Reincarnated as a Sickly Princess, She was Kidnapped by the Evil Dragon Lady - Chapter 33

Rodas had often pondered what he would do if Illycia were to become an ordinary person someday. He knew he would follow her wherever she went, letting her pursue whatever she desired.

Though Illycia hadn’t become ordinary, an unexpected figure had emerged in their lives: Aria.

Initially, Rodas harbored hostility toward Aria, seeing her as the one who had abducted Illycia.

But witnessing Illycia’s newfound cheerfulness and observing Aria’s genuine care for her, Rodas’s heart began to soften.

Like all fathers, Rodas longed for Illycia to stay by his side forever.

Yet he understood that as a father, he must learn to “let go.”

Like fathers dreading their daughters’ weddings, Rodas feared for Illycia’s safety and might have desperately opposed her leaving with anyone else.

But then he remembered the twenty years of solitude Illycia had endured, the unbearable loneliness that had driven her to attempt suicide, and the farewell letter she had written. Rodas knew, no matter how painful, he had to let her go.

In the past, Rodas would have believed that Illycia was safest by his side, and that only he could provide her with the most secure and fulfilling life.

However, Illycia’s suicide attempt shattered the protective umbrella Rodas had woven around her, forcing him to confront reality.

If that’s the case, he thought, it’s better to let Illycia pursue her passions under someone else’s protection. At least that way, she’ll be happy.

That brief moment of reflection solidified Rodas’s resolve, and his perception of Aria began to shift.

“Let’s go, darling,” Rodas said, taking Rosalia’s hand. “You need to understand that Illycia isn’t like other children. She was destined from birth to live a different life.”

With that, Rodas led Rosalia away.

Rosalia listened to Rodas’s words, reluctant to admit the truth, but deep down she knew he was right. She no longer had any reason to keep Illycia by her side.

“Mm-hmm,” she murmured, her voice heavy with unspoken thoughts.

And with that, the two vanished from the dining hall.

Meanwhile, Illycia had dragged Aria all the way to the castle gates.

“Huff… huff…”

Illycia stood panting heavily at the gate, her hands resting on her knees as she bent over.

Her frail constitution made it impossible for her to endure even this short burst of exertion. Her current state of breathlessness served as the perfect example.

“Are you alright?” Aria asked, her voice filled with concern as she watched Illycia struggle to catch her breath.

“I’m… I’m fine. I just need a moment to catch my breath.”

Illycia realized she needed to accept her limitations and avoid running in the future.

“Um… I’m sorry, Aria. I didn’t want to go back to my room so early, so I used you as a shield.”

After a long moment, Illycia straightened up, her voice tinged with apology.

“It’s fine,” Aria replied, her expression as serene as ever. After a pause, as if considering something, she added, “Then I might as well show you around.”

“Huh?”

Illycia stared at Aria in surprise, never expecting her to suggest taking her out for a walk.

But she quickly recovered.

“Really?!”

“Mm, I haven’t explored human settlements myself.”

“Great! Let’s go!!”

Illycia was suddenly bursting with excitement, feeling her earlier fatigue vanish completely.

The two quickly left the area and began strolling down a random street.

As they walked, Aria used magic to dye Illycia’s hair black, preventing any unwanted attention.

Side by side, they strolled through the streets. Illycia, walking beside Aria, kept looking left and right, just like when she first entered the Dwarf Kingdom. Despite being in the country where she grew up, she felt like a stranger.

Aria, as always, maintained her icy demeanor, her expression softening only occasionally when she glanced at Illycia, a hint of contemplation flickering in her eyes.

Aria, observing Illycia’s demeanor, likely concluded that the girl had never truly left the castle.

This realization made Aria feel genuine pity for Illycia.

Illycia’s situation was even more tragic than that of their sealed Dragon Race companions. While the dragons at least had a vast realm to roam freely, Illycia was confined to a single small room.

Precisely because of this, Aria resolved that after Illycia helped the Dragon Race break the seal, she would take the girl on a journey, teaching her magic along the way to ensure her self-sufficiency. This would serve as compensation for Illycia’s assistance to the entire Dragon Race.

And by then, Aria would no longer need to continue serving as the so-called Dragon Queen.

“Aria.”

Just as Aria was contemplating the future, Illycia suddenly called her name, jolting her out of her thoughts. Aria immediately focused her attention on the girl before her.

“Um… I’ve been thinking, and I’ve decided to help you honestly after all.”

After all, Illycia’s parents were alive and well, and she hadn’t heard any news of others dying. This meant the Aria before her wasn’t a deceitful dragon—at least, she was trustworthy.

“But you have to promise me,” Illycia said, planting her hands on her hips and staring directly at Aria. “After we’re done, you’ll use your Dragon Race’s secret treasure to turn me back to normal. And you also said you’d teach me magic—don’t go back on your word!”

Illycia’s gaze locked unflinchingly with Aria’s, their eyes the same vibrant color.

Though she had no other choice if she wanted to live freely and learn magic, Aria had asked for her help first, so Illycia felt she could afford to be a little assertive.

But to Aria, Illycia’s demeanor was simply endearing, full of girlish innocence and charm, with no hint of arrogance.

“Mm, I promise,” Aria replied.