“Although it’s been a long time since I pretended to be a village chief, that old man probably knows about the curse. He might have to bow down to him, abandoning his pride and the tribe’s honor. But at least we might find out why Siren betrayed you and cursed you.”

Karaf’s expression changed at the mention of Siren’s name.

Jakal stared fixedly as his eyes slightly trembled.

As soon as he heard those words, it seemed like Karaf recalled another unpleasant memory, and his face showed the look of someone who had just woken up from a nightmare.

It was a story that he had been genuinely curious about for a long time.

Why did his close friend Siren betray him and put a curse on him?

The desire to know the truth and the fear of what might be found coexisted within him.
For him, facing trauma was no different than facing that incident.

Jakal knew that his biggest weakness was ‘that event,’ and the moment he brought up the story, he realized the advantage had shifted to my side.

However, Karaf still couldn’t dispel his suspicions and asked, “How can I trust you?”

“Don’t trust me; trust the woman beside you.”

Jakal replied without blinking an eye.

“I’m willing to do it for Aisha, not for you. Finding a way to lift your curse is the only thing I can do for her now.”

If it meant Aisha could be safe and happy, he was willing to do anything.

Karaf turned his gaze, then locked eyes with Aisha.

Aisha nodded, and from her side, she told him the story of the day she reverted.

It was a painful story for Karaf and an unfamiliar one for him.

His expression changed rapidly as he listened to the story.

Knowing Jakal was the person who helped him revolutionize added credibility to the idea that he might be someone who could help.

Jakal calmly spoke while looking at him.

“If you revolutionize safely, you might be able to sever the long-standing ties between the minority and the royal family. That’s what I hope, too.”

“…Fine. If you help me revolutionize, then I promise to grant freedom to your minority people at that time.”

Jakal looked somewhat relieved by that.

Karaf turned back to him with a cold expression and said, “Then tonight, pack your things and leave the palace immediately.”

Aisha’s eyes widened slightly.

In that moment, Jakal and I made eye contact.

I knew we had to stay apart for a while, but the realization that we really had to part now was painful.

Jakal looked at Karaf and said, “Give us some time to say a brief farewell.”

Karaf allowed it for Aisha’s sake.

The two of them moved to a different room, having time for a private conversation.

Seeing that there was no one eavesdropping, Karaf’s willingness to trust them was evident.

But when the moment of parting arrived, neither of them willingly opened their mouths.

Aisha, trying to conceal her trembling voice, spoke calmly.

“Don’t worry and go back to the village.”

Jakal stared at her face with a gaze full of concern.

In the midst of uncertainty, his face showed genuine worry as if he was afraid that she might hear harsh words or suffer again in the palace.

Trying to reassure him, Aisha smiled and said, “It’s okay. It’ll be different this time. You believed in my decision and agreed to follow, right?”

“Yeah. I always believe in you.”

Saying that, Jakal lifted Aisha’s hand, kissing the back of it.

“I believe in Jakal too. So… let’s agree to be apart for a while.”

Closing his eyelids and pursing his lips, Jakal said.
“… I miss you so much that Shephy might suddenly come to the monastery one day. Even if you happen to encounter a gray horse, don’t be too surprised.”

Upon hearing that, Aisha chuckled softly and murmured with a nostalgic expression, “I really miss you…”

Jakal embraced Aisha deeply for the last time.

After breaking the hug, he looked into Aisha’s eyes.

As Aisha’s face, now blushing, met his gaze, he gently cupped her face with both hands and kissed her on the lips.

Aisha’s eyes widened, but soon, she raised her arms and hugged him back.

The two shared a brief and tender farewell.

Jakal was released along with the Rikaons on that day.

The Rikaons, having heard all the stories, wore embarrassed expressions, but they decided not to be disheartened, realizing that there was still hope.

It was another precious opportunity created by Aisha for them.

Karaf conclusively dismissed all the numerous rumors circulating about the relationship between the leader of the Rikaons and Bannetza as ‘false.’

Though many remained skeptical, the reputation of Bannetza could barely be salvaged.

As there were many watchful eyes in the royal palace, the Rikaons left at dawn when everyone was asleep.

Aisha wasn’t allowed to accompany them this time, fearing that if servants or nobles found the leader of the Rikaons conversing, rumors might spread.

Gev looked ready to strike the Nason tribe, who might betray the Rikaons, with a fierce expression.

Before leaving, Jakal gazed wistfully at the direction of the empress’s palace where Aisha stayed.

The thick curtains blocked the view, and there was no light visible. It seemed empty inside.

Jakal sighed and resumed walking.

Supported on either side by Sosa and Gev, Jakal, still limping due to wounds not completely healed from torture, left the palace.

But just as they were about to exit, a voice called out, “Excuse me! Mr. Shephy…!”

At the mention of Shephy, Jakal’s eyes widened slightly as he turned around.

In the distance, a woman with red hair was running towards them, panting.

She was Aisha’s personal maid.

Sonya, her face flushed from running, gasped for breath as she held her knees.

“Mr. Shephy… no… Leader?”

Now that she faced him, Sonya didn’t know how to address him, and her eyes widened in confusion.

Some Rikaons chuckled at the title, and Jakal couldn’t help but smile.