Published: September 6, 2025
I instinctively started running. Although my perspective shifted as if I were standing in front of Ferdinand, even when I stretched out my hand, it didn’t appear in my view—I couldn’t touch either Ferdinand or Leticia. It felt like I was watching a movie. No matter how much I called out, neither of them seemed to hear me, and there was no reaction at all, as if I didn’t exist.
Ferdinand took something out from the medicine pouch at his waist and shoved it into his mouth. Then he removed a small metal basket containing the Offering Stones. His hands were trembling, and sweat was pouring down his forehead.
“Take this to Justox… tell him to… hurry…”
Leticia received the basket with a pale face and quickly ran off. I assumed she left through the supply room. She disappeared from my sight.
The moment Leticia vanished, Ferdinand collapsed heavily to the ground. He couldn’t even sit up; he remained lying there without trying to get up.
…Lord Ferdinand!
I wanted to heal him, to get him medicine, but there was nothing I could do now. He probably didn’t realize I was watching. Ferdinand twisted his face in pain.
“Ugh…”
Groaning, he clutched his chest and grasped his clothes. Looking closely, the area over his chest was faintly glowing with a rainbow hue, enveloping his entire body.
…My amulet!?
It wasn’t visible since it was under his clothes, but I could sense—intuitively rather than logically—that the mana faintly surrounding Ferdinand was mine.
His entire body was bathed in a gentle rainbow light, as if the amulet was holding his life thread.
…Someone, anyone, please help Lord Ferdinand quickly!
All I could do was watch. I couldn’t reach out. The helplessness was unbearable.
“Huff… huff…”
Ferdinand kept clutching his chest, breathing shallow and brief. Then footsteps echoed. At that moment, he startled reflexively, still holding his chest, and managed to sit up. His breathing was heavy, and he didn’t even have the energy to brush the sweat-soaked hair off his forehead.
Worried about Ferdinand, I turned around and saw Dietlinde approaching, wrapped in a silver cloak that trailed behind her, her shoes clicking softly as she walked leisurely. Despite Ferdinand’s clearly desperate state, she acted as if she didn’t even notice him. At least, she didn’t appear concerned.
…Why?
I felt a terrible premonition about Dietlinde, who showed no surprise or panic. It wasn’t just a feeling—it was a strange certainty that Dietlinde had harmed Ferdinand.
…Don’t come near. Stay away from Lord Ferdinand!
I tried to block Dietlinde by standing before her to protect Ferdinand, but it was useless. She passed right through me without even bumping into me. It made me realize I wasn’t really there.
“How strange. Leoncio said it was a poison that causes instant death and turns the victim into a mana stone, yet he’s still alive… In that case, I can’t carry him out.”
Dietlinde frowned as she looked at Ferdinand, who was now seated on the floor. Her deep green eyes were full of disdain.
…What did she just say?
“Did he really receive Leticia’s poison? He seems weakened, so maybe it wasn’t a direct hit? Or perhaps he took an antidote beforehand? Leticia was supposed to poison Ferdinand, and I was meant to discover him as a mana stone, but things aren’t going according to plan. What should I do?”
Dietlinde placed her hand on her cheek and tilted her head with a graceful smile, as if troubled by how well Leticia had done her part.
“I promised Leoncio that the mana stone of Lanzenave would be returned to Lanzenave…”
The mention of Lanzenave’s mana stone sent a shiver down my spine. It was a clear declaration that Dietlinde did not recognize Ferdinand as a human being. And I realized Leoncio was someone from Lanzenave.
“Hey, Lord Ferdinand. You were supposed to become a mana stone and be returned to Lanzenave before the baptism ceremony, weren’t you? Wasn’t it called the Adalgeesa Fruit? I suppose your mother only sees your value as a mana stone, too?”