The holy power trees were safely transplanted to the garden. Thanks to the animals’ help, the work finished quickly. 

 Knock knock knock. 

 “Your Highness, it’s Vahalla. I’ve brought Serina Adel.” 

 Hearing the butler’s words, Cedric told them to enter. The door opened and a woman in neat attire came in. 

 “I am Serina Adel.” 

 She greeted with proper etiquette. Despite her indifferent expression, her flawless manner drew attention. 

 “For what reason have you summoned me?” 

 “The Grand Duchess said she needs you. I hear you have a special ability.” 

 “I have no such ability.” 

 Cedric stood up from his seat and spoke to Vahalla. 

 “We’ll see about that. Guide her to the Grand Duchess.” 

 “Yes, understood.” 

 Vahalla left the office with Serina. Watching them, Kaven tilted his head. 

 “For what reason did Her Highness summon her?” 

 “She said she has healing abilities.” 

 “……You mean a she’s a healing priest?” 

 “Seems she hasn’t received formal training. If Claire’s hand heals, then that would confirm it.” 

 “I’m truly becoming afraid of Her Highness now.” 

 Kaven shuddered while rubbing his arm. Cedric too was looking forward to seeing how much Claire knew and what would happen next. 

 ❖ ❖ ❖ 

 Finally! Finally I can meet her! 

 At the news that Vahalla had brought Serina Adel, she jumped for joy. 

 “Zeno, transform into human form and pretend to be a servant.” 

 “Grrrr.” (Using me again.) 

 “Serina is a really important person. So you need to help too.” 

 “Woowoo.” (My fate…) 

 Zeno transformed into human form. Though he grumbled, he was quite obedient. 

 She had Rien bring servant’s clothes and dressed Zeno in them. 

 Soon after, Serina entered the room. 

 She couldn’t take her eyes off Serina as they faced each other. She has a short bob cut and intelligent green eyes. 

 Seeing her hand, Serina immediately realized why she had been summoned here. 

 “I cannot heal.” 

 “Did you want to become a healing priest in the capital?” 

 “No. I have no interest in the capital.” 

 She smiled brightly. Her attitude seemed to perplex Serina. Despite trying to maintain an indifferent expression, her green eyes wavered slightly. 

 “Weren’t you part of the imperial family, Your Highness? I don’t understand why you’re pleased by my answer.” 

 “Oh, is that so? I would have been disappointed if you said you wanted to go to the capital, Serina.” 

 Her eyes wavered again. 

 “After all, that place is ruled by irrationality, isn’t it? It’s no different from being an appendage that must only follow the Emperor’s orders. People who move for the sake of nobles and the imperial family, another dog of the imperial family.” 

 That’s what she thought. The reason she remained in the North despite being able to walk the path of a healing priest was simple. 

 Her aversion to the Emperor. 

 “I think there are more people like you in the North. I’m thinking of creating a secret institution in the North to train healing priests, separate from the capital.” 

 “……Is that possible?” 

 Serina’s eyes now showed curiosity, unlike before. Her gaze didn’t leave her lips. 

 “Nothing is impossible. The North has enough capital and power for that. I know you don’t trust people from the imperial family, but I’m now a person of the North.” 

 “Don’t you know that if the imperial family discovers someone has healing abilities, they’ll try to take them?” 

 “Serina. There are holy power trees here.” 

 She readily revealed one piece of information she knew to Serina. To make her my person, I too had to show my hand. 

 The holy power trees were catalysts that awakened power, so if healing abilities received that power, they could use even more abilities. 

 ‘Though reviving dead people would be impossible……’ 

 But they could gain abilities close to that. That meant it would be possible to treat people within the North without requesting healing priests from the capital. 

 “……Are there really holy power trees?” 

 She nodded. There were so many trees in the garden that Serina would be shocked to see them. 

 However, she couldn’t show them before getting her hand, so she threw out bait. 

 “Open it.” 

 Serina carefully opened the box. A branch that had lost its light was revealed. 

 “……I’ve seen this in books. It is indeed a tree with holy power.” 

 Now she seemed somewhat interested. 

 “So what will you do?” 

 At her question, Serina didn’t answer but came closer. Then she infused power into her palm. 

 Shimmering light rippled and enveloped her hand. Along with a warm sensation, the pain in her palm gradually disappeared. 

 “Now you must take responsibility for me. I’ve shown my hand to Your Highness.” 

 “That’s reassuring. Having to take responsibility for someone with healing abilities. I look forward to working with you.” 

 She unwrapped the bandage and extended her hand to Serina. After hesitating, Serina took her hand. 

 “We’ll write a simple contract. A contract that’s essential for both you and me. I can’t let Father steal such talent.” 

 “Your Highness. Please just call me Serina. But how did you know?” 

 “Well, let’s just say my informants are very capable.” 

 Understanding it would be dangerous to ask more, Serina didn’t continue her questions. 

 “Master is truly amazing.” 

 After Serina left, Zeno spoke while looking at her holding the contract. 

 “You like it too.” 

 “You really work me hard without even a proper contract.” 

 Zeno whined with his yellow eyes curved prettily. However, he transformed back into a wolf form and enjoyed the petting hand. 

 ❖ ❖ ❖ 

 “Mmmmm.” 

 She had become quite the late sleeper, making it hard to wake up. If Rien hadn’t urgently woken her, she probably would have slept until noon today too. 

 “Your Highness, the princess has woken up!” 

 “What?” 

 Startled, she jumped out of bed at once. 

 ‘The contract! Must get the contract!’ 

 She didn’t forget to put in her pocket the contract that needed Isabelle’s signature. 

 She just quickly changed clothes and headed straight to Isabelle’s room. 

 Being at the end of the corridor, the walk felt unusually long. 

 “Open the door.” 

 When the door to her room opened, Isabelle was sitting on the bed looking at her. 

 “Are you feeling better?” 

 “……What happened.” 

 “You owe me again.” 

 At her words, Isabelle’s face crumpled. Since she couldn’t tell her about the ability, she needed to explain the situation well. 

 “I owe you again, sister?” 

 “The price was bigger than expected. We thought you were dead. Your whole body was burning up.” 

 If she hadn’t had the ability, she would have long lost function from suffering with fever. 

 “You’re saying you treated me? How?” 

 “There’s a capable healer in the North.” 

 “Looking at you now, you’re quite good at lying.” 

 “It’s true though?” 

 She was glad Serina had come to the Grand Duke’s mansion before Isabelle woke up. 

 At her confident words, Isabelle furrowed her brow. Her suspicious eyes moved busily trying to determine the truth. 

 Seeing her blink without changing expression, Isabelle seemed to realize it wasn’t a lie and spoke in an annoyed voice. 

 “……So what do you want from me?” 

 “You’ll need to help me later. Just need your signature. Simple thing.” 

 She had no intention of backing down even if Isabelle refused. 

 “How can I sign without knowing what it’s for?” 

 “It’s for a building that’s essential for the North, so we need your signature. Well, it doesn’t matter if you don’t do it.” 

 Isabelle’s eyes grew wide. She took the contract out of her pocket. Then she took Isabelle’s hand. 

 “Sign it. If you sign here, I’ll hide you from Father.” 

 “……Really?” 

 “Yes, I’ll at least prevent you from having an unwanted marriage, so sign it. You owe me after all.” 

 People should be grateful. 

 “You should. Whatever you’re thinking, I can know it all. You’re a smart girl, think wisely.” 

 Isabelle bit her lip hard. Her hands gripping the blanket trembled. Soon after, she took the fountain pen. 

 “……Keep your promise.” 

 “Of course.” 

 She smiled with satisfaction looking at the contract with Isabelle’s signature. 

 “You made a wise choice.” 

 Perhaps they could become a bit closer. She smiled and extended her hand to Isabelle. 

 “Let’s get along well.” 

 “……You’re really annoying.” 

 “Living life, I found it’s okay to be a bit annoying.”