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“Oh, Imitia Velvet,” Gadius repeated, processing the information.
“Yes. If possible I’d like you to arrange a meeting with her for me.”
“Why?”
Gadius couldn’t help but ask a common question arising in his mind. He stroked his beard as he inquired further, seeking understanding.
“Why? You don’t strike me as an old friend of Imitia.”
“I have heard that Imitia Velvet is not only the leader of the traveling merchant company but also an exceptional mage. It is said that her skill in lifting curses is unmatched.”
“What are you implying? Are you suggesting that you are under some sort of curse?”
“That is a possibility.”
Gadius couldn’t hide his surprise.
“If you were indeed cursed, you should have informed me earlier.”
The image of a witch’s shadow briefly flickered in Gadius’ mind.
“Is everything
 alright?”
“For now, yes.”
“I see
 In that case, you don’t need to meet Imitia. We have court mages who can assist you. I assure you of their skills as well, free of charge, of course.”
Gadius offered, suggesting an alternative solution. However, Seletina shook her head without hesitation.
Her decision was resolute.
Observing Seletina’s unwavering determination, Gadius narrowed his eyes slightly, silently pondering her choice.
“Why do you insist on Imitia? Is there a specific reason?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, there is.”
“Then please, enlighten me.”
Seletina parted her lips to speak, but after a few hesitant attempts, she shook her head and remained silent.
“I’m sorry
 I cannot reveal it at this moment.”
She admitted with a hint of regret in her voice. Gadius keenly noticed the trembling of Seletina’s clenched fist.
Her demeanor appeared almost childlike, as if she was being chastised.
The reason for Seletina’s insistence on meeting Imitia, the reason why she wished to share her crest only with someone she trusted, Seletina was unable to disclose it.
Revealing this reason would be akin to confessing her true identity as Orthus. Seletina couldn’t bring herself to lie to the king. However, she didn’t want to admit she was Orthus, she also had absolutely no intention of disclosing her true identity at the moment.
It was a commitment, a promise she had held within her heart for a considerable time.
Regardless of whether Gadius believed it or not, once he discovered that Seletina was Orthus, he would undoubtedly keep her by his side. He would pat her on the shoulder and smile broadly at her.
If that were to happen, then Seletina’s dream would continue. Once again she would serve Gadius as his knight and shield. Being by his side through the king’s authority would allow her to fulfill her duty without the need for formalities or grand acts of valor.
However, that was not what Seletina truly desired. Revealing her true identity as Orthus and becoming a knight of the king would simply be abusing Orthus’ previous achievements.
Seletina had yet to achieve anything of her own. She longed to serve by the king’s side as Seletina. In her mind, Orthus had become nothing more than a source of experience and knowledge.
Seletina had no intention of relying on Orthus. She wanted to rise through the ranks with her own sword, carving her own path. Seletina wanted to one day be the one by the king’s side, not anyone else.
It was a picky, yet straightforward and resolute wish that she held dear.
Despite having his doubts, Gadius was not suspicious of Seletina. Perhaps it was because her gestures resembled those of the girlish Eleanor when she spoke.
Gadius found himself strangely inclined to believe Seletina, and he chuckled at his own inclination to trust her instincts.
As Gadius cleared his throat, Seletina’s eyes, now even more focused on him.
“Fine. I assume you must have a plan.”
“T-Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“But you see, Imitia is not the kind of woman who would come if I simply asked her to.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Imitia doesn’t like me.”
Gadius replied, a touch of bitterness evident in his laughter.
“S-She doesn’t like you?! Imitia?! But why would she
”
Seletina was completely shocked.
Imitia and Gadius had known each other for a while, and Seletina even believed that they were on quite good terms.
Imitia had visited the Kingdom of Elugor multiple times, often making appearances at the royal palace beyond what was necessary.
However, Seletina was oblivious to the fact that Imitia’s visits were meant for Orthus, not Gadius.
“Imitia was deeply saddened and angered by my decision to send Orthus, the hero, to his death, extinguishing his precious life. Orthus and Imitia were close friends
 and I cannot ask her for forgiveness. I won’t make lame adult excuses, like blaming the casualties on the realities of war. Imitia, or rather the Great Belbed Caravan, stopped visiting the kingdom after the disaster. This is one of the reasons behind the financial and food shortages that currently affect our kingdom1.”
Gadius gathered his breath slowly and exhaled heavily. One could only wonder just how much emotion was bundled up into that sigh.
Seletina stood there, speechless from the shock, as if she had been hit on the head. Various emotions and thoughts ran through her brain in a jumbled mess.
Imitia is mourning my death?
Bright, warm emotions swirled inside Seletina. Orthus and Imitia had undoubtedly broken Gadius’ heart.
However, the weight of the situation and the knowledge that Imitia was causing trouble for the kingdom and Gadius, similar to a sulking child, brought forth a sense of heaviness and darkness, like leaden skies descending upon Seletina’s heart.
What in the world is she doing?!
The memories of her flicking her finger at Imitia’s wide brow were still vivid in Seletina’s mind.
A quiet rage began to well up in Seletina, and she made up her mind. She would knock some sense into her old friend. A savage determination.
The corners of Seletina’s mouth turned upwards.
“Your Majesty,” she said, “I still want to meet Imitia Belbed. Please make my wish happen.”
“Were you actually listening to me just now
?”
Seletina nodded and stared firmly and powerfully into Gadius’ jade eyes.
“I will bridge the gap between the Great Belbed Caravan and the Kingdom of Elugor. I swear by Soum, the God of Promise, that I will fulfill my promise.” Seletina said clearly. Her every word, full of energy2.