Throughout the journey to the empire, Althea remained silent. The spring wind blew, but her head was filled with unanswered questions.
If every great magic has a side effect... then what about the magic Morfida cast on me?
She thought. Will I also perish?
Or will she be the one to suffer?
Upon reaching her room, Althea couldn't bear it any longer. She looked at Morfida—the woman was still standing gracefully, her face soft, yet there was a subtle line of fatigue she couldn't hide.
"Morfida..." Althea's voice trembled, "what about you? What are the side effects of that magic on you?"
Morfida did not answer immediately. She only looked at Althea for a moment, then gave a faint smile, a smile that was more like a thin blanket on a cold night than an actual answer. "Mistress... do not worry about that. It is my duty to protect you."
