The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet
The Curse of Darkness.
Just the name alone sounds ominous...
What kind of thing could it possibly be?
Slightly tense, I listened as Von continued his story.
"This curse is as troublesome as an S-rank threat. Once it's cast, it's said that lifting it is impossible."
"Something like that actually exists…?"
"We don’t know who developed it, or what it was originally used for. But it seems certain that the Curse of Darkness is real. While it's fallen out of use now, scattered references can still be found in historical texts."
"Von, you read historical books too? Is that part of being a merchant?"
"No, that's more of a personal hobby. I collect various texts as I travel. History is built up from countless events, and unraveling it is like reliving humanity's past... Ahem, sorry. I got a bit carried away."
Von scratched his cheek, looking slightly embarrassed.
Still, I think it's a good thing to have something you’re passionate about.
I’m a bit jealous, since I don’t have anything like that.
Maybe I’ll try to find a hobby too, once things settle down.
"As for the Curse of Darkness... it's said that those who are afflicted are devoured by darkness."
"Devoured by darkness…"
That matches the visions Sora and Luna spoke of.
"Nyaah… that’s a scary story. Just imagining it makes my tail shiver."
"Yeah… mine too."
Those without tails tilted their heads, not quite understanding the metaphor.
"What happens to someone cursed? In typical stories, they get sick, become unlucky, or even die."
"Luna, don’t say such ominous things."
"I understand. I don’t enjoy saying such things either. But we must explore every possibility. If we don’t, we may not be able to save Nokia. Right?"
Luna’s words were right.
Because Nina is here, we need to be as considerate as possible...
But being too cautious and ending up with a shallow understanding would help no one.
"I’ll… be okay. Please, go on with the story."
"Are you really sure? You're not forcing yourself?"
"Mhm."
"Okay then. Nina’s a strong girl, huh? Good girl, good girl."
"Ehehe."
Tina patted Nina’s head, and she looked delighted.
Her three tails swayed and danced cheerfully.
"Ah, sorry. We ended up interrupting the conversation."
"No need to apologize. Now then, back to the story…"
With a serious expression, Von continued.
"The actual effects of the curse aren’t entirely clear. Some just feel slightly off, while others have reportedly suffered for over a month in bed and then died."
"That’s terrifying…"
"However, there is one consistent element: the Curse of Darkness supposedly steals the thing most precious to its victim."
"Steals the most precious thing…?"
"For example, a wealthy man once received the curse. Afterward, his businesses failed one after another, and within a year, he went bankrupt. What he valued most was money."
"I see…"
"There are other accounts—people who lost lovers, children, even entire countries."
Von mentioned something staggering with surprising ease.
Someone who lost a whole country…
If that’s true, the Curse of Darkness must be an incredibly powerful curse.
It affects not just the individual, but even those around them...
For it to topple a whole nation—that’s beyond belief.
Just imagining it is terrifying.
"But… if that’s true, then why did I lose my memory?"
Nokia asked, confused and uncomfortable.
That is indeed a mystery.
If we assume what she holds most dear is Nina, then shouldn’t she have lost her?
But that’s not what happened.
Instead of losing Nina, she lost her own memories.
Could it be that her daughter isn’t actually the most important thing to her?
Perhaps she believed that, deep down.
That fear might be why she looks so uncomfortable now.
"Hmm… Oh! Maybe it’s something like this?"
Kanade perked up, tail straight, as if struck by an idea.
"Maybe what Nokia truly valued was her memories of her family."
"Her… family?"
"Yes! Not just Nina, but also Nina’s father. And not only them—friends, companions… everyone close to her. Maybe she cherished them all equally, so much that she couldn’t choose one above the rest. That’s why the curse took all those precious memories—the memories she had with everyone."
"…Ah…"
Nokia widened her eyes, as if she had never considered that possibility.
I see… that made sense.
I couldn’t say for sure, but Kanade's theory felt very close to the truth.
Someone who cherishes everyone and treasures their memories…
That kind of person would indeed have their memories stolen by the curse.
"Yeah, I think so too."
"Mmm... A curse that steals someone's precious memories? That’s seriously messed up!"
"It’s unforgivable. Who could have placed such a curse on Nokia?"
Everyone became angry, as if this had happened to them personally.
They were too kind to treat it like someone else’s problem.
I felt genuinely proud to be among such people.
"Do you know how to break the curse?"
"I’m sorry… I’m afraid I don’t."
Von shook his head apologetically.
But really, there was no need to apologize.
Just being able to identify the cause was a huge step forward.
"Sora, Luna—what about you two? Can’t we break the curse with magic?"
"Hmm… I'd love to say there's nothing we spiritfolk can’t do, but to be honest, this one’s really tricky."
"After a detailed examination, we’re fairly certain there is indeed a curse. But it has a very complex structure, and it’s incredibly powerful. Honestly, Sora and I have no idea how to undo it. However, if it’s Mom… she might be able to figure something out."
"You mean Al…"
We’d already relied on Al several times lately.
It felt bad to keep asking for her help…
But for Nokia, and for Nina, I wanted to do anything I could.
"I feel bad relying on her again, but that’s our best shot. Let’s ask Al to take a look."
"Um… who is this 'Al'?"
Nokia tilted her head, puzzled.
"She’s our mother!"
"Mom has way more magical power than we do. And she’s incredibly knowledgeable too!"
"If anyone can figure this out, it’s Mother. She hasn’t lived this long for nothing, after all. Heh, times like this I’m really grateful she’s an old granny."
"Who are you calling an old granny, you brat?!"
"Fugyaa!?"
A fist suddenly landed on Luna’s head.
The person who delivered it was—
"Al!?"
"Mom!?"
"Heya."
Al, who had apparently appeared at some point without anyone noticing, gave us a casual greeting.
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