TFPW 11

Chapter 11

The temperature of betrayal was cold. Just recalling it sent a chill deep into Kazar’s mind.

It happened on the way back from inspecting the canal construction in the Tana territory. After drinking tea given to him by Hawk, he lost consciousness. When he awoke, he was already in transit, shackled. After being dragged around for a while, he ended up in Arden.

“Sir Hawk drugged me with Redfire. I heard someone was willing to pay a high price for me.”

“You mean someone dared to buy a prince of the Empire?”

“Well, someone sold one too.”

At Kazar’s twisted smile, Duke Spes’s gaze darkened. Since Regis was in Arden, it wasn’t hard to guess who was behind it.

“It seems Her Majesty the Empress has crossed the line this time.”

Fratricidal struggles between princes could be dismissed as fate. But selling off an imperial prince was another matter entirely.

“It’s hard to believe someone with your skills was captured and thrown into such a poorly guarded prison—but if you were under the effects of Redfire, it couldn’t be helped. Could you see at all during that time?”

“Hardly. I’m okay now. Not completely, but I drank the antidote. I won’t be able to use aura for a while, though.”

Duke Spes studied Kazar instead of replying.

It did seem that Kazar was still affected. The amount of aura he once had was substantial, but now, barely a wisp remained—and even that was unstable.

And yet he came in such a state to rescue Eluana? Why?

Eluana was just as taken aback. After spending days on the run together, she hadn’t noticed he was drugged. He had even carried Rui at times. That he had come to rescue her while still unwell was almost touching.

Most of all, he had safely returned Rui.

“Thank you.”

Eluana blurted her feelings, then quickly corrected herself.

“Thank you… Your Highness.”

That simple, sincere word hit Kazar directly in the heart. It wasn’t the usual exaggerated flattery like “Noble Prince, your grace is like an ocean…” but pure gratitude.

Kazar’s expression softened.

“I’m the one who should thank you.”

For some reason, Duke Spes’s voice dropped coldly as he asked,

“You’ve helped the children of our house. We must repay you. How would you like this matter to be resolved?”

It was an offer to handle the situation however Kazar wished.

Duke Spes was someone who could make this a public scandal to lend support to Kazar. But doing so would yield nothing. The Empress likely covered her tracks well. At most, some minor noble family under her might be purged.

Instead—

“I’d like to keep my kidnapping a secret. There’s no solid evidence anyway, and I have a few things to confirm myself. But I do have a question. Do children like these really belong to the Spes family?”

Kazar looked at Eluana and Rui. Eluana had introduced herself as “Eluana Vita” and called “Ron Vita” her father. And yet Duke Spes claimed they were his family’s children?

“A few days ago, I saw a sword crafted by Ron Vita at an auction. It had been smelted down. I came looking for him, and that’s when I found out about the children.”

Kazar let out a chuckle as he recalled the twisted prison bars. So, it really was alchemy.

“With that level of alchemical skill, he must have had Spes blood.”

“As you say. They are children of the family.”

Duke Spes emphasized once more: children of the family. That line meant Kazar had no say in their affairs. But if it was Duke Spes, Kazar could trust he’d protect them.

“I have no intention of interfering in the affairs of House Spes. I’ll take my leave now.”

“You should detox properly. We’ll escort you to the capital after the treatment.”

“It’s fine. I’m on my way to detox now.”

Turning away, Kazar paused one last time to meet Eluana’s eyes.

“My name is Kazar Arcas Fortuna. If you ever need help, come find me. I could’ve escaped alone, but I was prepared to lose an arm to save you.”

He said such a terrifying thing as if it were nothing. Then, shifting his gaze behind Eluana, he looked at Rui, who peeked out cautiously from behind her.

“Take care, Rui.”

Kazar walked past the broken door and left. Eluana, still stunned, asked belatedly,

“Was he… really a prince?”

“He’s the Fourth Prince. He had a tough upbringing under the First Prince’s watchful eye.”

“Like they say—garbage on the outside is even filthier on the inside.”

If Kazar was the Fourth Prince, then Regis, the First Prince, was his brother. To drug and sell your own sibling just for the throne? That was beyond despicable.

“Indeed. To imprison my child and a prince… they must be fearless.”

Eluana looked awkwardly at Duke Spes. He had called Rui my child. But earlier, he’d told Kazar they were merely children of the family.

As she fidgeted, Duke Spes bent down. He was looking at Rui, who had been staring at him curiously for a while. Tilting his head, Rui seemed to realize something—he looked familiar.

Rui whispered to Eluana,

“I saw him in a picture. Is he your real dad?”

“He is. We’re going with him.”

“Okay.”

Rui answered lightly. Just being reunited with his sister was enough. As long as he could be with her, nothing else mattered.

Dad, I met sister again. Thank you for granting my wish. I’ll be a better Rui.

Rui silently thanked Ron, who was surely watching from heaven, and smiled brightly at Duke Spes, who was watching him with warm eyes.

“Hello, sister’s real dad. I’m Rui.”

✦✦✦

Sunlight poured into the room. Eluana awoke lying face down on a soft bed. The herbal medicine meant to ease the pain wasn’t working well. Since Arden had no healers, she’d have to travel to a larger territory for proper treatment.

Still, waking up to see Rui’s pink hair made her feel alive. He was sleeping soundly beside her.

He must be tired.

For Rui’s sake, she had to stay strong.

Eluana carefully washed up with the prepared basin and brushed her messy hair. She pulled it forward to avoid her back and tied it with a ribbon. Just then, someone knocked.

Opening the door slightly, she found a maid in the hallway.

“A priest from the temple has come to see you.”

A priest? Eluana had never even seen one before. Why would one come for her?

Seeing that Eluana wasn’t ready, the maid stepped back politely.

“Shall I tell him you’ll be there shortly?”

“…He came to see me?”

“Yes. He’s in the drawing room.”

“I’ll be there. Just a moment.”

She could find out why he came in person. After tucking Rui in and fixing the blanket, Eluana left the room.

In the drawing room sat a young man in priest’s robes, his expression solemn.

I thought all priests were old.

His violet eyes, shadowed by deep dark circles, turned toward her. His silver hair and pure white robes suited him almost too well. Just looking at him felt… divine.

“I’ve brought the lady,” the maid said before exiting the room. The priest’s lips twisted slightly.

“So, where does it hurt?”

The priest had expected a much more serious case—one that warranted galloping for two days straight. Maybe a lost limb or two. But she looked fine. Her arms and legs were all intact.

“Huh? Oh… my back.”

Eluana answered hesitantly and turned to show her back.

The priest touched his forehead in disbelief. Her back was a mess, caked with powder and still oozing. Torn skin was infected and red with swelling. It looked like the bleeding had stopped, but necrosis had set in.

He’d come immediately after getting word from the High Priest—without even a sip of water. Duke Spes had leveraged his temple donations as a threat. He had planned to complain after treating her.

But now… there was no room for complaint. She looked like a child.

“Who could’ve done this…”

All his irritation melted into sympathy. The priest didn’t have a sweet personality, but he was gentle with the sick and the weak.

He reached toward her back.

“You can just stand comfortably.”

“Excuse me?”

Startled, Eluana flinched at his approaching hand—but then a light flared before her eyes, enveloping her body and caressing her back. The strange sensation startled her, but then she noticed the pain fading.

The light spread from her back across her entire body. It was as if it was healing every wound it touched—and then it disappeared without a trace.

Along with the pain.

“Ah…”

She touched her back. The rough skin was now smooth. It didn’t hurt. She checked her hand. Even the old burn scars from working in the forge were gone. So were the aches and pains from prison and the escape.

Her heart raced in disbelief.

“You’re fine now,” the priest said calmly.

That’s when Eluana realized—he was a healing priest. A rare and precious existence, one you might never meet in your life.

“Thank you. It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

“As a servant of the gods, it’s only right.”

As the maid returned with tea, the priest drank deeply. Eluana noticed he looked more tired than before.

“You look exhausted,” she said with concern.

“My healing powers don’t work on myself.”

“So you’re more tired because of me.”

“It’s my duty.”

“Well, I’m thankful for your duty. Were you just passing through Arden? How did you know to find me?”

At her innocent question, the priest’s mouth twisted again.

“I crossed the teleport gate two days ago and rode nonstop. Duke Spes threatened to cut all donations to the temple if I was late.”

“What? …Because of me? I’m so sorry.”

Eluana panicked, and the priest instantly regretted telling her that. That was between adults. The girl before him was just a victim of abuse.

“I wasn’t looking for an apology. I was just explaining.”

“…Still.”

Eluana trailed off.