Chapter 76: The Search Began
"What is it?" asked Kiev’s sister excitedly.
"It’s her handkerchief. I’ll use it to perform a searching magic ritual," he replied, displaying the pink silk handkerchief with delicate embroideries.
"That’s wonderful! I was worried we would lose her again," expressed the princess with relief.
"I shared the same concern," sighed the prince. "I regret not taking her with me the last time I came here. Even if not in Semeta, I could have placed her in Sabel."
"Your Highness, as Nessy informed you, her physical and mental state was severely affected after the shipwreck incident. She wouldn’t have been able to handle the journey to Sabel in her condition," Jessy reminded him.
"It wasn’t your fault, brother. You prioritised cultivating your mana in the mountains so that you could heal her later. No Mederian has been able to do what you have accomplished! The princess should feel privileged to have a betrothed like you," coaxed the princess.
"Princess Callis is correct. The cultivation process requires all of your energy and focus. Once your lifeline is intertwined with the mountain’s force, it cannot be undone until it’s finished," said Jessy.
"Yes. If you try to undo it, it will cost you your life. That’s why we had to wait. We never anticipated that Nessy would stop contacting us abruptly and that this would happen," added Callis.
"I had no other choice. I couldn’t bring her to Semeta if I didn’t do it. The island’s barrier is too powerful for her, and I couldn’t bring her back in her condition," Kiev responded.
"Your decision is wise, brother!" Princess Callis exclaimed, her eyes shining with pride.
"I was thinking," Kiev said thoughtfully, "the knightess who could control the eagle seems to have vanished. I haven’t seen her around the castle."