**The Empire's "Curse" – Part 4**
Rufino, unchanged from seventeen years ago, studied me with golden eyes softened in kindness.
As a half-elf, his lifespan stretched far beyond humans'. Even when I was the Great Saint, he'd already been over a century old.
His ethereal beauty and gentle nature had endeared him to many.
*(Even Sylvia had a soft spot for him.)*
**"Lady Saint, is something wrong?"**
Lost in memories, I startled at his voice.
**"A pleasure—Tiana Everett."**
**"Lady Tiana. If you ever need aid with magic, please call on me."**
**"Thank you."**
His warmth remained, lips curving into a smile. Sunlight glinted off his silver hair and the large golden earrings swaying in the spring breeze.
Unlike Felix, Rufino was exactly as I remembered—a comfort.
**"As our future empress, there's no need for formalities. Just 'Rufino' is fine."**
**"Of course."**
When Byron explained our purpose, Rufino nodded.
**"Ah, I see. I'll guide you to the archives myself. Byron, you must be busy—I'll escort Her Ladyship back afterward."**
**"But Master Rufino, surely you're occupied—"**
**"My students are capable. And as Tower Master, I'd like to speak with the Saint who'll be with us long-term."**
His offer surprised me, though I had no reason to refuse.
*(Does even Rufino not know I'm just a figurehead?)*
**"I'd appreciate that."**
**"Certainly."**
Building rapport with Rufino would be valuable, and Byron likely wanted to return to work.
Thanking the hesitant aide, I followed Rufino.
---
### **The Archives**
**"There's... so much."**
Staring at the stacks of curse-related texts, I marveled at the depth of research.
As I hesitated, Rufino floated several books onto the table with magic.
**"These are the most accessible. How much do you know of the empire's curse?"**
**"Almost nothing, I'm afraid."**
**"Shall I explain?"**
He showed no disdain for my ignorance.
*(Rufino's less an elf and more an angel.)*
He'd always aided me—the youngest, least secure Great Saint.
Opening a book, he revealed an illustration of a blackened lake teeming with monsters.
**"The curse first struck fifteen years ago."**
**"Fifteen...?"**
**"Nightly Lake, our largest, was corrupted overnight—becoming a deathly swamp spewing miasma and monsters."**
The surrounding forests perished. Miasma spread through rivers, claiming countless lives.
The horror left me speechless.
**"Five locations in total bear such curses."**
Lakes, caves, villages—all places I recalled as beautiful, now devastated.
*(Why did Rieves deserve this?)*
In my time, there'd been no signs. Seeing the empire I loved so twisted pained me.
*"Thanks to the Great Saint, this year's harvest is abundant!"*
*"When I grow up, I want to be a Saint like you!"*
So many lives lost, so much beauty defiled—grief and helplessness tore at me.
**"...Ngh."**
Tears spilled unchecked.
*(Had I not died, could I have saved them?)*
My tears changed nothing, yet I couldn't stop.
**"S-sorry..."**
A foreign Saint weeping at mere words must baffle Rufino.
Yet as his finger brushed my tears away, his expression mirrored my sorrow.
**"...You haven't changed at all."**
**"What?"**
We'd supposedly just met—why did he speak as if he knew me?
*(Does he know of "useless, crybaby Tiana" too?)*
Then—
**"—Tiana?"**
I looked up.
Felix stood there, unmistakable.