Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 115: The Sooner, The Better

Chapter 115: The Sooner, The Better

The atmosphere within the castle’s reading room had never felt so cold before. It was challenging to discern whether the witch’s presence or the frigid, deadly gaze from her silver eyes caused the uncomfortable shivers creeping down the spines of all present. However, one undeniable truth prevailed –– Bjarna’s arrival was gradually encasing the castle in an icy grip from inside.

Bella, tasked with serving the guest a comforting herbal tea, now bore a large silver tray adorned with pristine teacups and a platter of freshly baked pastries. Her plump hands deftly arranged the tray’s contents upon the table before the four silent figures.

Each movement by the maid seemed to magnify the quiet unease lingering in the room, heightening Bella’s self-awareness with each passing second.

Casting occasional and somewhat irritated glances in the witch’s direction, she pondered,

’Another odd addition... As if the magus was not eccentric enough. First, the shirtless man, now this painted hag... this castle is starting to resemble a circus.’

Once she finished arranging the table, Bella inclined in a respectful bow to Aideen and quietly exited the room, leaving behind a palpable silence once again.

Finally, Aideen awkwardly shifted in her seat, mustering the courage to address the witch,

"Bjarna... So, you are a necromancer witch? What exactly does that entail?"

Surprised by the princess’s question, the witch arched her eyebrows, then gently curled the corners of her lips into a subtle smile before explaining,

"It means I possess the ability to bring the dead back to life. In a manner of speaking."

"Truly? That is an incredible power!"

Bjarna could not help but chuckle at the lady’s innocent interpretation of her abilities.

"Perhaps. But it’s fleeting; no matter my efforts, they invariably yearn to return. The deceased will forever remain as such; they hold no place in this realm."

Aideen lowered her eyes, taking a moment to ponder the witch’s response, before shifting her gaze to Ahspid and inquiring,

"Does this mean Bjarna can summon the fire witch for us?"

The mage nodded.

"Yes, that is precisely why I brought her here."

King Yuraon furrowed his eyebrows, still grappling with the bewilderment that had overtaken him the moment the necromancer witch was introduced to them. He had not anticipated this situation escalating so quickly; it all felt rather overwhelming.

His mind weighed heavily with a myriad of questions accumulating with each passing minute, yet he resolved to begin with one,

"Is it even possible for a deceased witch to revoke a curse she cast upon someone ages ago?"

Bjarna shook her head, instantly surprising everyone.

"No, a deceased witch holds no power."

"Then what purpose does all of this serve?!"

The young man could not conceal his mounting frustration, and the witch attempted to elaborate,

"Summoning her affords us an opportunity to converse with the witch. And judging by your demeanor, young King, you might not be the most suitable candidate for dialogue, as Ylva retains the right to refuse. The reason the witch’s curse remains unlifted by others isn’t solely due to her inherent power, but rather the unique knowledge she possesses. If she consents to impart that knowledge, then, perhaps, there may be a chance for liberation."

Her response caused Yuraon to bite his tongue. Once again, Aideen lowered her eyes, mulling over Bjarna’s words. Indeed, her reply was not devoid of sense and offered a glimmer of the hope they desperately needed.

Lost in her inner musings, the princess suddenly felt the weight of a pair of cold, piercing eyes burrowing deep into her soul. She lifted her head and found Bjarna’s gaze firmly locked onto hers, its intensity so overwhelming that Aideen could not help but avert her eyes, redirecting her focus to the witch’s neck instead.

There, however, she noticed another peculiar sight. Though nearly imperceptible, her mana detected a delicate thread tightly wound around the woman’s tattooed neck, resembling a peculiar thin metal collar.

’What is that? If my eyes do not deceive me, is that a necklace or... perhaps a collar? And it is made of mana. Could it be some kind of talisman?’

Noticing the princess’s fixed gaze on her neck, Bjarna momentarily covered it with her right hand before adjusting her long black cloak, pulling it up to conceal her tattooed skin.

Ahspid, too, observed his student’s keen interest. However, when he shifted his gaze to see what captivated her about the witch’s neck, Bjarna’s hand was already shielding it from further scrutiny, clutching the fabric of her cloak tightly around her throat.

Fixing her gaze on the witch’s face again, the princess inquired,

"What will be necessary to summon Ylva? Is there an intricate ritual involved?"

Bjarna turned to the young King and pointed her left index finger at him,

"I will require his blood."

Yuraon pointed to himself, seeking clarification,

"Mine?"

The witch affirmed,

"Yes. To establish a connection with Ylva’s spirit, I require a fragment of her power, which courses through your veins along with the curse, Your Majesty. Furthermore, blood serves as an effective conduit for the spirit’s manifestation. This means that upon summoning, she will not merely exist as a formless entity but will be present in her original corporeal form. She will be here, in the flesh, so to speak."

Aideen’s expression quickly clouded with worry.

"How much blood is required for that?!"

"Do not fret, Your Highness. The King will not suffer," assured the witch.

Despite the reassurance, the lady could not shake off a lingering sense of concern. Yuraon placed his large hand on the princess’s shoulder and smiled, attempting to alleviate her unease.

Observing the King’s lack of objection, Bjarna stood up and declared,

"Very well. Let us begin, then."

"Right now?!"

Aideen nearly jumped to her feet, her eyes widening in shock. The witch released a brief sigh of irritation.

"Yes, now. I would prefer to get it over with as soon as possible. Unlike certain individuals," she shifted her silver eyes towards Ahspid, "I have other matters to attend to. My life is not particularly boring, you see."

The princess glanced at Yuraon, uncertainty clouding her gaze. However, the young man met her eyes with determination and nodded.

"It’s alright, Your Highness. The witch is correct –– the sooner, the better."