In her delirium, Franziska vaguely realized that she was standing in the middle of a frozen lake. Darkness and gloom surrounded her, while countless magical beasts drifted through the shadows as if searching for something.
It took her a while to realize that she was enclosed in a transparent shell, warm and comfortable. She did not understand why she could not move. It was still her body, yet it refused to obey her will. The unfamiliar sensation terrified Franziska. She struggled desperately, trying to break whatever bound her, but every effort was futile.
At last, several tiny specks of light that had always floated inside and around the shell seemed to notice the disturbance. They hurried toward her, surrounding Franziska before gently brushing against the backs of her hands and both her shoulders.
As if... they were comforting her?
Following the movement of the specks of light, Franziska slowly sensed a strange familiarity. She gradually understood that the transparent shell and the tiny lights were protecting her. They seemed to be telling her to trust them and wait patiently; when the time was right, these restraints would be removed on their own.
Franziska stopped struggling and let her consciousness sink peacefully into deep sleep once more.
Only when several brilliant rays of sunlight slipped through the window and danced across her eyelids did she slowly awaken.
By instinct, Franziska raised a hand to block some of the sunlight. But right afterward, she suddenly realized that her body felt far lighter than usual today. Franziska stared at her hand, blinked twice, then looked around at her surroundings.
- It's still my room. Then...
Could the lady have broken the rules and allowed her to receive treatment?
Franziska froze. The second half of the thought was automatically swallowed back down. She knew perfectly well that it was nothing more than a fanciful illusion.
Unable to find an explanation, Franziska got out of bed and bathed by herself without calling for a maid. Partly because she was unaccustomed to having anyone else nearby while she washed, and partly because she did not want to see their displeased looks or hear their cutting remarks.
Bathwater was always prepared, but it was icy cold regardless of whether it was winter or summer. Franziska did not mind. After all, she had grown used to it over all these years.
Remembering the strange dream from earlier, she guessed that her body's recovery was probably connected to the transparent shell and those specks of light. Although this dream had been different from the previous ones, Franziska could still sense that strange closeness and familiarity.
She thought... perhaps they were connected to her origins and her real family.
Franziska did not rush to seek an answer. She closed her eyes and carefully considered what she should and had to do next.
She understood perfectly that her life here had no value beyond becoming the medicine that saved Rebecca's life. If Rebecca could not survive, Lady Catrina would never allow her to continue existing either.
Therefore, the most important thing for now was still curing Rebecca. After that, she had to find an opportunity to leave Crozier Estate. Only after safely leaving this place would she have a chance to learn who she truly was and what the nightmare that had haunted her for all these years really meant.
While Franziska relaxed in the cold water, Rebecca was soaking in a large tub of hot water, herbs, and precious aromatics in the main building.
Lady Catrina sat beside the stone steps, personally scooping up water and gently pouring it over her daughter's smooth hair. A gentle yet wan smile touched her lips.
- Purple lavender? It is true that the Stroheim family's crest bears a pattern of purple lavender. But Rene, the Stroheim family carries the bloodline of the sacred Moon Deer. Even though the family was wiped out, that blood still survives. So, Rene, you don't need to think too much about this. The priest said that such signs can appear in any blessed Deer beastfolk with healing abilities.
- ...Is that so? Rebecca replied, her voice carrying little emotion. Her eyes never left the intricately carved iris branch on the wall.
Deep down, Rebecca still felt that things were not as simple as her mother claimed. She thought for a moment, then decided to say what she had kept hidden for so long.
- Mother, no matter what happens, I will live until I come of age. Those lowly, ordinary people out there are not worthy of being my opponents. Crozier will forever remain Sneica's sharpest sword.
Rebecca had spoken those words unexpectedly. Lady Catrina's hand trembled slightly around the dipper, but quickly returned to normal. She answered her daughter gently:
- Yes... Of course, darling. We will always be by your side. The fangs and claws of Crozier's fiercest black leopards will always protect this kingdom.
Rebecca did not answer. She closed her eyes, feeling her mother's gentle hand while hiding the emotions she did not want anyone to see in the depths of her eyes.
Dinner.
It was rare for the Duke and the Grand Duke's Son to return home early, so Lady Catrina personally prepared dinner. Naturally, Franziska was summoned as well.
The atmosphere at the Crozier family's dining table was always sufficiently formal and sufficiently warm.
Usually, the Duke would ask Rebecca how much pain she had felt that day, how her training had gone, and whether anything had caused difficulties. Then he would repeatedly remind her not to push herself; the family was fully capable of protecting her, and neither her reputation nor her status would be shaken.
Finally, there would be countless medicinal herbs, precious treasures, or interesting items collected from lands where they had conquered monsters.
While father and daughter conversed, the Grand Duke's Son would occasionally join in with an amusing story from a campaign. Lady Catrina listened with a gentle smile while personally cutting food for everyone.
Franziska, meanwhile, usually ate in silence, consuming the dishes prepared specifically for her. Most of them contained precious medicinal herbs that replenished the blood she had lost. From time to time, she would answer a few questions if the Duke addressed her.
Like now.
- I heard that you developed a fever and felt unwell last time, right after helping Rebecca with her treatment?
The Duke of Crozier's golden eyes were always warm and dignified. However, Franziska could clearly see that this gentleness appeared only when he looked at his daughter. Toward her, all that remained in his gaze was calm authority.
- I'm fine, sir. Those are only normal symptoms after each ritual. I will recover as long as I get enough rest. Please don't worry.
Franziska paused her meal and wiped the corner of her mouth with a napkin before answering calmly. She did not mention the pain she had endured, because she understood perfectly that the Duke had never truly been concerned about her health.
The event was drawing near.
- That's good, then. I hope you can always remain in your best condition, because what lies ahead will be a difficult mission for all of us.
Duke Crozier shifted his gaze to Rebecca. His eyes immediately filled with concern.
- Rebecca, have you thought this through? You don't need to push yourself too hard. Even if you don't participate, we can still ensure that your reputation and status remain unshaken...
- I've already made my decision, Father.
Rebecca set down her knife and fork, interrupting Duke Crozier before he could say anything more.
Franziska remained focused on her meal.
She did not look at them, but she could still sense Lady Catrina's worry and the fact that she did not object, as well as the Duke's hesitation without opposition. She also noticed that the Grand Duke's Son's gaze had been intentionally or unintentionally lingering on her from the beginning.
And she knew perfectly well that Rebecca had truly resolved to risk her life.
A heavy silence descended over the dining room. The room was so quiet that even the soft clinking of knives and forks became grating.
- Ah! I almost forgot...
Suddenly, Grand Duke's Son Johannes seemed to remember something extremely important. He pulled a thick, carefully sealed letter from his coat pocket and said with a smile:
- Rene, guess who sent you a letter?
Johannes placed the letter beside Rebecca's plate. The red sealing wax bore the imposing design of a roaring tiger's head; several fragments of ruby were inlaid at the corners, along with a pressed sprig of laurel.
Rebecca recognized its origin at a glance.
- A letter from... Thomas?
- Exactly. Johannes propped an elbow against the back of his chair, a teasing smile flickering across his face. - He's about to return to Sneica's territory, but he still asked me to deliver this to you personally.
Rebecca's hand, which was holding her knife, paused for a moment.
Very quickly, she set it down on her plate, her expression returning to its usual composure as if she had heard nothing unusual.
Only Franziska noticed Rebecca's lashes tremble slightly.
As for Franziska, from the moment that name rang out, she seemed unable to hear any sound around her clearly.
Thomas.
The name buried deep in her memories for so many years. Yet merely hearing it was enough to throw her heart into immediate turmoil.
Johannes picked up the letter but did not hand it to Rebecca right away.
- Take a guess. Maybe Thomas wants to wish you an early happy birthday. Or perhaps he finally remembered that he still has a fiancée silently waiting for him day and night.
Rebecca looked at her brother.
- Are you going to give me the letter, or do you want to read it for me?
- I'm just enjoying this rare look on your face. Johannes laughed. - Don't worry, the letter is still intact. I only received it from his personal guard not long ago.
Rebecca held out her hand.
- Give it to me.
Johannes placed the letter in her hand. Rebecca's fingers tightened lightly around the edge of the paper. Her eyes swept over the seal before she immediately broke it.
There were not many words in the letter.
Thomas asked about Rebecca's health, reminded her not to overwork herself, and recounted a few amusing stories and the small gifts he had collected throughout his recent journey. He also mentioned that the Emperor had officially approved this year's Moon Season Trial to be held in Crozier Territory. The official decree would be delivered by a messenger from the Royal Palace within the next few days.
At the end of the letter, he had written:
“I hear that this year you will officially return to the Trial after your convalescence. I very much look forward to seeing Lady Rebecca shine brilliantly once more.”
Rebecca stopped reading there.
Catrina immediately asked:
- What did Thomas write?
- His Highness mentioned the Moon Season Trial. Rebecca folded the letter. - There's a rumor going around that I'll return for this year's Trial after recovering my health.
Duke Crozier fell silent.
In name, this was merely an annual examination. But this year, its meaning was different.
The Moon Season Trial was held in early autumn and lasted seven days. The great families within Sneica's territory would send their heirs and most outstanding descendants to participate. Alongside individual matches, participants also had to hunt magical beasts, protect the Sacred Flame, and assist patrol teams in protecting the surrounding civilians.
This was no longer an examination reserved solely for nobles.
It was an event for the entire kingdom.
Thousands of people would gather around Crozier Fortress. Priests, soldiers, merchants, and civilians could all witness every round of the examination. The victors would have their names engraved on Sneica's monument of merit, while the family with the highest achievement would receive a special privilege directly from the Imperial Family.
For Rebecca, this was a chance to prove herself before all the nobles and people of the kingdom of Sneica.
It was also a trial she could not avoid.
- You don't have to participate in every round, the Duke said slowly. - Simply appearing at the seal-opening ceremony would be enough for us to preserve our dignity. Johannes or the guards can complete the rest in your place.
Rebecca raised her head.
- If I only show up and let someone else fight in my place, that would be no different from admitting that I've become useless.
- Rebecca...
- I won't accept that.
Her voice was not loud, but every word was decisive.
- If the other families only want to see Crozier weaken, I won't give them that opportunity. If the Royal Palace wants to know whether I'm worthy of standing beside Thomas, I'll answer them myself.
Catrina placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder.
- Darling, no one will doubt you. We only want you to be safe.
Rebecca looked at her mother's hand. A trace of softness passed through her eyes.
- I know.
She paused briefly before continuing:
- But I don't want to spend my entire life being protected behind someone else.
Her words plunged the dining room into silence.
Franziska continued to look down at the food before her. She knew Rebecca was not someone who easily surrendered to anyone. Once she made a decision, no one in the family could force her to retreat.
But Franziska also knew something the others did not want to mention.
Rebecca could not use spiritual power continuously for seven days. Each time her leopard bloodline awakened, the toxins in her body would be stirred up. If she was not treated in time, Rebecca might even lose control, go berserk, or die right in front of everyone.
Duke Crozier turned his gaze to Franziska.
- And you, Franziska.
She immediately raised her head.
- Yes, sir?
- Throughout the event, you will stay by Rebecca's side.
This was not a request.
Johannes stopped smiling. His gaze turned serious.
- The priests will arrange a separate medical tent behind the competition grounds. You will be there from the moment the seal-opening ceremony begins until every round of the examination is over.
Franziska clenched her fingers beneath the table.
- I understand.
- This time, it won't be enough to treat her on schedule, the Duke continued. - You must ensure that she remains in the best possible condition in front of everyone. There must be no mistakes. No one can discover Rene's true condition.
Catrina looked at Franziska, her gaze gentle but leaving no room for refusal.
- If Rene has to participate for seven days, you must also endure seven days.
An icy sensation spread from Franziska's fingertips to the center of her chest.
Seven days.
Seven days of fighting, treatment, recovery, and drawing blood.
She did not know how much her body could endure. But she knew perfectly well that she could not say no. Or rather, she had no right to say no.
So Franziska merely nodded.
- Yes.
Rebecca looked over at her.
Their eyes met for a moment.
There was no joy in Rebecca's eyes at having someone guarantee her survival, nor was there pity. Only a heavy silence, as though she understood the price Franziska was about to pay but could do nothing to stop it.
She needed this opportunity.
At last, Rebecca turned away.
- Then that's the decision.
Johannes smiled brightly and raised his wineglass, trying to dispel the oppressive atmosphere.
- If Rene is determined, then we should prepare properly. After all, the Royal Palace organizes the Trial every year, and this is the first time the Moon Season Trial will be held in Crozier Territory.
- Then whom will the Royal Palace send? Catrina asked.
- An imperial aide representing the Emperor, the Royal Palace's Enforcement Council, and His Highness Thomas will attend in person as supervisors.
Before Johannes had even finished speaking, Franziska's hand beneath the table trembled slightly.
She immediately gripped the hem of her skirt to hide it.
Thomas was coming.
Not in her memories. Not through a gift or a few lines of writing in a letter.
He would truly appear before her.
At that moment, a servant entered to clear away the dishes. As she passed Franziska, whether accidentally or deliberately, the servant suddenly struck her shoulder hard enough to knock the spoon from her hand.
The metallic sound of it hitting the stone floor rang out harshly.
- I'm sorry, miss, the servant said, though there was not a trace of sincerity in her voice. - I wasn't paying attention.
Franziska did not answer. As always, she simply bent down in silence to pick up the spoon, ignoring the maid's insolence.
But this time, Rebecca immediately looked over.
- Leave it.
The servant froze.
Rebecca did not look at her, merely saying coldly:
- My people do not need to pick up things others have dropped themselves.
The room fell silent for a moment.
The servant's face went pale. She hurriedly bent down to pick up the spoon, then withdrew.
Franziska raised her head and looked at Rebecca.
- Thank you, Lady Rebecca.
- Don't misunderstand, Rebecca replied, her eyes still fixed on the door. - I don't want you injuring your hand before the examination.
The words were cold and nearly emotionless, but Franziska still smiled faintly.
- Yes.
Even the smallest scrap of kindness was enough to make her this happy.
Franziska rarely smiled. It was not the polite smile commonly seen on noble ladies, but a genuine one.
She was naturally beautiful, possessing a pure, delicate, ethereal beauty like moonlight. She also radiated the gentle aura characteristic of herbivorous beastfolk, making it easy for her to attract other people's attention.
That smile unintentionally caused the wineglass in Johannes's hand to linger by his lips longer than usual. Even Rebecca's frost-cold expression briefly showed a hint of awkwardness.
The Duke paid little attention. He merely gave his son an indifferent glance before continuing his meal. Even Lady Catrina only spared Franziska a brief look, then returned to caring for Rebecca as she ate.
And so dinner passed, and could even be considered warm and peaceful.