Chapter 68

The vivid scene was visible through a crack in the door. It seemed the person I was sharing this vision with was secretly watching this unfold.

Inside the room, a large bed was the focal point, and the woman I first saw n*ked was sitting on it with her back turned. She looked down and whispered seductively.

“How much do you love me, Isaac?”

Her red hair cascaded beautifully down her back. A large hand gripped her hair before wrapping around her slender waist.

“You’re always curious about that, aren’t you?”

“Because I want to hear it. Tell me quickly.”

“I’m not sure. I want to see only you all day, Velina.”

“Really? If you betray me, I’ll hate you forever. I’ll curse you.”

“That sounds terrifying.”

At that moment, “I” gripped the doorknob tightly. The hand that came into view had turned pale white with the force of the grip.

What on earth was happening? The two people on the bed, whispering sweet nothings, were likely Isaac and that woman. The woman who had been thoroughly ignored by Isaac. Yet, from what I saw now, Isaac seemed utterly captivated by Velina.

Was this scene from a time even further in the past than what I had seen before? How did a couple who seemed so in love reach the point where “I” was discussing divorce?

Why am I seeing “my” memories in the first place?

“My Lady! My Lady!”

I heard a desperate voice calling from far away. A headache struck again, making me feel like I was being swept away by a violent wave.

The cold metal doorknob, the resentful feeling toward the love on that bed—all of it suddenly vanished.

Before long, a blackened magic circle came into view. The silver metal plate was now an unsettling black, as if charred. Thien’s grim expression made the ominous scene worse.

It was Anna who asked the question first.

“Sir Yus, what’s wrong with Her Grace? What should we do? Do something, please!”

“Calm down. The Grand Duchess is undoubtedly experiencing another vision.”

Through blurry vision, I could hear the urgent conversation between the two. I slowly lifted my head. Anna’s face was as pale as a sheet, while Thien, though more composed, also seemed alarmed. Once he saw clarity returning to my eyes, Thien sighed in relief.

“My Lady, are you alright? Do you know where you are?”

“… There’s no need to ask that. I’m fine.”

“Still, please answer, just in case. Your maid looks like she’s about to pass out.”

His playful tone made me smile faintly as I replied.

“We’re in the villa’s bedroom, where the former Duchess stayed. I’m really fine.”

Only after I spoke did Anna let out a breath, clutching her chest in relief. I stared blankly at the magical device. The rare magic stone in its center remained a clear blue, untainted by the blackness that had overtaken the rest.

“It’s a rare magic stone.”

“What do you mean?”

“Now that I think about it, I see visions whenever I come into contact with a rare magic stone. Could this be related to my illness?”

Thien nodded at my question.

“It likely is. I believe your illness is related to a curse.”

Anna gasped loudly, and I instinctively glanced toward the door, worried someone might overhear. While the practical applications of magic had been revealed and somewhat popularized, this wasn’t always the case.

In the past, when there were no regulations on magic, it was frequently used on people.

But, regardless of the intent, the results were usually disastrous. If the person was fortunate, they simply died. But if their body was twisted into something monstrous, they would be locked away in a basement to live out their days in endless agony.

The belief that using magic on a person was an act of harm didn’t arise without reason.

As such incidents became more common, the entire continent began to regulate magic. However, negative perceptions of magic had already spread widely. At one point, people were accused of witchcraft and executed simply for being able to use magic.

That was only about a hundred years ago. While many organizations now existed to protect and support wizards, the image of them as sinister individuals had never entirely dissipated.

At the same time, society’s eagerness to popularize beneficial magic was deeply ironic.

Anna started to cry, tears falling like rain. Given the negative perception of magic, curses were regarded even more fearfully.

“Oh, what are we going to do, My Lady?”

I reached out to Anna. She grabbed my hand and sobbed uncontrollably. I took a deep breath and looked at Thien.

“Thien, are you sure?”

“Yes. This magical device was crafted by a wizard and verified by multiple magic towers. When someone afflicted with a curse touches it, the magic circle changes color.”

I patted Anna’s hand. She tried hard to stifle her sobs, not wanting to interrupt our conversation. For some reason, I didn’t feel like crying. Instead, I thought, ‘Ah, that’s why no doctor could diagnose me.’ That was all.

Surprisingly, I felt a glimmer of hope. In my previous life, no one had been able to identify my illness, but this time was different. This time, I had discovered the cause of my sickness. The realization made my heart pound with newfound energy.

“So, can the curse be lifted?”

Thien’s expression remained dark, telling me everything I needed to know.

“The darker the color, the stronger the curse. As you can see, this magic circle is…”

It was pitch black, like charcoal in the fire, for a long time.

“It’s a powerful curse.”

Thien nodded. His usual light-hearted demeanor was gone, replaced by a serious expression.

“This type of case is scarce. Curses are harmful to the person they’re cast upon and the one who casts them. It’s a highly burdensome form of magic.”

I bit my lower lip, struggling to understand.

“Who would place such a curse on me?”

I couldn’t think of anything I had done that would warrant such deep-seated hatred. At least, nothing that would drive someone to curse me at a significant personal cost. Thien, sensing my confusion, responded with a question of his own.

“Is there really no one you suspect?”

“It would be arrogant to say I have no enemies. But I can’t think of anything I’ve done that would make someone want to curse me, even at the cost of harming themselves.”

“The lady I know wouldn’t do such a thing either. But human relationships are never simple.”

He was right. Just because I didn’t intend to harm anyone didn’t mean that others wouldn’t resent me.

“Is there anyone around you who practices magic?”

“Not that I’m aware of. Could it be that someone was hired to do this?”

“If that’s the case, things become even stranger.”

“Why?”

“Curses are more effective when cast on someone with whom the caster has a strong emotional connection, whether love or hatred. But the curse on you is potent. If it was cast by a hired wizard, then the one who commissioned it likely…”

…is dead.

Silence filled the room. I slowly closed and reopened my eyes, taking in Anna’s shocked expression and Thien’s serious contemplation.

I tried to calm myself. The situation was indeed bleak, but it was still a step forward compared to before when I was dying without knowing anything. I decided to hold on to the faint hope that had taken root.

“Finding the person who cursed me is important, but what’s more crucial is breaking the curse. Is there a way?”

“The easiest method would be to find the caster and have them remove it. But given the circumstances, that seems unlikely. The best chance is to accurately identify the curse and create a magic circle tailored to dispel it.”

“Really?”

“I did say it’s the most feasible option, but it will likely take a long time. You may even have to visit the magic tower.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes.”

I replied quickly, then added a bit more hesitantly.

“…But I’d like to get His Grace’s permission before going to the magic tower. Is that alright?”

“Weren’t you adamant about keeping this a secret from him before?”

“Well, things have changed. His Highness doesn’t like it when I keep secrets from him.”

At that, Thien’s expression shifted to one of mild exasperation. It seemed he wasn’t so much afraid of Julian as he was… uncomfortable around him, like dealing with an overzealous person.

“Do you think he’ll give his permission?”

“For the sake of my health, I believe he will.”

I smiled wryly.

“Of course, you’ll need to help convince him, Thien. Your expert opinion will be crucial.”

“Ugh, I suppose I have no choice. I’ll help you. But you must protect me. No, wait! Don’t protect me!”

“What?”

Protect him and then don’t? I was utterly confused. As I blinked in bewilderment, Thien rubbed his forehead.

“I’m not sure why, but I feel His Grace is… jealous of me. No, never mind! That can’t be right.”

“Jealous?”

I was startled at first, but then I burst into laughter. Jealousy? That was the most ill-fitting word I had ever heard about Julian.

Sure, he had once said he wanted to be my closest friend, but Thien and I had only met twice. It seemed impossible. I waved my hand dismissively, trying to stifle my laughter.

“Jealous? There’s no way.”

“Don’t underestimate a man’s instincts. Just protect me, but don’t go overboard. Understand?”

“Yes, yes. I’ll do that. But don’t worry so much. There’s no way that’s true. His Highness may seem aloof, but he’s actually a very kind person.”

Thien made that exasperated face again. I stopped saying he was cute, knowing it would probably push him over the edge.

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.