Chapter 398.2

Eugene departed the royal castle before noon, issuing strict instructions: the stone gate remained shut until sunset. Anyone who hadn’t entered the capital by yesterday’s evening could use the rope ladder on the castle wall for entry, but outbound travel to the desert was prohibited that day.

The heavily guarded royal carriage, flanked by additional carriages transporting warriors, sped down the main road without attracting undue attention. Such processions were commonplace lately, as Eugene’s frequent outings for spell circle creation had become routine.

Upon arrival, the stone gate swung open for the royal carriage party, then slammed shut once they passed through. The station safeguarding the spell circle stood near the city walls, marking the desert’s border with the capital. This rectangular building, devoid of windows to prevent external interference during spell activation, boasted only a single door. Warriors diligently guarded the station around the clock.

The carriages halted near the station. Workers disembarked first to erect a tent. Once the makeshift shelter was complete, Eugene emerged from her carriage and entered the tent.

Noon approached. Eugene flipped open her spell notebook and inhaled deeply. Back when she escaped the Holy City, she hadn’t felt this nervous. Time stretched agonizingly, threatening to stand still.

Words appeared from her notebook. [We’re ready on this end.]

[Acknowledged.] Eugene kept her gaze glued to the page.

[Initiating teleportation spell.]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Eugene blinked, holding her breath until the next response.

[Departure confirmed.]

Relief washed over Eugene as she exhaled. Glancing past the tent flap, she focused on the station. If all went according to plan, Flora would be there now.

“Sir Sven.” Eugene’s voice held a hint of command.

Sven, stationed at the tent entrance, acknowledged her with a bow. Knowing the drill, Eugene didn’t need to elaborate. Sven exited and returned shortly with a contingent of warriors who formed a protective ring around Eugene. Presumably, they’d retrieved Flora from the station and were now escorting her in.

“Your Majesty,” a warrior announced from outside. Another guard stationed by the entrance lifted the flap. Flora stepped in, flanked by two warriors. Eugene rose instinctively.

The two women stood face-to-face, a tense silence stretching between them. The air crackled with unspoken awkwardness.

Surprise flickered across Flora’s face as she took in Eugene’s noticeably pregnant belly. Their last encounter hadn’t hinted at this development.

“Is the baby coming soon?” Flora blurted.

“Not quite,” Eugene chuckled. “Plenty of time left, apparently my belly’s just on the larger side.”

Shame washed over Flora. She’d justified her actions as following Sang-je’s orders, a righteous duty. But that was a convenient truth. Hatred for Jin had fueled her actions too. If she’d kidnapped Jin that day, the child wouldn’t have survived. A cold shiver ran down her spine at the realization.

Self-loathing had become a constant companion lately. Flora was a terrible person, that much was clear. Yet, she hadn’t stooped to harming an innocent child.

“I never intended the baby to be hurt,” Flora confessed, the words a late but sincere apology. “It’s a terrible excuse, but true.”

Eugene studied Flora for a moment before nodding. A stark contrast from their last encounter, when malice radiated from Flora. Now, a sense of peace, however fragile, seemed to emanate from her.

“We have time before the afternoon’s plan commences. Rest or food – whatever you need, just ask.”

While Flora’s arrival in the Hashi Kingdom was set for noon, the afternoon departure for the Holy City via the guest room’s spell circle remained flexible. This allowed for unforeseen circumstances.

“I’ll head straight there,” Flora declared, shaking her head. “Dwelling on it will only cloud my judgment. I’ll fix the guest room’s spell circle and depart immediately.”

“Flora, be honest,” Eugene cautioned. “If you have any doubts, please speak up. This spell is dangerous. You remember the warnings from the elder wanderers, don’t you?”

Flora’s gaze held a steely resolve. “If I wasn’t determined, I wouldn’t be here.”

Eugene sighed. “…Very well. The carriage awaits. However, someone must accompany you to observe the activation. You were informed of this, and you agreed.”

“Understood.”

Eugene sent a discreet nod to the warriors flanking Flora, conveying her instructions. The knights, already prepared, acknowledged her silently.

Alone after Flora’s departure, Eugene opened her notebooks. The recipients likely awaited an update with bated breath.

“Safe arrival,” she scribbled concisely before closing the notebooks. Further details would wait until her return to the castle.

Flora settled into the carriage, a soft sigh escaping her lips. The encounter with Jin had surprised her with its ease. The old Jin would have undoubtedly fired back some barb.

The carriage lurched forward. Flora momentarily peeked out the window before drawing the curtain shut.

I have to do this, she affirmed silently. Doubts had lingered: the elders’ warnings and the prospect of summoning unknown larks were unsettling. But Mara’s words, implying Jin would shoulder the burden if she refused, had extinguished her hesitation.

As the spellcaster, she held the key to this operation. Success would bring recognition, a chance to overshadow her past transgressions. This opportunity was too valuable to squander.