After the riddle in Chapter 9, I was worried about you yourself.

Sanova looked at her with interest: "Hmm?"

“South, flight, fire. If I remember correctly, there’s a Dragon’s Breath Mountain in the south, where a giant dragon lives, right? And what other creatures can fly and burn?” Ashlin recalled magical creatures from various picture books. “And those three triangles, clearly patterns of fire.”

“That makes sense. We just need to get the dragonfire first, and then seal it away with a spell,” Lucas said.

Sanova pondered, "This is not simple... Dragons were driven out of the country by the dragon warriors precisely because of their ferocity. Who knows how difficult it is to approach the dragon that is still on the border of Dias."

Ashlin didn't think she could get the dragonfire from Dragonbreath Mountain; it was simply beyond her capabilities.

But what other choice did she have? She had already come this far.

This is her responsibility.

He seemed to suddenly realize that he was in the Temple of Celesti, and he stopped talking.

Ashlin rolled her eyes. What an ungrateful bastard.

“Plum blossoms should refer to the broad category of flowers, not necessarily actual plum blossoms,” Sanova pondered. “There aren’t many magical ruins in the north. If you ask me, perhaps it’s the dwarven mining city.”

“How about the Orc Forest?” Ashlin suggested. “I once heard a story about a couple living in the North who discovered their child had wings. They thought the child was an angel, a gift from the sun god, but it turned out to be an orc who had been switched at birth. Orc tribes are all in the north, and they are close to the earth, so they are likely related to earth elementals.”

“That makes sense,” Lucas said immediately. “Isn’t there a legend about orcs’ wreaths?”

“Ah, I think that’s what happened,” Sanova said, but Ashley thought he didn’t really remember. He was always a teacher who liked to give vague answers.

“It is said that the priests of the orc tribes can create wreaths with powerful magic, which are priceless but extremely rare. As you know, they are a race that loves competitions, tournaments, and trials, and orcs who want to obtain a wreath must pass a series of trials.” Lucas, probably noticing Sanova’s eagerness, patiently explained, “Orcs who wear the wreath gain greater power. However, the trials are, of course, very difficult to pass. My history teacher said that every year countless orcs, and even other races, voluntarily participate in the trials, but only a very few actually obtain the wreath.”

"Then the circle represents a wreath," Ashlin suddenly realized.

“Exactly.” Lucas looked at the riddle again. “The East… I think that must refer to the Valley of the Elves.”

Ashlin almost cried out in excitement.

"You mean Ilovia?"

She glanced at Sanova sheepishly, expecting to meet his gaze, but to her surprise, he didn't react at all.

When she was a child, Ashlin was obsessed with the legends of elves for a period of time, and kept pestering Sanova to tell her the story of the Elf Valley.

"Iloviania" means "House of the Oak Trees" and is the largest elven territory on the entire continent, located at the easternmost edge of the land. Elves are a mysterious, beautiful, wise, and knowledgeable race, making them hard not to yearn for.

Her favorite story to listen to was that of Aidan, the legendary musician from Ilovia.

The book says that Aidan's notes were painted with starlight-studded spells, bewitching hearts and bewitching monsters. He once held his harp and gently plucked a string of strings, lulling the three-headed dog to sleep and protecting its home.

If the spell is indeed related to elves and music, then she might very well be able to see her idol in person... if he is still alive.

It is said that elves are immortal, but those who actually associate with elves are fewer than mosquitoes in winter.

Lucas said, "Long Song, we probably need to find some kind of musical score from the elves..."

Ashlin raised her hand: "What does that vertical line mean? And the sheet music doesn't sound like it has anything to do with the element of wind."

“Music itself is a spiritual communication, which aligns with the characteristics of the wind… but the vertical lines?” Lucas shook his head.

Generally, the simpler the symbol, the less information it contains.

“Okay, let’s look at the last item, the Western…tears? As far as I know, there are no magical ruins in the West. The Imperial City and most of the human lords’ lands are in the West,” Lucas said.

They stared at the altar, deep in thought for a while, but no one offered any valuable conjecture.

Most of the western lands belonged to Dias and were unremarkable.

Could there be magical "tears" that can break a curse, hidden in a city of ordinary humans?

“Why don’t we set off to find the specific item first?” Ashlin suggested. “The journey might give us more inspiration. We need to hurry, before the King and Queen find out.”

Lucas said, "These items certainly weren't randomly chosen by Celesti. The more we know about the moon goddess, the higher the probability of finding them."

Ashlin immediately objected: "But you just escaped from the clutches of a black wizard's followers! No, the curse was my fault, and I alone can bear the consequences."

“And me,” Lucas said gently. “I suppose you wouldn’t want to be left without anyone to talk to, Miss Bailey?”

Lucas chuckled to himself.

"What could be worse than turning into a cat during the day? Since I can't study in the palace in cat form anyway, I might as well accompany you for a while."

Sanova opened her mouth as if she wanted to persuade them, but ultimately gave up.

“Alright,” the archmage said, “but before you leave, Ashlin… I’d like to speak with you alone.”

The woods were eerily quiet at night, save for the low hooting of owls. Ashlin would have been terrified if Sanova hadn't been there with her.

"You want to talk about my magic, don't you?" Ashlin spoke before Sanova could.

“That’s right. For the past ten years or so, I haven’t really taught you how to use this power, simply because I was cowardly and hesitant, afraid of taking risks.” The night was too deep for Ashlinn to see Sanova’s expression. “Now, it’s time.”

"Can you teach me how to control it?"

Sanova chuckled softly.

“Control? No, Ashlin, you’re going in the wrong direction. Haven’t I told you the story of the forest goddess Sylvina?”

"You don't. Every time I ask you, you're doing experiments."

Sanova began to speak:

"One day, Sylvina finally reached her breaking point and unleashed a terrible wild power, causing trees to invade human homes, taking away their homes and food; causing forests to seize human children, destroying their carefree laughter and dreams. Humanity finally felt a sense of awe."

"From then on, humankind demolished the stone walls and erected an altar under the shade of ancient oak trees, venerating Silvina as the eternal Mother of Nature."

Ashlin listened intently, word for word, as if she had returned to her childhood. She loved listening to Sanova tell stories, but he was often too lazy to say a word.

Now he's using words, but this story isn't exactly interesting.

"So, you mean I should let magic erupt freely?" Ashlin asked uncertainly.

“The forest is wild; you can’t control its nature,” Sanova said. “The more you try to control it, the more restless it becomes.”

"Magic originates from the heart, from your connection with nature. Feel, don't think, and you can truly unleash your potential."

Feel, don't think...

Even as Ashlin lay in bed at the White Bird Village Inn, those words still echoed in her mind.

When Ashlin woke up, Sanova had already left, leaving a note saying he would continue to hunt down Knox.

Despite Ashlyn's insistence that it was strange for a cat to be on a horse, Lucas refused to ride with her, arguing that what if he turned into a human if they had to travel at night?

“I hope we’ll have apple stewed chicken where we’re staying tonight,” Lucas said wistfully. “I’ve had enough of dry bread and leftovers for the past two days.”

Ashlinn didn't speak; she was still thinking about "feelings."

But she shouldn't think about it, because that's thinking; she should feel it.

But how do you feel about it?

Normally, she might be able to sense it, but Sanova's words left her at a loss.

Lucas started nagging.

"You're so quiet today, it's really unsettling. Have you been cursed too?"

Seeing that Ashlinn didn't agree, he changed direction and started playing with the swaying cream on the horse's tail. A few minutes later, he was attracted by the reins again and idly hooked them with his paws.

“Prince Lucas, what do you think feelings are?” Ashlin suddenly asked.

"I think the feeling is my current impatience with these idiotic questions."

“No, I’m serious.” Ashlin told him what Sanova had said. “That’s what he said. But it’s the complete opposite of what you suggested earlier about training me in magic.”

Lucas put down the reins.

"I can't get plants to grow right now. Is it because I can't feel anything right now?"

“Maybe,” Lucas said. “Do I need to yell at you? People say anger is the source of power.”

Ashlin looked at him speechlessly.

"Don't look at me like that. You were so angry at the tavern that you took down all those people with your vines."

"Yes, if something happens to me when I'm found out I'm with you, you'll be in big trouble too."

Ashlinn didn't react for a moment.

"What? No, I'm worried about you personally. It has nothing to do with the royal family or being burned at the stake."

The black cat tilted its head, looking just as confused as Ashlin.

Why are you worried about me?

Ashlin rolled her eyes.

"Are you deliberately trying to provoke me? I'm starting to feel that now, thanks."

“What I mean is, we’ve only known each other for a few days, we’re practically strangers,” Lucas explained. “If it weren’t for my status as a prince, you wouldn’t have anything to worry about.”

"What does this have to do with your identity? Even if you were a servant, and I didn't feel responsible for you because of my curse, and you were kidnapped by a group of terrifyingly strong patrons, I would still help you! Or rather, not just me, any normal person would do the same."

Lucas remained silent for a long time.

He completely missed the point!

Okay, actually we're back on track.

Ashlin stopped her horse and stared intently at an innocent dandelion by the roadside.

It was small and fluffy, its white fluff flying away with a gentle breeze. But Ashlin decided not to blow it with her mouth.

The annoyance of being misunderstood by Lucas flooded her mind. She didn't want people to think she would be treated specially because of the other person's status; it made her feel slighted and misunderstood.

However, this annoyance quickly dissipated like the wind.

She knew why Lucas thought that way; if she herself were in a high position of power, she might also doubt whether others' sincerity was coerced for the sake of the street.

In an instant, dandelions scattered and flew everywhere, like a mini snowfall.

Lucas exclaimed with delight, "Wow, you've finally figured it out!"

He nearly fell off his horse while trying to catch Little White Floss. To cover up the fact, he straightened up and nonchalantly licked his paws.

Ashlin looked at him with amusement.

He just wanted to play with dandelions, right?

“Hey, about what I said before… it’s not true. At least it’s no longer true,” Lucas said after a moment.

"What did you say?"

"Tell me you hate me."

“Oh.” Ashlinn hadn’t really taken it to heart; there were plenty of people in the village who hated witches. “It’s alright. I didn’t like you that much at first either.”

“I thought you were just a troublemaker, but you’ve saved me twice. You’re much better than I initially thought,” Lucas said. “That’s…pretty good.”

Ashlin suspected that "not bad" was the highest praise in Lucas's cat's mouth.

"Thank you?" she grinned.

"But not disliking doesn't mean liking."

Ashlin raised an eyebrow, offering no comment, and continued to smile. A dandelion fluffy seed slipped into her nose, causing her to sneeze.

“We should discuss a strategy for obtaining dragonfire,” Lucas said. “Most importantly, we need to learn dragon language and dragon taming magic.”

“There will be books at Dragon's Breath Mountain,” Lucas said confidently. “During the war, dragon warriors and some dragon scholars set up camp at Dragon's Breath Mountain. Their camp was very sturdy and may contain many ancient books. That’s actually one of the reasons I’m determined to come with you! Many scholars want to come to Dragon's Breath Mountain to find these ancient books, but they are deterred by their lack of courage as dragon warriors.”

"With the ancient texts, we might be able to tame the dragon and make it breathe fire at the perfect moment. Of course, we can't be as skilled as the dragon warriors, but this is one method."

"Another way is to provoke it directly and make it breathe fire at the torch with the incantation, but that's risky. So I recommend that we tame it like dragon warriors do. Communicate with it first, and then use magic to subdue it."

Ashlin couldn't agree more.

They passed through several small villages, rested briefly, and then quickly continued their journey. Lucas was very anxious, fearing that they wouldn't reach Dragontooth Village at the foot of Dragon's Breath Mountain by nightfall and would have to sleep on the ground with tree roots as pillows.

Fortunately, Ashlind put magical reins on the ponies, which increased their speed without making them too tired.

However, His Highness's greatest nightmare has come true.

"There are no rooms available," the innkeeper in Longya Village shrugged. "If you really can't find a place to sleep, go ask Charlotte, the farmer to the east."

“We’re not going to sleep in the stable, are we?” Lucas said in alarm. “I just finished licking my fur.”

Charlotte's farm is small and looks newly built, as if it had been resurrected from the war with the dragons.

Lush vines embraced the mottled stone bricks of the farmhouse, the fence was neatly trimmed, and the small wooden door and glass window were left wide open, decorated with wind chimes made of animal teeth and feathers.

A tall woman in a red dress and straw hat is hoeing the ground, while a little girl next to her is playing with a doll with button eyes.

Hearing footsteps, the woman slightly raised her head, revealing a sun-tanned, wheat-colored face, but she looked haggard. Her hair was white, and her eyes were lined with wrinkles.

"Who goes there?" She looked them over warily, immediately noticing Ashlin's hood, staff, and black cat.

Before Ashlin could even begin her opening remarks, the woman raised her hoe, shielding the child behind her.

The little girl curiously peeked out and waved at Ashlin with her doll. Ashlin smiled in a friendly manner, but froze immediately upon seeing the woman's expression.

"Get out of this land, witch," the woman said fiercely.

“You’ve misunderstood.” Ashlin raised her hands. “I meant no harm, we were just… um…”

She suddenly felt a little embarrassed to continue. These people already disliked wizards, and they wanted to stay overnight?

"You dare to make up excuses?!" The woman suddenly jabbed forward.

Ashlin was startled when green shoots suddenly sprouted from the handle of the hoe.

The woman screamed and dropped the hoe.

"My sister can use magic!" The little girl exclaimed excitedly, her eyes wide.

She stammered as she pulled out her purse, the money the king had given her for her medical treatment. In her haste, she scattered gold coins all over the floor.

"I'm sorry!" Ashlin said again, her cheeks burning.

The woman squinted her eyes.

“I am Charlotte, and this is my daughter Lucy. You can sleep comfortably in the barn if you don’t mind the mice,” she said. “But let me make this clear: I don’t like wizards.”

"Oh my god, thank you so much! I'm Ashlin. Um... how much do I need to pay?"

“No need to pay,” Charlotte said. “But what’s a girl and a cat going to Dragon’s Breath? That dragon is horrific; it raids villages all the time. Who knows what it might do to you?”

Lucas gave Ashlin a warning look. She knew she was doomed if she revealed that the cat was actually a prince.

"It's a long story," Ashlin said with an apologetic smile.

Charlotte scrutinized them.

"Then you can come inside and talk."

The room was bright and airy, filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. A red-hot iron pot bubbled on the stove, wooden spoons and copper cutlery gleamed on the wall, and white porcelain bowls were filled with ruby-red strawberries.

Ashlin relaxed the moment he stepped barefoot onto the clean, warm oak floor. Lucas, however, remained very cautious, sniffing the floor for a long time before sitting down.

Many oil paintings, mostly portraits, hang on the wall. The most prominent one is a family portrait of four people.

The woman in the painting and the little girl holding the doll are clearly Charlotte and Lucy.

There was also a robust middle-aged man and a young, strong boy who looked remarkably alike.

"Have your husband and son gone out?" Ashlin asked curiously.

Charlotte glared at her, and Ashley immediately realized she had said the wrong thing again.

"No offense intended," she said softly.

“It’s alright,” Charlotte sighed, handing Ashlin a cup of chrysanthemum tea. “My husband was a dragon warrior who died many years ago in the war against the dragons.”

The man in the oil painting smiles tenderly at Charlotte, his brown eyes filled with affection.

"God, I'm so sorry. He must have been a great man."

"Yes. His death also contributed to the peace between dragons and humans. After that battle, all the dragons left Dias, except for one. She is still in Dragonbreath Mountain."

"And your son..."

Charlotte pursed her lips tightly.

"My brother went out to play and disappeared!" Lucy said. "My brother was kidnapped by bad guys."

"Bad guy?"

"That's none of your business," Charlotte said coldly. "Let's get back to the point. Dragonbreath Mountain isn't just inhabited by dragons; in recent years, even witchers and knights haven't dared to set foot there... Why do you want to go to Dragonbreath Mountain?"

“Because my cat is actually a person, and is… well, cursed, that’s why it’s like this,” Ashlin explained. “Going to Dragon’s Breath Mountain can help lift the curse.”

Lucy suddenly lunged at Lucas.

"This cat understands us?" She held the plush toy up to Lucas's nose. "Hi, I'm Lucy, and this is Lina. Say hello, Lina!"

She had the doll Lina pat Lucas's beard.

Lucas's beard twitched as he used his paws to "shake hands" with Lucy and Lina respectively.

"Hello, Lucy and Lina," Lucas said helplessly, which only elicited a meow from Lucy and Charlotte.

Charlotte's eyes lit up.

"Hmm, this cat can understand human speech and has human intelligence? Then I'll change my mind." She didn't laugh, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice. "Living here isn't free; there's a condition."

“It’s not you.” Charlotte turned to Lucas, who was still intently watching the birds outside the window, completely unaware of the impending danger.

"If this kitten can catch that damn mouse for me, you can stay for the night. Deal?"

A note from the author:

This chapter is longer than the previous one after revisions.