'Real mana...'

A surge of vitality filling her entire body. Overflowing strength.

Yes. This was it. This was the sensation of mana coursing through her body. Sylvia closed her eyes, quivering as memories from the past overwhelmed her.

Although the mana she had now was only about a quarter of her full capacity, for Sylvia, who had lived for years without feeling any mana, even this small amount was overwhelmingly powerful. As she felt the strength returning, an ironic sense of helplessness also crept over her.

'So, this whole time, I've been this weak...'

She had forgotten. Forgotten the majesty she once held, the power she once wielded. The very thing she had worked so hard to forget was now being revived by the mana that flowed through her. It was ironic that both the person who had made her forget and the one who had now restored it were from the Vermon family.

'They broke my mana core and crippled me, and now...'

Gritting her teeth, Sylvia let out a harsh, grinding sound. Along with the return of her past sensations, unpleasant memories resurfaced. Memories of the day she had been stripped of her power and forced into servitude for this family.

It had been two years since she was offered the chance to have her curse removed and be given mana stones if she swore an oath on her sword to live and die for the Vermon family. An empty promise she could never bring herself to fulfill.

The offer had been sweetened multiple times with money, titles, and other rewards, but Sylvia’s resolve remained firm. Yet, as much as she loathed the Vermon family, she didn’t have the courage to tear away the curse herself. She didn’t have the courage to face death.

'He should know better than anyone what it means to grant me mana...'

And yet, Aslan had given her mana. Casually, as if it were nothing, like handing over a toy.

Mana, the very fuel of all magic. And if there was anyone who knew how proficient Sylvia was in using that mana, it was Aslan himself. He had ensured she was closely monitored to prevent her from coming into contact with mana stones or spirit practitioners.

And now he simply gives me mana? What if I break the curse and escape? He was leaving himself completely vulnerable. Or was it all just an act...?

'He’s changed. He’s definitely changed.'

At first, she wasn’t sure. Aslan seemed the same on the surface, with his usual unnerving smile and sinister air. But he was different, unmistakably so. Whether this change was for the better or worse, she couldn’t tell.

'What on earth are you planning...?'

She wondered if there was some trick hidden in the mana he gave her. Perhaps a trap that would spring if she used it. But there was nothing. It was pure mana, no strings attached.

Is he telling me to escape? Has he had a change of heart? Maybe he pities me? But that doesn’t sound like Aslan at all. Her thoughts became tangled.

There was a simpler way to resolve this. She could break the curse, burn down the mansion with the remaining mana, and make her escape.

"It’s time for the duel to start. Stop lurking in the shadows like a child of darkness and go out there."
"...Yes."

Aslan spoke with his back turned, issuing orders as if he already knew the outcome. He didn’t even seem interested in watching the duel. He remained as aloof as always.

He knows full well that I could break this curse and strangle him. He must know that his and the family’s fate are in my hands. My mind is in chaos, yet he’s so calm...

She clenched her teeth again.

'Damn you. What are you scheming this time? Why are you caring for those kids? Why are you giving your life into my hands?'

Aslan had played strange games before, pretending to be reformed countless times. But those acts never lasted, and he would soon reveal his true self, exhausted by the charade. But this time... this time was different. It had already been four days. Why hadn’t he slipped? Why couldn’t she even guess at his motives?

Could he really have changed? Truly, to his core?

‘Hmph.’

No, that couldn’t be. It was impossible. Sylvia felt anger boiling within her. She was furious at herself for clinging to the hope that something might have changed.

"Haha! So, you actually showed up on time. Or was it that you couldn’t escape because of the curse? Hah!"

"Shall we start the duel?"

"What’s the rush? Kneel before me now, beg for mercy, and I might spare you. Becoming my mistress could spare you from execution for embezzlement..."

Ugh. He was so loud. She was already confused by her thoughts about Aslan, and now this mosquito kept buzzing.

"It’s eight o’clock. The duel will begin now."

"Don’t be so cold, Sylvia. You might act tough, but with a little grooming, you could be..."

"Shut your mouth and pick up your practice sword, you filthy worm."

"...!"

In an instant, Sylvia gathered mana into a single point. Her eyes widened, and her hair stood on end. The moment her gaze met his, Leon froze.

Anyone with a touch of mana could feel it. A fierce aura radiated from Sylvia, saturating the surroundings. Aslan may have been obliviously reading in his study, but Charlotte and Julia shivered, feeling the hairs on their skin prickling.

And Leon, who bore the full brunt of this energy, turned pale.

'What the hell? I thought she was crippled!'

He was filled with pure terror. Nothing had happened yet—she had merely drawn on some mana, lacing it with intent to kill. But Leon instantly lost all will to fight, his legs buckling as he collapsed to the ground.

"Aaaah..."

A wet stain spread across his pants as he slumped into a puddle of his own making, foaming at the mouth and passing out. Sylvia let out a hollow laugh.

"Hah. This ended before I even had a chance to use mana."

Just by gathering mana, he had ended up like this. She felt ashamed of herself for fearing she might lose to someone like him. And yet, she still had all of the mana Aslan had given her.

'I’m not too late.'

If she wanted, she could still break the curse, destroy the mansion, and escape with the children. She could be free. At that moment, Aslan's words echoed in her mind, and she closed her eyes tightly.

'You should know well enough, with your talent. Those kids aren’t ordinary. Can you keep them safe from the evildoers who would pursue them?'

'You’re too naive to think properly. It’s better to leave them with a known evil within your reach than risk an unknown evil outside. That’s what I’m saying, you fool.'

Could that be true? Would they truly be happier outside? Has Aslan really changed...?

"Ahh! I don’t know!"

A surge of mana gathered again, and her fierce aura flared up once more.

"Aslan! I don’t understand your plans! I’m too stupid to know what you’re scheming!"

She had no idea what Aslan was thinking, why he had given her back her power, or what any of it meant. So, she would find out. She would wait until she knew.

"You! You said I was too impulsive! Well, I’ll change! I’ll wait! I’ll watch you and see what choices you make!"

She couldn’t leave. Killing him and running away would leave a lifelong bitterness. She would stay and see this through to the end.

Boom! The mana condensed into a burst of light, and a massive crater formed in the training ground. She looked at the ruins, where Leon had once been, and collapsed with a dry laugh.

"I really am... such a fool..."

She had exhausted the mana. Her chance at freedom was gone, and she had returned to her cursed self. She thought it might have been better to keep some mana in reserve. But oddly, she felt no regret. Things were simple now.

"That’s more like it," she murmured, chuckling with relief.

"Daring to destroy my training ground so dramatically... That’ll cost you. Foolish girl."

Aslan looked out the window, clicking his tongue. He stifled a laugh.