The great fortune-teller of the Atica Kingdom.

Rosha had heard of such an existence, but didn’t know the details. However, the Atica people seemed to place immense trust in the great fortune-teller’s divinations.

‘Otherwise, they wouldn’t have evacuated the Kingdom’s coastal residents in time.’

Not only did the predictions tend to be accurate, but her personal curiosity also made her want to meet this figure.

It was then that Nardil added:

“Oh, and the great fortune-teller specifically asked me to convey this to you – that he has something to discuss regarding the extraordinary magic you wielded.”

“My magic?”

“Yes. He claims to have glimpsed the ancient era through your magic.”

…The ancient era.

Few were knowledgeable about that civilization from antiquity, as most records had been lost.

Aware of this, Rosha’s gaze fell slightly.

‘I already had many questions about what transpired during the trial.’

The ice palace’s ruler, Queen Arzhena, had mentioned how all her kingdom’s subjects had transformed into demonic beasts.

Despite the Queen’s 7th-realm ‘Domain’ delaying the transformation within the ice palace, even that couldn’t endure indefinitely.

It was a truly lamentable tale.

However, until experiencing this recent trial, Rosha had assumed all of it was merely a contrived narrative device enhancing the dramatic effect.

‘The scene the Guide God manifested using my ability… it definitely resembled a city from the ancient era.’

Moreover, apart from the climate difference, the terrain was remarkably similar to the Atica Kingdom’s as well.

Suddenly, she wondered if the Queen’s account might have actually occurred, as it would otherwise remain perplexing.

‘Well, there’s no one else to ask about this.’

The Guide God would likely remain absent for a while, and Koko was in deep slumber. Under these circumstances, she couldn’t pass up the fortune-teller’s offer to discuss the ancient era.

“If you wish, I can guide you to where the great fortune-teller resides. However, the journey is a bit treacherous, so it would be advisable to visit after fully recovering.”

“I’d like to meet him once, yes.”

“Very well. A welcome response.”

While the fortune-teller didn’t reside at the palace but in the desert region, Nardil assured the route was already known, so it wouldn’t be dangerous.

Rosha nodded contemplatively.

Believing his purpose concluded, Nardil seemed to have more to say as he leaned forward with an air of profound importance, his pale lemon eyes glimmering with anticipation. A marked contrast to his usual demeanor.

“From the start of the first trial until now, you’ve participated in every single one without fail. I presume you intend to continue doing so, don’t you?”

“Well… I can’t say for certain about the future, but I’ll certainly strive to.”

“I see.”

As if expecting that response, Nardil nodded before solemnly continuing:

“Then I too would like to join your journey, should the timing permit. Of course, only if you’re amenable to it.”

“Pardon?”

Rosha’s eyes widened. Wait, what was he saying?

“But… you’re the prince, aren’t you?”

“The Second Prince, to be precise. I have an exceptionally capable elder brother who is presently shouldering the nation’s affairs while our father the King is indisposed.”

He seemed to have already given this considerable thought, speaking with measured clarity. Yet Rosha appeared rather troubled as she hesitantly replied:

“That’s…”

Certainly, Nardil’s participation would bolster their strength – an enticing prospect given the glimpses she’d had of his ability.

However, his innate status meant there were many factors to consider.

‘If a nation’s prince were to die or sustain grave injuries in a foreign land, it could cause numerous issues.’

Sensing her reluctant response, he backed down slightly.

“Well, I don’t mean to join you immediately. I would need my brother’s permission first, and we’d have to coordinate the appropriate timing. But… I wanted to convey my thoughts to you beforehand.”

His mood visibly dampened, resembling a large dog breed – despite his sizeable, muscular build, there was an inexplicable endearing quality.

It was at that moment that an unexpected third voice rang out in the previously private room.

“That would be unwise.”

Froy had returned from his outside tasks, naturally announcing his presence as if he had been there all along. Slowly approaching Rosha, he continued.

“If any misfortune were to befall the prince, it could provoke conflict between nations. We must consider the prince’s influential position.”

While his abrupt arrival was quite familiar to Rosha, Nardil seemed displeased.

Raising one eyebrow, the visibly vexed prince questioned:

“…Is it acceptable to so brazenly intrude upon a lady’s quarters? And not even through the door, at that?”

“Since the matter has already been discussed with her, it doesn’t concern you, Your Highness.”

At Froy’s pointed look urging her agreement, Rosha reluctantly nodded.

To be fair, he had been attending to her care these past few days, so his claim wasn’t entirely unfounded.

“Hmm…”

Nardil’s elongated hum betrayed his displeasure with Froy’s presence.

From their contrasting appearances to their natures and national allegiances, the two men clearly didn’t mesh well. It seemed inevitable they would clash in some manner.

‘Nardil doesn’t strike me as the type to back down easily, and Froy has a knack for riling people up if you observe him.’

Not wishing to witness such a scene at this juncture, Rosha ultimately resorted to drastic measures.

“Achoo! Cough, cough!”

“Rosha, are you alright?”

“Achoo!”

Quiet down and get out, both of you!

* * *

Fortunately, the Kingdom’s physician’s medicines appeared quite effective.

A day later, Rosha’s condition had nearly returned to normal. As soon as she was fit for regular activities, her first task was to visit the great fortune-teller.

“It’s in the heart of the desert, but there are established routes allowing us to go and return within a day.”

“We will ensure your safe passage.”

In the early morning before the sun grew too intense, the escorting warriors spoke up – each impressively muscular.

Did the Atica genetic makeup harbor some secret?

Of course, the most outstanding among them was Nardil himself.

His sun-tanned skin accentuated the intricate musculature rippling beneath his light attire, from the largest down to the smallest fibers.

Enviously regarding his physique, Rosha surreptitiously palpated her own arm, finding only a soft, flabby texture undeserving of the term ‘muscle.’

‘…I should resume physical training soon.’

She wasn’t sure why her body had become so frail, unlike in her previous world.

The group consisting of Rosha, Froy, Nardil, and a few warriors followed the trail leading behind the palace before mounting their horses.

For longer distances, they would need camels, but since an established route existed and they would be traveling on foot partway, horses sufficed.

“You’ll need to dismount from here.”

As one warrior politely announced, Froy, who had already dismounted, extended his arm as if to assist Rosha.

“Come, step down this way.”

Perhaps because she had only recently recovered, he was attentively minding such minor details.

After accepting his aid to dismount, Rosha surveyed her surroundings.

The brilliant sun rising through the dust tinged the sand in a golden radiance.

They were at the edge of the vast desert expanse.

While the terrain remained relatively flat for now, just imagining scaling those towering dunes in the distance made her feel faint.

Fortunately, it didn’t seem they would venture that far, as a distorted mana emanation had enveloped the area ever since her dismount, indicating their proximity.