Chapter 31: What I want most to achieve is my sister’s wish

Charis had noticed before—Ophelia rarely chanted curses, especially ice-based ones.

Curses without incantations, whether for instant casting or ambushes, were a domineering tactic.

Ice swords and blades formed at will, even coalescing into shields.
Paired with her formidable swordsmanship, Ophelia’s combat prowess was undeniable.

“Demon King, are you saying… Ophelia and Penny split halves of the same talent?”

“Exactly. Calamity went to Penny, Frost Body to Ophelia.”

“A talent can be split between two people?”

“Not normally.
The Calamity Frost Body originally belonged to Ophelia, but Penny, somehow, forcibly took the Calamity part, which erodes reason.”

Demon King Talos pieced together the rough outline.
Charis was stunned.
If true, Penny’s personality shift made sense, and her resolve was astonishingly brave!

‘Ophelia, you’ve got a sister who’s secretly been amazing to you.
Your family never meant to abandon you.’

Charis’s view of the Rodley Family shifted.
She could imagine the pain Ophelia’s parents felt, disowning her to hide Penny’s actions.

If Ophelia learned Penny sacrificed herself for her, she’d move mountains to take back the suffering!
But that might betray Penny’s intentions.

‘Should I tell Ophelia?
No… the patriarch should handle this, right?’

Charis glanced at the patriarch leading the way, then at Ophelia holding her hand.

Feeling Charis’s gaze, Ophelia’s cheeks reddened.
She glared back, as if saying, “We’re not done from earlier!”

‘Hey, I did you a huge favor—show some gratitude!’

Charis followed quietly, deciding to speak later at the right moment.

Reaching the main hall, they sat on sofas.
The patriarch ordered tea and pastries, then sat across from his daughter for a heartfelt talk.

“Ophelia, you’ve endured so much out there.
Now, a renowned success, you’re our family’s pride.”
The patriarch’s eyes brimmed with pride.

“Dad, where’s Mom?
Let me see her, and my sister.
I think we can…”
Ophelia was eager to ask, but the patriarch shook his head.

“Wait a moment, Ophelia.
Read this first.”

He pulled an old notebook from behind the sofa, its cover worn, pages creased, some torn and mended.
The handwriting grew frantic toward the end.

“This is… Penny’s diary?”

“Read it fully, then I’ll take you to her.”

The patriarch propped his chin, hesitation in his eyes settling into resolve.

“Okay.”

Ophelia took the diary, her eyes scanning Penny’s handwritten words.

“It snowed hard today.
Sister’s sleeping in—why won’t Mom and Dad let me wake her?
I’ll sneak in and get her up to play.
How can her dreams be delayed by oversleeping?”

…

“So Sister’s sick.
It must be the snow’s fault.
But why’s there ice on her bed?
I’ll warm her hands.”

…

“Sister hasn’t woken for days.
I’m so worried.
Good thing I hid in the closet and overheard Mom and Dad.
Her illness is hard to cure—what do I do?”

…

“A doctor said today that if someone of the same bloodline shares half the curse, Sister could wake.
Great! I’ll help her.
Her dream’s to be the greatest sword saintess—I want to see it come true.”

The diary cut off, the later handwriting too scrawled to read.
Ophelia couldn’t make it out.

“Penny… you idiot.
I could’ve handled it myself.”

Tears welled in Ophelia’s eyes.
She covered her mouth, choking up, realizing Penny had been carrying her burdens all along.

Whether it was hope for recovery or the dream of becoming a sword saintess, Penny quietly supported her, unnoticed.

All Penny wanted was to see Ophelia, to witness her beloved sister achieve her dream, even as the curse tore her reason to shreds.
That obsession never faded.

After Ophelia finished, the patriarch spoke.

“When the curse was milder, Penny said she wanted to see the Empress award you the medal, officially becoming a world-renowned sword saintess.”

“I did it!
Where is she?
I’ll take her to see it.
In just a week, the curse—I’ll…”

“The curse is over.”

“Dad, you found a way to cure it?”

Ophelia asked urgently, wiping her tears, looking at her father.

“I knew how to end it from the start.”

The patriarch’s voice sank.
Ophelia froze, staring in shock.

“No… Penny’s sacrificing herself?
You can’t let her die!”

“Ophelia!
We’ve suppressed the curse until today.
Even Snow Crystal Church priests couldn’t delay it further.
No herb here, no matter how rare, can stop the curse now.”

The patriarch covered his face, his helplessness heart-wrenching.
He’d tried harder than anyone to save both daughters.

But reality wouldn’t bend—he’d failed.

“Where’s Penny?
I need to see her!”

Ophelia leapt up, ready to search the mansion.
The patriarch didn’t stop her, just stared at the coffee table, tears filling his clouded eyes.

If a middle-aged man wept, it was from a despair he couldn’t overcome, no matter his efforts.

Charis frowned at the patriarch, then at Ophelia, fruitlessly searching upstairs where Penny should’ve been but wasn’t.

“Demon King…”

“What’s up, Charis?”

“Do you know where Penny went?”

“You’re worried about her sister?
Initiating a chat with me now?”

“Not exactly worried.
But if Ophelia can’t find her and gets upset, what if she doesn’t remove my ice chain?
I just need a direction.
You’re all-knowing, right? Got a lead?”

“Heh… why should I help the sword saintess who defeated me?
She’s our enemy, don’t forget.”

“I know, but to achieve our goals, a little patience and sacrifice are necessary, right?”

Charis negotiated with Talos, who let out a mocking chuckle.

“Heh… haha, fine.
For our demon kin, I’ll lend a hand.
A carriage just passed outside—chase it now, and you’ll catch up.”

“Great! Thanks, Demon King!”