Chapter 7. On the altar of the temple mage, lay a person. ...

Cassandra raised an eyebrow: "How do you, a prince, know so much about magic?"

Lucas frowned, and for a cat, his expression was kind of cute: "Sorry, this has nothing to do with you."

However, understanding doesn't guarantee she can remain calm at this moment. These two are definitely babies; only they would waste their time here.

“If we don’t leave now, my adoptive father might be driven mad by black magic! He may be insignificant to you, but he is my only family.” She said sharply, “Stop nagging and get going.”

Cassandra was ashamed of missing out on a lot of demon-hunting missions, so instead of following them, she went to the Demon Hunter Guild to "atone for her sins."

“A few years ago, the monsters weren’t so rampant,” she said sadly. “Something must have stirred them up recently… all sorts of demons and monsters seem to be stirring, excited about the arrival of something. Of course, I’ll find Princess Elaine later and help her hunt down the dark wizard.”

Unfortunately, after Ashlin's magic nearly turned the tavern into a primeval grove, the horses in the tavern's stables were all frightened away and disappeared, forcing them to set off on foot towards Windwhisper Plains.

"As a witch, don't you have a broom or a flying carpet?" Lucas complained after walking all morning. "My claws are almost blistered."

“The flying carpet is Eastern magic,” Ashlin explained. “And my broom… uh… I broke it while riding it.”

"Riding through" is the most euphemistic way to put it.

In fact, when Ashlin first attempted to fly, her poor broom was blown to smithereens. From then on, Sanova forbade her from touching any magical broom.

The cat sighed.

"I'm not surprised at all."

Ashlin tried to keep a calm mind as she traveled, but her thoughts were in turmoil. The main reason was her anxiety about Sanova's fate.

Although adopted, Sanova always treated her as his own. When he was away, he never hesitated to write her letters, sometimes nearly ten pages long on parchment, with messy and dense handwriting. Ashlin simply didn't have the patience to read them word by word.

Sanova had no flaws. If one had to nitpick, it would probably be his terrible cooking. Ashlyn never said it aloud, but when those burnt bread or rotten meat soups were served, the father and daughter knew perfectly well that neither dared to eat a single bite. Therefore, they often went to the village to mooch meals from Mia Collins' family.

Looking back now, it does seem a bit perfunctory. He was actually more concerned with his experimental formulas than with Ashlin's magic.

Sometimes, Ashlind wondered if she had ever received any proper magical education. But for a little orphan picked up from the forest, this kind of life was already happy enough.

Ashlyn couldn't imagine what she would do if something happened to Sanova.

Another reason is Lucas.

Ashlin glanced at the black cat following behind. At first, she really did only see Lucas as an annoying little cat, and it was hard to imagine that he was actually a prince of similar age to her.

When he could transform into human form, he treated her remarkably well, like a prince from a fairy tale or a legend, which made her feel even more guilty. She didn't want to be the villain in a fairy tale, cursing a perfect prince into a snarling cat.

True witches never shy away from their innermost thoughts, Ashlin recalled Sanova's words. The mind is the most important source of magic; she must first deal with her own inner thoughts.

“Lucas…Your Highness,” she said, feeling a little awkward as she spoke, but she still forced herself to say it, “Do you hate me?”

Lucas's expression was as if she were asking him if he would be willing to be a servant.

“‘Hate’ is such a strong word. To be honest, I’ve never hated anyone in my life,” he said. “At most, I just dislike you a little.”

"Haha, thank you for your honesty." Ashlin breathed a sigh of relief, the gloom in her heart quickly dissipating. "Me too."

Lucas seemed slightly surprised by her bluntness: "You mean, you hate princes?"

“Yes. Oh, no. No.” She then realized what she had said. “I have the utmost respect for you, Your Highness. It’s just, well… when you are a cat, like now, there’s a little…”

"...Annoying."

Even with a cat, Lucas looked quite shocked.

"According to the law, this statement alone is enough to warrant your imprisonment."

Ashlin wasn't too afraid of being tied up and having vegetables thrown at her; at least it was more interesting than spending a night in a dungeon.

"There's no need to be in such a hurry to punish me. At least wait until we find Mr. Bailey."

“I wish I had your positive attitude.” The black cat sighed. “But why did you ask that just now? I thought I had already apologized, and those bad things I said about the witch in the tavern were obviously made up.”

He paused, then cautiously added, "What you said..."

“It wasn’t entirely true,” Ashlin said. “Well, partly. You did use most of the resources.”

“I understand,” Lucas nodded. “You saved my life a second time just now, and I haven’t even had a chance to thank you yet. You’re not still feeling guilty about this curse or anything, are you?”

Ashlin shook her head guiltily.

“Right now, you only need to worry about three things,” Lucas muttered. “First, the missing Mr. Bailey; second, your chaotic magic; and third, my blistered feet. By the way, why doesn’t anyone make shoes for cats?”

He fell into deep thought, as if he was beginning to seriously consider the cat shoe industry.

Ashlin then grasped the key point: "Wait, what did you say happened to my magic?"

"Uh... he taught me healing and herbs? After all, he himself is known for his healing."

“My God, healing. A great teacher produces a great student.” Lucas quipped, “From now on, when you encounter your enemies, you’ll only need to heal them.”

Ashlin felt a surge of annoyance. "You don't have to be so harsh."

"Wait until you're turned into a dog before you say that."

There's no point in talking to this kind of cat. "What's wrong with being a dog?"

“I’ll speak with Mr. Bailey once I find him,” Lucas said, his tone softening slightly. “You’re no ordinary witch. I think I have a hunch, but I’m not sure yet… Anyway, I’ll suggest he improve his teaching methods, develop a more systematic approach, or find you a more suitable teacher. There’s a court mage I know, Manette, who has a high reputation in Helian; perhaps she can help you.”

Ashlin wanted to continue arguing with him, but...

In her heart, Sanova was the most powerful mage on the entire continent of Dias, but he disliked the royal city and thus lived in the remote territory of Foxtail River Bay, refusing the position of court mage. He had served in the court for a time, but ultimately chose the river bay.

Future plans? Studying at the palace? That was a world away from her.

Perhaps the normal thing to do would be for her to kneel down and express her gratitude to the prince. But doing so to a cat isn't quite normal either.

“I just feel that such talent shouldn’t be wasted… much less abused. You didn’t like feeling exhausted last night either, did you?”

Ashlin trembled all over.

“I’ve never felt that way before.”

It was as if someone had drained all her blood and thrown her back and forth on a rock dozens of times.

"This kind of magic consumes life force. If you don't control your magic properly, that will be one of your fates."

The Whispering Plains are located west of Helian City, and walking there would take forever. Lucas had tried to plan the simplest route for them, but it was still exhausting.

Fortunately, the absurd idea of ​​walking to Windwhisper Plains didn't last long.

The next day, a milkman at a roadside inn offered them a ride.

Ashlyn sat with the jingling milk bottles, while Lucas reluctantly leaned on her shoulder, constantly complaining about how uncomfortable it was.

But after Ashlin secretly opened a bottle of milk for him, he had nothing to complain about.

Once you sit down, the long, arduous road outside is no longer a torturous ordeal, but a beautiful and pleasant landscape.

An endless expanse of yellowish-green blends into the azure sky. A few cows and sheep graze peacefully on the roadside meadow. The lawn stretches out like a blanket, dotted with daisies and dandelions that drift in the breeze.

The fresh scents of nature and the birdsong of early autumn soothed Ashlin's mind and magic, and the fatigue from the two days of magical outbursts finally drifted away with the wind.

Ashlinn thought to herself, "She's definitely not suited to stay in the capital or any of those taverns. Growing up in the forests of Foxtail Bend, she was destined to live in harmony with nature."

The only downside to Foxtail Bend was that she knew every ash tree, every wildflower, every squirrel, and every child her age. Familiarity brought her peace, yet also restlessness.

In the midst of her excitement and haste, she grabbed the wrong notebook.

Blue-roofed villages gradually appeared on the green carpet of the plain. As the sun set, the edges of the tree leaves shimmered with gold, and the grass swayed like golden flames. In the distance, wisps of smoke rose from chimneys.

"We've arrived at White Bird Village in Wind Whisper Plains," the coachman said.

Ashlin gave him a few gold coins as a token of her gratitude, then jumped off the car with Lucas in her arms.

"Who gave you permission to hug me? I can get down myself," the black cat said angrily.

“The Celesti Altar is in the temple north of Whitebird Village,” Ashlin said, looking at the map. “Come on.”

The air was filled with the alluring scent of fresh grass, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from the village houses. Ashlin took a deep breath, almost swallowing a bee whole.

Shiratori Village was not significantly different from the other villages they had seen on the road, but it was decorated with bird patterns everywhere, outlined in milky white.

To the north of the village lies a small grove of trees, where the Temple of Celesti is quietly hidden. Compared to the temple of Heliana, the sun goddess of Helian City, it is small and neglected.

The chamomile in front of the archway swayed gently, the marble steps were covered with moss, and the silver pillar was broken and dilapidated, with the broken parts entwined by green vines, as if being healed by them.

The temple was cool and quiet, with cobwebs covering the corners. A few ladybugs crawled over Celeste's dust-covered statues without any respect.

Ashlin couldn't help but feel sorry for the moon goddess, even though she herself loved the sun god more.

She stepped onto the altar steps in front of the statue, but Lucas grabbed her skirt.

"What's wrong?"

He sniffed, "Can't you smell it? It smells very strong, like blood."

There was indeed a faint smell of blood emanating from somewhere, but Ashley could only detect it. Her mind was immediately filled with Sanova, and ignoring Lucas's warnings, she rushed up the steps.

On the altar, a person lay.

"Sanova!" Ashlin rushed forward, nearly tripping over herself.

The archmage's face was pale, his eyes tightly closed, and it was impossible to tell whether he was alive or dead. His gray robes were stained with mud and blood. Ashlin pressed her ear against his chest, and only after feeling his heartbeat did she breathe a sigh of relief.

She shook his head and shouted into his ear, but he didn't wake up.

“Ashlin.” Lucas used his claws to flip open the archmage’s left hand, revealing a deep scar on her palm.

Ashlin suddenly realized.

"It must have been that believer. He wanted to offer Sanova's blood as a sacrifice to the moon goddess, didn't he?"

Lucas examined the dagger closely.

Indeed, divine-blooded mages are different from ordinary wizards; they can cast more advanced spells. But Ashlin didn't care about that.

Without delay, she took out her green fluorite staff and aimed it at the archmage.

Ashlin couldn't wait any longer and, without thinking, loudly recited the healing spell.

This time, she didn't mispronounce a single word.

The magic didn't go wrong as Lucas had feared.

After the green light faded, the archmage actually opened his brown eyes. He sat up, panting heavily, looking utterly bewildered.

Ashlin rubbed her eyes, afraid she was seeing things. Her second attempt at healing magic had yielded such good results, it was like a miracle, going too smoothly.

Lucas stared at them suspiciously from the side, without moving closer.

“You are…” Sanova’s gaze slowly focused, “Ashlin?”

Ashlin nestled into his arms, inhaling the familiar lavender scent on her adoptive father's clothes.

"I thought you were dead!" Tears welled in her eyes, and a barrage of questions rained down on her. "What happened? How did you end up unconscious here? Was it done by that follower of Cynthia? I cursed the prince into a black cat, can you break the curse?"

Sanova seemed to only then notice the blue-eyed black cat at Ashlin's feet, raising her eyebrows in surprise and her eyes darting around, lost in thought.

"So, this is His Highness the Prince?"

A smile appeared on the mage's lips, probably amused by Ashlin's careless behavior.

Lucas meowed a few times, clearly annoyed.

“I will explain everything,” Sanova promised Ashlin.

“I would prefer to hear your explanation in human form,” Lucas said, displeased. “Of course, you need to rest first.”

“No need to rest, I’m fine.” Sanova raised his hand, it seemed he had also learned cat language. “I’ll help right away.”

Of course, he wasn't as good as he claimed; he stumbled as soon as he stood up.

Ashlin quickly helped her adoptive father up and handed him a bottle of milk from the carriage. He didn't drink it.

Sanova crouched down in front of the black cat, closed her eyes, examined it with magic, and then chanted a spell.

Ashlin watched expectantly as a gray magical light enveloped Lucas, like a layer of smoke.

As the gray mist dissipated, what stood before her was no longer a black cat, but a tall, thin, black-haired boy.

Ashlin had long heard from those who had been to the city how beautiful Princess Elaine was and how handsome Prince Lucas was, just like the protagonists in those fairy tales.

However, when she first met the prince, he was so weak that he didn't look human; the second time, he had just transformed from a cat into a human, and although he looked a bit disheveled, he was very polite, which was completely unlike the cat he had been with, making her feel a little uncomfortable.

In Dias, where the sun god is widely worshipped, the prevailing aesthetic is a strong, blond-haired, blue-eyed, and muscular appearance. Lucas, however, is completely different from this type: he is not a warrior, but a scholar.

Unfortunately, Ashleigh neither cared about other people's appearances nor could she understand the nonsense the prince spouted when he was a cat. Even if he looked like a god (though not quite to that extent), he was still a nobleman with little connection to her except for the curse.

"You succeeded?" Ashlin asked excitedly.

To her surprise, Sanova shook her head.

"I'm sorry, I didn't do it. Your Highness only turned back into human form because the sun had just set."

Ashlin felt like she'd been hit over the head.

“Great, thank you for trying,” Lucas muttered.

"This is a very complex mistake... I am only skilled in healing, not a professional spellbreaker. But I suspect that even a spellbreaker would be unable to break such a spell," the archmage said regretfully. "Fortunately, I know of a way. Even more fortunately, this method is right before my eyes."

“However, Ashlin… although I didn’t want you to get involved in all this, it seems that fate has already been written in the stars. This method requires your help.”

“I can do anything,” Ashlin said hastily.

“I cannot lift the curse,” the archmage said softly, “but perhaps your blood can.”

Ashlin was stunned.

“Excuse me, what did you say?” Lucas frowned.

“Please forgive my bluntness, Your Highness,” Sanova said, turning to Ashlin. “I’m afraid my daughter will understand me better.”

"Hmm...no. I don't understand."

"Haven't you heard the legend, Ashlin? Donating blood under the moonlight..."

“Celeste will give amazing revelations.” Ashlin nodded. “I know.”

"However, this is only the most superficial legend. During the time I was out hunting down Cynthia's followers, I searched through ancient books and finally understood a truth."

Sanova slowly rose and gracefully descended from the altar.

"The revelation that Celesti will give is a spell that can lift all curses in the world."

A note from the author: