisted that all of Alexa’s classes be paused until she had fully recovered.

But just sitting around didn’t suit Alexa. Though dancing was still out of the question, she wanted to continue studying social etiquette, which was essential for attending gatherings. After all, she had chosen to live here. Whether she wanted to or not, she was now Lady Eneroff, and social functions were part of the deal.

That wasn’t all. Alexa had decided to live alongside Ysildus, Terrun, and Jeremiah. For that, mastering the basics of etiquette was indispensable. She expressed her determination with a carefully chosen request.

“I… I’d like to see my friends, Your Grace. Attend some social events, maybe host a tea party.”

Was that too indulgent? Alexa gave a little cough. With the imperial family and Thersion currently at odds, she felt self-conscious, like she was making frivolous requests in dire times. Essellia’s face turned serious.

‘Oh no. Was that the wrong thing to say…?’

Of course, Alexa didn’t mean she wanted to have fun; she meant she wanted to study. But it could be misunderstood. Just as she was about to clarify, Essellia spoke.

“Until Alexa is fully recovered, all banquets and social gatherings within Thersion Castle are hereby suspended.”

Countess Eneroff, seated beside them, nodded solemnly in agreement. Given her strong influence over the young ladies of the social world, her approval carried weight.

“That’s a wonderful idea, Your Grace. Alexa’s health must come first.”

“I’m glad we’re of one mind. Alexa, no one will gather without you, so don’t worry and just focus on healing.”

But… but that’s not what I meant! Alexa shook her head with a pale face. She had no intention of interfering in anyone’s social life. How had it come to this? She opened her mouth to speak, but Essellia was looking at her like one might gaze upon a precious, tiny, adorable puppy. 

As Alexa floundered in silence, Brillia added, “Magic lessons should also be paused for now.”

“I’ll allow it.”

“I’m totally fine!”

Alexa’s face flushed as she protested. She had spent her recovery digging into books about history and the Red Clan. Through that, she learned she was a pure light mage, born with the Red Clan’s characteristics, and essentially a sacrificial offering meant for the wolves.

‘If that’s true… maybe I can break the oath even without lifting the curse?’

That thought had occurred to her. She hadn’t told anyone yet, afraid of giving false hope. But she was determined to find a way. Still, she couldn’t do it alone. She needed Brillia’s help, a native of the Magic Kingdom. On her own, it would be impossible.

She hadn’t anticipated this many obstacles, though.

Essellia patted Alexa’s hand gently.

“Of course, until you’re fully recovered, all classes at Thersion will be suspended. That way, no one will be able to outpace you.”

That’s not what I meant at all! Alexa swallowed hard and scrambled to find a way out of this mess.

“No, really! There’s no need to do that! I-I’m already a g-genius, so I can catch up easily!”

She never imagined she’d say such a thing aloud.

‘Ughhhhhh…’

She wanted to curl up and disappear. If only they’d just let her do something…