Other Side of the Mirror

Ten days after Druza's plot came to light, Tinasha was sitting in a chair with

her legs crossed. Her room in Farsas Castle was streaked with rays from the

setting sun. The partially analyzed spell floated above the scrying bowl

before her. Mila looked impressed as she inspected it thoroughly.

"Do you know where Druza is creating their forbidden curse?" Tinasha

inquired.

"I do… But I can't tell you," answered Mila.

"Why not?"

"Because if I do, I know you'll just go directly there to kill them," Mila

countered.

Tinasha fell silent, unable to deny that. In this situation, it could cause a

diplomatic crisis if Farsas made the first move. However, if she went out

solo, disarmed the threat, and came right back…

"You really can't do that. Touching that curse while it's being developed

is very dangerous. Killing the spell caster will make that magic run wild

and create all kinds of trouble," Mila pointed out.

"Ugh."

"Also, while you're definitely powerful, mages are rear guards. You're

not meant to act alone! Despite the odd circumstances, you were kidnapped

only a few days ago. You'd be in for a world of hurt if you took on anyone

besides a mage. Recall how Unai almost killed you?" Mila lectured.

"Yes, I remember," Tinasha said sourly, appearing as though she'd just

swallowed some bitter medicine.

When Tinasha fought Leonora the witch four hundred years ago,

Leonora's right-hand man was a swordsman and the one who'd come the

closest to ever slaying Tinasha. Senn, one of her spirits, had taken over the

battle with Unai for her at the time. However, when Tinasha had abdicated,

she returned all but one of the twelve spirits. Without them, it was foolhardy

for her to charge off into uncharted enemy territory on her own.

Although she was from a long-gone era, Tinasha had been asleep that

entire time and possessed no more experience than any other nineteen-yearold. If Oscar used Akashia in a duel against her at close range, he would

defeat her instantly.

As Tinasha reflected on her own limitations, Mila went on in a solemn

tone of voice. "Using Akashia against the curse is the way to go. I

understand how you feel, but it's best not to take direct action."

"But I thought Druza was the main reason why everyone agreed I should

take over the throne…"

King Calste of Tuldarr had informed Tinasha that Druza's movements of

late appeared suspicious, and he wanted to revive the mystical spirits as a

deterrent.

Yet ultimately, Druza's weapons were trained on Farsas. They must have

decided that if they were going to craft a forbidden curse, it would be easier

to attack Farsas with it—even factoring in Akashia—than to go up against

the Magic Empire.

"And it was during my reign that Molcado got away… I'm the war

criminal here…" Tinasha sighed.

"You needn't bear every responsibility! Molcado and Druza threw the

first punch—you were merely saddled with the task of handling the threat.

Stop trying to take on everything yourself," Mila chided.

"But Farsas can't withstand five shots from a forbidden curse of that

scale, even if they do have Akashia. They can put up a normal barrier, but

those who cast it will die," Tinasha objected.

That was the outcome she hoped to prevent the most. That was why she

wanted to go in first and take care of everything. Losing him was

unacceptable, even if that meant sacrificing herself.

Tinasha's eyes were cast down, and a very grown-up grimace crossed

Mila's girlish features. "If it comes to that, then you can be the one to

provide that barrier. If you go out alone, and something happens to you, it'll

be that Akashia swordsman who suffers for it."

Mila pointed at the spell floating above the scrying bowl. Tinasha

remembered her true mission and fell silent.

She's absolutely right.

Talented though she was, Tinasha couldn't handle it all by herself. She

didn't possess enough combat experience.

A sigh skimmed across her alabaster knees. Oscar's coronation was set

for two weeks from now.

After the Farsas council meeting, invitations to the coronation ceremony

had been extended to many nations, including Druza and Cezar.

Both countries had turned down the offer, sending their regrets. No one

was sure whether to be relieved or concerned by that, however.

Naturally, security for the ceremony was incredibly tight, which meant

that two layers of surveillance secretly monitored the dignified foreign

guests in attendance. The first was the guards of Farsas, while the other was

a spell Tinasha had cast over the whole castle.

An hour before the function, Tinasha's hair was done up, but she was

still in her everyday attire. She knocked at Oscar's dressing room door, then

pushed it open upon his reply.

The sight of him outfitted in all the finery of a king was enrapturing.

Lustrous silver armor and a crimson cape set off his toned physique

beautifully. Akashia was in King Kevin's hands presently, so Oscar had

another longsword belted at his waist.

A somewhat annoyed expression creased his handsome features. Though

Tinasha said nothing when she entered, he cast her a skeptical glance.

"What's wrong? And why aren't you dressed? Did you mix up the date for

the ceremony?"

"I know what day it is! I'm going to change after this," Tinasha insisted,

turning aside with reddened cheeks. He looked so different that she found

herself unable to look at him head-on. She had almost forgotten why she

came.

Pressing her hands to her red cheeks, Tinasha turned back to face him

properly. "Excuse me, but I need you to let me cast a protective barrier

around you."

"Sure, but this isn't some field that automatically kills anyone who

comes into contact with it, is it?"

"Of course not! It's just for protection!" exclaimed Tinasha.

Shrugging, Oscar sat down on a chair. Tinasha came before him and

began an incantation.

"My definition shall span three worlds. Let meaning lose its meaning,

and any definition that diverges shall fall apart and the words turn to dust."

A spell configuration made of silver threads floated up before her. It was

such a strong embodiment of magic that even Oscar could see it, and as the

incantation went on, and the array swelled in size, the threads intertwined in

increasingly complex ways. He watched with rapt fascination.

"My life supersedes every manifestation. May these words and this

power interfere with everything that may befall."

As the recitation concluded, the spell twined itself around Oscar's entire

body, sank into it, and disappeared.

Once that was complete, Tinasha exhaled. "It's only meant to protect

you from magic. Thank you for your patience."

"I'm the one who should be thanking you," replied Oscar, which made

Tinasha break into a pleased grin.

He stood and almost patted her on the head, but he retracted his hand

when he realized her glossy black hair was swept into an elegant updo. "Go

get changed. Prince Legis is coming, so don't be late."

"O-oh, is he? Yes, I'll be leaving now," Tinasha said, bobbing her head

at Oscar before teleporting out of the room. Her departure was so sudden

that Oscar snorted, but only for a moment. Soon enough, his expression

turned grave and serious.

Back in Tinasha's room, Sylvia and some ladies-in-waiting helped her

quickly change and apply makeup. Her formal Tuldarr royal family robe

was white and deep blue. All her jewelry doubled as magic implements,

including the silver chains draped across her forehead. The robe hugged the

lines of her slender body before flaring out in a graceful curve.

Tinasha checked herself in the mirror, then muttered, "It's been so long

since I've worn such garments."

"You're a sight for sore eyes!" chirped Sylvia, pot of rouge in hand.

Just then, a lady-in-waiting entered. "His Highness Prince Legis has

arrived."

"Coming," Tinasha replied. On paper, she was the princess of Tuldarr, so

she and Legis would attend the ceremony together as representatives of

their country.

The young woman tapped into the spell stretched across the castle,

confirmed that nothing was out of the ordinary, and headed for the cathedral

where Legis awaited.

It had been a while since the two had seen each other, and when Legis

spotted Tinasha clad in her formal robe, his eyes widened. Then he broke

into a smile. "That looks wonderful on you. Truly beautiful."

"Thank you," she answered. He held out a hand to her with perfect

poise, and she accepted it. Aware that she was attracting attention, Tinasha

proceeded with him into the cathedral. It was already full of guests who had

taken their seats.

A short while later, King Kevin made his entrance along with Oscar;

Akashia was hanging at the king's waist. Tinasha watched them while

concentrating on her spell.

Once the two royals reached the altar, Kevin gave his opening remarks.

Tinasha listened as she contemplated Akashia, the royal sword.

It was a weapon of exceptional power—the only one of its kind in all the

world—said to have been gifted to Farsas by an inhuman being.

Although generally believed to only be a blade that neutralized magic, it

could destroy and dismantle magic spells, as well as diffuse the magical

power of those who touched it. Tinasha knew as much from experience; the

sword's owner taught her about it when she was a girl.

Akashia deserved its reputation as a mage's worst enemy, and it could

kill witches, too.

Most people thought Oscar had inherited Akashia before becoming king

because of his unparalleled swordplay. However, Tinasha suspected it was

to hide the seal on his own vast reserves of magic. Still, she was hesitant to

confirm her suspicion, so for now she kept such thoughts to herself.

When Tinasha looked up at the altar, Kevin was taking a step down as

Oscar stood from his kneeling position. Cheers and applause burst forth in

the cathedral at the birth of a new king, who brandished Akashia high above

him.

Tinasha followed their example and clapped for him, too, unable to take

her eyes off the sight of Oscar standing tall before the audience.

After Oscar made an appearance in front of the common people, he stopped

by his chamber to change his clothes before proceeding to the great hall.

No sooner did he enter than guests crowded around. He made polite

conversation with them, a practiced smile on his lips, as he scanned the

room. Legis and Tinasha stood by a window, smiling and laughing together.

When the latter of the two noticed Oscar, she gave him a little wave.

Tinasha in her formal robe looked far lovelier than the young ladies in

their gowns, and all eyes were drawn to her. The men nearest her kept

stealing glances, quite preoccupied with Tuldarr royalty. Yet because she

looked so close to Legis and because the two appeared so well matched,

none approached her.

Oscar met Tinasha's gaze, his eyes carefully devoid of emotion, but then

someone nearby addressed him, and his attention returned to his guests.

As Tinasha observed the new king, she offered her commentary,

sounding as if it had nothing to do with her. "Poor thing. That looks

exhausting…"

"You'll be in a similar situation before long," Legis reminded her.

"Yes, although I'd like to bow out because I've already done it once

before," she replied. Earlier, Tinasha and Legis had made their rounds of the

room as he introduced her to the important people from various countries.

All were astonished at the sudden appearance of a new Tuldarr queen,

but Legis proved an adept conversationalist. By and large, Tinasha was

received favorably. She gazed up at the man next to her, impressed. "In any

case, Your Highness, that was amazing. Perhaps it's because I only just

emerged from the Dark Age, but I'm really no good at that sort of thing."

"I wasn't proficient at it initially, either. It's simply a necessary skill to

have. There's an everlasting wealth of things to learn, which I find

fascinating," he answered sincerely, and she smiled.

Legis was smart, sensible, and hardworking. Tinasha mused regretfully

that if she hadn't shown up, he would have made an excellent ruler.

But if they managed to evade Druza's threats, would she need to take the

throne?

Excessive power wasn't a necessity in peacetime. Tinasha had abdicated

for that same reason once. If the deterrent of her power lost its meaning

once the enemy nation ceased to be a threat, then a ruler specializing in

sheer might would also no longer be a priority. When Tinasha considered

that, she had to wonder if taking Tuldarr's throne as requested was wise.

Sighing, Tinasha glanced at the stone embedded in her right wrist brace,

a crystal acting as the core of her castle surveillance spell. Its transparent

glow indicated that nothing was amiss.

While she was at it, the young woman inspected Oscar's protective

barrier and found that he was walking along with a lovely young woman in

a rose-pink gown. It was someone Legis had introduced Tinasha to. She

racked her memory, trying to recall. "That's…Princess Nephelli of Yarda,

isn't it?"

"Indeed. Yarda and Farsas are currently enjoying quite the friendly

relationship," answered Legis.

It was only ten years ago that the two countries warred. Upon its defeat,

Yarda lost a small portion of its territory, and after that, Farsas helped its

former enemy recover. At present, the two nations were on friendly terms.

Yarda, surrounded on all sides by the Great Nations of Farsas, Cezar, and

Gandona, would not have been able to survive after that defeat had it not

cozied up to one of them. The fact that Yarda chose to approach Farsas was

undoubtedly due to Kevin's genial personality.

"While it's merely a rumor, apparently Yarda offered Princess Nephelli

as a bride for Farsas after its defeat. The proposition was rejected, but I

can't imagine why, so it's probably just gossip," Lazar explained.

"Ah, I see…," Tinasha muttered. She could certainly think of a reason—

the curse she labored to break. So long as that remained, Oscar couldn't

agree to marry anyone.

However, soon that pretext would vanish, and when it did, would Oscar

take this princess as his wife?

Thinking about it put Tinasha in a sour mood. Her eyes followed Oscar

and Nephelli across the room, though she maintained a tight smile.

Legis smiled awkwardly. "Your magic has become erratic."

"What?! Oh… I'm sorry," Tinasha said, flushing in guilt. As a vessel for

so much powerful magic, her emotional fluctuations could sometimes

influence that energy. Legis was a capable mage himself, so he could sense

it.

Tinasha buried her face in her palm, and Legis gave a placid smile. "I

have to admit: I'm quite jealous."

The meaning of his statement was obvious, but Tinasha was at a loss on

how to respond. A faint smirk formed on her lips. "…It's like I imprinted on

him. I don't quite understand it myself."

Now that she had compartmentalized the past as such, she was trying to

approach Oscar from square one. He was nothing more than the man she

had met upon waking in this era, someone she had nothing in common with.

But Tinasha didn't know what she wanted to accomplish by doing that.

What was Oscar to her?

Presently, she couldn't put it into words. It was incomprehensible. The

heat that seared her heart still lacked definition.

Still, Tinasha understood that she had to save and protect Oscar. There

could be no conceding on that point. She refused to forget.

Sentimentality left over from her adolescent years or not, it made no

difference. Tinasha expected no repayment from him for any of it. That was

also why she wanted to look ahead and face the future. Nothing had even

started yet.

After three hours of conversing with guests who came for his coronation,

Oscar took his leave as the banquet drew to a close. Making his way down

the hallway, he stretched out his tight shoulder muscles.

Making polite, diplomatic small talk wasn't difficult for him, but it did

prove tiring.

Fending off the incessant advances from a string of young ladies proved

especially exhausting. Nephelli's personality was more straightforward

compared to the rest, making it easier to spend time with her. However, the

others, with their cloying perfumes, sapped his energy. If Oscar didn't take

a bath and wash off all the scents, he would develop a headache.

Just then, a woman called out to him from behind. "Oscar, can we talk?"

It was someone who was difficult to deal with in an entirely different

way from the other ladies. Turning back, Oscar spotted Tinasha with an

apologetic smile. Her long eyelashes fluttered over eyes wavering with

apprehension, and her red lips were deeply bewitching.

In makeup and dressed in her formal robe, she looked wholly unfamiliar

to him. He was half enchanted by it yet hid his reaction well as he replied,

"What is it? Has Legis gone back?"

"I'm going to see him off right after this. Before that, I wanted to undo

your protective barrier. I'm sorry to bother you," she said.

"You could've done that anytime."

"Well, you had a steady stream of girls around you all night. I'm glad

you enjoyed yourself, though."

Tinasha may have meant that mockingly, but the sulky tone of her voice

made her true feelings obvious. Instead of pinching her cheek, Oscar replied

evenly, "They all want to be queen, hence their incessant sales pitches. I am

grateful that you'll break the curse."

Was he to grow older and remain unmarried, people from the countries

around Farsas would notice and grow suspicious. It would incite sinister

schemes that Farsas didn't need. Twenty was a perfect age to lose his curse.

At that, a line formed between Tinasha's shapely brows, something

Oscar had almost been expecting. "I'm glad you'll have your pick of

candidates. I hope you select the one most useful to you."

"Don't make it sound like I'm choosing some new court adviser. She

can be totally useless, as long as she doesn't get in my way."

"That sounds like someone who would be the polar opposite of me."

"Oh? So you are aware of that?" Oscar drawled, getting ahold of

Tinasha's face half out of instinct. She pouted, her soft cheeks trying to puff

up, making an expression like a cat grabbed by the scruff of its neck. Oscar

couldn't help but burst out laughing at the sight.

"Why are you chuckling when you're the one doing it to me…?"

Tinasha questioned softly.

"It gives me so much joy to tease little kids," he replied.

Tinasha sighed when she heard that. Her long eyelashes trembled,

casting shadows along her ivory cheeks. The melancholy expression on her

beautifully made-up face had its own terribly powerful charm.

"Do whatever you want… I have my own job to take care of. However,

you have as many enemies as you do women vying to be your queen. Let

me know if something happens," Tinasha stated.

"What would you do if I did?" questioned Oscar.

"I'd take care of it," she answered firmly. Her words were heavy with

pure, genuine fighting spirit.

Oscar frowned at that glimpse of her being coolheaded. Evidently,

Tinasha truly wasn't aware that her strong emotions were grating on her.

That was why she kept trying to sacrifice herself any way she could—and

why she didn't balk at the idea of getting hurt.

"Listen—"

"Mm, I'll undo the barrier first," Tinasha interrupted, walking right up to

Oscar and reaching out to touch him. In a hushed voice, she intoned the

recitation.

The new king could not imagine this delicate, fragile frame of Tinasha's

defeating a witch. She had admitted she was unsure if she could do it again,

and it must have been just as she said—a close, risky fight. Although the

young woman had lived through many challenges, it didn't mean she could

keep it up forever.

Oscar suppressed a heavy sigh. "…How much longer do you think

ending the curse will take?"

"A little under four more months. Sorry for the wait," Tinasha replied.

"Do you need anything more from me?"

"Not at present, although I may after a bit more progress."

After finishing her incantation, Tinasha looked up. Her dark eyes were

trained right on Oscar.

She didn't make the slightest effort to hide the innocence of her heart. It

was doubtful she even knew how to do so. For a woman like that to be

queen during the Dark Age must have meant she lived every day treading

on thin ice to keep her country safe.

Yet she was embroiling herself in the conflicts of a new era now.

That notion helped Oscar come to a decision. Keeping his face

expressionless, he commanded, "Go back to Tuldarr already."

His voice was cold, and Tinasha didn't immediately comprehend what

he meant.

After a moment, she opened her eyes wide with surprise. "Go back?

Why?"

"It doesn't matter. If there's nothing you need here, then you can work

on things in Tuldarr, can't you? And you can come here whenever you do

need something—or call for me."

"True, but…," Tinasha protested faintly, feeling as if her vision was

darkening. She didn't understand why this was affecting her so much. Her

heart was pounding wildly.

Massaging her temples, she met Oscar's gaze. "What happens if war

breaks out? You may have Akashia, but no living person can withstand a

forbidden curse."

"You're not from here, so that's not your concern, and you certainly

shouldn't be getting so involved," he retorted coolly, rebuffing her.

Tinasha made her face go blank. She had the sense that behaving

normally would only make her look weaker. The temptation to lash out in

resentment rose, but she quelled the urge. "I won't get in your way. Use me

in the fight."

"No. What if something happens, like how you got kidnapped? I don't

want to make an enemy out of Tuldarr just because we have a lot on our

plate. Run along back to your country already."

The words wounded Tinasha so much that she felt ready to burst into

tears.

She went from massaging her temples to digging her nails into the skin

there, and yet she didn't feel a thing. Tinasha had no idea if she was still

standing up straight. The young woman wanted to throw her arms around

Oscar but couldn't manage to reach out.

Instead, she eked out a choked whisper:

"Let me stay close to you…"

Oscar regarded her expressionlessly but ultimately gave a little sigh and

stated, "Don't cling to me. It's annoying."

For a second, Tinasha's dark eyes froze upon hearing that. She couldn't

breathe, and the noise of something breaking sounded in her ear.

Oscar's eyes filled with shock, but Tinasha remained oblivious to that.

Her head hurt.

She felt sick.

Something was shattering—at her temple, in her ears, in her hands. She

couldn't control her emotions.

Tinasha didn't need anything in return. She didn't care if he despised

her, so long as he didn't reject her attempts to protect him. If he denied her

that, then she didn't know why she was even there. Why had she come

through time?

Tinasha shut her eyes tight, though she didn't know if that was because

she couldn't see anything or because she didn't wish to.

There came a little sound, and Tinasha's earrings cracked apart, startling

Oscar.

One sliver cut her fair cheek, sending blood running along the soft skin

there. The sealing ornaments adorning her could no longer hold back her

powerful magic, agitated by her feelings. One by one, the objects broke

under the pressure.

She squeezed her eyelids tight and knit her brows to bear the pain.

"Tinasha," Oscar called, reaching out with the intent of picking her up.

That was when the aftereffects of the magic surge shattered the windows

in the hallway. It must have alerted someone, for there were audible

footfalls as a person ran from the end of corridor.

When he took in the sight of the two of them and how Tinasha's magic

was massing together, Legis shouted, "Tinasha! Don't!"

He dashed over and embraced her slender frame from behind. He poured

his own magic into her, offsetting her energy as it leaked out. "Calm

down… Can you hear me?"

After a while, Tinasha gave a little nod. Legis's face relaxed in relief.

"Take some deep, slow breaths. Control your magic… It's all right; you can

do it."

"Okay…," she said. Little by little, the strain faded from her face until it

was like an expressionless mask. Oscar watched in silence.

Holding her in his arms, Legis reached out and healed the cut on her

cheek.

"I'm very sorry… It wasn't on purpose," she whispered.

"I understand," he replied.

Oscar gave a small sigh. Tinasha's eyes were still shut tight. After one

more look at her lovely face, Oscar straightened up to face Legis. "We've

borrowed her from you all this time, but I'm sure she has many things to do

before her coronation. I believe this is a good opportunity for you to take

her back to Tuldarr. Thank you very much."

Once Legis heard that, he understood why Tinasha had flown into chaos.

He glanced at her, unsure how he should reply.

Slowly, she opened her eyes.

Tinasha stared straight at Oscar, her eyes as deep and dark as an abyss.

There was an unbridgeable distance there that made her so very far

away.

Tinasha gave the slightest jerky nod.

The young woman gazed at Oscar searchingly for just a moment before

breaking into a sweet smile. "I'm truly sorry you witnessed that spectacle.

You are quite right. I will return to my country and continue my studies

there. I can't thank you enough for all the kindness you've shown me

during my stay."

After that, she sank into a gracious curtsy. Legis was baffled, but she

only took his arm and turned to walk away.

That last sweet smile she gave Oscar seemed to him like she was on the

verge of sobbing. He felt a slight pang for causing her to look like that.

Still, he had already made up his mind. It was only a matter of whether

she left sooner or later.

"That girl is one fine piece of work…," he muttered.

Once she was out of sight, Oscar shook his head as if to stave off the last

bits of her presence and then continued on his way.

Voices ranging from the gleeful to the concerned echoed around the

cavernous space.

An old man said bitterly, "A new king has taken over Farsas, and he's

shown himself to be far shrewder than the old one."

"So we still don't have Akashia? That damn Jarno, couldn't live up to

his claims," a woman cut in, tutting disapprovingly.

"No matter how strong Akashia is, its wielder is only human."

"The only question is how efficiently we will win. It has been four

hundred years since our forefather Molcado was chased from Tuldarr in

disgrace. We inherited his forbidden curse but are still denied the

recognition we deserve—forced to skulk around underground. Yet soon

enough, our time will come. All will know how powerful we truly are. Yes,

just like we once did during the Dark Age."

Silence reigned over the room. The old man cackled loudly.

"If we can invade and conquer Farsas, we might be able to have our

revenge on Tuldarr. However, the king and his royal council still doubt our

power. We'll need to show them some overwhelming proof. Don't you

agree, Valt?"

The old man directed the last bit to one corner of the dark room, where a

young man had been sitting silently the entire time.

Valt smiled. "Yes. Though, we'll need to be wary of growing overeager."

He glanced at a door on the far wall, which led to the chamber where the

forbidden curse was being crafted. Even now, massive waves of power

seeped from it.

The schemes being crafted here would forever change Druza's fate.

"Am I really that clingy?!"

"You are. If you weren't, you wouldn't have slept for four centuries,"

Mila replied.

Tinasha's face grew tight. Her hands trembled around the book she was

holding. "It's just to repay a debt! I don't feel anything for him here in the

present!"

"I'm not so sure," Mila replied doubtfully.

Tinasha had practically fled Farsas with Legis. Now back in her

chamber in Tuldarr Castle, she was ranting bitterly about Oscar. Legis sat

next to her, sipping tea with a wry look.

Mila gave a very humanlike shrug from her spot in the air. "You're

pretty and powerful, so most men are either going to fall for you or fear

you, but he's the Akashia swordsman, and he's probably got lots of girls to

play with. You just chose the wrong man. Ah-ha-ha-ha!"

"I was not pressing him to marry me!"

"I guess you were just too attached. I bet it turned him off," Mila

concluded.

"I… I could just kill that man!"

"Should we go kill him?"

"Not literally!" Tinasha insisted. She jammed the books in her hands

onto a shelf. Numerous sealing ornaments adorned her ears and fingers. If

not for those, the room they were in would be a maelstrom of loose sheets

and tomes. "I'll still break his curse, though! And maybe I'll put some

really weird hex on him in its place. Like one that makes him hate

vegetables!"

"Don't waste all that magic on petty revenge," Mila retorted.

After listening to the two go back and forth with a pained smile, Legis

set down his teacup and spoke up. "He doesn't wish to get you involved in a

war. You should recognize that for what it is."

"Regardless, he's naive to think he can handle it on his own!"

"Lady Tinasha, I could say the very same thing to you," Mila interjected.

"How lovely it must be to view things so objectively!" Tinasha snapped,

stomping over to the scrying bowl in the center of the room. Unfurled

above it was the spell she was analyzing.

Too low for anyone else to hear, she grumbled to the unspeakably

beautiful spell, "And here I got my hopes up the littlest bit."

When Tinasha decided four hundred years ago to put herself in a magic

sleep, a small part of her had hoped he might fall in love with her.

In the erased history, she and Oscar had wed in the 527th year of the

Farsas calendar. Accordingly, she had requested that Mila bring him to her

in that year. However, Oscar had shown up a year early, and like a foolish

child, Tinasha hoped it meant he had come to make her his wife.

It didn't take long for her to learn she was mistaken, and now she

understood that the man she met a long time ago and the one she knew now

were very different. Even so, she had held out a bit of hope that maybe they

could start something from the beginning.

Sadly, the reality was that Oscar didn't have any interest in Tinasha, and

she thought it wrong to put her desires above his. She had come to free him

from his distress, the way his wife had done in the original timeline.

After letting out a long, deep sigh, Tinasha attempted to bolster her

spirits. "For now, I'm going to analyze the curse and break it at lightning

speed. After that, I don't care! My role in his life will be done!"

"You should do as you please," Legis remarked with an exhale of his

own as he beheld the highly entertained spirit and her fuming master.

When Lazar heard what had transpired, his jaw dropped. "You chased

Princess Tinasha away? And you even said all that to her?"

"It would've been the same no matter what I said," Oscar countered.

"No, it would not! How could you say such cruel things to her? What if

she decides not to break your curse now?" Lazar cried.

"She won't. Tinasha has too strong a sense of duty. At most, she'd

probably give me some weird curse instead," Oscar replied.

"…"

Lazar threw Oscar a reproachful, appalled stare, but the king ignored it

and calmly went about his work.

He had just arranged to send a considerable number of troops to the

northern fortress at Ynureid in an effort to remain vigilant against Druza.

The stronghold would be ready to deploy forces no matter what the enemy

did.

With a disappointed sigh, Lazar shook his head. "I just know she would

have stood by you no matter what."

Oscar didn't answer, instead working on the documents before her.

Lazar groaned in the face of such audacity. "Your Highness…no, Your

Majesty. I was always convinced that you liked her, no matter what you

said."

"Don't be ridiculous. She's going to become queen of Tuldarr. Even if I

did like her, nothing could come of it," Oscar replied.

As Lazar realized the implied meaning there, his eyes grew wide. "…

Wait, so does that mean…?"

"Just do your job. Here, take this," Oscar instructed, shoving a stack of

papers into Lazar's arms. Though the beleaguered attendant looked like he

still had more to say, he left the study. Once the door clicked shut, Oscar's

neutral expression finally darkened into a scowl.

Oscar didn't like her.

He found her entertaining and unpredictable.

Tinasha's distant gaze used to irritate him, yet now something different

was riling him up, making it hard to relax.

There was nothing more to it than that. He didn't feel anything more for

her.

Even if Oscar entertained the notion that he was attracted to her, she was

to become the queen of a foreign power. Among the smaller countries to the

east, there was once a king who fell for the queen of a neighboring nation.

He razed it in order to have her—and spent the rest of his life resented by

the woman he loved, justifiably.

That was a rather extreme example, but Oscar believed that keeping

Tinasha with him was still asking for trouble. He couldn't bring himself to

do such a thing simply because he desired to—which was why it was best

not to pay those feelings any mind.

Regardless, Tinasha had Legis. The two of them looked plenty close.

Oscar didn't know why she still bothered associating with him.

"…I don't feel like becoming her plaything," he muttered, aggravation

flaring up. As he signed documents, his grip on the pen tightened.