Chapter 286

“This way.”

Harald stepped out of the village chief’s room and immediately opened the door to the adjacent room. Inside, a faint blue light emanated from a magic circle etched near the window. The air in the room felt distinct, likely influenced by the presence of the magical formation. A traditional sliding door stood at the far end of the room.

Swaaaah—

From beyond the door came the sound of labored breathing. A lone woman stood guard in front of the sliding door.

“You’ve arrived, my lord.”

The woman, her short, crimson hair framing a sharp yet striking face, knelt on one knee in deference. Despite the posture, her piercing gaze and strong, athletic build stood out.

“Allow me to introduce her. This is my adjutant, Iril.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, benefactor. I’ve heard about you from my lord. Truly… thank you.”

Iril kept her head bowed for an uncomfortably long time, unable to raise it. The weight of her emotions was clear—having watched her lord neglect their house and let it fall into ruin, the helplessness she must have felt as a loyal retainer had been overwhelming. And just when she was about to surrender to despair, hope had arrived.

Her voice trembled with the sorrow of those memories, yet it carried the unshakable loyalty she bore toward the Harald family.

“…”

Even Harald found himself at a loss for words. The emotions radiating from her seemed to pierce him, filling him with gratitude and a renewed sense of responsibility.

“It’s all right. Please, rise,” Theo said, gently patting her shoulder in reassurance.

Iril, now more composed, stood up and adjusted her posture. “I apologize for my display,” she said, her voice steady once more. She stepped toward the door and knocked lightly.

“My lady, the family head and our benefactors have arrived.”

“…”

Iril cautiously slid the door open, revealing a frail girl lying motionless on the bed. Her face was pale and gaunt, her eyes hollow as if they might extinguish at any moment. Yet, despite her condition, she managed to direct her gaze toward Theo’s group.

Her focus is blurry, almost as if her very soul has been drained.

Her eyes lacked vitality, resembling those of the dead. Her body trembled uncontrollably, the only sign she was still alive.

“Loddy, could you take a look at her?” Theo asked softly.

“Of course.”

Lodbrok approached the girl and began examining her. His hands moved over her body, the motions seeming almost clinical, detached. From just watching, it was clear something was wrong; her skin and muscles felt alien, almost like handling stiff rubber rather than human flesh.

As the examination continued, Lodbrok’s expression hardened, and the air in the room grew colder.

“…”

“Well?” Harald asked, his voice tinged with desperation as he looked at Lodbrok.

“What is your daughter’s name?”

“Ash… Ash Harald,” Harald murmured, his voice trembling as he spoke her precious name.

“Ash. A fine name. She will endure. But we must quickly determine the cause of her condition.”

Lodbrok gently brushed Ash’s hair as he spoke, his voice calm but firm.

“I must be honest. This will not be a pleasant process. No matter what happens, trust me and do not interfere. Understood?”

His sharp gaze swept over Harald and Iril, leaving no room for objection.

“Understood. I swear as the head of the Harald family, I will not interfere no matter what happens,” Harald pledged without hesitation, his tone resolute.

“As a retainer of the Harald family, I also swear to uphold my lord’s word,” Iril added, her voice steady and sincere.

Harald smiled warmly, a glimmer of trust in his expression. “We believe in you. Please… save Ash.”

Lodbrok nodded once, then turned his attention back to the frail girl.

“Let us begin.”

At his words, faint sparks began to dance from his hands. Crackle, crackle. The soft glow expanded, spreading until it flowed gently into Ash’s body.

“Gaaaaah!”

A guttural scream burst from Ash’s lips as her body convulsed violently.

Crackle!

The sparks intensified, flaring wildly as if they might consume her entirely.

Gwooooh—

Harald instinctively tried to move, but Theo grabbed his arm, holding him back.

“Stay calm. Loddy is not someone who takes responsibility lightly. Do you remember what I told you when I brought him here?”

Harald’s eyes widened briefly before returning to their usual calm as he recalled Theo’s words.

“You said you’d stake your own life on this,” Harald whispered, realization dawning on him. Trusting Theo’s resolve, he took a deep breath and steadied himself.

“I was… rash,” Harald admitted.

“No, it’s understandable. I cannot fully grasp a father’s anguish. For that, I can only offer my apologies,” Theo replied earnestly.

Harald found himself comforted by Theo’s sincerity, though the room was filled with Ash’s agonized screams.

She’s changing.

Theo noticed the subtle shifts in Ash’s body. Her previously waxen complexion was gradually replaced with a faint, healthy flush. The lifeless aura surrounding her began to dissipate, replaced by a faint spark of vitality.

Black smoke started seeping from her body, writhing and twisting like desperate insects clinging to her flesh. Crackle!

With a final, violent burst of sparks, the black miasma screeched as it dissipated completely.

Hiss—

The oppressive atmosphere lifted as Ash’s body went limp and collapsed onto her side.

“The immediate threat has been neutralized. I’ve driven out most of the miasma that had entwined itself around her body. She should regain consciousness soon,” Lodbrok announced calmly.

Harald rushed to his daughter’s side, clutching her hand tightly. His broad shoulders trembled with a mixture of overwhelming relief and lingering fear as he closely examined her now healthier complexion.

Behind him, Iril approached silently, her gaze fixed on Ash with a mix of hope and sorrow.

…Twitch.

As if in response to their emotions, Ash’s finger moved ever so slightly.

“Hah… hah…” Her breathing was still labored, but it carried a sense of life.

“Ugh… ugh…” She furrowed her brow and let out a soft groan before slowly opening her eyes.

“F-Father?”

Though her voice was dry and weak, to Harald and Iril, it was the most beautiful sound in the world.

“Ash…” Harald choked out, tears welling in his eyes.

Hearing Ash’s voice, Harald felt his entire body stiffen as his vision blurred with tears. Slowly and carefully, he clasped her small hands in his own.

“Ash… my dear Ash… do you recognize this wretched father of yours?”

Though her gaze was unfocused, her weary eyes eventually fixed firmly on Harald’s face.

“What… kind of joke is that…? My head… it’s so fuzzy. How long have I been asleep?”

Having awakened from a near-comatose state, Ash was understandably disoriented, struggling to piece together her current situation.

“Wasn’t it summer? Why is it so cold here…”

Ash’s trembling frame shook slightly from the chill, a stark contrast to the last memory she could recall. She looked up at Harald’s conflicted expression, unsure of how to react. A faint, awkward smile played across her lips.

That smile was all it took for Harald to break down. Tears streamed freely down his face, his emotions finally spilling over.

“Ash… my child…”

Ash widened her eyes in surprise as she saw her father cry openly. She tried to move her frail body to comfort him, but Harald gently stopped her, carefully laying her back down and pulling a blanket over her trembling form.

“It’s all right. It’s all right. Just stay like this… for now…”

Struggling to control his emotions, Harald left the room. Theo and Lodbrok followed him into the corridor, leaving the peacefully sleeping Ash behind.

Leaning against the hallway window, Harald pressed a hand to his temple, his emotions still raw and overwhelming.

“I… I don’t know how to express my gratitude. The debt I owe is far too great…”

Embarrassed by the tears he had shed earlier, Harald covered his face with one hand.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“It was a touching sight,” Lodbrok commented. “But as I’ve said, this is only a temporary fix. Her full recovery will take at least ten nights of care, possibly longer.”

Those words brought a spark of hope to Harald’s eyes. There had been no mention of impossibility, no indication that the path ahead was futile. If patience was all it took, then he would gladly endure, for the chance to see his daughter smile and run around once more.

“And much of this depends on your effort,” Lodbrok added, looking Harald directly in the eye. “As her father, your mana is the most aligned with hers, and the flow of life energy you provide will be essential.”

“Whatever it takes,” Harald said resolutely. “I’ll give everything I have to assist you, even my very life.”

There was a solemnity in Harald’s gaze, one that bordered on reverence. It was as if he were standing before a deity, ready to offer his unwavering devotion.

“First, cleanse yourself and prepare your mana. That will be the foundation of what’s to come. I’ll begin my preparations in the meantime,” Lodbrok instructed.

“Understood!” Harald replied, his voice filled with determination as he hurried toward the bathhouse.

Theo and Lodbrok returned to Ash’s room, where she was now sleeping soundly. Her once-troubled expression had softened, and her breathing was calm and steady.

“Is there anything I can do to assist?” Theo asked.

“Watch closely. Observing is all the help you need to offer right now,” Lodbrok replied. “But before anything, the room must be cleaned thoroughly.”

At Lodbrok’s suggestion, Iril began removing items from the room and cleaning diligently, ensuring every corner was spotless. Theo assisted where he could, keeping a watchful eye on Ash.

“I’m back.”

Harald returned, steam rising from his freshly bathed body. His hair and clothing were damp, and the warmth of his body contrasted starkly with the chilly air.

Seeing Harald, one could feel the dedication emanating from him. Yet Lodbrok couldn’t help but frown.

“At the very least, make sure to dry yourself properly,” Lodbrok said, his expression exasperated.