Rodrick's eyebrow twitched at the unfamiliar form of address he had never heard before.
"Can you let go of my head?"
He hadn't even realized he was still holding the child's head. Rodrick's brow furrowed irritably.
"Daren."
He wondered why he was empty-handed for once. The vice-captain quickly handed him a pair of black gloves. He pathologically disliked touching things with bare hands.
After handing over his spare coat as well, Rodrick gave the vice-captain an order with a nod of his chin.
Regardless, Noel checked Diana's condition.
As he placed his small palm on Diana's cheek, the raging fever subsided instantly. As her breathing stabilized, the red eyes checked the magic flowing through her body.
It seems the absorption of unstable magic had put a strain on her body. Noel naturally turned his gaze to Rodrick.
A man terribly cursed.
Though he was necessary for Diana, Noel didn't like him. He couldn't pinpoint why, but he felt discomfort.
"What is it, little one?"
"It's Noel. We need to move sister to a warm place. It's going to rain soon."
A chilly wind brushed past, and dark clouds began to gather, obscuring the moon.
[This is the timeline separator]
Diana woke briefly at the sound of rain. There was no pain. Fear always came first when she opened her eyes.
Ah, how much will it hurt today? It felt like just yesterday that she cried with such vague fears.
Right. I died and came back to life. Me.
But who was it? The owner of the castle had red eyes. That was a characteristic unique to the Beatus family in this empire.
Diana looked around with drowsy eyes and then raised her head.
A strong arm was supporting her drooping body.
"Rod...rick?"
Sharp jawline. A man with an unreal appearance was sitting in his seat, holding her securely in his arms.
"Sister!"
"Noel?"
Her blurry focus cleared and she came to her senses.
"How are you here?"
"Sister, are you feeling alright?"
"Yeah, it doesn't hurt..."
She couldn't move her body. Diana looked down at herself, sensing something strange.
"Um, Rodrick. What is this?"
He looked at her as if asking what the problem was. Explain it in words, you fool.
She was wrapped in a blanket. Her body was rolled up like a newborn baby, cradled in Rodrick's arms.
What on earth is going on here? Can someone please explain! Just then, her eyes met those of a dignified-looking man entering the cave.
"Ah, you're awake, my lady. I am Daren Rauf, vice-captain of the Duverc Knights."
Yes, since no one else is talking, I'll have to ask that man.
"Excuse me."
"Go outside."
"Yes, the tent setup is complete, and we'll take turns standing guard."
Diana frowned as she blankly watched the man leave with a disciplined demeanor.
"Rodrick. Please explain what's going on."
"Yes, now that the young lady is awake too. Let's hear an explanation. Why do I have to keep holding you?"
Diana pressed her lips shut as her words were cut off repeatedly.
Rodrick and Noel were glaring at each other as if having a staring contest.
"Because sister needs your curse, mister."
"..."
Noel, isn't that explanation too brief? You should explain in more detail.
"...I see."
You accept that? Your madness being a curse is supposed to be a secret. The world believes your madness is a hereditary disease, not a curse. Isn't it suspicious that we know about it?
"So that's why you clung to me so lasciviously?"
"When did I ever... Mmph!"
"Be quiet for a moment, my lady."
Rodrick firmly grasped Diana's cheeks with his gloved hands.
"Sister is sick. She'll die if she can't absorb the curse. And you'll die too, mister, as your curse gets stronger."
"I can pass on my curse."
"But passing it to someone else doesn't make the curse disappear, does it?"
The corner of Rodrick's mouth turned up with interest. It was a subtle movement, but Noel didn't miss it.
"And?"
"If sister stays with you, we can get rid of your curse, mister."
Ha. Rodrick, who had been treating the child seriously with an incredulous attitude, burst into laughter.
"Do you believe those words? My lady."
Diana, who had managed to free her arms from the blanket with some effort, rested her head comfortably against his firm chest.
"I do. I can see it."
"What?"
"I can see the magic leaving my body, and the curse you're holding."
"Is it a Beatus trait? Is that why this little one is a mage?"
"Oh, you knew?"
"I saw the little one use healing magic on you."
Noel nodded, as if he hadn't particularly intended to hide it.
Hmm, but Noel, did you get a bit smaller? Is it my imagination that you seem to have shrunk from 5 to 3 years old?
Feeling her gaze, Noel smiled brightly.
"I've heard enough. As soon as day breaks, Daren will guide the young lady and young master out of the Black Forest. After that, he'll arrange a carriage to take you to the capital."
Diana abruptly sat up at his nonchalant words.
"Did you really listen properly?"
"What about it?"
"No, I said we need you. And you need me too."
He tilted his head slightly and said,
"Why would I?"
His blue eyes turned cold, as if they had never shown warmth.
Search "seduce" at redcatty [.] com to read ahead up to chap 70.