Johnson hesitated by the campfire for a long moment before finally asking a question.
“Do you all… know about curses?”
Momoka answered immediately without a second thought.
“Who doesn’t know about curses? Rita stays by Her Highness the Princess’s side every day, you know. Right, Rita?”
“Ahem.” Albert cleared his throat, and only then did Momoka realize that what she said might have been a bit inappropriate.
For one, this wasn’t a casual gathering where everyone was drinking and chatting cheerfully—it was an interrogation of Johnson.
For another, even if relationships had been decent during this exam period, speaking recklessly about the princess was crossing a line.
But thanks to Momoka stirring the pot, the tense atmosphere had noticeably lightened, and everyone’s eyes naturally shifted to Rita, waiting for her to take over the conversation.
“Curses, huh? I know, I know, I know.” Rita nodded repeatedly.
Alright then, it seemed she not only misunderstood but genuinely didn’t know much about curses.
Promi took the opportunity to pick up the thread.
“A curse is a malicious application of magic that only affects living beings. It’s conditional, continuous, and harmful, usually considered the exclusive domain of demons. If a human uses one, they’d be despised.”
That sounded awfully academic. Rita couldn’t help but wonder if she’d accidentally stepped back into a classroom.
At the same time, a question formed in Rita’s mind.
Since everyone else knew she was clueless on the subject, she didn’t mind sounding a little silly.
“Why are humans despised if they use curses?”
“If you want to kill someone, there are countless quicker methods. But curses are almost always used to torment others. Because this kind of magic is more complex than ordinary spells, designed specifically for cruelty and inhumanity, those who use it naturally become detested,” Momoka explained.
“For example, the most notorious is the Succubus’s Rita’s Desire Curse. It not only intensifies a person’s desires immensely but also leaves strange marks on the cursed individual—both disgusting and shameful.”
So succubi really can plant the silver marks.
If it were possible, Rita would actually want to learn that craft.
But now was definitely not the time to think about such indecent things, and Rita didn’t want to use such magic on others anyway.
Since Johnson brought up curses, it couldn’t be just a random topic shift. Rita recalled the strange occurrences of the past few days and came to a nearly certain conclusion.
“So, Johnson, did you become like that because of a curse?”
“Yes. It’s a Bestial Curse. Around the Full Moon, late at night, I transform into a bear.”
Johnson took a deep breath, as if admitting this was a huge challenge for him. After an intense inner struggle known only to himself, he resignedly confirmed Rita’s guess.
“Transforming during the Full Moon… isn’t that a werewolf?” Momoka blurted out but quickly shut up, sensing the atmosphere had turned awkward.
“It’s just that the curse activates around the middle of the month. The Bestial Curse and being a werewolf are different,” Johnson said, accepting the difficult truth. His expression seemed relieved as he took the initiative to explain to Momoka.
“So, are you stuck like this forever?” Albert asked.
“Not exactly. There used to be a drug on the black market that could suppress my curse somewhat. My supply is almost gone, but on the day I went to buy more, I happened to run into Rita, and that delayed my trip. After that… the black market was shut down, and I lost contact with the seller.”
“No wonder.” Rita recalled that day at the black market and how Johnson was evasive when the topic came up. It solved a harmless little mystery.
“But why did you lose control just last night?”
“I still had some of the drug left. If I reduced the dose, it wouldn’t stop the transformation but would keep me calm, so as long as I wasn’t disturbed, it was fine. Last night’s situation was… a bit too extreme.”
Johnson stammered, seemingly worried no one would believe him, then hurriedly added,
“But don’t worry, it’s not dangerous as long as I’m left alone. The curse only flares for a few days around the Full Moon. Once those days pass, I’m fine.”
Though the conversation seemed calm, it concerned Johnson’s future, so his nervous reassurance was understandable.
“If the Bestial Curse isn’t hard to remove, why don’t you find someone to lift it once and for all?” Promi asked sharply, pinpointing the contradiction in Johnson’s story.
If the curse was so painful and easy to deal with, there was no reason for Johnson to keep it.
The group, reminded by Promi, grew tense again after moments of relaxation.
“Because I don’t have the money.” Johnson gave a bitter smile, showing teeth that weren’t very pleasant.
“Solus City is near the border. Noble magi usually don’t come here. Going to the capital to find a mage to lift the curse would be expensive, whereas black market drugs were much more affordable.”
Thinking back to himself half a month ago, Rita suddenly understood Johnson’s predicament.
The tension evaporated, replaced by waves of helplessness.
Johnson seemed to have expected this mood. He rubbed his bald head and said,
“To be honest, my goal of becoming a Holy Knight is partly for this reason. If one day I can really become a Holy Knight and go to the capital, this problem could be solved. But judging by how things are now, I’m probably out of luck.”
Albert’s face hardened.
“Johnson, as a friend, I have to ask you seriously: you’re not lying to us, right?”
“Since it’s already like this, why would I lie?” Johnson gave a wry laugh.
Albert then turned to Rita.
“So, Rita, what do you think?”
This interrogation truly hinged on Rita. Though she couldn’t directly decide Johnson’s future, her report to Cecilia would heavily influence his fate.
Rita had a good impression of Johnson all along. Otherwise, given how dangerous last night’s situation was, she could’ve easily ended him on the spot—and no one would’ve objected.
“I’ll honestly report everything to Her Highness Cecilia and try to get you to continue the exam,” Rita nodded.
Johnson stared at her for a long moment before saying solemnly,
“Thank you.”
“But I have one question: how did you get cursed?” Rita asked curiously.
No sooner had she asked than Johnson’s face visibly darkened. The others frowned as well.
“Rita, this question is very important for Her Highness’s judgment and my future, isn’t it?” Johnson’s tone grew grave, completely different from the casual chat by the fire. To Rita, it sounded more like a plea for understanding.
“Not really. I’m just curious. If…”
“Rita.” The ever-talkative Momoka tugged at Rita’s sleeve.
“If it’s not important, don’t ask.”
After a sleepless night of fighting and little rest today, Rita definitely didn’t want to drag Momoka out for more training.
But after the meeting, they could still talk for a bit.
As they chatted, Rita remembered what just happened and thought this was a good chance.
“By the way, why did you stop me from asking Johnson where his curse came from?”
“Well, it’s not that I can’t say, but it feels weird. It’s hard to explain for now. Anyway, it’s better to just forget about it.” Momoka scratched her red hair.
They pushed the topic back and forth, but in the end, Rita didn’t get a satisfactory explanation, so the matter was dropped for the time being.
Afterwards, Rita returned straight to Cecilia’s tent. Although Cecilia’s old tent had been destroyed, the camp was large enough that the princess surely had somewhere to sleep.
After reporting Johnson’s situation, Rita privately spoke a few kind words on his behalf.
Though Johnson claimed he was fine, he was far more dangerous than when he drew his sword during the day. Last night had been chaotic, and Rita’s quick action had prevented most from realizing how serious it was before the problem was resolved.
“I see,” Cecilia nodded. “Since you say so, we’ll let him stay here for now.”
Talking about Johnson, looking at Cecilia, Rita couldn’t help but think of the cursed title of the princess.
If she asked Cecilia, maybe her own doubts would be answered.
But judging by everyone else’s attitude and remembering Momoka’s solemn warning, Rita swallowed her questions back down.
Asking would only satisfy her curiosity but could cost Johnson his chance to become a Holy Knight—or worse, harm him more.
“By the way, have you asked him why he was cursed?” Cecilia asked casually, making Rita’s heart skip a beat.
“Ah, that, no! I forgot!” Rita was stunned for a moment, then her mind raced as she answered immediately.
“Lying.” Cecilia’s tone was flat.
“…” Rita was at a loss for words and quickly admitted her mistake while trying to cover for Johnson.
“I did ask, but…”
“But he didn’t tell you, which is understandable since it wouldn’t matter,” Cecilia cut in without delving deeper.
“It’s like that.”
Rita scratched her head awkwardly. She wanted to help Johnson finish the exam and, hearing Momoka’s later tone, felt it better not to say more—so she’d lied instinctively.
But since Cecilia didn’t pursue it, she must know the reasons behind it, right?
“Your Highness Cecilia, I’m curious—why does everyone seem so secretive about this?”
“Well?” Cecilia thought for a moment, then turned back to face Rita.
“Sleep beside me tonight, and I’ll tell you.”