/
The preparations for the Tower’s examination proceeded smoothly. In the meantime, Lorna’s health had also greatly improved.
“Belle…?”
Has Belle always been this tall?
Lorna beheld Belle, who had grown so much that she would soon be able to ride him.
“You are sufficiently healthy.”
Witnessing this phenomenon, the wizards rejoiced greatly.
Careful not to startle Lorna, they continued to be vigilant, barely safeguarding their necks from Nabel’s icy gaze.
Before the Tower’s examination, it was only natural for the tower wizards to inquire about the owner of the Divine Beast.
And upon receiving the information that had arrived just yesterday, they fell to their knees.
The information from the Eastern Continent, her past.
Had they known about the hardships she had endured under the influence of magic, they would never have recklessly wielded magic in her presence.
The wizards’ gaze shifted slightly towards Lorna.
Towards the owner of the Divine Beast who had endured an unfortunate childhood.
“…Once the owner of the Divine Beast regains her strength, the Divine Beast herself will grow in proportion to the power she possesses.”
The wizards nodded their heads as they beheld Belle, a nine-foot-tall fox, almost as tall as an adult man.
After they left, the court physician, Domelo, conducted a health examination.
Thanks to the exceptional care of the maids and dietary adjustments, her health had noticeably improved.
“Now, you should be cautious of foods with strong flavors in the Western Continent as well. Unlike the Eastern Continent, there are certain dishes that are excessively potent. Consuming them could lead to digestive system failure.”
Physician Domelo delivered these alarming words with a calm expression. Lorna nodded her head, a hint of embarrassment on her face.
“I will be careful.”
“Yes, I will ensure that the head chef is duly informed as well.”
Upon hearing the physician’s statement, the palace kitchen chef’s expression contorted as if he were about to faint.
“What did I do wrong?”
Knowing that his predecessor had ceased to breathe, he couldn’t help but feel tense.
Thus, the Tower’s examination drew near, proceeding smoothly.
***
“Most things in the empire seem to be grand,” remarked Lorna, extending her hand to pluck a single leaf.
It was a large leaf, stretched towards the sky as if trying to grasp the warm, cascading sunlight in its embrace.
Lorna tapped the leaf several times, marveling at its size, and glanced around. She found herself in the gardens of the Rose Palace.
From the garden, she had a clear view of the Sorcerer’s Tower, where she was soon to ascend.
The ninth stair, hidden in mist, revealed itself faintly, almost as if it wanted to signal the location of the trial.
“There are indeed many things driven by such ambition,” said Nabel, seated beside her.
Taking a brief break from his duties, he had come to Lorna dressed in a black robe.
“But, won’t just wearing the robe give it away?” Lorna turned to him, her gaze meeting the hood of the black robe. His hair took on a dark hue.
Just like when they were young.
“This hair colour, it’s magic, isn’t it?” Her words were tinged with memories. Nabel smiled.
“That’s right. The Emperor of Iver had golden hair, so by having this appearance, I won’t be recognized easily.”
Really? Lorna scrutinized him with a hint of doubt. While the black robe bore no insignia, she wondered if the knights who escorted him would simply leave him alone.
As if in answer to her thoughts, Knight Nisha came running from a corner of the garden. Until recently, Nisha had pretended not to see Nabel.
“Your Highness!”
“….”
Lorna narrowed her eyes and turned to Nabel. He wore a disappointed expression.
“We’ve been caught.”
Without bothering to disguise himself, he sent a cold gaze towards Nisha.
“Is it urgent?”
As the hood of the robe was lifted, revealing the golden locks that symbolized the Iber Royal Family, Nisha hurriedly bowed before him.
“It is indeed urgent. It has been announced that the continental temples will also participate in the trial of the tower.”
Nabel narrowed his eyes momentarily, a fleeting expression of coldness crossing his face.
The trial of the tower determined the owner of the divine beings. Most of the continent was unaware of these divine beings, and thus, the continent did not properly worship them. Even if they worshipped the same deity, their methods were different.
Yet, they wish to observe the trial of the tower?
“How many have been requested to participate?”
“It includes the temples from across the continent. And…”
Nisha glanced at Lorna, gauging her reaction.
“…”
Meeting Nisha’s gaze, Lorna tilted her head slightly.
Nisha spoke quietly, as if resigned to the circumstances.
“—The current Lady Bankshire will also attend. She will represent the temples of the southern continent.”