Chapter 49 - Chapter 49

Chapter 49

The next morning, Ruwellin left early to meet with his investigators.

I stayed in bed for a while, staring at the ceiling. My mind was racing with thoughts of the Castell family, of Motherundefineds disappearance, of the attack in Galantea.

There were too many pieces, and I couldnundefinedt see how they fit together.

But I knew one thing for sure.

Someone was pulling the strings. And I needed to find out who.

I got dressed and went to the infirmary. Sierra was already there, organizing the supplies.

"Good morning, Lady Rosnia."

"Good morning, Sierra. How are you feeling?"

"Iundefinedm fine. A little tired, but fine."

She smiled, but I could see the dark circles under her eyes. She hadnundefinedt slept well either.

"Did something happen?" I asked.

Sierra hesitated, then nodded.

"I had a strange dream last night. About my father."

"Your father?"

"Yes. He was…… calling out to me. Telling me to be careful. That someone was coming."

I felt a chill run down my spine.

"Did he say who?"

Sierra shook her head.

"No. Just that someone was coming. And that I shouldnundefinedt trust anyone."

I didnundefinedt know what to say. Sierraundefineds father was dead. Killed by Killian, along with the rest of her family.

But what if…… what if he had left something behind? A message, a clue?

"Sierra, did your father ever mention anything about the Castell family?"

Sierraundefineds eyes widened.

"How did you know?"

"Lucky guess. What did he say?"

Sierra looked around, as if afraid someone might be listening. Then she leaned in and whispered.

"He said that the Castell family was dangerous. That they were involved in something dark. He told me to stay away from them."

"Did he say what they were involved in?"

"No. But he seemed scared. More scared than I had ever seen him."

I thought about the black sand, the bone powder, the attack. If the Castell family was involved in something dark, what could it be?

Forbidden magic? Human experimentation?

undefinedWhat are you hiding, Castell?undefined

* * *

I left the infirmary and went to find Ruwellin. He was in his study, talking with his investigators.

When he saw me, he dismissed them and motioned for me to sit.

"What did you find?" I asked.

Ruwellin sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

"The Castell family has been conducting secret experiments for years. On humans. Using forbidden magic."

I felt sick.

"The black sand……."

"Yes. The bone powder came from their victims. People who disappeared from the villages around their estate."

"How many?"

"Dozens. Maybe more."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"And my mother? Was she one of their victims?"

Ruwellin was silent for a moment. Then he spoke.

"We donundefinedt know for sure. But there is evidence that she went to the Castell estate before she disappeared. And that she never left."

I felt tears prick my eyes. I had always hoped that Mother was still alive somewhere. That one day, she would come back.

But now…….

"Rosnia."

Ruwellin took my hand and squeezed it.

"Iundefinedm sorry. I wish I had better news."

"……Itundefineds not your fault."

I wiped my tears and straightened my back.

"What are you going to do?"

"Iundefinedm going to gather more evidence. And then Iundefinedm going to bring them to the Emperor. They will be tried for their crimes."

"And if the Emperor doesnundefinedt act?"

Ruwellinundefineds eyes hardened.

"Then I will act myself. The Castell family will pay for what theyundefinedve done. I swear it on my parentsundefined graves."

I believed him.

* * *

The days that followed were tense.

Ruwellin worked day and night, gathering evidence and building his case. I helped where I could, using my magic to analyze the bone powder and trace its origins.

Sierra also helped, using her divine power to heal the wounds of the past. She was able to communicate with the spirits of the dead, learning their stories and their pain.

It was heartbreaking work. But it was necessary.

One night, I found Ruwellin alone in his study, staring at a portrait of his parents.

"Ruwellin?"

He didnundefinedt turn around.

"They were good people, Rosnia. Kind, fair, just. They didnundefinedt deserve to die."

"No. They didnundefinedt."

I walked over and stood beside him.

"But they would be proud of you. For what youundefinedre doing."

"……Do you think so?"

"I know so."

He finally turned to look at me. His eyes were red-rimmed, but there was a fire in them.

"Iundefinedm going to make them pay, Rosnia. Every last one of them."

"And Iundefinedll be right beside you."

He pulled me into his arms and held me tight.

"Thank you. For everything."

"Always."

* * *

A week later, Ruwellin received word that the Castell family was planning to flee the empire.

They had gotten wind of the investigation and were trying to escape justice.

But Ruwellin was faster.

He gathered his knights and rode to the Castell estate, demanding their surrender.

I wanted to go with him, but he refused.

"Itundefineds too dangerous, Rosnia. I canundefinedt risk losing you."

"But I can help. My magic―."

"I know. But please. Stay here. For me."

I wanted to argue, but the look in his eyes stopped me. He was afraid. Not for himself, but for me.

"……Fine. But promise me youundefinedll come back."

"I promise."

He kissed me and left.

I watched him go, my heart heavy with worry.

* * *

The hours passed slowly.

I paced the room, unable to sit still. Sierra tried to distract me with conversation, but I couldnundefinedt focus.

All I could think about was Ruwellin. Was he safe? Had he caught them?

And then, finally, I heard the sound of horses.

I ran to the window and looked out.

Ruwellin was riding toward the castle, surrounded by his knights. Behind them, a group of people were being led in chains.

The Castell family.

I ran down to meet him.

"Ruwellin!"

He dismounted and pulled me into his arms.

"Itundefineds done, Rosnia. Theyundefinedre all in custody."

"Are you hurt?"

"Just a few scratches. Nothing serious."

I hugged him tightly, tears streaming down my face.

"I was so worried."

"Iundefinedm sorry. But I had to do this."

"I know. I know."

He kissed my forehead and held me close.

"Itundefineds over now. We can rest."

I looked up at him and smiled.

"Together?"

"Together."