@Introvert And
Spoiler!
Caesar was surprised by her words. As Medea slept, he noticed tears quietly slipping from her closed eyes. For someone who usually appeared so composed, the sight revealed a vulnerability she rarely allowed others to see. While Medea remained missing, rumors spread throughout the kingdom. The public demanded that Simon be held responsible and some people even began questioning the Katzen delegation. Eventually, Medea and Caesar met Terrance, who agreed to escort Medea back to the palace and claim that he had discovered her by chance while conducting research. When Medea asked what the Magic Tower wanted in return, Terrance directly mentioned the Tears of Dawn. He explained that the legendary medicine was believed to have the power to cure even serious illnesses and that the First Prince was searching for it. Caesar immediately gave Terrance a warning look, but Medea calmly pretended that she knew nothing about the Tears of Dawn. She then remarked that cooperating with the First Prince might be more beneficial than supporting Jason. When Caesar, still disguised as Acares, asked how she knew so much about him, Medea simply explained that it would be difficult not to hear about the First Prince on the continent. When Acares pointed out that Caesar's health was failing, Medea responded that his determination to continue pursuing his goals despite his condition showed remarkable perseverance. Caesar had stopped expecting recognition from others long ago, especially after being treated as an enemy by his own father. Yet hearing Medea acknowledge his determination gave him an unfamiliar sense of warmth.
✕When the Dowager learned that Medea had returned, she immediately hurried to see her. Terrance explained that he was temporarily representing the Tower Master and had discovered Medea in the mountains while conducting research. According to his story, Medea had been in poor condition when they found her, and he and several mages had spent considerable time helping her recover. This explained why her return had taken so long. Everyone was relieved to see Medea safe. However, Joaquin soon attempted to argue that Medea's disappearance had caused unnecessary trouble for Simon. Medea visibly became frightened when Simon approached her. Terrance quickly explained that she appeared to have lost her memories of what had happened during the incident. Her reaction caused those watching to draw their own conclusions. Many began to suspect that Simon had behaved improperly toward Medea during the hunting trip. The Dowager was furious that the Claudios were focusing on their own problems instead of Medea's condition. She ordered Simon to receive twenty lashes as punishment for abandoning his royal companion and failing in his duty to protect her. Joaquin once again attempted to challenge the order, but the Dowager refused to change her decision. Simon was taken away to receive his punishment while the crowd watched.
Meanwhile, many of the citizens who had benefited from Medea's victory in the duel came to welcome her back and express their gratitude. Medea patiently met them and accepted their well wishes.
Finally, Jason arrived carrying a large bouquet. He wanted to make amends with Medea after failing to reach her during the hunting incident. He tried to connect with her by saying that he understood what it felt like to be betrayed by one's own family and implied that they shared similar experiences. Medea immediately rejected the comparison. She calmly told Jason that her brother, the person she considered her true family, had never betrayed her. Jason was deeply frustrated by her response. After everything he believed he had done for her, including refusing to support Claudios during the hunting incident, he could not understand why Medea continued to keep him at a distance.
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