Saving My Childhood Friend Through... Questionable Means... - Chapter 2
The sorcerer, observing Seria’s tense expression, sighed before explaining the curse-breaking method in detail.
The afflicted must have a physical relationship with a ‘virgin known for at least ten years’ until the curse’s sigil disappears. Furthermore, whenever the curse activated, the afflicted would need to quell its effects by releasing their energy into the virgin’s body.
The sorcerer emphasized repeatedly that this must be done until the incubus’s sigil vanished completely.
Stunned by the bizarre method, Seria covered her mouth with her hand, her unease evident. The sorcerer, embarrassed himself, fumbled with his handkerchief, wiping the sweat from his brow.
“Ten years? A pure woman who’s been acquainted for over ten years? How would we even find such a person?” Seria asked, her voice laced with exasperation.
“Secretary, does the Duke have a fiancée? Or perhaps someone he’s seeing romantically?”
“To my knowledge, no. Why does it have to be something so absurd…”
Seria trailed off, unable to finish her sentence. The sorcerer let out another sigh and responded.
“That’s why it’s a demon’s curse. It’s likely that he was cursed during battle with the demons. Judging by his condition, you have three days to find a suitable virgin. The curse’s sigil must completely disappear through this process. That’s how this curse works.”
“Three days? That’s such a short time.”
How could they possibly find someone suitable within three days? Seria bit her lip in frustration, but the sorcerer’s detached explanation continued.
“If you miss that window, the Duke’s condition will deteriorate to the point of no return. People cursed like this begin by suffering only during the day and recovering at night. But as time passes, the symptoms worsen until their body turns to stone, and they lose their life. At that point, it will be too late to act.”
“Isn’t there another way…?”
Seria began, only for the sorcerer to cut her off.
“Not that I’m aware of. This method was found after interpreting ancient documents, and there have been cases of people being cured through it. As of now, it’s the only known solution.”
Though it was difficult to believe, there was no reason for the sorcerer to risk lying to the ducal household. As Seria nodded, he added,
“The curse’s power might intensify during the day, causing him to lose control. When that happens, the only way to subdue it is through… well, that method. It’s a curse of lust, after all. Until the sigil completely disappears, you’ll have to keep using this method. I assure you, there are no other alternatives.”
“I understand…”
After replying weakly, Seria paid the sorcerer’s fee and watched him leave, saying he should be called back to confirm the sigil’s complete removal.
Left alone in the quiet room, Seria gently held the Duke’s cold hand, her face etched with worry.
For the week that Lucas’s condition had worsened, Seria had been solely responsible for his care. She couldn’t entrust the task to the maids, as it wasn’t wise to let others know about his mysterious illness.
Although the castle staff were trustworthy, having worked there for years, she couldn’t take any risks.
Wringing a damp cloth, she carefully wiped the sweat from the Duke’s pale face.
‘What will I do if Lucas dies?’
Her parents had passed away when she was young, and now the late Duke and Duchess, who had taken her in, were also gone. Lucas was the only person she could rely on.
From the moment they first met, he had never looked down on her or treated her as a subordinate. Instead, he treated her as an equal, a friend of the same age.
Thanks to his warmth, she had been able to overcome the pain of losing her parents. If he disappeared, she would be utterly alone in the world.
Feeling overwhelmed, Seria pressed a hand lightly against her aching chest.
‘What should I do? What would Father or the late Duke have done?’
Her violet eyes, clouded with worry, turned toward Lucas as he lay drenched in sweat. His golden hair, once flowing like spun honey, had lost its luster, and his once vibrant, full lips had turned pale and lifeless.
To think that the man hailed as the most handsome in the Empire could end up like this—she needed to find someone to break the curse.
And fast.
