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“What? You’re right… Just what is this?”
“What? Let me see, let me see.”

Seletina borrowed Eleanor’s hand mirror and brought it up to see the crest on her neck.

The crest was an image of a rose with a serpent wrapped around it.

Both Seletina and Eleanor had never seen a crest like that before.

“That’s funny. Last night, Lady Seletina, I didn’t see anything on your neck like this.”
“I don’t remember getting a tattoo either. Just what in the world is this? Sir Loggins, have you seen this before?”

Seletina asked. Loggins, in turn, quietly lost himself in thought. He too had never seen or heard of such a crest. However, he was aware that it was The Witch of Black and White who’d put it on Seletina’s neck.

After all, the witch had kissed Seletina there, where the crest now stood.

Despite being aware of this, Loggins proceeded to shake his head.

“I have not. This is the first time I’m seeing this crest as well. Still…”
“I see. Still, this crest has an ominous air to it…”

Seletina said while rubbing her neck. Eleanor, however, quickly jumped to refute her.

“But now your body’s in perfect shape, no? Perhaps it’s not that foreboding after all, but something else. For instance, Lady Seletina, you might have received God’s crest.”
“It’d be great if that were the case…”

Seletina smiled bitterly.

“Do you really have no clue as to what the crest is, Lady Seletina?” Loggins asked.
“What? No, I don’t. I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen it before…”
“I see. It might be…”

Loggins said, his gaze shooting straight towards Seletina, “that this ominous crest is connected to a witch.”
“… A witch…?”

Seletina suddenly shuddered.

A witch. The Witch of Black and White.

It was easy enough to imagine her doing something to Seletina. Rather, it was strange that Seletina hadn’t thought about it up until now.

A parting gift.

The witch had left an imprint on Seletina’s body. Just thinking about it made Seletina’s blood boil. Seletina’s fingers shook as they ran across her neck.

“……”

Loggins carefully observed Seletina, as she was deep in thought, not missing a single of her movements. Seletina, in turn, was mumbling something with a somber look on her face.

“……”

Seletina’s face had frozen when Loggins had spoken the word witch. That gave him the reassurance that Seletina had some connection to The Witch of Black and White, or if not her, then another witch.

Loggins was unable to determine whether it was a good or bad sign, but he was now certain that Seletina and the witch were related.

I must make sure… I must make sure whether Seletina will be an ally or foe to this kingdom.

Loggins’ body stiffened for a brief moment.

“Lady Seletina, how about we test it out?”
“What?”
“Let’s go and move our bodies a bit. What better way to determine if the crest has improved your health than to put it to the test? If it doesn’t show any effect, then so be it.”
“I see. But is this really okay with you? For a knight to wield his sword for such a reason…”
“No worries. Besides, I’m quite interested in your sword.”
“That’s one strange pick-up line.”
“You jest.”

The corners of Seletina’s mouth rose up at Loggins’ suggestion.

Eleanor was the only one that seemingly couldn’t catch up.

“Um, just what are you planning on doing?”

She asked with a curious tone. Loggins turned to her and spoke while smiling underneath his helmet.

“Lady Seletina and I are about to have a sparring session.”
“What?”

Eleanor exclaimed in complete shock, her voice echoing throughout the whole room.

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

After leaving the room Seletina and Eleanor followed Loggins down a long corridor.

Seletina was unable to contain her surging excitement. Her steps were light, and Elyutinias, hanging at her waist, felt as light as a feather.

Seletina took a deep breath. The clear, chilly smell of spring slid down her nose.

This sensation…

Seletina opened and closed her hand several times as she looked at her palm.

I feel so good.

She was more amazed at how good her body was feeling. It was as if she were actually moving for the first time. As if the shell constraining her body had shattered apart, revealing a whole new world before her.

Given how much Seletina hated the witch, if The Witch of Black and White really had left the crest on her neck and caused her to feel this way, it would be extremely embarrassing for her.

Despite this, Seletina’s deep-blue eyes shone with a powerful force.

As a warrior, she was eager to test this newfound strength.

“Lady Seletina, are you really okay with this? You just woke up…”

Eleanor’s spoke, her muffled voice coming from a bit behind Seletina.

Hearing her, Seletina smiled.

“I’m fine, Princess Eleanor. I’m amazed at how well my body feels. I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t itching to test it out.”
“But…”
“Besides, I too am intrigued by that man’s sword.”

Fourteen years. I wonder how much he’s grown.

Seletina’s face lit up in an amused smile.

Loggins’ steps were heavy.

The Commander of the Royal Knights, the Duke’s daughter and the first princess eventually made their way to the courtyard at the far end of the royal castle, where the knights’ training area was.