Erica - When a Friend is Obsessed With Me

Chapter 42

They came across it in ancient texts.

Beneath the worn illustration, a few lines of description revealed its power:

The ability to disperse curses from the surrounding area with nothing more than a stream of divine energy.

But there were temporal limitations.

A demonic curse required seven days and nights, while a lesser god's curse demanded seven seasons to pass.

It didn't specify how long it would take to lift a curse from a higher power, but...

Hyelia made a judgment call despite her uncertainty.

If she delayed any longer, it might be too late.

The only thing that could save Pechenik now was the Grail of Magretta.

"We need to borrow it from the imperial family."

"...That's it, we'll just borrow it!"

Erica's eyes lit up.

If she could do anything, it had to be now.

Her hips jerked up and down.

"Are you sure you can heal Master right away if I just bring it?"

"You can't do it all at once. According to ancient texts, you have to keep it for quite some time—"

"How long? How long will it take to fully heal? A... week?"

"..."

"A month?! Master is suffering. I want to help him get better as soon as possible."

"You'll need to think in terms of... a few years."

"..."

Erica stiffened, her mouth open.

Years? Did I hear that right?

She blinked, replaying the words in her mind, convinced she'd misheard.

"That..."

Erica pursed her lips, then fell silent.

She was speechless.

"..."

It was a long time before she could speak again.

She stifled a sigh and wiped her forehead.

"First of all... if you try to ask the imperial family to lend it to you"

"As a Saint representing the Great Temple of Light, I've already made three requests. All were rejected... a complete negotiation breakdown."

"Negotiations broke down?"

"..."

Hyelia's thoughts grew troubled.

"The Imperials have demanded a price for the Grail."

"What is it? Something the temple won't give them?"

"Your Master."

"...?"

The Emperor wanted Pechenik, who was staying at the Great Temple of Light.

At first, the saint was bewildered, offering several alternatives, but nothing swayed them.

It was Hyelia's mistake from the beginning.

If she could turn back time, she would never have revealed Pechenik's existence.