Chapter 57

As Claudia leaned back in her chair, she said with a slight tilt of her head and a stroke of her milk tea-colored, silky hair:

"Objectively speaking, don't you think my current appearance is the most beautiful? Noah."

"…As you say, Princess."

Noah closed his eyes and answered in a matter-of-fact tone. Indeed, his training as a servant over the past two years had been thorough. However, Karlheinz still maintained a stern expression.

"I am not referring to your appearance. Surely, Princess, you do not need to engage in such dangerous behavior yourself."

"What are you talking about, Karlheinz?"

Claudia narrowed her eyes and smiled faintly.

"Is there anyone else who is 'less dangerous' than me to deal with the curse?"

"……"

Claudia's past life was that of the legendary witch Ardelheit. She was confident that she knew more about dealing with curses than anyone else in the current world. Her only weakness was that her body could not keep up with the consumption of magic.

"That's why I'm going."

To Claudia, the curse was a hateful thing that had harmed what she wanted to protect in her past life.

"There's no place for such filthy things in the world where Noah and I live."

In this life, Claudia's principle was to do only what she wanted. Realizing this, Karlheinz sighed as if in resignation. Although he did not know about Claudia's past life, he must have deeply understood her thorough life philosophy.

"…I apologize for my impertinence."

"Hehe, I forgive you. In return, Karlheinz, you will be our guardian in the Kingdom of Klingeit, right?"

"Yes."

Ignoring Karlheinz's stunned expression, Claudia finished her tea.

"Come, Noah, let's get ready. Please bring me a cute hat and a visiting dress."

"As you wish, Princess. I will create them with magic as usual, but when is the arranged meeting?"

"Today."

"…What?"

At that moment, Noah's expression matched Karlheinz's.

Claudia put down her teacup, hopped off her chair, and took Noah's hand with a smile.

"Hehe, Father is still as tyrannical as ever. He believes everyone should follow his orders, so he doesn't mind giving such notices at the last minute."

"…Princess…"

Noah's face seemed to say, "You must be the same." However, Claudia continued to smile and ignored the silent protest.

"Since we don't know the climate there, let's change after we transfer. Come, Karlheinz, hold hands with Noah."

"…Please wait, Princess. It's a bit unreasonable to do this today."

"Give up. Okay?"

"It's best to give up, Lord Karlheinz."

"……"

When Noah and Claudia said this together, Karlheinz sighed deeply and placed his hand on Noah's shoulder in preparation for the transfer.

"Princess, you undoubtedly carry the blood of the king…"

"Claudia, I don't understand what you're talking about!"

"We are transferring, Princess."

Noah extended his hand as if to escort her. Claudia chuckled and took Noah's hand.

As they entrusted themselves to the magic that would transfer them to that country, she thought:

(The root of a curse is always a strong wish.)

She had known this for sure for the past five hundred years.

(The beautiful princesses who no longer wake up because of the curse. …What is the wish of the one who cast the curse?)

* * *

The tower stood alone in a desolate place.

Each floor had one room, with a luxurious bed and fine sheets.

Eight beautiful women lived there, day after day.

But not a single one of them was awake.

Each woman lay as if she were a meticulously crafted doll, sleeping soundly.

A ninth figure appeared in the tower.

The tall adult man walked through each room where the women slept.

When he reached the last room, the lantern in his hand flickered and went out.

"……"

The man turned on his heel and closed the door.

The beautiful princesses continued to sleep soundly, still not waking up.