Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who's the Witch of Fate’s Great Call - Chapter 7
Whether or not Vylon entered the ballroom or however that argument ended, it had nothing to do with her. She wasn’t his servant, after all.
All she needed to do was retrieve Grimdelwald’s mirror, which his grandmother, Snow White, had taken.
She needed to find the treasury quickly.
With renewed resolve, Kalynia stepped out from behind the pillar. She tried to pass by naturally, as if she were merely walking down the hallway.
The corridor was wide, so thankfully she didn’t need to step aside, but human nature made people glance at anyone passing by.
Kalynia felt them pause their conversation and watch her.
Would pretending not to notice their obvious stares make her seem suspicious?
Feeling nervous, Kalynia cast a quick glance their way. She could see on their faces that they were wondering who she was. She forced a pleasant smile and quickened her pace.
They continued watching her until she walked out of sight down the hall, but thankfully, they didn’t call her back.
“Safe…”
All she’d done was walk past, so why had they stared so intently?
She clicked her tongue in annoyance. It was best to keep moving before someone suspected there was a suspicious woman wandering around the castle. She hurried her steps.
After wandering the vast castle for quite a while, she still hadn’t found anything resembling a treasury.
Could there really be no treasury?
Just as that thought crossed her mind, she spotted a door that was distinctly different from the others, tucked in a corner. It had a large lock, and there were two guards stationed in front of it.
“That has to be the treasury with the magic mirror.”
Excited that she’d finally found it, she muttered to herself. Not seeing Catherine around, she assumed she’d arrived first. She felt pleased to have beaten her.
Now, the problem was how to deal with the guards.
It was a concern, but not a major one. She began to pull out a hidden anesthetic needle.
“You there.”
But before she could take it out, she heard a man’s unfamiliar voice behind her. Yet somehow, it sounded familiar.
Startled, Kalynia turned around and saw King Vylon, making her head spin.
Of all people, to be caught by the king!
In her flustered state, her feet tangled, and she started to stumble. Vylon caught her arm to keep her from falling.
“Oh…!”
If only he’d held her gently just to prevent her from falling.
But Vylon’s grip was too strong, and instead of falling to the floor, she ended up being pulled toward him.
Even though her direction changed, she still lost her balance.
Desperate to steady herself, she instinctively reached out to grab something to hold onto.
But of all places, why did her hand have to land at his waist? In an instant, Kalynia found herself clutching Vylon’s waist, practically in his embrace.
“……”
“……”
Caught in this unexpected situation, Kalynia froze. Vylon, seemingly surprised by her sudden closeness, remained silent as well.
A suffocating silence hung between them, not even a breath could be heard. Kalynia slowly drew a breath through her parted lips and cautiously looked up.
As her gaze met his, seeing that he hadn’t pushed her away, her breath hitched.
Was he displeased? In shock?
Kalynia couldn’t read anything in Vylon’s expression or his eyes. His gaze was as calm as a still sea, watching her unsettled state.
“My apolo…”
Just as she was about to apologize, she felt another gaze upon her, different from Vylon’s and oddly chilling.
Glancing around in curiosity, she quickly found the source of the eerie sensation. It was the bear pelt draped over Vylon’s shoulder.
Though it had no eyes, the faint traces of where they once were emanated an energy that felt as if it was glaring at her, as though filled with resentment over its death.
Why would he proudly wear such a creepy item? It was unsettling!
Feeling a chill, Kalynia quickly stepped away from him. She felt that staying close to him would only invite the bear’s curse upon her.
Luckily, this time her feet didn’t stumble.
“My apologies, Your Majesty…”
Kalynia apologized, and Vylon simply nodded slightly without a word. Silence fell again.
He could have told her to be more careful or even scolded her for falling into his arms.
But he kept his mouth shut and just stared at her intensely.
It was overwhelming. She wanted to flee, but the treasury she’d been searching for was right in front of her.
…But maybe retreating was the wiser choice if she valued her life.
Kalynia steeled herself and was about to turn away when Vylon, who had been silent as if his lips were locked, finally spoke.
“What business do you have in the treasury?”
