355: Calling For Master

Calling For Master

After their conversation, Erich and Oriana were granted permission to attend to the King. Erich, in his customary role, tended to the King's needs and even shared information about new medications. Oriana, however, found her attention fixed on the roses adorning a vase within the King's chamber.2

'Yesterday, I didn't take notice, but as expected, these roses remain here. What is their purpose when the King's body is already afflicted by that dark spell?' she wondered.

Once Erich had finished his duties, Oriana seized the opportunity to speak. "Master, I have a concern."

Erich turned to her, inquiring, "What is it?"

"With His Majesty already suffering from respiratory issues and struggling to breathe," Oriana began, "I would like to suggest that we remove any flowers or plants from his chamber. Flowers are known to consume oxygen, and it would be best not to have them here, potentially exacerbating his oxygen deficiency."

Erich promptly nodded, saying, "You are absolutely right." He then turned to the Queen and said, "Your Majesty, it is imperative that we heed my apprentice's advice."

The Queen readily consented, replying, "I will instruct the servants to remove them."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Oriana replied.

Arlan observed Oriana, who was genuinely concerned for his father's well-being, and he appreciated her proactive approach in removing the flowers. He was well aware of the sinister magic concealed within those blooms and the affliction plaguing his father. Yet, he felt utterly powerless, knowing that any attempt to intervene would likely result in even graver consequences.

Having Oriana as his father's physician was proving to be a significant advantage once again. In Arlan's view, she embodied the essence of a dedicated healer, someone who paid meticulous attention not only to the patient but also to their immediate environment.

If only Arlan knew her true identity – the Queen of Witches.

After Oriana and Erich had departed and returned to Erich's residence, Oriana spoke with a sense of urgency. "Master, I have an important matter to attend to. I will lock the study door from the inside."

Erich never questioned her intentions. "Do as you see fit."

She entered the study, secured the door, and with a deft movement of her fingers, conjured a pendant into her hand. Without hesitation, she closed her eyes and called out to her Master.

In an instant, someone materialised within the chamber, holding a cup of tea and sporting a furrowed brow, clearly displeased at getting summoned.

"Master," Oriana greeted with a cheerful tone, though she couldn't help but wonder, 'Why do I feel like a child meeting someone dear to me?' It was an odd sensation.

"Could you please consider the time and circumstance before summoning me?" the woman retorted, her frown deepening.

Oriana took in her appearance. Rosetta was dressed in a luxurious nightgown, a black silk robe draped over her long inner dress. She exuded the elegance of a noble lady preparing for bedtime.

'As the rumors go, Witches certainly do indulge in luxury,' Oriana thought to herself. 'And here I am, a humble witch with just a few sets of same clothes.'

"My apologies, Master. It was rather urgent," Oriana bowed her head. "Were you retiring for the night?"

"Where I reside, it is already evening, unlike the noon on your side," Rosetta replied as she settled comfortably into a chair, her one leg gracefully crossed over other, executing utter elegance while continuing to sip her tea. "I assume you've summoned me for something of great importance, otherwise, I shall reclaim that pendant and ensure you cannot disturb me again."

"It is indeed of utmost importance, Master," Oriana reassured.

"What is it that you seek?" Rosetta inquired. With a flick of her fingers, a porcelain kettle filled with freshly brewed tea materialized on the table before her.

"I wish to learn about the malevolent black magic," Oriana stated plainly.

Rosetta raised an eyebrow, her eyes displaying displeasure at the request. "This is not knowledge meant for you to acquire. Be content with what you already know."

"Master, you misunderstand me. I don't want to learn how to use it. My intention is to understand how to counteract it if someone falls under its influence."

"Whom are you attempting to save?"

"It's someone I am acquainted with, someone I hold in high regard."

Rosetta could sense that Oriana had no desire to reveal more details, so she refrained from pressing further.

"What kind of black magic has afflicted this person?" Rosetta inquired.

"I am uncertain, but from my observations..." Oriana proceeded to explain what she had discerned when scrying upon the King's body.

"Hmm, a spell that slowly siphons a person's vitality. It's nothing short of a form of torture," Rosetta commented.

"What must I do to remove it, Master?" Oriana implored, her impatience evident.

"You cannot," Rosetta replied.

"What?" Oriana exclaimed. "Why not? There must be a way."

"There is indeed a method, but what I mean is that you, by yourself, cannot accomplish it just by knowing it."

"I don't understand," Oriana's expression was filled with curiosity.

"Oriana," Rosetta began, "there exist various kinds of witches, both good and bad, within the spectrum of black and white magic. I, as you've heard, am considered a 'bad' witch, and you are a 'good' witch who dedicates herself to aiding others. However, there is a third kind known as the 'Evil Witch.' These are individuals who have degenerated into pure malevolence, losing all reason and rationality. A Demon!"

"So, you mean this witch is a third category. She is a demon?"

Rosetta nodded, "The individual who wields such malevolent magic is undoubtedly a fallen, evil witch, akin to a demon. You cannot combat her or her magic."

"I-I can at least try," Oriana ventured.

"Spells of this nature are nigh impossible to dispel unless you confront and defeat the witch responsible," Rosetta solemnly explained. "By defeat, I mean you have to kill her."

"Kill? I'm not certain if I possess the power to defeat such a witch. The malevolence of her black magic is formidable," Oriana admitted, her concern evident. "Can't we explore alternative methods to remove the spell from the person's body for the time being?"

"If you attempt that, it will undoubtedly alert her of your actions, placing the individual in even greater harm. If you are determined to confront her, then the only viable course is to eliminate the witch responsible," Rosetta offered a mocking case to Oriana, "However, I must admit, you are still useless and too weak to engage in such a battle with strong witch."

Oriana could only admit to the mockery and said,  "But, Master, you..."

"No!" Rosetta interrupted sharply, guessing Oriana's argument. "This matter does not concern me. Our deal only includes for me to teach you and it does not  include for me to go on battle field to fight for you. You must find your own path or stop meddling in the affairs of others."

Rosetta's words were sharp and straight that Oriana could not refute back. Her master was right.

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