Chapter 19: You’re Awake? The Surgery Was a Success

The commotion at the festival’s opening ceremony didn’t last long.

Once the truth came to light, the king who’d ruled for two years was thrown into prison to await judgment, replaced by the princess who’d endured hardship until this day.

Althea had little to say to the gawking crowd, only urging them to enjoy the festival.
She wasn’t one for grand speeches about her ascension. Who could truly understand her two years on the run?

Instead of wasting words, she focused on preparing the palace for her return, clearing out old belongings to avoid painful reminders.
“Tina, walk with me.”

She’d walked this journey alone for so long until meeting this noble girl sparked new hope.
But it was strange—why had Tina chosen to help her?

They’d only just met, and such selfless devotion was hard to fathom.
As they approached the king’s chambers, Althea paused and asked, “So, now that we’ve succeeded, don’t you want anything?”

“What do you mean?” Tina looked clueless as ever.

“Aren’t you… helping me to gain wealth or status once I’m queen?”

“Althea, if that’s how you see me, I’ll leave right now. I’m not worth your trouble.”

Tina turned to go, startling Althea into grabbing her hand.
“No, no, that’s not what I meant!”

After a moment’s thought, Althea rephrased, “I just don’t understand your motives. I want to know what you need so I can repay you.”

“Oh? What if I said my motive’s simple—just a desire to protect you back then?”
Tina paused, then continued, “I couldn’t bear seeing our adorable Highness suffer, so I wanted to help. That’s all.”

“You’re a witch. Isn’t spending your energy on this a waste?”

“Not at all. It’s worth it.”

Tina squeezed Althea’s hand, her earnest gaze making the princess fidget.
“That’s… a bit too straightforward, isn’t it?” Althea muttered.

“Straightforward’s good. No scheming between us. If I want to keep living with you, Althea, being open is necessary.”

Live together?

Althea coughed lightly, letting go, her wavering gaze betraying her nerves.
“So, what are we now?” she asked uneasily.

“Hm—friends. Really close friends.”

“Just friends?” Althea’s voice held a hint of disappointment. “But back in the cave, we…”

“I only kissed you to transfer the curse.”

Tina could barely hold it together.
What was this, baiting a big move with a basic attack?

She hadn’t realized Althea was such a high-offense, low-defense princess.
“No, that’s not right, is it?” Althea’s face grew hot.

Was she the only one who’d kissed back with real feelings?
As the future queen, being played by a straight girl like this was too much.

“I-I want…” she stammered.

“Hm?”

“Forget it. Let’s talk tomorrow, after the festival.”

With that, Althea went off to unpack, leaving Tina alone at the door.
What was she up to, being so cryptic?

“Speaking of, I should check on Rune and Everett.”
Tina sensed there was more to the story.

…

In the same dungeon, a day later—

The silver-haired youth and the Great Sage’s roles had reversed.
“What are you doing here? To gloat at my downfall?” Rune mocked himself from the cell.

“No, I’m just wondering why you didn’t tell the truth. She might’ve forgiven you.”

“No point. Even if she did, I wouldn’t forgive myself. Besides, after betraying the Mistmoon Cult’s soul contract, I don’t have long left.”

“Sigh—”

As Everett fell silent, footsteps approached.
Both turned to see Tina.

Rune spoke first, “Well, if it isn’t our hero. What, prison not lively enough for you?”

Tina ignored the jab. “I overheard your conversation.”

“So?”

“I want a clear answer about the truth from two years ago. Purely out of curiosity—it won’t affect Althea.”

“Fine, since you’re asking.” Rune looked resigned.
“First, miss, let me ask you—in your eyes, did I willingly bring in the Mistmoon Cult?”

“You’re saying you were forced?”

“Exactly. The cult had their eyes on Kellivir’s throne, not me.
If I hadn’t pretended to cooperate, letting them think I was useful, Althea would’ve been in danger.

I don’t believe my sister could’ve killed the old king or me. She’d have fought back and died to those three bishops, taking the kingdom down with her.

So I handled the dirty work. I worked with the cult and let her escape, but the old king had to be sacrificed.”

Tina understood the cult’s plan: pit the heirs against each other, leaving the victor as their puppet.
Too bad her arrival had derailed it all.

“You’re right, miss. Without your strength, we couldn’t solve problems with force. For that, I’m grateful.”

“But in the end, you sided with us, catching the cult off guard, didn’t you?”

Rune leaned back on the straw mat, relieved. “Hearing praise from you before I die feels pretty good.”

“About that contract…” Tina had an idea.

“What, you think you can break it?”

“Just a guess. Can you tell me where the contract’s mark is on your soul?”

“…” Rune fell silent, a rare occurrence.

“Why aren’t you answering?”

“Uh, miss, Rune’s contract is in…” Everett pointed awkwardly.

Tina got it instantly.
“Oh~ That’s easy to fix!”

Rune: “?”
“For real?”

“Of course! As long as you’re okay with the solution.” Tina’s expression turned odd, like a mad scientist from a shady lab.

“Hey, if it’s something bizarre, I’d rather die.” Rune was genuinely scared.

“Oh, come on, it’s fine. I’ve been through it. We’ll just swap you into a new body.”

“What? No, forget it! Hey—!”

…

The next day—

The morning paper spread like wildfire across the kingdom.
The former king had died in prison shortly after incarceration, succumbing to a curse.

Althea felt regret. Even until the end, she hadn’t reconciled with her former brother.
But Tina was unusually excited today.

“Something got you in a good mood?”

“Huh? Oh—there’s a new maid in the palace. Everyone likes her.”