“I can’t die leaving you behind. Especially not by leaving you and Raul together in the palace. Just thinking about it annoys me.”

Khalid’s brow furrowed.

“I’ll come back safely. I’m preparing for that.”

He knew that Khalid was more capable than he seemed. He had many hidden skills and the ability to extricate himself from difficult situations.

Yet, still.

“…Alright. I believe you.”

Belia concealed the growing uneasiness deep in her heart.

As Asid, who followed beside him, approached with concern, Khalid spoke.

“What is it, Asid? Wouldn’t it be better to speak to the princess?”

While Khalid held a meeting, gathering those who would go to Yakum as part of the negotiation team, including Duke Caprie, Belia left the palace with Asid, her appointed guard.

“If something happens while sneaking out like this…”

“I just need to stop by the shrine and pick up one item. Other than that, there shouldn’t be any issues. You can’t possibly make Prince wait for a simple item, right?”

Belia laughed lightly.

As Asid sighed softly, he said, “Magicians are all so eccentric, so be prepared for some trouble.”

Since Belia had provided information that had led to many successful missions, Asid decided to trust her this time as well.

“Thank you, Asid.”

Smiling, Belia expressed her gratitude and walked briskly.

The place where the shrine was built was not in the city but in the outskirts of the capital, within the forest.

The path was not neatly paved, and the carriage could only go so far, forcing them to walk a little.

Rustle, rustle.

Only the tickling sound of grass brushing against their shoes could be heard. Strangely, there were no sounds of birds or insects around the shrine, creating a silent atmosphere.

Asid, who had been here for the mission several times, couldn’t quite get used to this peculiar feeling each time.

Concerned that Belia might be bewildered, he glanced at her with a sidelong look.

However, Belia walked forward nonchalantly.

“…Isn’t this strange?”

“What do you mean?”

As Asid looked around and spoke.

“People who come to the shrine for the first time are often surprised by this peculiar atmosphere.”

“Ah…”

Upon Asid’s words, Belia smiled as if to say everything was fine.

Although it was her first time here in this life, she had been to this place countless times in her past life.
“Don’t worry. We’ve finally arrived.”

As soon as she touched the heavy iron door, it made a thud sound and opened by itself.

This was also a familiar sight.

“Let’s go inside.”

As Asid watched Belia naturally step into the mausoleum, he followed her in surprise.

She said it was her first time in the mausoleum…?

However, why was she acting so calmly and naturally? It seemed even more familiar than herself.

Although it was full of unknowns, Asid simply clenched his lips and followed her.

“Why have you come?”

A gray-haired old woman who had silently approached them asked Belia with a smile.

There was no noticeable presence. Even the sound of footsteps approaching them was not heard.

It was quite fascinating, but Belia was more concerned about resolving her own issues than being surprised.

“Havisa. Where is she?”

“How do you know about her and come looking for her?”

“I have a favor to ask. Please create a space for me to meet her.”

The old woman remained silent for a moment but then bowed and answered.

“After hearing the request, Havisa will decide.”

Belia nodded.

The old woman held up a torch to illuminate the darkness and ascended the inner staircase with small steps.

Belia followed the old woman.

After climbing the stairs for quite some time and walking through unknown corridors that took unexpected turns, the old woman finally stopped in front of a small door.

“This is it.”

A gulp passed through Belia’s throat.

Havisa was a very unique magician.

Not only was her skill outstanding, but her personality… was truly that of a magician.

After taking a deep breath, Belia grasped the doorknob and turned it.

“…What the…”

As expected.

As soon as the door opened, a sharp voice could be heard from inside.

Belia motioned for Asid to wait at the door and entered the room.

Various potions and miscellaneous items were haphazardly piled up. In the midst of the disorganized room, a typical-looking magician in a robe glared at the door. She was a fiercely beautiful woman. And she remained as she was.

“Nice to meet you.”

“I’m not pleased. Who are you to barge into my room without permission?”

Havisa mimicked Belia’s tone, annoyed, and tousled her hair as if in irritation.

“I don’t like people talking back to me. Let’s get to the point.”

Belia said, mimicking Havisa’s irritated tone.

She didn’t want to hear a long and drawn-out explanation of who she was and how she ended up here.

Havisa raised her eyebrows in surprise at Belia’s words.

“What’s this? It’s been a while since someone bothersome like you came as a client.”

Havisa sprawled on the messy sofa, crossed her legs, and then, with a laid-back posture, laughed heartily.

“Yeah! I used my intuition! Sit down. I’ll listen to what you have to say.”

She used to be like this before.

Regardless of whether the person was a prince, princess, or princess consort.

To Belia, it was a familiar attitude, so there was nothing surprising.

“What you’re currently making or have completed.”

Belia looked directly into Havisa’s eyes and spoke.

“Hand over the Bracelet of Protection to me.”