Chapter 287: A Witch (1/2)

The Daughter, or Princess, of Ice and Fire, sat in the garden with no indication of her identity. Arthur had expected she would be wearing a gown that like the medieval princesses in his world, jewelry that blinded one's eyes, and gems that cost cities.

The person in question, however, wore a simple one-piece white and blue dress with a scarf thrown over her shoulders. The dress had no markings or extravagant details, but a simple silk cloth.

One each temple, the princess had a long ice shard that looked like glass surrounding her ears. The shards were triangular and started from the base of her ears and ended a little above her head. Her skin was pale but there were fine scars on it.

As the two of them got closer, Arthur realized her eyes were covered in a thin layer of ice. They were looking blankly ahead, unfocused, and their irises were fully white.

”Young Miss,” Neray bowed his body and the princess turned to him. However, she didn't look his way, but toward Arthur's direction. ”I've come again with a present. The herb, Greatest Harmony, that would cure your eyes and awaken your powers.”

”Oh,” The princess's face was expressionless. ”You make it sound as if the herb wasn't already on its way here.” The Princess gave a thin smile.

”That is the reason I'm here.” Neray said humbly. ”I chanced upon the gardener during my arrival, made sure he gets into the city after the guards wanted to throw him out.”

”For that you have my gratitude.” The princess turned back toward Arthur. ”Is he the One-Armed Seika that marchioness Larza sent word of?”

”Show her the leaf, slave.” Neray gestured but before Arthur could move, the garden froze instantly. The princess floated in the air while glaring at Neray.

”This man, if the herb is indeed genuine, will be my savior.” The princess mouthed out slowly. ”Treat him with respect,” Arthur could see his breath leaving a white trail. ”No, as an equal.”

Arthur's body didn't feel cold even though he saw the garden being frozen rapidly. Neray's body was covered in a layer of frost while he kept bowing. He breathed out and nodded.

”I understand, Princess Dia.” Neray kept his head down. However, he didn't apologize to Arthur. Princess Dia seemed to understand that it would be impossible for him to do so and nodded.

The cold energy receded but the garden was still frozen. The frosting on Neray's body rapidly melted as white energy resembling flames appeared on his body.

”I would have to ask my father to defrost the garden again.” Princess Dia sighed after she landed in her chair. Suddenly, the temperature started rising as Arthur heard footsteps from behind him.

”You can freeze anything you want; I will be there to melt the ice.” A flaming man appeared from behind Arthur and Neray. He had two large wings of flame that flickered gently. His forehead had two red horns and his face was covered by a giant beard.

”Greetings, Duke Zenos!” Neray turned to the newcomer hurriedly and bowed. ”Apologies for not visiting you sooner, I wanted to check on Princess Dia first.”

”If it would have been anyone else, I would have had them beheaded.” The Duke said nonchalantly. ”Young Master Neray is an exception.”

”Show me the herb, Seika.” Princess Dia interrupted and all eyes turned to Arthur. He took out the leather bag and unbuttoned it. Light seeped out as the leaf followed Arthur's hand and appeared to the world.

The world buzzed as harmonious energy spread around. The cracks on the princess's face began to heal rapidly as an effect of the herb merging her powers.

”A miracle...” The princess looked at her hands with amazement. ”They're disappearing.” She reached out toward the leaf to touch it. Her body floated from the chair toward Arthur. However, the barrier around the herb prevented her as well.

”The herb only answers to this human?” The Duke looked on with a frown. ”Open the barrier, gardener.” He commanded but Arthur shook his head.

”I'm not the one who created it. The only difference is that it listens to me.” Arthur answered. ”The barrier is its way of protecting itself as it grows.”

”Grows?” Duke Zenos frowned. ”Are you saying it had yet to mature?”

”It has only been a week since I planted the seed, your grace.” Arthur said. ”The herb can be used, but it had yet to reach its full potential.”