—I had expected that after what happened in Kriedar and after being freed from the invisible shackles by seeing my face, you would try to strangle me with your hands or slash at me with your soul-devouring blade with all your might, but apparently Kripov was right when he said that human nature is a constant, not a variable.

Taken aback by the unexpected exchange of "greetings," Sanexa remained silent, trying not to look at the princess.

—I am aware that Karneol defeated Bezradega. Bring me the one upon whom his curse has been transferred.

—Expectation, is it? —the Death Knight's jaw audibly cracked. —My late father, who is now deceased as a result of this ambitious quest, did not raise me to treacherously attack guests in my own home. But what is more regrettable than tarnishing his good memory is to hear bitter distrust after all these years. With all due respect to Your Highness and the Holy Father, after the events in Calcite, I have become even more convinced that human souls are a concept accessible only to our goddess-mother. After all the generosity and magnanimity that you have shown to your servants, without any logical reason, to repay you in the same way as to someone important in my humble story is not a curse at all. I could recall that spell, the transformation into the undead, the destruction of my homeland, and many other things. But instead, I would rather see my saved existence, a new home, a loyal weapon, and people close to my heart. —placing his hands on Sanexa's shoulders, he continued. —In our troubled times, genuine human connections are not shackles, but a reward, and mathematical formulas and philosophical patterns are only a path to loneliness. Therefore, I will continue to pray for your well-being, Your Highness. May all these countless sacrifices not prevent you from preserving your soul in a fateful hour, and may the memory of those who believe in you lead us all to a bright future.


—As for Bezradega's curse... My companions told me nothing about it. I suppose I can turn to Erefir; if anyone knows the whole truth, it is her.