Episode 6
It hadn’t been long since Acares left.
Watching his yellow-gold hair disappear into the distance, Bella murmured,
“Just… what have I done?”
Now that the chaos had faded, her heart began to flutter softly.
She pressed a hand against her chest and whispered his name slowly,
“Ah… Cares.”
The name felt strangely familiar.
She began to recall his image — golden hair like melted spring sunlight, green eyes like the heart of the forest, and that gentle yet playful charm.
He was exactly the kind of man she had dreamed of during her lonely, busy life.
His personality? She’d have to see more — but his looks? Perfect.
Realizing that the Orasion magic had actually granted her wish, Bella’s eyes grew warm with excitement.
She turned her gaze toward the bed — the sheets still rumpled.
Her face turned red.
“W-wait a second. So… I slept in the same bed as that man all night? I’m insane!”
The last time she had shared a bed with anyone was before Simone was taken away.
Since then, only her silent teddy bear had been there to keep her company.
Thinking about her sad life, Bella reached out her hand again.
Flash!
A brilliant light appeared — the Book of Orasion returned.
“Let’s try again!” she said eagerly.
This was her chance — a chance to fix her crumbling house, support the struggling orphanage, and maybe even help end the long war.
“Right… just that much would be enough.”
Her own happiness could come later.
Taking a deep breath, Bella waved her hand in the air — and a few minutes later, sighed.
“…Ha.”
It had failed. Again.
“Why? Why won’t it work!”
She had started with something simple.
“Erase all the footprints outside!”
The book glowed brightly — but nothing happened.
So she tried something bigger.
“Turn my house into a luxurious mansion!”
Light burst from the book again — and suddenly,
Rumble, rumble—!
The ground shook violently.
“It worked! Oh my God, Mom, it worked!”
Excited, Bella rushed outside — before her “new mansion” collapsed on her.
But when she looked down the hill, what she saw made her freeze.
“…Huh?”
A huge herd of cows was marching in a line down the valley.
Bella turned stiffly toward her small house.
Of course.
The Orasion magic had failed — again.
She tried several more times, but every attempt ended in failure.
Her shoulders drooped.
“Ugh! What’s wrong with this thing?”
She glanced at the mirror — and gasped.
Her lips were pale, and streaks of her gray hair had turned completely white.
Just by using the Orasion Book, her strength was draining fast.
Bella buried her face between her knees.
“Why… why can’t I do it right?”
Her disappointment was crushing.
Acares hadn’t returned from the checkpoint — which could only mean something went wrong.
Maybe he couldn’t persuade the knights… or maybe he’d disappeared altogether.
Or worse — maybe he revealed my powers and ran away.
Her shoulders trembled at the thought — but before panic could take over, she looked out the window.
There he was.
Acares was coming back.
***
Bang!
“Bella!”
The door flew open.
Acares rushed in, scanning the small room lit by a single candle.
Yellow blanket on the bed, tiny trinkets on the desk, a vase with a flower on the table — but no Bella.
“Bella?”
He called softly. Then, from under the table came a faint thump — and a whispering thought.
He’s… he’s here!
Acares covered his mouth, barely holding back a laugh.
Ah, so she wants to play hide-and-seek. Cute.
“Bella, where are you?” he asked gently.
Finally, the tablecloth lifted — and Bella peeked out.
“…Bella?”
Her appearance startled him.
Her once dark-gray hair was now streaked with white, her face pale and tired.
He rushed to her side.
“What happened?”
“Ah…”
Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned away.
But Acares gently held her cheek, turning her face back toward him.
“What… what are you doing?”
“That’s what I’d like to ask you.”
“But still… this is too…”
Is his hand… on my cheek right now?
Her nervous thoughts reached him, and Acares quickly pulled his hand away.
He felt disgusted with himself — acting so tender toward someone he might have to abduct later.
Still… the warmth lingered on his palm.
Worried, he placed his hand on her forehead.
Just as he feared — she had a fever.
“Bella, you’re burning up—”
Thud.
Before he could finish, Bella collapsed forward.
***
“Ugh…”
When Bella finally opened her eyes, her head felt foggy.
What happened?
She remembered failing the Orasion spell… Acares entering the house…
After that, everything was blurry.
But something felt wrong.
Since when was my bed this soft?
Then a woman’s voice spoke beside her:
“Miss Bella, are you awake?”
Miss Bella?
The unfamiliar, refined tone made her shiver.
She decided to keep her eyes closed — she didn’t want to face whatever strange sight awaited her.
I must be dreaming. I feel sick… Mom, I think I’m really sick.
After all, she had overused Orasion magic.
It hadn’t granted her wishes, but it had cursed her instead.
Footsteps drew closer.
“I was ordered by Lord Acares to make sure you have breakfast, Miss Bella.”
Her eyes flew open.
“…Huh?”
And she froze in shock.
She was lying on a huge, luxurious bed, in a room decorated with gold patterns and painted ceilings like something out of a museum.
In front of her, a maid stood smiling — dressed like someone from a royal palace.
“Good morning, Miss Bella,” the maid said politely.
Bella just gawked.
“Wh-what is this…”
The maid stepped back slightly, bowing.
“Oh dear, did I frighten you, Miss Bella? My name is Rie, and I will be serving you from today onward. I sincerely apologize for startling you.”
Her manners were perfect — graceful and precise.
“Why… why are you calling me that? I’m not a ‘Miss’ anything…” Bella stammered.
This had to be a dream. Nothing else made sense.
But the maid’s hand, gently supporting hers, felt far too real.
“Because,” Rie said softly with a smile, “God loves you.”
“…What?”
Bella blinked, confused.
God… loves me?
That made no sense. But then she suddenly remembered something—
‘Please turn my house into a luxurious mansion!’
“Oh no…”
Bella jumped out of bed and rushed to the window.
When she looked outside, she froze again — her mouth hanging open.
