Volume 1, Chapter 40 – Variables

Others might not have noticed, but from Fia’s perspective, the dark spots on the man’s body had faded because of the liquid Claire sprinkled on him—less of a potion and more of a whitening pigment. As for why the man seemed so energetic after waking up, Claire had likely used a spell to enhance his physical stamina, creating the illusion of restored vitality.

After a moment of silence, a shadow crossed Claire’s beautiful face. She exhaled deeply, as if expelling the frustration in her chest.

“Just as little Fia guessed, I merely used a trick to deceive them. The next time the disease flares up, that man will die without a doubt.”

“There’s no cure for the Darkborn disease. The reason I chose to live in Aurora City was to study it. I’ve tried almost every possible method, but the black marks on people’s bodies have never faded even slightly. So I suspect the Darkborn disease might be the same as the curse on me—they share the same nature. But I carry this curse because I was born unnaturally, while these people are living beings who haven’t defied the rules set by the gods. The reason they contract the Darkborn disease is baffling.”

That’s not what I meant.

Fia answered silently in her heart.

More than how the Darkborn disease came to be, Fia was more concerned about how people viewed Claire. Once this man succumbed to the disease, his wife would surely come after Claire, accusing her of deception, and might even hurl harsh words at her.

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A well-intentioned lie repaid with malice—it was hard for Fia, as an observer, to stand by and watch.

As if sensing Fia’s thoughts, Claire smiled and patted her head.

“Don’t worry. That woman won’t remember me. A fleeting encounter like this will fade from her mind in no time. All she’ll recall is that a doctor failed to cure her husband, but who that doctor was—she’ll never remember.”

Was she being treated like a child?

The touch on her head made Fia both embarrassed and inexplicably comforted. But in the end, shyness won out. She turned her face away, frowning in protest.

“I don’t like this, Claire. A curse shouldn’t be used like this. When I first met you, I didn’t understand why the returning soldiers were afraid of you. But now it’s different. Ever since you scared off that man who begged me for food, I’ve wanted to say it—Claire, stop using your curse as a tool. It only hurts you.”

Treating a curse that made everyone fear and forget her as a convenient tool was, in reality, an act of resignation. No one liked being disliked, and Claire was no exception—otherwise, she wouldn’t have smiled bitterly when mentioning the curse.

Such self-sacrificing behavior didn’t move Fia; it only made her angry.

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Maybe she and Claire were merely acquaintances, and speaking up was overstepping. But Fia wasn’t the type to keep her thoughts to herself, even if it ruined the mood.

The air grew still for a moment after her words. Claire tilted her head slightly.

“Even if it’s just making reasonable use of it? I don’t really feel ‘hurt’ or anything like that. Fia doesn’t need to worry.”

“How can I not worry? Honestly, every time I see you using your curse, it pisses me off. So stop it—at least not in front of me. Otherwise, I’ll make you pay your debt in my own way.”

After another pause, Claire raised her eyebrows as if she was amused, and a smile appeared in her eyes.

“Is little Fia worried about me? This is the first time I’ve heard someone tell me not to use my own curse.”

Fine, call it concern if you want. Better than letting me stay angry.

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Fia answered silently in her heart but deliberately avoided Claire’s gaze, staring ahead instead as she replied, not entirely honestly:

“If you don’t like it, forget I said anything.”

“Heh… I don’t dislike it. It’s just new to me. Alright, I won’t use my curse in front of little Fia anymore. But my curse isn’t something I can control at will. Even if I don’t wield it, it’ll still be there, you know?”

“Ugh.”

Now it was Fia’s turn to be speechless.

She had to admit Claire was right. Even if Claire stopped actively using the curse, it would still cling to her. The root of the problem had to be addressed.

In that case—

“Hey, stop right there!”

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Just as Fia was pondering how to deal with Claire’s curse, a rough voice suddenly barked from behind them.

Instinctively, they turned around. At the end of their line of sight, a group of soldiers stood blocking the road. Their target was the Darkborn patient Claire had just treated.

The temple would capture and execute those afflicted with the Darkborn disease.

The man understood this far better than Fia. Without hesitation, he abandoned his companions and bolted straight toward Fia and Claire. But the soldiers were prepared. They overtook him swiftly, grabbing his head and slamming him to the ground.

“Bastard, you dare run?!”

However, before the soldiers could tie the man’s hands and feet, something unusual appeared in the ruins on one side of the street.

Without warning, a massive black figure, like a battering ram, erupted from the rubble, and the soldiers were sent flying as if struck by a speeding truck.