Others might not have noticed, but from Fia’s perspective, the reason the black spots on the man’s body faded was because of the potion Claire poured on him.
Rather than a potion, it was more like a dye that turned the skin white.
As for why the man seemed so energetic after waking up, it was probably because Claire used a magic to enhance his physical strength, giving him the illusion of regained vitality.
After a moment of silence, Claire’s beautiful face showed a hint of melancholy, as if she was trying to release the frustration in her chest, she let out a long sigh.
“Just as little Fia thought, I only used some tricks to deceive them.
The next time it flares up, that man is doomed.”
“The Dark Plague is incurable.
The reason I chose to live in Aurora City is to research the Dark Plague.
I’ve tried almost every possible method, but the blackness that appears on people has never diminished.
So I suspect that the Dark Plague might be the same kind of thing as the curse on me.
However, I was born unnaturally, which is why I bear a curse.
These people are different from me; they are living beings who haven’t violated the rules set by the gods.
The reason for contracting the Dark Plague is puzzling.”
That’s not what I wanted to say.
Fia answered in her heart.
Rather than how the Dark Plague forms, Fia was more concerned about how people viewed Claire.
As soon as the male patient dies from the disease, his wife will definitely come to trouble Claire, accusing her of deception, and might even say some harsh words.
A well-intentioned lie resulting in a bad outcome is hard to watch as a bystander.
As if sensing Fia’s inner thoughts, Claire smiled and patted Fia’s head.
“Don’t worry.
That woman won’t remember me.
This kind of encounter doesn’t even count as a brief acquaintance.
In a short while, she’ll forget.
She’ll only remember that the doctor couldn’t cure her husband, but who that doctor was, she’ll never recall in her lifetime.”
Am I being treated like a child? The sensation from the top of her head made Fia feel embarrassed yet somewhat pleased.
But in the end, shyness overcame comfort, and she turned her head, frowning as she corrected.
“I don’t like that way of putting it, Claire.
A curse shouldn’t be used like this.
When I first met you, I didn’t understand why those returning soldiers were afraid of you, but now it’s different.
Ever since you scared away that man begging me for food, I’ve wanted to say, Claire, don’t use your curse as a tool anymore.
It will only hurt you.”
Using a curse that makes everyone fear and forget you as a tool seems convenient, but it’s actually a helpless act.
No one likes being disliked, and Claire is no exception.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t show a bitter smile when mentioning the curse.
Such self-sacrificing behavior doesn’t move Fia; instead, it makes her angry.
Perhaps she and Claire are at most acquaintances, and saying this is just meddling, but she’s not good at keeping things that should be said hidden in her heart, even if it might disappoint the other party.
After speaking, even the air seemed to quiet for a moment, and Claire tilted her head slightly.
“Even if it’s just reasonable use? I don’t actually feel anything like ‘hurt.’ Fia doesn’t need to worry.”
“How can I not care? Honestly, whenever I see Claire using her curse, it makes me angry.
So don’t do it anymore, at least not in front of me.
Otherwise, I’ll find a way to make Claire pay it back.”
After another pause, as if finding it amusing, Claire raised an eyebrow, her eyes filled with a bit of mirth.
“Is little Fia concerned about me? It’s the first time I’ve heard someone tell me not to use my curse.”
Concern is concern, better than making me angry.
Thinking this in her heart, Fia deliberately avoided looking at Claire, instead looking straight ahead, answering in a not-so-straightforward manner.
“If you don’t like it, then forget it.”
“Hehe… I don’t dislike it, just find it refreshing.
Alright, I won’t use my curse in front of little Fia anymore, but my curse isn’t something I can control at will.
Even if I don’t use it, it will still be there, okay?”
“Uh.”
This time, it was Fia’s turn to be at a loss for words.
Indeed, as Claire said, even if she doesn’t use the curse, it will still remain on her.
The problem must be solved at its root.
In that case—
“Hey, stop!” Just as Fia was thinking about how to deal with Claire’s curse, a violent voice suddenly came from behind them.
Instinctively, the two turned around.
At the end of their gaze, they could see a group of people dressed as soldiers blocking the road.
And the one they were stopping was the Dark Plague patient who had just received treatment from Claire.
The temple would capture and execute those with the Dark Plague.
The man understood this better than Fia.
Without much thought, he immediately abandoned the person beside him and ran straight towards Fia without looking back.
But the soldiers were clearly prepared for the man’s escape.
They caught up with him at a speed faster than his, pinned his head down, and tackled him to the ground.
“Bastard, still trying to run!”
However, before the soldiers could tie up the man’s hands and feet, an anomaly appeared in the ruins on the side of the street.
Without warning, a massive black figure, like a battering ram, burst out from the ruins.
The soldiers were knocked back in an instant, as if hit by a speeding truck.
