Iver's Invitation

At first, perhaps only Iver wanted to find Isabel, but the group just kept growing.

First Lily and David, then Yulia and Master Nobel —and then I met the Master Agnes.

Iver was even a little worried that Isabel might have a relapse of her social anxiety after meeting so many people at once.

But when he saw Isabel in person, he realized he had been worrying unnecessarily.

Or rather, he underestimated the seriousness of the problem.

Isabel seemed to have been reduced to her original form—a form of autism that Iver had never witnessed firsthand, only heard about from other classmates' conversations.

She would respond to knocking and let people in. But once inside, they found Isabel huddled in a corner of the room, neither greeting anyone nor smiling.

She looked as if she was completely absorbed in her painting, as if she had no time to be distracted.

But Iver could tell at a glance that Isabel wasn't drawing at all—she was just scribbling meaninglessly. She was just drawing something she didn't know and then covering it up with other paint.

It wasn't sadness, but confusion and fear.

Iver could tell at a glance that Isabel was in a state of turmoil. Her mind had practically stopped working.

Princess Highness was clearly not as optimistic and strong as she usually appeared. She was simply trying to forget the nightmare... but now, with Prince Andrew's cursed death, the nightmare has returned.

It's like being harassed and attacked a long time ago, with the perpetrator's intention being kidnapping or murder... and then moving to a faraway place. Many years have passed, and you even thought you had forgotten and let go, only to suddenly encounter that person again on a street corner—and realize that the person has seen you.

But what Isabel experienced was far more painful than that.

She witnessed, and even personally experienced, this random death ritual.

Queen Sophia just said that the Shadow of Avalon Ritual is now just one person short of being completed, which means that including this Prince, there will be exactly twenty people. Iver doesn't know if any murdered royal bloodlines were infused into it before, but there should be at least a dozen relatives—maybe even more.

Because family members like Isabel's mother, who were not of royal blood but still died from the curse, are not counted among the "twenty people." Including these completely innocent victims, the number is unimaginable.

There haven't been any recent curses, and the events that started happened over a decade ago. That means roughly three people die each year normally, and it seems completely random...

Under the constant pressure and fear brought about by these random deaths, it's remarkable that no one in the royal family went mad and killed indiscriminately. Iver can only say that Her Majesty the Queen was well-educated and that the average moral standard of the Du Lac Family was relatively high.

"I'd like to speak with Isabel alone, is that alright?"

Iver spoke softly, but looked at Yanis.

Isabel's father was away for most of the year, so Master Agnes was her guardian in effect.

As a matter of courtesy and respect, Yanis also changed into a black veil—even though she knew Prince Andrew was not innocent, as the Queen's close friend and guest, and also an elf master from the Theocracy, her attitude toward the royal family directly affected the attitudes of other knights and ministers toward the royal family.

Yanis was somewhat surprised to hear Iver's words.

Based on her understanding of Iver, she thought Iver would lead the crowds and force Isabel to participate in social activities to clear her head.

Because this is the safest and most efficient method. It will absolutely not go wrong.

It's impossible to say anything wrong—because you don't even need to say anything to solve the problem and let others witness your close relationship with Isabel.

Based on her observations of Iver over this period, he seemed to enjoy this kind of off-the-ground approach of "solving problems from the outside." The more she demanded a clear answer from Iver, the more ambiguous and vague he became.

Contrary to his seemingly gentle, obedient, and composed demeanor, Iver strongly dislikes being dragged into other people's rhythms and following their rules. He doesn't like to defend himself with reactive tactics; instead, he prefers to step forward and ambush his opponent before the battle even begins. Only after creating a sufficient advantage will he engage in a "fair contest."

She's a cunning little Fox, but I don't dislike her.

But now, it seems that Iver has also changed a bit... a change that is visible to the naked eye.

The most obvious thing is that he dared to get involved.

He had never dared to approach unfamiliar territory before... as cautious as a stray cat he had raised. But now, for Isabel's sake, he dared to venture into it.

He is actively trying to make changes.

"Humans are so wonderful."

Yanis sighed softly, saying with satisfaction, "Young people are the best of all."

Dissatisfied with himself as he is now and trying to change... that's probably Iver's desire for transcendence.

She tried to analyze it using her own experience.

The biggest difference between humans and elves is how quickly their minds can change. Falling into depravity happens in an instant, as does enlightenment. A mere few years can transform a person completely... something that would never happen to elves.

Life within the Eternal Theocracy is peaceful and serene, like a still utopia.

People wake up at a standard time every day, work at a standard time, leave work at a standard time, and go to bed at a standard time.

The ritual procedures are fixed, the policies remain unchanged, and the festivals have not been added or subtracted. One can work for decades without any alteration, and any hobby can last for decades, even centuries.

She lived a comfortable but sufficient life, getting married and having children. Day after day, she lived a blissful life free from natural disasters, human calamities, and unexpected events. From the time Yanis was born until now, the Theocracy had remained unchanged. By the standards of many in Avalon, it might even be considered a paradise.

But Yanis didn't like that feeling. She couldn't stand the pervasive stillness in the air... it gave her a thrill. A desire to destroy it all... She had an instinctive aversion and wariness towards the power of the Path of Twilight.

But this wouldn't be the case when traveling in the human world.

She had witnessed twelve coups in a single month in some countries, generations of avengers endlessly seeking revenge, and the intensely dramatic lives arising from the chaotic blood ties between several families. Human time is incredibly short, and that's why change is so visible.

Just like herself. Even though she had only been gone for a few decades, when she returned to Avalon, Avalon was completely different from when she first came.

Elves live only five times longer than humans, yet the human world changes far faster than the Theocracy by more than ten times. And the essence of these changes comes from these young people. Each person's transformation has the potential to change the world at some point in the future.

Yanis focused on observing this "change," and the rapid, visible transformation of the world gave her a strong sense of satisfaction. That was the beauty she sought.

—Iver was the "protagonist" she chose.

So Yanis nodded slightly and obediently led the people out of the room.

However, she did not go far, nor did she respond to those gazes that were filled with curiosity, doubt, vigilance, or contemplation.

She simply extended her finger in a silent "shh" gesture, then tiptoed to the side and pressed her ear against the door to demonstrate for Yulia.

Yulia's eyes lit up immediately.

She immediately complied and leaned her ear closer. Lily followed suit.

Yanis stepped aside, gesturing for David to come and listen. However, David saw that the two girls had almost completely blocked the door, so he hesitated and didn't come over. He knew that if he moved closer, he would definitely touch them.

Taking advantage of girls is not in accordance with chivalry.

David said firmly in his heart.

Mr. Iver would never do that.

And when Yanis nodded to the Master Nobel, her pupils suddenly turned the color of blue sky and white clouds—or rather, it was the color of a painting she had created with a blue sky and white clouds as its background, which was now hanging in Isabel's bedroom. Even though the window wasn't open, the painting seemed to bring in fresh air like a window.

Her eyes lit up the moment she looked into the room.

Iver got out of his wheelchair and stood behind Isabel.

He reached out and placed his hands on Isabel's shoulders.

Realizing that this was clearly not something someone in a wheelchair could do, Isabel paused for a moment as she was scribbling aimlessly. Her mind instinctively began to process the idea.

Isabel even subconsciously wanted to ask Iver —but the gloom and fear in her heart extinguished her interest and enthusiasm, so she opened her mouth but couldn't say anything.

"I know," Iver said softly, "You've actually been listening all along..."

His voice was low and gentle.

It gives you the feeling of the afternoon sun in autumn, which gives you a lazy and fluffy feeling.

"But don't worry. The curse is over."

Iver said softly, "I swear to you..."

Her Majesty the Queen sent him to look after Isabel so that he could pass on this information to Isabel.

Feeling a slight tremor in the shoulder his fingertips touched, Iver paused briefly before continuing:

"—You're safe."

"Did you solve it, Mr. Fox?"

Isabel's voice trembled slightly.

If Iver were to admit it, he was certain that neither the Queen nor the Grand Guardian would point out his lie.

But he still refused.

"I think it's probably not."

Iver lowered his eyes and said in a low voice.

Because such methods are too despicable—claiming merits fraudulently and fabricating achievements are the actions of incompetent people.

In fact, Iver didn't know why Prince Andrew suddenly died... According to the order in the game, he should have lived for more than a year.

But it doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter who the curser is—he's not Sherlock.

Besides, he has Miss Aleister's help, so he doesn't need to rely on so much evidence to get things done.

Just beat them all up.

Whether it's the Noble Red, or the eagle-eyed assassin; or the corrupt knights and officials, or the traitorous merchants of Lloyd's's...

Anyway, everyone knows that Miss Aleister is ruthless and doesn't hesitate to kill.

If all the destabilizing factors are resolved, Isabel will naturally be safe as well.

Instead of comforting her, soothing her, encouraging her, or distracting her, it's better to address the root of the problem directly.

Of course, Iver actually had an even better way...

"So, Miss Lu Lu," Iver said in a calm and reassuring voice, "If you've had enough sleep, it's time to wake up from your nightmare."

"As a way to get up in the morning... how about I go with you to kill someone?"

Iver invited with a smile.

Taking Isabel along to eliminate those who try to harm her would both help her grow and soothe her mind. The only problem is that the person saying this might not fit the character of "Mr. Fox."

Fortunately, Isabel didn't take it seriously.

However, Iver knew she probably wouldn't take it seriously.

Isabel, thinking Iver was joking, immediately couldn't hold back. "That's not necessary..."

"Never mind... I'll take a look, Iver. It's hard to explain in words..."

"What?" Iver asked curiously.

"Journal."

Isabel replied, "Or rather, a will."

"...your?"

"No! It was left by my... family."

Isabel first raised her voice slightly in defense, then sighed, "You'll understand why I'm so sad and so afraid after you see it..."

Today's update is over 7,000 words!