Chapter 5

On that day, the letter sent by Olivia to King Greo Bran of the Bran Kingdom was delivered directly to his office.

Suddenly, the surroundings were enveloped in a blinding light, and Greo, who was checking documents in the room along with the prime minister, Sil, and several officials, closed their eyes due to the intense brightness.

After a while, as everyone's vision adjusted, they noticed a bird glowing with rainbow colors standing on the desk.

Everyone was momentarily stunned by the sudden situation, but the bird quickly disappeared into particles of light, leaving behind only a letter and a piece of fabric.

"...What is this...?"

Greo stared at it for a moment, but Sil, without hesitation, reached for the letter and checked the seal on the back.

"It's from Cyphard."

Surprised by Sil's words, Greo immediately signaled for him to read the letter. Sil carefully opened the seal and began to read aloud.

'I am leaving this place.

Olivia'

The concise words made everyone catch their breath.

Sil tried to hand the letter to Greo, but he snatched it first and read it through, trembling slightly.

"...Is this real...?"

"Unfortunately, the seal appears to be genuine," Sil replied expressionlessly.

Suddenly, Greo stood up and slammed the letter on the desk.

"Head to the Cyphard territory immediately! We must capture Olivia at all costs!!"

"I understand. I will send a few knights on swift horses. I will also go to the site to assess the situation."

Sil answered calmly, without showing any emotion.

"Why! What about Arthur of Nolundi!? Did he not hold her back!?"

Greo pounded the desk repeatedly in anger. The officials trembled at his fierce demeanor.

"I will confirm that as well."

As Sil answered matter-of-factly, Greo gradually regained his composure, took a deep breath, and slumped into his chair.

"We must not lose the Cyphard bloodline from this country. We must take action before other countries find out..."

Greo muttered. Honestly, he only half-believed the 200-year-old records left by his ancestors.

However, many neighboring countries also worship spirits, and the Bran Kingdom, which preserves the traditions of the spirits, is very popular as a pilgrimage site. Evidence of this is the royal capital's temple, built 200 years ago, which is still bustling with many visitors.

Greo grumbled. It would be foolish to easily give up a major tourism industry that brings in foreign currency.

"Capture Olivia at all costs. Even if it means using force. Once found, tie her to the territory. Also, start selecting a new fiancé. Marry her quickly to keep the Cyphard bloodline in this country."

"Hai!"

"I understand."

The officials bowed and hurried out of the office. Sil watched them with a cold eye and then followed them out.

"Fool..."

The words Sil muttered while stroking the silver ring on his left pinky finger were drowned out by the sound of the closing door, and no one heard them.

---

"Well, how should I escape?"

Olivia sat cross-legged in front of a full-length mirror, swaying her body from side to side.

"Should I do it tonight? After everyone is asleep, I'll quickly create a huge vehicle with magic and escape through the window!"

Olivia pondered what kind of vehicle to create. An airplane? A helicopter? A large bird? Ah, a dragon would be interesting. Does it even exist in this world?

As she enjoyed her fantasies, a sudden loud crash came from downstairs, and the door to her room was violently thrown open.

"There you are!! If only you weren't here!!"

There stood Anna, glaring at Olivia with a demonic expression, and several servants with worried faces.

Just a moment ago, Anna was cuddling with Arthur in the rose garden. Something must have happened. Did Arthur leave?

As Olivia wondered, Anna approached her with quick steps and swung her right hand down.

Zashu!!

"Aaaaaah!"

The servants' screams echoed through the room.

Olivia saw the red liquid splatter in slow motion. In front of her, Anna stood with a triumphant look, holding a knife in her hand.

Ah, I was cut by that.

As she slowly fell backward, Olivia looked at Anna with a cold eye.

A shallow cut, not meant to kill. Anna probably just wanted to make Olivia a damaged good.

The wound from her left eye to her side throbbed. The servants screamed in terror, and the guards, who had heard the commotion, stood frozen at the door in shock.

Suddenly, Olivia had an idea. She would pretend to faint.

Olivia fell face down, enduring the pain of her wound while slightly opening her eyes to observe the situation.

"Throw her into the forest! I have Mother's permission!"

Anna, with flared nostrils, panted and shouted at the guards, looking like an excited beast. Olivia barely managed to suppress a laugh.

"Now Arthur will be mine!"

Olivia understood Anna's words. The tea party earlier. Anna must have intended to change the engagement with Arthur but couldn't manage it.

Of course. Arthur is supposed to marry into the Cyphard family. It has no meaning for the Nolundi family to engage him with Anna, who has no Cyphard blood.

As this was happening, Olivia was being wrapped in a guard's cloak and carried outside. Following Anna's orders, they intended to abandon her in the forest.

The cut was not deep, but a considerable amount of blood flowed, gradually staining the cloak red.

She had experienced many acts of harassment, but she never expected to be cut with a knife.

Olivia was surprised but couldn't miss this opportunity. She had managed to leave the house. She could leave this place after being abandoned.

Where should I go? Can I use magic to get money? Is it illegal? Well, it doesn't matter now. First, I'll explore this world. I think it will be fun, even though it's quite different from my previous life.

Despite the rather dire situation, Olivia couldn't stop feeling excited.

There was something that always observed her from a different perspective, making her feel as if she were enjoying all the events. It felt as if she were split into two.

This was the perspective of the spirits, but for Olivia, who had just gained human consciousness, it was quite difficult to understand.

As Olivia thought about various things, the guards carried her deeper into the forest. She was waiting for the moment they would abandon her, but suddenly, she heard groans from the guards.

"U... uu... guzu..."

The guard carrying her seemed to be crying. Curious, she listened more closely and realized he was indeed crying, even sobbing.

"???"

Was he feeling guilty? He might be a good person.

Olivia was lost in thought, but the comfortable swaying made her lose consciousness.

The guard moved quickly and soon reached the entrance of the forest. He looked around to confirm no one was around, then firmly held Olivia with both hands and ran into the depths of the forest at an incredible speed.