Judge of Cosmos

CHAPTER 16

"Roan, please protect me with your aura."

"Yes, Master."

Roan quickly enveloped Moraine in an aura barrier, and the necklace, which had been burning like hot metal, finally began to cool. She sighed in relief, her fingers brushing the now-cooled pendant. Sensing her unease, Kana approached and gently rubbed her back.

"Master, it's okay," Kana reassured her softly.

Moraine didn't respond. Kana's words were meant to be comforting, but a nagging feeling of unease gnawed at her. The fragment she had been searching for still hadn't revealed itself.

'I married Ajax because of the fragment, but I haven't sensed it at the manor. Maybe it's somewhere here in Vernize... Or maybe someone else has it... No, I can't think negatively.'

"Master, please duck," Roan whispered urgently, guiding her down just in time.

Moraine suppressed a grumble as her subordinates treated her like delicate glass, but she understood their caution. In her current vulnerable state, she had no choice but to comply.

"Is it done?!" Kana's irritation was clear in her voice.

Renault snorted, and the magic circle hovering above them shifted from a dull gray to a deep, ominous red. Moraine's attention snapped to Renault.

"Renault!" she called out, concern flooding her voice.

Renault was drenched in sweat, his face as pale as a sheet, and his body trembled violently. Moraine rushed to his side, placing her cool hand on his feverish forehead.

"You're burning up," she said, her voice tight with worry.

"Master, I'm fine. I just... took in too much heat," Renault replied, trying to laugh it off despite his obvious discomfort.

Kana clicked her tongue in disapproval while Roan sighed in relief. Moraine blinked and handed Renault a handkerchief, which he gratefully accepted.

"Master, this isn't your scent," Renault noted, sniffing the hanky.

"It's mine," Kana muttered.

Renault made a mock gagging noise, feigning disgust, and in an instant, the bickering between him and Kana flared up again.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they finally returned to the manor. Renault wanted to stay with Moraine, but the Tower Master, noticing his absence, immediately summoned him back. It was only then that Moraine realized Renault hadn't informed his master of his departure.

'As always, Renault is a troublemaker,' she mused.

"The bath is ready, Your Grace," Laila informed her, guiding her to the tub.

Moraine removed her outerwear and slipped into the warm water. As she exhaled deeply, the soothing scents of lavender and peppermint filled the room, easing her tension.

"Shall I massage you, Your Grace?" Kana asked as she entered the room.

"Please do," Moraine murmured.

"Then I'll take care of your legs while Kana massages your head." Laila offered.

Moraine's silence was all the permission they needed. As they began to work on her stiff muscles, she felt as though her entire body was floating, the day's fatigue slowly melting away.

"Ah, what bliss," Moraine murmured, basking in the warmth of the morning sun. She was dressed simply, like a countryside girl, her attire far removed from the grandeur usually associated with her title. Yet, no matter how plainly she dressed, her noble bearing was unmistakable.

"Your Grace, your hair is so pretty. I've never seen hair as white as snow before!" A young child named Quinine, full of awe and admiration, gazed up at Moraine. After her heroic actions, she had been lovingly dubbed the 'Lady of Light' by the people of Southern Vernize.

The transformation of the land was nothing short of miraculous. What had once been a barren, desolate place was now bursting with life. The cracked soil and withered plants were gone, replaced by lush greenery and thriving crops. It was hard to believe that this vibrant landscape had once been on the brink of ruin.

Magicians, commissioned by the southern nobles and aided by Moraine's guidance, were now planting various trees and crops across the region. The land, once forsaken, was now flourishing, with flowers blooming and leafy bushes sprouting in every direction. The Grand Duchess's advice to plant diverse types of trees had been heeded, and Southern Vernize was well on its way to becoming the center of trade once more.

"A white tree?" Moraine whispered, her gaze fixed on the tall, majestic tree before her. Its leaves were a pure, snowy white, shimmering in the morning light. The tree stood proudly at the center of Southern Vernize's Town Square, like a guardian watching over the rejuvenated land.

"It's a tribute for the Grand Duchess," Quinine explained, smiling up at her. "Everyone here is so grateful to you, Your Grace. The nobles, especially Count and Countess Globin, commissioned an elemental to plant this rare wisteria tree. We all pitched in. We wanted something special to remind the South of our hero."

Moraine felt a swell of emotion in her chest as she looked up at the tree. It was more than just a symbol of their gratitude; it was a testament to the resilience and hope of the people of Southern Vernize. Despite everything they had endured, they had not only survived but had thrived.

"Thank you," Moraine said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "I am honored, truly."

As she stood there, the white leaves of the wisteria rustling gently in the breeze, Moraine knew that her work here was not just about saving the land—it was about restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and forging a future where Southern Vernize could once again flourish.