The Amber Sword

The young wizard was currently waiting outside her door as he had received news of his lord’s arrival. Brendel appeared moments later along with Felaern, and his first question was:

“How is she?”

“She’s not doing very well. Romaine, Medissa, and Amandina are all in there—”

Brendel nodded and pushed the doors open. Scarlett’s room was not really a patient’s room as there were no signs of any herbs or medicine. A light cold breeze came through the windows and he immediately saw the scenery, making him nod inwardly to Ciel’s choice.

In the center was a canopy bed, and the valance was fluttering lightly against the wind. Scarlett was lying in the center with a pale face and lightly closed eyes.

This was the first time Brendel had ever seen her braided hair come undone. Her soft red hair had a wave-like sheen to it, and it covered her face partially. Her expression did not have her usual stubborn scowl and was instead replaced with a face that was deeply asleep.

Unfortunately, it was a deep sleep that was plagued by nightmares.

Her facial muscles twitched involuntarily and she was frowning slightly as though she was in great pain.

Medissa and Amandina stood up at the same time and greeted him. Medissa nodded lightly, while Amandina stared at him with worry.

Scarlett returned to Firburh without any issues but she suddenly collapsed a few days ago. Amandina only knew that the silver mines were captured but she had no idea about happened exactly.

When she questioned Medissa, the latter merely frowned and explained that Scarlett did not want to reveal the details. She further said that Brendel would be returning immediately and an explanation could wait until then.

Amandina’s heart was sinking.

The experience at Chablis with Felaern’s ‘death’ made her realize how pure-hearted she was. Even though she tried to ensure that her heart was not affected by emotions in order to become a worthy advisor, she could not help but shed silent tears.

Even though it was naive and foolish to hope that no one in this group would die, she did not want to give up praying. Brendel even told her that there would be bloodshed over the nobles’ wars, and that victory could only be gained upon the sacrifice the lives of thousands.

[To be cold in your thinking but not cold-blooded.]

She could not help but recall these words when she saw him. With her lord’s inexplicable capability, perhaps Scarlett could still be saved.

Brendel returned their greetings. He quickly caught the sight of Romaine slumbering on Scarlett’s bed. Her eyebrows were even dancing a little like she was fighting something bravely, though her drool on Scarlett’s blanket made his eye twitch a little.

Still, the youth knew her personality well enough, he realized she must have exhausted herself to help Scarlett, and he did not have the heart to scold her.

“What did Romaine do to be so tired?” He asked out of curiosity.

“She was telling Scarlett stories,” Medissa answered. “because her aunt told her stories whenever she got sick, and she was cured when the story was finished”

“I see.”

Brendel nodded. Romaine’s aunt was most likely a witch, and she probably used Holy Words or something similar to cure Romaine.

Unfortunately, while Romaine might have the potential to become a witch, she obviously was not one right now and she could not imitate her aunt.

Brendel did not wake Romaine and instead observed Scarlett.

[It’s been only ten days, but she looks much thinner.]

Scarlett was so pale that her veins could be seen, and the patterns on her neck had spread all the way to her face.

Brendel’s heart fell a little.

Ciel had done his best to delay the corruption from reaching her brain, but Brendel also made the same judgment. There would not be a girl called Scarlett by tomorrow morning.

[Judging from the severity of the patterns, the place where the Blood of Gods that was implanted on her body is her heart. The person who implanted it is experienced; he first killed her, then revived her with the Blood of Gods. If this is a spirit or something similar, I can destroy its will, but the Blood of Gods is something that simply corrupts the body and mind by instinct and it won’t stop. And if I find a way to destroy the Blood of Gods entirely, it’s also the thing that sustains her life.]

Amandina and Medissa watched Brendel’s expression closely and realized that he did not have the usual confidence where he solved seemingly impossible situations.

“My lord?” Medissa could not help but ask.

“Let me take a look, bring your ring closer to her.” Orthlyss spoke in Brendel’s ears, pausing momentarily as Brendel heeded her words, “the girl’s corruption has reached her mind. I think it won’t take more than half a day before she’s completely gone. I’m sorry, boy, but I’m unable to think of a solution.”

“I see,” Brendel muttered to himself, “then there’s no choice but to use my method, though it’s quite foolish.”

“You...... have a solution?” Orthlyss’s voice was surprised.

“I can delay the Blood of Gods from taking over her body.”

Orthlyss was dumbfounded. Even if she was in her real body, she could only extend the girl’s life by a day. Perhaps if she was back in the Dwarven Haven, she could have borrowed the power of the Laws in that area and extend her life, though it would still be limited.

But the youth actually said he was capable of extending her life?