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Chapter 24
“The divine power and curses used today are somewhat different from those of ancient times. In the past, such powers could only be used by bloodlines chosen by transcendent beings like divine beasts or demons. But the divine power and curses commonly used today are powers developed independently by humans.”
Of course, even modern divine power and curses are heavily influenced by innate talent. However, unlike ancient powers—where one’s ability and limits were strictly determined at birth—modern abilities could be improved to some extent through effort. That was the key difference.
Kaian was well aware of this.
And he also understood the limitations of people like Diana, who possessed spiritual sight.
She might not be able to determine exactly what kind of curse was involved or how deeply it was intertwined, but that didn’t matter. What mattered now was simply whether Estelle had been affected by a demon or not.
“Do you sense anything from this woman? Especially anything related to mental-type demons?”
“Nothing stands out on the surface, but in some cases, high-level mental-type demons can cleverly conceal their power. May I examine her more closely?”
Without a word, Kaian shifted his gaze toward Estelle. Taking that as permission, Diana slowly approached her.
“Excuse me, madam.”
Closing her eyes gently, Diana placed her hand on Estelle’s forehead. At once, a divine light—resembling the color of her own eyes—began to glow from her fingertips.
Kaian watched silently.
Perhaps because the divine power used for diagnosis also carried a degree of healing, Estelle’s expression seemed to relax, becoming noticeably more at ease.
It was a good decision to summon a priest.
Whether or not demons were involved, it was fortunate that someone capable of using divine power was present at such a moment. It would surely aid her recovery.
After some time, Diana withdrew her power and opened her eyes.
Her expression was slightly dark.
“Well?”
Kaian pressed her impatiently. After a brief hesitation, Diana spoke.
“Unfortunately… there are complex traces of ancient power influencing her.”
Thud.
What had only been a suspicion now became confirmed.
Seeing Estelle act shamelessly, claiming she was happier with her current life, part of him had wanted to believe she had truly lost her memory.
After all, uncovering a lie would have been far easier than unraveling the tricks of an ancient demon.
But now, the moment had come to face the truth he had avoided.
It’s not that she didn’t return… she couldn’t. She simply didn’t know how.
Even so, his sense of betrayal and hatred toward the Estelle who had betrayed his mother remained unchanged.
How dare you. How can you live having forgotten everything you’ve done? So shamelessly. It must be comfortable, forgetting it all like that.
Kaian clenched his fist.
He wanted to restore her memories somehow. At the very least, she needed to remember her sins—only then could she properly atone.
“…If a mental-type demon has distorted her memories, is there a way to restore them?”
“With human means alone, it is an extremely violent and intricate force to undo… With current knowledge, I cannot guarantee any definite method. However—”
“However?”
“On rare occasions, I have seen cases where fragments of memory were recovered.”
“And the method?”
“The only common factors observed were the subject’s earnest efforts to regain their memories, along with regular exposure to divine power. Even then, the chances are slim.”
Even if the possibility was slim, the fact that there were precedents meant there was no reason not to try.
“Would your divine power fall within that scope?”
“That would require some attempts to determine for certain.”
“Then stay here. I’ll reward you however you wish—gold, jewels, anything.”
Cedric, who had been quietly observing from the doorway, immediately understood Kaian’s intent and moved to offer a heavy gold bar—far more valuable than what had been given to the doctor.
But Diana refused without hesitation.
“I belong to the temple. To use divine power for personal financial gain would go against the will of the divine.”
“Then what do you want?”
“If, someday, I were to ask something of you, please promise to grant me one request. That will be my reward.”
Whatever that request might be, securing a future favor directly from the emperor was far beyond any material wealth.
“That is—”
Cedric began to object.
“I promise.”
But Kaian agreed first.
Caught off guard, Cedric glanced at him, but Kaian himself remained calm.
“The most important thing during treatment is ensuring that the patient does not feel any resistance.”
“So we shouldn’t rush.”
“Yes. Also, I believe it would be best if I conceal the fact that I am a priest and gradually build a natural rapport with her. She appears both physically and mentally exhausted right now, so perhaps it would be best to begin once she has recovered somewhat.”
“Do as you see fit.”
Uncovering the truth behind Shawehnan and bringing Aer and Estelle back to their rightful place in the imperial palace—both would be far easier once Estelle’s memories returned.
For now, restoring her fractured memories was the top priority.
I’ll also need to make sure Aer doesn’t become confused.
It was the moment Kaian realized he now had another reason to remain in Aren longer than planned.
“I greet the Moon of the Empire.”
“I’ve come to see His Majesty.”
At the imperial palace of the Lecantho Empire, Empress Christine spoke to the chamberlain standing guard before the emperor’s office.
The excessive perfume she wore and her overly revealing dress were enough to make onlookers uncomfortable. Yet the seasoned chamberlain remained composed.
“Your Majesty, I apologize, but His Majesty has given orders not to admit anyone.”
“What? I am the Empress! Is there anywhere in this palace I cannot enter? Just because I have no heir, are you looking down on me too?”
Christine shouted sharply.
And it was understandable—since the founding festival banquet, she hadn’t met Kaian even once.
She had visited his chambers at night and his office during the day, yet each time she failed to even see his face, let alone hear his voice.
Was he avoiding her on purpose?
Her anxiety had reached its peak, making her more irritable than usual.
“Not at all. How could I dare harbor such disloyal thoughts? As Your Majesty knows, this is the period when the most matters are discussed in the state council. His Majesty has many issues requiring careful consideration, so he simply needs time.”
“Hmm…”
“If Your Majesty could wait with the patience as deep as the sea, I’m sure His Majesty will soon find time to visit the Empress Palace.”
“Really? You think so?”
“Yes. I am certain of it.”
“Fine! Then tell His Majesty I’ll be waiting!”
“I will deliver the message.”
Christine’s mood improved instantly as she strode down the palace corridor.
Her dress—layered excessively to create volume and studded with an abundance of crystals—trailed behind her. Her dangerously high heels made it seem like she might twist her ankle at any moment.
Her unsteady steps looked almost comical.
“I greet the Moon of the Empire.”
At that moment, several nobles, including Marquis Wagan, noticed her and offered their greetings.
They seemed to be discussing matters from the state council.
“Your Majesty looks as splendid as ever today. Even more so than a statue in a ballroom.”
Comparing the empress to a statue was an insult—implying she was nothing more than a decorative figure.
Since Empress Estelle, who had taken on the duties Christine could not fulfill, had passed away, everyone knew the emperor himself had taken over those responsibilities.
When Christine first became empress, many believed the emperor favored her.
After all, why else would he choose someone with neither ability nor background, even if he hated Astrea?
But aside from appearing together at necessary formal events, he showed her no particular affection, and the nobles’ doubts only grew.
“Marquis Wagan, you always work so hard.”
Unaware of the hidden insult, Christine puffed up with pride, taking it as a compliment.
The nobles exchanged subtle smirks at her lack of dignity, but she didn’t notice.
“You honor us with your recognition.”
“Well then, carry on.”
Christine headed straight to the Empress Palace.
What was dessert today again?
Her thoughts were filled only with the anticipation of afternoon tea, her steps light.
“What is this?”
“She is waiting for you.”
But the moment she noticed a woman lingering in the garden of the Empress Palace, her plans changed.
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