“…What do you mean by that?”
Presibe looked at Ivan with a confused expression.
Ivan did not answer the question and asked another question.
“Do you know about the Western Forest?”
“Western Forest...”
Priscipe's gaze moved to the area marked “Forbidden Forest” on the map.
"The area around there is full of monsters. It's always been that way, long before Atiluia showed up."
“…?”
“The villages near the Forbidden Forest were always being invaded by monsters. They were being plundered, killed, and eaten.”
“But what does this have to do with anything?”
'Sure, he's not asking me to avoid going there because it's dangerous now.'
“Monsters are born with the instinct to hurt people, it's their nature. But sometimes, interesting things happen.”
“Interesting…?”
“To be precise, sometimes a monster tries not to harm a human, or...”
“…?”
“…things that go beyond that.”
Upon hearing these unexpected words, Precipe's eyes narrowed.
“And so, sometimes, life is born between monsters and humans. It's completely ridiculous.”
Ivan laughed.
“This being is called a ‘mutant’ and there are two types. The first type has stronger human blood, and the second type has stronger feral blood. The first type lives like humans without much trouble, but the problem lies in the second type.”
The reason was simple. In the case of the second type...
“Once the monster blood is fully awakened, it gains immense power.”
...And sometimes they live a normal life like the first type before waking up.
"If it was a full monster, they could control this power, but with only half of the monster's blood, it's unlikely they could manage it properly. So, it tends to get out of control."
“…?”
“Isn't this wonderful?”
“The great magician...”
Presibe, who had been quietly listening to Ivan's story, finally opened her lips slowly.
“Why are you telling me this?”
She didn't understand.
This was the first time she had heard about these mutations, so why had Evan come to tell her about them?
“I wonder why?” Ivan answered in a low voice.
“Could it be because Priscipe’s mother, the executed Vanessa, lived near the Forbidden Forest before entering the palace?”
"…My mom?"
Hearing these unexpected words, Presibe froze for a moment.
“Moreover, there was a mysterious murder case in the capital involving monsters. This was the excuse I was tired of for leaving the palace.”
“…”
“Even if the monster is only half of itself, it will not persecute or repel a being with the same blood in its veins. Rather, they take care of it. Especially when it is in danger, they even go so far as to help it. They know very well that it is beneficial to maintain and increase their numbers.”
“So, are you saying... that I'm that mutation?”
Prisippi asked in a blank voice.
Ivan smiled but did not answer.
“I'm sorry, but I'm just a normal person.”
Preseppe continued with a puzzled expression.
“If everything you say was true and I was that mutant, I would have lost control already, right?”
“That's not something we can know for sure.”
Ivan replied with a sarcastic smile.
“As I just mentioned, things don't always go according to plan.”
“…”
“Especially when it comes to monsters.”
Ivan looked at her intently.
In the basement of the Wizards' Tower, in a secret location that can only be accessed by the greatest wizards.
There, among books filled with forbidden knowledge and secret records, was a prophecy from thousands of years ago, written from the point of view of a dark wizard.
In that prophecy...
“...Do you doubt me?”
It was ridiculous. If I had such power, I would have killed those bastards a long time ago.
“Doubt? I just wanted us to find the answer together.”
"What do you mean?"
Ivan laughed softly and walked slowly towards Presibe.
“Now, I know that Duke Fenric took you under the guise of protection.”
Suddenly, Ivan stood right in front of her, whispering in a cold voice.
“But I can protect you too.”
“…”
"If Fenric can do more than just protect you, then I can do that too. Whatever it is."
Ivan ran his long fingers slowly through Precipe's shaggy silver hair.
“Wouldn't it be better if I did that?”
“There will be no disappointment, I promise.”
This sound was so terrifying, it even sent shivers down her spine.
“Get away from me!”
Presibe pushed Ivan away with all her might. Even though she pushed him, Ivan still had an annoying smile on his face, making her feel nauseous.
“….”
Ivan was pale and out of control, staring at Presibe, smiling.
Well, maybe she really doesn't know anything.
From her reaction, it seemed like she had no information at all.
But Ivan didn't think that this whole thing had anything to do with Precipe at all.
Right now, his goal was to make her come to him on her own.
"You'll find out soon. The only person who can really help you, Prisippi, is me."
Ivan's lips curved into a smile.
She imagined a world where no one could be trusted, where Precipe was alone and broken down.
The thought alone gave him chills.
"Go."
However, Presibe showed an attitude completely opposite to what Ivan expected.
“I don't know anything about what you're saying. There's nothing more to discuss.”
Her firm response was completely unexpected.
Ivan had no plans to stay in the palace for long anyway. For some reason, Fenric seemed to be very protective when it came to matters related to Presipe.
“You'll come to me eventually.”
Ivan stared at Precipi with continuous eyes and engaged, then turned to leave.
Just before he left the office, he stopped and turned to Presibe.
“The name of anyone entering the Forbidden Forest must be recorded, even if they are found unconscious or dead at worst.”
“…?”
"I saw that Vanessa's name was on the list. That was before she became a concubine."