Chapter 40 – Forgotten in the Wind
It was a small relief that Artera hadn’t yet turned into a full-blown danger zone. It was where people lived, after all. With natural disasters already taking lives elsewhere, the best scenario would be for no more casualties to occur here.
Having caught his breath, Clazen changed the subject.
“I gave Dante a chance to meet the daughter of one of the deceased successor candidates. I don’t know if he’ll actually find her, but…”
“Better than doing nothing,” Wyatt replied.
“Using wind and magic to travel, it shouldn’t take him long.”
‘So he left to uncover the truth about the candidates who died,’ Sevtina thought, still eavesdropping via wind.
Just then, she sensed a breeze in the air—one not her own. That meant it had to be from Dante.
‘I thought he’d be farther away… guess not.’
Tilting her head in curiosity, she tracked the flow of wind. A flash of light tore through the sky, a letter speeding straight into the house.
‘So Dante hasn’t used up all his strength.’
The speed and precision with which the letter flew showed just how skilled he was at using wind. Sevtina narrowed her ears to listen more closely.
Wyatt opened the letter immediately.
“He found her. Says they’re continuing the conversation. He also mentioned something strange in the palace that needs investigating.”
“I’ll look into it as soon as I return to the capital,” Clazen replied. “And I’ll likely travel back with Sevtina.”
Given that there’d been an earthquake in Artera, Zeroth would never allow Sevtina to remain here. She would undoubtedly be ordered back home immediately.
“Sevtina,” Wyatt murmured.
“Have you talked yet?” Clazen asked.
“Not yet. But I imagine we will when we get back—about the contract she made with Dante.”
“Figured as much. Strange she told him first.”
“She knows how to use what she has. And she seems to understand very well what July means to us.”
“She’s playing it smart.”
“She’s not like July,” Wyatt said.
Sevtina inhaled quietly—but didn’t deny it. She wasn’t July.
“Still…”
Wyatt hesitated. He could picture July’s face vividly—the desperate way she used to look at him was burned into his memory.
“She keeps coming to mind.”
There was no need to say who “she” was. Clazen knew exactly.
“Same for me,” he replied.
“Her tone, her mannerisms, her movements… sometimes I wonder if she really is just a friend. Sometimes it’s like I’m talking to July herself.”
“So it wasn’t just me.”
“None of the others seem to notice.”
“I’m not sure about Dante,” Clazen admitted.
Sevtina furrowed her brow. They’re talking about me? The thought hit her like a stone.
“I’ve asked myself a hundred times if I’m just imagining it. But if only the two of us feel this way… isn’t that odd in itself?”
“…Yeah.”
“We’re just fools, looking for traces of her in someone completely different.”
Sevtina was shocked. She never imagined her tone, her behavior—things she didn’t even notice—could remind them of July. She thought her different appearance would shield her from recognition. She was wrong.
‘I thought I meant nothing to them.’
“July will wake up,” Clazen said with conviction.
Hearing the certainty in his voice, Sevtina gave a soft, bitter laugh.
Even though she couldn’t see it, she could picture it perfectly: the hopeful look on July’s face superimposed over Clazen’s.
Futile hope.
Because July’s death had to be brought forward.
There’s no way they’ll keep the festival going after this quake.
Which meant she had to say goodbye to being July—now.
Sevtina clenched her fists. Wind stirred around her.
First, I need to speak with Wyatt.
Fire was a powerful force. If she died, Wyatt wouldn’t bother with her again. This was her only chance.
…It would be the last time they ever looked at her like this.
We’ll go back to ignoring each other soon enough.
Once they learned she was the one who killed July, they’d hate her. That was fine. Hatred meant they’d never try to see her again.
And that would erase any suspicions that she was like July.
She wouldn’t be the friend who failed to save her—she’d be the monster who killed her.
A strange feeling settled over her.
…Will I regret this forever?
If July died, no one’s regrets would matter. July would only live on in memory. And memories fade.
No, that’s not true.
Time would wash July away from their minds eventually.
Sevtina crouched in an alley, burying her face in her knees. As her concentration broke, the wind energy around her faded. Wyatt and Clazen’s voices became murmurs.
July would one day be forgotten.
That was what she wanted.
So… why did it feel so sad?
Inside the house, Wyatt looked around.
“Something wrong?” Clazen asked.
“The wind…”
“It’s probably your letter from Clazen.”
“No… it felt different.”
He couldn’t explain it precisely, but it hadn’t felt like Clazen’s wind. Just like different breezes have different warmths and speeds—this wasn’t the same.
But the wind successor candidate is dead.
And aside from July, no candidates remained. July could only use water.
But this wind… it wasn’t Dante’s either.
Wyatt’s eyes narrowed.
Sevtina took the chance to slip back to her room while Clazen and Wyatt were out investigating another site of elemental instability. After dinner, Anna came to visit.
“Are you feeling all right?” she asked.
“I’m fine. What about you?”
“I’m fine as well. I’ve sent a message to Lady Cordelia. Zeroth is preparing for your return.”
“When do you think we’ll leave?”
“Within two days at the latest.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s my duty.”
Anna cared deeply for Sevtina’s well-being.
Two days…
That’s how long she had left.
Sevtina pictured Cordelia’s face—how worried she must be right now. She’d have to reassure her when they met again.
“Clazen and His Highness have returned. They said they’d like to speak with you. Should I show them to the drawing room?”
Sevtina rose to her feet. It was time.
“Yes. I’ll head down shortly.”
“Understood.”
Anna bowed and left.
“Are you feeling better now?” Adele asked as she came into the room. She hadn’t been able to enter earlier.
“I’m fine. I’m heading down to meet the prince and Clazen. Will you help me get ready?”
“Of course!”
Adele helped her change into a new gown and brush her hair. The soft yellow dress was bright and cheerful—like springtime itself.
As she prepared, Sevtina noticed the worry on Adele’s face.
She must be worried about her brother.
She remembered how Adele had instinctively protected Paber when the quake hit. It had left an impression.
“Adele, I’d like to see the rest of Paber’s paintings. Could you bring them to me?”
“…Pardon?”
“You don’t have to come back tonight. When you return to the palace tomorrow, bring the paintings.”
With so little time left, Sevtina wanted Adele to have some time with her brother. When Adele hesitated, Sevtina gave her a gentle push.
“Go on. I really liked that lake painting.”
“Thank you, Lady Sevtina… truly…”
Adele’s eyes shimmered with emotion. She silently vowed:
I’ll stay by her side for the rest of my life.
People like her were rare. Adele felt lucky.
Besides, she’d been worried about Paber too. With Sevtina’s blessing, she left the hall quickly.
Having someone who cares for you… it’s precious.
That’s what Sevtina had learned while living among the Zeroth family.
She watched Adele’s retreating figure for a moment, then turned and walked toward the drawing room, where Wyatt and Clazen awaited.
“You’re here.”
Clazen greeted her first as she entered.
“Are you truly all right? I heard you stayed in your room earlier.”
“I’m fine.”
“I spoke with Anna. I’ll be accompanying you when you return to the capital. I’ve already informed Lady Cordelia.”
“She agreed?”
“Not yet.”
“I’ll be going too,” Wyatt added casually. “It’s difficult to use the scrolls now, after all.”
