Chapter 4

Chapter 4

As I filled a basket with wild flowers, Tobias finally approached me with a smile on his face.

It seemed that Cody and Tobias had a good conversation.

I leaned compliantly against Tobias. He was in a wonderful mood, pinching my chin and planting a kiss on my lips. "Andrea, you're so beautiful. Not even the wild flowers in the whole garden can compare to you."

I gave a charming smile and followed Tobias out of the woodland without looking back.

Cody gave a respectful bow behind us. "I will visit the Marsh Residence another day."

Cody had managed to charm Tobias quite well. The usually closed doors of the Marsh Residence were finally open for him.

The capital city of Egoding was abuzz with gossip. Many people said I was a witch who brought disaster to the nation. Ever since I entered the Marsh Residence, Tobias had broken many of his rules.

"Mr. Marsh is not in the residence right now. He asked us to escort the Fourth Prince to the study to wait," a servant said, leading him in.

I stood up and greeted him with the proper etiquette. After all, no one could know about my relationship with Cody.

Tobias hadn't returned yet, leaving just the two of us in the study.

"When do you plan to act?" Cody asked bluntly.

"What are your plans, Your Highness?" I didn't answer directly.

During my time in the capital, I had come to understand Cody's character more and more.

We had made a deal, but that didn't mean he was a good ally.

He knew I wanted to kill Tobias, yet he still treated Tobias with utmost respect.

Cody wanted to rightfully claim that position. For that, he was willing to endure and use any means necessary.

I had to think about my future as well.

"Help me find someone in the Marsh Residence," Cody said, tossing me a carefully wrapped stone. "She gave this to me."

I took it and put it away. "Is it a man or a woman?"

"A woman."

"What's her name?"

Cody shook his head. "I don't know."

You don't know?

I continued to ask, "What does she look like?"

Cody looked slightly embarrassed. "I don't know that either."

You don't know anything?

"However, I do know she's from Zleanding," Cody said seriously.

Zleanding?

Before Zleanding was burned down, many people had left the town to explore the world. But after that, there was no news of them.

I knew about this; he wasn't lying to me.

Cody was certain that the person he was looking for, if she hadn't died in that fire, must be in the Marsh Residence.

Why was he so sure? Why did he think she must be here?

My hands and feet turned cold, and I felt numb as Cody pushed me out the door before Tobias returned.

That night, I carefully examined the stone Cody had given me by candlelight.

It was indeed a Luminous Stone, a unique product of Zleanding.

I remembered that many years ago, when I was still a child, I had given one away too.

Giving it to someone symbolized good luck and happiness.

It seemed that the person Cody was looking for was very important to him.

But why would there be a girl from Zleanding in the Marsh Residence?

Suddenly, I felt a weight on my shoulder. Tobias hugged me from behind.

The time for the Cursed Insect's effect had arrived.

I obediently lay down, but my mind was already elsewhere.

In a flash, I thought of the group of servants I had seen during the day, who had looked very strange.