When Dale finally arrived at the castle, he found the weary Duke of York, a few retainers, and an unforgettable face.
“Sepia.”
“Dale…!”
As Dale called her name, Sepia couldn’t hide her concern as a mentor and rushed toward him. Concern as a mentor? No, it was more than that. Dale took her arm, and Sepia didn’t resist.
He recalled the words of York’s Titania and the Blue Sorceress Council. The enchantment placed on Sepia. Why she had been absent from the Blue Tower for so long and why she was so willing to respond to Dale’s feelings. Now, he understood.
In Dale’s pocket was the crystal necklace given by Titania—a way to break the enchantment and bring her back.
“Are you hurt?”
It was then that Sepia asked, her voice as gentle and loving as ever, despite Dale’s turmoil.
“As you can see, I’m unharmed.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Sepia smiled, relieved.
“However, I am still engaged in the war for the House of York.”
Dale continued.
“The House of York…”
Sepia echoed.
“I was on my way to the House of Lancaster when a messenger from the Blue Tower informed me of the situation. That’s why I changed course and came here.”
“Is there another reason you sought me out?”
“The war has dragged on too long. I was simply worried about how things were unfolding. The Black Duke realized this and sent me as a messenger.”
Titania was right. At least Sepia’s decision to find Dale was entirely her own, regardless of the change in destination.
‘If I had continued fighting for Lancaster, would they have used Sepia as a shield against me?’
With that thought, trusting York and Titania became even harder.
The war was far from over, and Dale now possessed crucial information from the mind of the “Purifier.”
‘The tide of battle is back in my hands.’
It was a fortunate coincidence. As Dale crossed the territory alone, he was mistaken for a scout and attacked.
“Sepia.”
Setting aside the crystal necklace in his pocket, Dale spoke.
“Please, lend me your strength.”
Amidst the cold, white winter night, a spark continued to burn.