Chapter 193
“I Finch’s gaze flickered, avoiding hers. He didn’t want to burden Nina—but he also couldn’t bring himself to lie.
“Tell me the truth,” Nina said quietly.
He glanced at her, then lowered his head. Yes p>
A trace of guilt passed through Nina’s eyes. “How did it happen p>
“It was torn off by the guardian spirit beast,” he explained softly. “If I hadn’t severed my tails, I wouldn’t have been able to escape p>
Then he quickly added, almost anxiously, “This was my own choice. You don’t need to feel responsible p>
He knew how kind she was. But everything he had done… had been voluntary. He had never expected anything in return.
At most, he had only hoped she might notice him a little more.
Nina fell silent, her emotions tangled. There was guilt… confusion… and beneath it, a faint warmth she couldn’t ignore.
Why are they all like this p>
She shifted her gaze to Taru. “What should we do about the spirit pearl p>
He frowned slightly. “Hilan has already reported this to the elders of Jade Fox City. And he’s likely left contingencies behind. It’s best not to kill him outright—otherwise it could provoke the entire fox clan p>
Even with their strength and backing, opposing a whole clan would only complicate things.
And as City Lord, he couldn’t act recklessly either.
After a moment of thought, he added, “The best solution… is for you to form a bond with Finch. As for his lost tails, I can try to negotiate. And with Didi as well, the clan may be persuaded to let it pass p>
There was a trace of hidden hope in his voice. As a father… he wanted his son to have a future.
But he didn’t intend to force Nina. If she refused, he would accept it.
After all, they had wronged her first. At worst, his son would remain by her side without a title for life.
Nina lowered her gaze, silent.
Should I just accept Finch p>
Seeing her hesitation, a shadow of disappointment passed through Finch’s eyes.
“Nina, don’t force yourself,” he said gently. “I’ll find a way to deal with the clan. Just follow your heart p>
He knew she didn’t love him. Though he longed—desperately—to form a bond with her… he would never force her. All he wanted was for her to be happy. What happened to him afterward didn’t matter.
He only feared one thing—that once he returned… he might never see her again.
Nina finally looked at him, emotions surging quietly.
“If you don’t want to, we’ll find another way,” Taru sighed softly. It seemed… his son truly had no chance.
Just then, Ridan returned with a message. “Lady Nina, Hilan and the others haven’t gone far. They’re hiding in a nearby forest p>
Nina had sent him to track them the moment they left.
“What about Drago?” she asked. “Is he still following us p>
“Yes,” he replied. “He and his group are still trailing us p>
Since the incident with Yosan, Odian had heightened their vigilance.
And because witchcraft concealment was difficult to detect, Nina had even asked Little Bun to analyze it—creating a method to counter such stealth.
Now, unless the enemy used extremely advanced concealment, they would be discovered quickly.
“Then we need to shake them off,” Nina said.
The group fell into thought.
“Nina,” Aron spoke up, “I’ve trained in the wildlands before. Near the volcanic region we’re heading to, there’s a territory inhabited by flame demons. We could lure them there—use the flame beasts to hold them off, then slip away p>
Taru nodded. “That could work. We might even use the flame beasts to eliminate Hilan’s group. Without them interfering, dealing with the fox clan will be much easier. They likely don’t know that area belongs to the flame beasts. We can catch them off guard p>
Nina nodded, and Odian and the others agreed.
“But,” Aron added, “the flame beasts’ fire is unique—extremely difficult to defend against. It’s especially unfavorable for Nina’s wood abilities. She and the children could get hurt p>
“Then… can Odian take Nina and the children ahead first?” Mino suggested.
Aron shook his head. “No. The flame beasts can fly as well. Odian would still be attacked p>
He glanced toward the cave entrance. But we might be able to ask those lion clan males outside for help. They belong to the Blazing Lion lineage—their fire is similar. They can resist the flame beasts p>
“You mean,” Sad said thoughtfully, “they escort Nina and the children ahead… while we stay behind to deal with Hilan p>
“Exactly,” Aron nodded.
“But Odian hesitated, clearly unwilling to let Nina and the children face danger without him.
“Then I’ll go with her,” he decided. “Finch and I both have fire abilities. We’ll go ahead with the lion clan and escort Nina and the children. You handle Hilan’s group p>
“That works,” Aron agreed. “But there are a lot of flame beasts in that area. We need to prepare carefully—and be ready to adapt p>
He turned to Lani and the others.
“The merfolk aren’t suited for that environment. You should take another route and meet up with us later p>
Lani nodded. “Alright. Then… should Mimi come with us p>
The moment Mimi heard that, she clung tightly to Nina. “I want to stay with Mama p>
Wherever her mother went, she would go. She refused to be separated.
Nina gently stroked her head. “She’ll stay with me p>
“Alright,” Lani said. “Be careful p>
He understood the children couldn’t leave Nina.
Still, he was worried—the volcanic region’s heat might be too much for the princess.
He searched his storage and took out two ice pearls.
“Take these. One for you, one for Mimi. They’ll help keep you comfortable p>
He only had two, but since the children would be close to Nina, they would benefit from the cooling effect as well.
Nina accepted them with a smile. “Thank you p>
They continued refining their plan, discussing contingencies and timing.
Afterward, they approached Setan and his group. To their relief, he agreed without hesitation.
That night, Odian led Nina outside the cave.
He took out the priest’s staff.
“Nina, I’ve been studying your curse these past few days,” he said quietly. “I’ll try to use the staff’s power to break it… but I’m not confident about it yet p>
The curse on her was complex—far more than he had anticipated. Still, this was their best option for now.
“It’s alright,” Nina said gently. “If it doesn’t work, we’ll find another way p>
Little Bun had also analyzed it—but hadn’t found a solution yet.
At least the issue with the locator had already been resolved.
Odian nodded.
He focused, channeling his witch power into the staff.
A soft glow spread outward… and slowly enveloped Nina.