Asella, thoroughly embarrassed by her younger sister's dramatic reaction, hastened to apologize to Father Roshan.
"I beg your pardon, Holy Father. Mariel is still just a child. I believe she truly wanted to witness the healing process." She patted Mariel's back consolingly as she spoke.
Roshan smiled tenderly and addressed the child in a gentle voice.
"Now, now—there's no need for tears. There are many fascinating things in this world besides healing magic. Would you like me to show you something?"
"Interesting things?" Mariel raised her head and regarded the priest with sudden curiosity, her eyes brightening.
_My, my. You're wise far beyond your years._
Roshan noticed there wasn't a single genuine tear glistening in the girl's eyes. Yes, she was every bit as talented an actress as her late mother had been. Well, that would certainly make things much easier.
The priest kept his observations to himself and spoke aloud instead:
"This particular demonstration needs to be performed outdoors. Is there a suitable location within the castle grounds?"
Margot considered for a moment, then recalled: "There's a pleasant lawn behind the castle. I believe it would serve nicely."
Shortly thereafter, the entire company made their way outside to a surprisingly expansive space that could hardly be described as merely a "lawn"—it stretched wide and green beneath the open sky.
Once they were beyond the castle walls, Mariel decisively dismissed everyone else, including Asella.
"The Holy Father promised he would play *only* with me, so don't you dare disturb us!"
When they had walked far enough that no one could possibly overhear, Roshan whispered softly:
"So? What is your current level of power?"
"Healing, mind-reading, and manipulation have all manifested," Mariel replied with quiet confidence. Though her abilities remained imperfect, she had easily discerned that Roshan was her ally.
"And what will you choose to develop?"
"None of those." The girl's voice carried unexpected steel. "I want to learn magic."
"But that will require a great deal of time."
"I know."
Mariel understood perfectly well that awakening abilities of such magnitude demanded tremendous effort and dedication.
"I intend to master my abilities properly before the Academy entrance examination. That will give me a chance of gaining admission to the Magic Tower."
"Is that truly so necessary?"
"If I can become a mage of the Magic Tower, I will be able to protect my sister." The girl's expression was utterly serious—far too serious for a child her age.
Then a sly look crossed her features.
"Tell me—why are you pretending to be a priest?"
"Whatever do you mean? I *am* a priest."
"If you continue lying, I shall send word to the Magic Tower regarding the current whereabouts of their escaped Lord."
Roshan's eyes sparkled with undisguised admiration. _This girl is even more talented than we imagined. I never would have thought she could surprise me like this._
"How did you guess?"
"Your magical abilities are far too advanced. Such power isn't easily concealed—not from someone who can sense it."
"Well then. In any case, I must ask the young miss to keep my secret."
"Agreed. But in exchange, you will accept me into the Magic Tower after I fully awaken."
"I shall endeavor to negotiate with the Tower's current leadership on your behalf."
_Her magical potential isn't bad at all,_ Roshan mused. His gaze drifted toward Asella, who stood at a distance with Margot.
Mariel's face grew serious once more as she followed his line of sight.
"Is Asella going to be all right?"
"I cannot say for certain. But she is deeply afraid of the Archduke. *Far* too afraid."
Roshan's eyes narrowed, as though he were carefully assessing the child before him.
"And what of the Grand Duke himself? What have you observed?"
Mariel was silent for a heartbeat. Then she admitted quietly:
"I saw his golden aura."
"You're certain?" But Roshan no longer harbored any doubt—her perception was correct. He released a brief sigh. "What do you intend to do?"
A direct gaze—so hauntingly similar to Adele's—turned to meet his.
"I will do whatever my sister wishes. Whatever her decision may be."
"But you said you witnessed his golden light?"
"What matters most to me is what *my sister* feels. I don't particularly care about His Highness's emotions."
As she spoke these words, Mariel's small fists clenched tightly at her sides. The memory of those dark bruises marring Asella's wrists burned in her mind. _She didn't tell me. But it isn't difficult to guess who caused them._
_When I think about it, I cannot forgive him so easily. And if she wishes to escape this place, I will help her—no matter what it costs me._
The gazes of the child and the priest locked together in silent understanding.
"You must help me buy time until I fully awaken."
"Certainly."
"And now I must go. My sister is waiting." Mariel winked playfully at Roshan, then darted off toward Asella with the carefree energy of any ordinary child.
Roshan watched her retreating figure with a soft sigh. _I cannot quite determine why, but that little girl harbors a profound anger toward the Archduke._
---
## — The Following Morning —
The next day, Asella and Mariel paused during their morning walk beside a circular fountain positioned directly across from the castle's main entrance.
The thunderous clatter of hooves drew their attention. Workers were leading a procession of magnificent horses across the grounds—evidently a new batch from the duchy's breeding program. The breeders had clearly invested tremendous effort; every animal looked superb, undoubtedly hardy and well-trained.
Asella nodded absently at Margot's diligent explanations, but her eyes remained fixed upon the beautiful creatures. She couldn't look away.
She had first ridden a horse when she was very small.
"Do you want to go for a ride with your mama?"
Even now, Asella remembered that day in vivid detail: the warm, gentle breeze carrying the scent of meadow grass; the soft golden sunlight filtering through the leaves; her mother's tender embrace surrounding her, giving her confidence and making her feel utterly safe.
It was a precious memory that made her heart clench with bittersweet longing whenever it surfaced.
"Horseback riding lessons? What utter nonsense!"
After Adele's death, Asella had been strictly forbidden from approaching the horses. At first glance, this might have seemed like protective concern. But in reality, Philip simply hadn't wanted the merchandise he intended to sell to sustain any damage.
Asella released a quiet sigh and forced herself to look away from the mesmerizing animals. _Why do I still cling to these past regrets?_
At that moment, Mariel's confident voice rang out:
"Sister, wouldn't you like to ride a horse?"
"I... well..."
"*I* want to! I want to so badly! Please teach me!" Mariel clasped her hands together in exaggerated supplication and turned her most meaningful look upon Lady Margot.
Asella quickly wrapped an arm around Mariel's shoulders, attempting to restrain her sister's enthusiasm.
"Mariel, there's no need to trouble Lady Roman with impossible requests."
"But doesn't my sister want the same thing?" Mariel's eyes gleamed with knowing intensity. "You *loved* riding. You would never have given it up if Father hadn't forbidden it."
Asella paused, Philip's cold voice echoing unbidden through her memory: "A woman should learn sewing. Perhaps flower arrangement. That is quite sufficient."
Not merely horseback riding—Asella hadn't even been permitted to venture outside freely. She had been stripped of her inheritance, her title, even the opportunity for proper education. Instead of learning the subjects befitting a noblewoman, her stepfather had forced her to master skills she preferred not to recall. As for embroidery—which Philip insisted would instill proper humility and obedience in a girl—she could now stitch elaborate roses even with her eyes closed.
"But I want *so* desperately to ride a real horse with my sister. Please, Lady Margot!" Mariel persisted, her voice climbing with passion.
"Frankly, such matters fall outside my authority." Margot's tone was measured, careful. "This concerns Your Highness's safety. However, I could petition His Highness for permission. And if he agrees—"
But Asella was already shaking her head.
"That won't be necessary, Lady Margot. Mariel is still just a child. Sometimes she makes requests without understanding what's truly possible. Please don't trouble yourself over this."
If pursuing this might cause Lady Roman any inconvenience, it was better not to attempt it at all. If even Philip had strictly forbidden horseback riding, the Grand Duke would surely feel the same. This was merely an excuse to invite more trouble.
"Horseback riding?"
Asella flinched at the low voice directly behind her.
She spun around, and the silhouette of a tall man was reflected in her wide blue eyes.
"Your Highness?"
The moment Calix approached, all the servants and guards—including Margot—immediately stepped back. This was standard court etiquette, intended to allow the couple privacy for conversation.
But Asella suddenly longed for them all to remain close. In a desperate, instinctive attempt to avoid being left alone with this man, she clutched Mariel's hand, trying to anchor herself to her sister's presence.
_Why has he come?_
"How is Her Highness feeling?"
"Everything is fine," Asella replied curtly. She hesitated, then added with forced courtesy, "His Highness sent a priest to attend me. Thank you for your concern."
"Your wounds—have they healed properly?"
"Yes..." Asella's eyes widened slightly with surprise.
But Calix immediately redirected his attention:
"Have you ever ridden a horse, young lady?" He addressed Mariel directly.
"Yes, in Elfus! But I wasn't riding alone—I traveled with Madame Etman." Mariel's words tumbled out eagerly. "I lived in Elfus for three whole years. Oh! But please don't tell Father. It was a secret between Madame Etman and me."
Calix's eyes narrowed with barely concealed displeasure. He had overheard their earlier conversation with Lady Roman. He'd also received reports confirming that Philip had forbidden his daughters from approaching the horses entirely.
He turned to Asella once more.
"Would you like to ride, my lady?"
Asella held her breath at the question.
Philip had forbidden her even to *dream* of such things. Once, when he'd caught her watching a rider skillfully handling his mount—her eyes filled with undisguised longing—he had struck her hard across the face. And demanded that she never dare entertain such useless thoughts again.
_The Archduke probably shares Philip's view that horseback riding is too vulgar an activity for a proper woman. It would be wiser to refuse._
But strangely, the "reasonable" words caught in her throat and refused to emerge.
Asella hesitated, uncertain whether she was even permitted to make such a decision for herself.
_But perhaps... it would be all right to be honest. Just this once._
The desire that had been buried somewhere deep—hidden in the farthest, darkest corner of her heart—hesitantly raised its head.
Finally, she spoke in barely a whisper:
"I really want to..."
Then she cringed beneath the inexplicable gaze of those crimson eyes fixed directly upon her.
_What if he grows angry now? What if he laughs at me—a pathetic woman who doesn't know her proper place?_
"Fine."
The unexpectedly simple response left Asella completely bewildered. She hadn't anticipated he would agree so readily.
"Is this... is this truly permissible? I may actually do this?"
"Horseback riding is considered a highly enjoyable pastime throughout the principality. There's no reason whatsoever to deny yourself the opportunity."
The man's lips curved into a soft, almost gentle smile. Then he coughed awkwardly and resumed his customary impassive expression.
"Raizen!"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Have the horses prepared." Calix glanced between Asella and Mariel, then added: "Select the calmer ones."
"Yes, Your Highness." Raizen greeted both ladies with a polite bow and departed swiftly to fulfill his orders.
Mariel, realizing her wish was about to come true, laughed with pure delight and seized Asella's hands in hers.
"Mariel, wait—what are you doing?"
"Hurry, sister! We need to change into proper riding clothes!"
"Your Highness, may we be excused?" Mariel was already tugging insistently at Asella's skirt, eager to be off.
Asella glanced uncertainly from her excited sister to Calix, unsettled by how quickly events were unfolding.
Calix inclined his head in permission.
"Go."
"But—"
"Your sister is waiting for you."