Chapter 9
Shin sits beside Historia's bed.
For a while, neither of them speaks. The quiet glow of magic circles fills the room, their soft hum the only sound between them.
"…Historia," Shin finally says.
She turns her head slightly, meeting his gaze.
"Yes?"
He hesitates, then asks quietly,
"Do you know what caused your illness?"
Historia is silent for a moment.
Then she nods.
"…I think so."
Shin straightens.
"What is it?"
She exhales slowly.
"It's most likely a curse," she says. "A very powerful one."
Shin's fingers tighten.
"A curse…"
"It didn't appear suddenly," Historia continues. "It grew over time. That's why the healers couldn't find a cause."
Shin lowers his head.
"…Then I'll remove it."
Historia looks at him in surprise.
"Shin"
"I don't care how strong it is," he says firmly. "I'll give everything to heal you. Power. Knowledge. Anything it takes."
Her eyes soften.
"You always say things like that," she whispers, smiling faintly.
"But… thank you. For coming. For caring."
Before Shin can answer, the door opens.
A maid enters quietly and bows.
"My apologies, Sir Shin. Visiting hours are over."
Shin stands slowly.
"I'll come back," he says.
Historia nods.
"I'll be waiting."
Shin returns to the main hall.
The celebration is still ongoing, but the laughter feels distant. Ray notices him immediately.
"You talked to her," Ray says.
Shin nods.
"She thinks it's a curse."
Ray exhales.
"A strong one, I assume."
Shin doesn't answer.
They leave the palace soon after and find a quiet inn in the capital. That night, exhaustion finally overtakes them.
The next morning, Shin and Ray explore the capital.
The city is vast and alive. Merchants shout their prices. Adventurers gather in taverns. Nobles ride past without a glance at the common folk.
Ray crosses his arms.
"Different faces. Same system."
Shin watches soldiers patrol the streets, while beggars linger in the shadows.
"Peace on the surface," he mutters. "Rot underneath."
As the sun begins to set, they stop on a high terrace overlooking the city.
Ray breaks the silence.
"I heard something today. The king plans to announce a treaty at the end of the celebration."
Shin turns to him.
"A treaty?"
Ray nods.
"If it succeeds, it could prevent a large-scale war."
"And if it fails?"
Ray meets his eyes.
"Then this kingdom won't be the only one that suffers."
Shin looks toward the palace.
Toward the room where Historia lies.
A curse strong enough to kill her would require forbidden knowledge to break. Ancient magic. Dangerous actions.
Actions that could disrupt negotiations. Destabilize nations.
Ray's voice is low.
"If you chase the curse," he says, "you might interfere with the treaty."
The wind brushes past them.
Shin closes his eyes.
Historia's smile flashes through his mind.
Then the countless lives that would be lost in war.
When he opens his eyes, his expression is heavy.
"…So that's how it is," Shin says quietly.
Ray nods once.
"Historia… or peace."
Shin says nothing.
The night deepens.
And the choice draws closer.