After much contemplation, there was nothing particularly special to include in the resignation letter.

Hayden had told Lu to write whatever she pleased, but it would be inappropriate to blatantly insult Carlos. Regardless of how much Hayden found it amusing, according to Lu’s own sensible standards, it was something that shouldn’t be done.

Thus, ultimately, a rather dull and predictable resignation letter was completed, stating, “Due to personal reasons, I can no longer perform my duties and will resign.”

“Well, this should be sufficient.”

Not wanting to devote any more time or concern, Lu folded the resignation letter and put it in an envelope.

“What are you doing here in the dark?”

Garnet de Jewel, who was passing by hurriedly, approached Lu in surprise.

“It’s cold. Come inside; I’m preparing dinner.”

“Already?”

“Actually, I’m running late.”

Had she been in the Catat Palace for so long? It did take up half a day after all.

The darkness would soon envelop them if she rested for a bit. Lu looked around at the surroundings that had gradually dimmed and followed Garnet, who was gesturing her inside.

“I had planned on afternoon training.”

“You’re from the Imperial Knights, right? I heard from Roderick. Knights should never skip their training.”

“It seems you’re not a knight then.”

“I’m not. I am from Caleta, though.”

Garnet chuckled softly.

“I was too delicate to become a knight.”

She casually picked up a mop that was leaning against the wall and a heavy bucket filled with potatoes and onions.

Garnet looked like she could use a bit of grooming, especially her short, spritely hair that seemed a bit out of place.

“I wanted to focus on magic, not wielding a weapon. To be exact, I didn’t want to kill.”

That was impossible in Caleta. All mages were sent to the barrier to confront demons.

Lu picked up another bucket to help. Garnet expressed her gratitude.

“Thank you. Dinner will probably be simple. Don’t expect too much.”

“When did you come to Perseta?”

“Ah, it’s a secret.”

“I didn’t ask for you to tell me; I’ve been in Momentum for four years after being kicked out of the Imperial Knights. In Momentum, a meal of potatoes and onions was considered lavish. I’ll be grateful for whatever you serve.”

Garnet looked at Lu.

“They said you were a legendary genius.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.”

“Momentum is quite rural, isn’t it?”

“It is very rural. That’s why potatoes and onions are considered lavish there.”

“Heh,” Garnet chuckled, then declared, “We also have meat.”

“That’s a feast.”

Lu had offered to help with dinner, but Garnet had flatly refused.

“Even though the tower lacks occupants, I won’t ask guests to assist. Please, have a seat and wait.”

The tower might slowly regain its former vitality. Garnet was very diligent, Roderick was sincere, and most importantly, Ophelia had gotten back on her feet.

Feeling lighter due to the curse being lifted, Lu briskly walked through the empty hallways. It felt good. Her eyes had also adjusted to the darkness, which made writing the resignation letter possible. It felt like old times; her body remembered.

What magic could she use now? How much more could she lift the curse? For the first time in a long time, she felt a warm sense of anticipation rising within her.

‘Well, even though Hayden, or rather, Your Majesty helped, I did infiltrate the treasure chamber. What can’t I do?’

Despite her cursed body, she had performed admirably against the royal guards today. The finale was rough, but Lu decided to give herself some credit. It was praise she had not given herself in a long time. On top of that, she began to look forward to tomorrow.

‘Will I return to Placero tomorrow? Was the subjugation successful? Will I end up going to Shalea?’
루 twisted her body urgently, sensing something targeting her from behind. However, her sluggish body failed to keep up, and she was eventually caught.

“Ugh…!”

Her throat tightened, making it difficult to breathe. In this state, she was lifted up. Her throat tightened even more. Lu struggled, kicking her legs, but the force was too overpowering. She slammed against the wall.

“How dare you.”

Tears welled up as breathing became difficult. But her keen ears immediately recognized the voice.

Lu wildly swung in front of her. The force squeezing her neck first eluded her grip, but gradually began to solidify. A human hand made of solid bone and flesh. Lu tore at the hand, but it wouldn’t tear.

“How dare you deceive me?”

Slowly, emerald light crept up from the hand, to the wrist, and then the arm, finally forming into the tall and beautiful Carlos Arthur Ingram.

His eyes were ablaze with anger. Lu was tormented, but simultaneously ecstatic. She wanted to see that expression. A face that never distorted was now grotesquely twisted. She had finally done it.

“Where did you learn such tricks? Did the last remnants of Feruseta command you to do this?”

His icy voice interrogated her menacingly. She had trouble breathing. Carlos adjusted his grip just enough for Lu to barely endure.