The Cursed Beast Caught My Leash - Chapter 119

The first to contort his face was Islay. Knowing better than anyone what the destruction of the Mind’s Eye would bring, there was no way he didn’t understand what Stella was trying to say.

“I can’t believe this.”

Though her phrasing had changed slightly, she was still determined to sacrifice herself. Islay muttered like a scoff, then turned a pointed gaze toward Alexio.

“Do you understand what your sister is saying?”

“…Surely not.”

“The Mind’s Eye is a power inseparable from her. Destroying it is no different from spilling Estella’s blood.”

“Stella, are you out of your mind? You still haven’t let go of that idea?”

The two men, who moments ago had been subtly at odds, suddenly joined forces to press her. But Stella clenched her fists tightly and didn’t waver.

“I’m even more certain now. But please, don’t get angry and just listen. Islay, I’m not saying I intend to recklessly sacrifice myself.”

Largo and Calis. Both nations had received similar prophecies—that the ‘starlight’ would grant what one desired. If that were the case…

“It’s possible Pantege received a similar prophecy.”

“What?”

“I always thought it was strange. Prince Regan has been seeking me out for a long time. I wondered if perhaps he had another purpose.”

“…He certainly did seem obsessed with you, Princess.”

Gabriel muttered in agreement, only to fall silent under the harsh gazes of two men.

“This is just speculation, but perhaps their prophecy also said the Mind’s Eye was necessary to achieve their wish—just like Largo and Calis.”

“So what.”

A voice like a blade of frost cut in. Islay hadn’t asked to hear this answer, but Stella pressed on with difficulty.

“Even if I die, this power won’t disappear. If I commit a sin, it might become damaged, but eventually, it will find a new master. No matter how much time passes, it will wander the world like a specter and settle in someone who holds the same essence as I do.”

With her expression darkened, Stella called the Mind’s Eye—once a sacred power—a specter, without hesitation. Even if someone deemed it blasphemous, she didn’t care. To her, no word fit better.

“In other words, as long as the Mind’s Eye exists, conflict will never end. Not even in a future we can’t foresee. Even if we destroy Pantege now, those who seek gain through plunder and invasion will always appear.”

How many people had suffered due to those who coveted this power, starting with Simon long ago? To end the cycle, it had to be resolved while she still bore the ability.

Besides, it was a power too grand—and too useless—for her. She had never saved anyone with it, never truly helped anyone. So at the very least, its destruction had to be her own decision.

If destroying the Mind’s Eye could restore Largo’s lost glory, if it could save countless lives—

‘If I could save my suffering beloved and the nation he would live in.’

Then wasn’t the choice already clear?

Just as Islay was trying to save Largo for her peace, she felt the same.

In Calis, even now, terrifying monsters roamed. No matter how fiercely the Northerners hunted them down, they continued to wreak havoc on the vast lands.

So if the curse that bound Peruno could be lifted, the black beasts born from it would surely be annihilated as well.

Gabriel, his face weighed down by a heavy shadow, asked again, “But Your Highness, how can that power be destroyed?”

“We must find the ancient gem.”

Stella unfolded the drawing she had sketched earlier. She pointed first to a door that looked like the entrance to an underground crypt, then to the interior lined with massive statues of strange shape.

“The relic should be here, in the abandoned temple.”

“The temple, you say?”

The priest pulled out his glasses again and studied the drawing. Though hastily drawn, the features were distinct enough to recognize.

“Tell us, Estella.”

A cold, toneless voice rang in her ear. Stella turned a damp gaze toward Islay, who wore a sharp expression.

“Tell your brother and the priest exactly what you plan to do once you find it.”

“…As you know, theoretically, the idea is to use the gem as a vessel and release the Mind’s Eye into it. But since the ritual has never been performed before, I don’t know exactly how it will go.”

Stella looked at them with a more confident expression.

“I think we’ll know once we examine the relic. I even think… maybe it’s possible to extract only the power without any sacrifice. The reason I think so is—”

“El, that still means you’re gambling with your life.”

“Because it’s worth trying.”

“It’s not. And I absolutely won’t allow it.”

Alexio shook his head firmly, as if unwilling to continue the conversation, then gestured to the priest, who had been studying the drawing.

“Let’s go, Gabriel. Everyone should be gathered in the council chamber by now. And Peruno, you too.”

As Alexio turned his back, the knights standing by the doorway moved quickly to clear a path. Stella stood blankly, her lips parted. Despite all her serious reasoning, her proposal had been rejected in an instant.

She set the parchment down and grabbed the edge of Gabriel’s robe as he followed Alexio.

“The temple’s location—couldn’t you tell where it might exist?”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I don’t know.”

“Isn’t there anything about the building’s or statues’ style that seemed familiar… any kind of clue?”

“I’m truly sorry.”

The elderly priest bowed his head in apology instead of answering and gently removed her hand. Stella parted her lips as she watched his snow-white robes recede.

The only one who hadn’t moved was Islay.

But his expression was colder than ever. The man who had looked at her moments ago as though she were the most precious treasure in the world now stared at her, barely containing his rising fury.

She understood how he felt. He hadn’t come down here to help her sacrifice herself, but to protect her.

Even so, she couldn’t help but feel hurt.

“Islay.”

Stella bit her lip and walked toward him. Though he didn’t move, his eyes followed her approach.

Carefully, Stella reached out and laced her fingers through his. His large hand, which could easily enclose hers entirely, twitched slightly. A hand she wished would hold hers tight, supporting her no matter what decision she made.

Was that too selfish a wish?

“Everyone who’s ever tried to use the Mind’s Eye, whether by choice or not, has considered sacrifice. High Priest Simon, and even Theia—they both knew death was the price of saving their beloved.”

“……”

“But I’m different. I… want to live.”

Only then did a ripple of emotion flicker across Islay’s face. Stella pressed a faint squeeze into his hand.

“Just as you wish to become an ordinary man, I want to live like an ordinary woman too. One without any grand power, without abilities that don’t suit me.”

She wanted to escape a fate she never asked for and carve out a future with him. To discard all fear and sorrow tied to a predetermined end—and simply love him freely.

Wasn’t that the one wish both of them had yearned for above all?

“Please believe in me.”

“……”

“I want to live the rest of my life by your side. So please, just give me a chance to try—help me.”

That must have shaken the iron wall of his heart. After a long silence, Islay finally parted his lips.

“If anything must be gained at the cost of your life, then it’s worth nothing to me.”

He adjusted his grip and pulled her toward him, holding Stella firmly in his arms. His low voice fell against the curve of her ear like a restrained groan.

“So promise me, Estella.”

“……”

“Even if we miraculously find the relic, if it turns out your life must be sacrificed, promise me you’ll walk away without hesitation.”