Chapter 104
The most important virtue of a lady-in-waiting was not eloquence, nor cheerfulness, nor even refinement.
In truth, the greatest quality a lady-in-waiting could possess was discretion.
Not carelessly speaking about what she saw and heard at her master’s side. Not betraying her master.
“If you wish to return to Wilkeron, I can arrange for that. It won’t be immediate, but…”
“Um, I…”
Ananta blinked. Siren quietly sipped her tea as she waited.
‘Seeing her up close like this, I can tell even more clearly that she is my descendant.’
It was no wonder Chris had mistaken her. The Water Raksha flitted around Ananta, as if pleased to see her.
She had the potential to be taught sorcery.
If trained well, she could enhance the power to summon rain.
If she had no strong reason to return to Wilkeron, that would be ideal—but the matter of her family was a concern.
“Truthfully, I don’t really want to go back.”
“Is that so? Why?”
“I’m treated far better here than I was there. I was given a guest chamber fit for nobility… and I don’t even have to work. I do have family, but we were never particularly close.”
As she murmured this, weariness was evident in Ananta’s expression.
Perhaps memories of the hardships she had endured as the eldest daughter passed through her mind, for she bowed her head slightly and swallowed a sigh.
“I see. But you do understand that you can’t simply do nothing at all.”
“…Yes.”
“So I was thinking of assigning you to serve me. Become my lady-in-waiting. And learn sorcery to become a sorceress.”
“Yes. Ye—what?!”
For the first time, surprise flickered across Ananta’s face.
Siren smiled and reached out her hand, conjuring a breeze.
A faint, cool wind stirred, lifting strands of brown hair.
In the closed room, Ananta was startled by the sudden gust and quickly glanced around.
“Is this… a g-ghost?”
“No. It’s sorcery. You could do it too. Perhaps even summon rain…”
“Me…?”
“Ah, well, I’m not sure about the rain just yet. But let’s give it a try. The Water Raksha likes you.”
Right now, the South was overwhelmed by the power of the Sun God.
It was a miracle that the Aquafuran bloodline had survived this long.
To rebuild its influence, people needed to believe in the ‘Goddess Aquafuran’ once more. The stronger the faith, the greater the power.
And for that, a divine messenger would be necessary.
Ananta, as her descendant, was well-suited for the role in many ways.
‘A year ago, I wouldn’t have even considered this.’
It was almost amusing. Life was truly unpredictable.
‘I loved a human and wished to become one. I adored that fleeting brilliance so much…’
She had pretended to forget about the beast who endlessly sought her.
Yet in this life, he was the one who had saved her.
He had dusted off the old wounds of her heart, melted them down, and turned them into nourishment. The dam of her emotions had cracked, allowing her to reclaim a part of herself.
‘I was your salvation, and you became my obsession. I left because I hated that, but in this life, you have become my salvation instead.’
How much must he hate me now?
She didn’t want to imagine how a thousand years of wandering had affected him.
“Sorcery can create wind and summon rain…?”
“That’s right. What I’ll teach you is how to create water.”
“…!”
“Have you given any thought to the proposal about marrying a Southern warrior?”
Siren cut off the train of thoughts unraveling in her mind.
For now, she needed to focus on Ananta.
“I’m still… unsure who would be the right choice. Besides, from what I’ve heard, the Diet system holds far more significance here than marriage. I wonder if it even matters.”
“Marriage would at least give you a place to stay.”
“That’s true, but… With my personality, I’m not sure I could form a Diet with anyone. I’ve actually had a few relationships before, but I kept getting dumped for being too strong-willed.”
“What kind of foolish men would say such a thing?”
What a ridiculous excuse.
Siren shook her head and subtly offered a suggestion.
“If you’re open to it, how about choosing from among the Aquafuran bloodline? If you’re looking to meet someone, that is.”
“Would you introduce me to someone…?”
“Yes. The Aquafuran bloodline supports me, so it would be ideal if you were to form a bond with one of them.”
Now that she has returned, the South must belong solely to the Goddess of Water.
It would happen gradually, but she wished she could crush the Sun God’s followers at once…
‘Sun God Nu. Why did he order them to find me?’
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