After Illya left, Leinas couldn't wait to lift the half of her face that was covered by her hair.
The appearance of a distorted and disgusting half-face and a clean and beautiful half-face on the same person creates an awkward feeling.
Higashino Makoto narrowed his eyes, not making a move immediately.
It's not that there's no way to treat it.
The most extravagant is the Super-Tier Magic "Wish Upon a Star," so this Curse is naturally out of the question.
But that would be such a waste. Even if it were the only way, Higashino Makoto wouldn't do it, since this Leinas isn't worth it.
The second method is to kill her once and then resurrect her. At the moment of death, the unchanging Curse will be removed, and the rest can be treated with healing magic.
However, doing so doesn't seem to offer any benefits.
"Don't rush, let me do an experiment first."
Upon hearing Higashino Makoto's words, Leinas desperately wanted to remove the Curse immediately, but faced with this hard-won hope, she dared not offend Higashino Makoto and thus refuted him.
"Yes."
Higashino Makoto first used the sixth-tier magic "Greater Heal," which greatly restores physical strength and cures negative statuses such as illness.
Leinas's face recovered quickly, soon revealing a delicate appearance.
But soon, the Curse took effect again, and the half of the face quickly twisted, rotted, and returned to its original appearance.
Higashino Makoto narrowed his eyes, revealing an expression of great interest.
"It's more stubborn than I expected. Interesting. Even sixth-tier magic can't completely remove this Curse. Could it be Greater Curse?"
Hearing Higashino Makoto's words, Leinas's heart sank.
Sixth-tier magic represents the limit of magic that humans can master.
Above the sixth rank, that is the realm of gods.
Seeing Higashino Makoto's calm expression, Leinas's heart unexpectedly felt at ease.
The Curse state is a frequent occurrence in games.
This ability is naturally not lacking in the YGGDRASIL game.
The seventh- Tier Magic "Greater Curse" is a skill commonly used by warlocks in the game.
Conversely, the seventh rank has "Greater Remove Curse," which can effectively counter this.
However, Higashino Makoto did not learn this skill, which is not commonly used.
Among Novas Etilius's guardians, there is a dedicated healing role, so Higashino Makoto only learned some widely applicable magic.
For example, the ninth-tier "Radiant Purification".
This is also why Higashino Makoto directly stated that he could break the Curse.
However, it was not used immediately.
As mentioned before, as his level reaches Lv110, Higashino Makoto's skill control ability has become increasingly stronger.
Whether it's using ranged throwing skills as weapons, or combining some buff skills with attack skills to shorten skill casting time.
"Let's give it a try and see if I can remove this Curse directly without using the Radiant Purification skill, relying solely on my control over magic."
Higashino Makoto extended a finger, and a faint golden light gathered on it.
As her fingers moved closer and stopped on the distorted half of her face, a warm feeling rose in Leinas's heart.
He placed his fingers on Leinas's right cheek.
Capture -- parse -- unplug.
Things went more easily than expected.
The light enveloped her face.
She felt a warm force seeping into her skin, into her muscles, and into her bones.
The feeling wasn't pain, but rather a sensation like being reshaped by something, a feeling that was hard to describe.
About three minutes later, Higashino Makoto withdrew his hand.
Leinas raised her hand, trembling, and touched her right cheek.
The skin is smooth and delicate, without any pits or pus.
She touched it; her nose, cheeks, and chin—every part was perfectly intact.
"Mirror."
Her voice was hoarse.
Higashino Makoto picked up a small mirror from the table and handed it to her.
Leinas took the mirror and held it up in front of her.
In the mirror, there is a complete face.
Her left cheek was as delicate as a porcelain doll's, and her right cheek was the same as her left.
Her skin was fair, her features were well-proportioned, and she had no blemishes.
Her long, golden hair cascaded down her sides, shimmering softly in the sunlight.
Tears welled up in Leinas's eyes.
She didn't wipe it off; she just looked at herself in the mirror, at the face she had lost for so many years, the face that was once whole.
"Thanks..."
Her voice was hoarse, tinged with tears.
"Thank you, Higashino. Higashino... Thank you..."
Higashino Makoto turned around, walked back to the armchair, and sat down.
"You're welcome, it was nothing."
Leinas knelt on the ground, covering her face with her hands, her shoulders trembling violently.
She cried for a long time.
Higashino Makoto didn't comfort her. He just sat there, drinking tea, his dark eyes gazing out the window.
"Leinas."
"Exist."
"I heard that you once publicly stated that you would even attack His Majesty the Emperor if it were to break the Curse."
Upon hearing this, Leinas, who had been stroking her face, did not hesitate at all and performed a knightly salute to Higashino Makoto to show her loyalty.
"Yes! Higashino has cured my Curse, my life is now yours. Please feel free to give any requests you may have. If you require anything, I will immediately resign my position as one of the Four Imperial Knights!"
Higashino Makoto did not answer immediately.
Leinas's level is too low; I could easily defeat hundreds of her with just any mid-level angel I summon.
But there seems to be no need to refuse.
After all--
The way the skirt reveals a section of white leg, paired with high-top combat boots, does indeed give off a somewhat risqué vibe.
In addition, the fitted armor revealed a range of curves...
To be honest, Higashino Makoto really likes it.
Of course, most importantly, I've already paid the compensation myself, so I don't need to repay the loan.
They didn't hide anything; they spoke openly and honestly.
"Resignation... not for now. However, I really like your face, so it's mine from now on. I'll contact you if I need anything."
"By the way, when will the emperor see me?"
Leinas was silent for a moment.
I never expected this legendary silver paladin to be so direct.
But she had no intention of refusing, nor any reason to refuse.
Higashino Makoto heals himself from Curse that was thought to be incurable, restoring his distorted face to its original state.
All she gave up was her face, which had only recovered because of him, and her body.
It's a great deal, an absolute steal.
Rather, the reward for such a simple payment was far less than she had originally planned.
Leinas quickly assumed the identity of being under Higashino Makoto's command, showing no remorse whatsoever for betraying the Bloody Emperor.
After all, this was agreed upon long ago.
Rather, the moment Higashino Makoto healed his face, the Bloody Emperor had already tacitly acknowledged that he belonged to him.
"The Bloody Emperor said, at any time."
"Then tomorrow."
Higashino Makoto put down his teacup.
I'm tired today and want to rest.
Leinas stood up and bowed slightly.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will convey your message."
She turned around and walked towards the door. After a few steps, she stopped and looked back.
"Really, thank you so much. I thought I would never be able to move around normally with this face again in my life."
Higashino Makoto glanced at her and waved casually.
It was just a small favor, a mutually beneficial arrangement.