Chapter 63
“…What?”
Kiara snapped back to reality, confused by the sudden mention of the royal marriage every time the lunar eclipse came up.
Noticing her confusion, Raelin continued slowly as they walked on.
“This land, Altnebra, is the domain of the goddess Niv, the twin sister of goddess Kiara. Niv sacrificed herself for this cold and dark land. But the mischievous older sister, goddess Kiara…”
Raelin paused for a moment. Outwardly, she pretended the darkness made it hard to see the path, but in truth, she was watching Kiara, who seemed troubled by the story. After a brief silence, Raelin spoke again.
“…Well, when the power of goddess Kiara grows strong enough to overshadow the divinity of goddess Niv, a lunar eclipse occurs. That’s when the magic around the Black Forest intensifies… and, most importantly, a witch is born.”
At that moment, many of the mysteries that had settled in Kiara’s mind began to unravel.
Why had the villagers disliked her so much? Why did they call her ‘Kiara’ with fear and avoid her?
‘…No wonder I’m basically a symbol of misfortune.’
Kiara turned her gaze away bitterly. On either side of the path, well-tended trees stood in elegant rows — this must be the courtyard in front of the royal archives Raelin had mentioned. Though, it felt less like a courtyard and more like a secluded garden deep within the palace walls.
Still, the beautiful scenery and the fresh air helped lift her spirits a little as Raelin’s story continued.
“But long ago, the very first Grandilgale Emperor who ruled this land took pity on his people and made a pact with the first Kiara — that is, the first Red Witch.”
Listening to Raelin’s warm voice telling the old tale, Kiara found it overlapping with what she had heard from Ael before — the ancestor of the royal family Grandilgale and the first Red Witch had formed a bonded contract.
‘…There must be plenty of books recording those legends.’
As if shaking off her gloom, Kiara’s steps grew steadier and more purposeful. Raelin’s chatter brightened along with her mood.
“When the blood of Grandilgale is bound to the Red Witch, the witch receives the grace of the goddess Niv and becomes a fairy. Kiara becomes the Fairy Queen, Tiona, and brings prosperity to this Altnebra! Ah, we’ve arrived!”
Kiara’s gaze followed the direction that she pointed to cheerfully. Against the pitch-black sky with no stars, there stood a small marble building with a round roof. It was more like a temple than a library. Soft light seeped out through the glass windows of the brightly lit library. The white building shone so pale and beautiful that one couldn’t help but sigh upon seeing it.
“…It’s beautiful.”
Kiara, who had been staring blankly at the library for a moment, took a deep breath. So it’s full of books inside? Until now, Kiara had just been following behind Raelin, but this time she stepped forward first and urged her on.
“Let’s hurry, Raelin. Come on. We can eat inside, can’t we?”
“W-well, yes…! Ah! Lady Kiara! Don’t stray too far now!”
Raelin hurriedly followed after Kiara, who quickly disappeared inside the library.
The inside of the library was just as beautiful as the outside.
Though small in scale, the high ceiling formed a round dome, and the luxurious decorations sparkled, harmonizing with the white marble floor to create a solemn atmosphere. The bookshelves lining the entire walls were packed tightly with books. Judging by the covers richly decorated with gold and silver leaf, most of the collection seemed to be old, ancient tomes.
Yet not a speck of dust lay on them, which made Kiara mutter to herself in admiration.
“They’ve really taken good care of this place…”
“Of course. The king was very fond of it.”
Startled by a sudden unfamiliar male voice, Kiara flinched and looked around. A man dressed in a long robe resembling a priest’s vestment was walking toward her, holding a book in one hand.
Forgetting her embarrassment, Kiara stared intently at the man.
‘…Light hair and blue eyes.’
Was this the mage Maeve, from the knight order? Didn’t Maeve have long hair?
Kiara tilted her head in puzzlement as she looked at the man’s short hair. The image of Maeve in her memory had already become vague, so she couldn’t be certain. The man, now close by, also gazed at her silently for a moment.
Then the thin line of his lips moved gently.
“You must be Lady Kiara.”
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