I absorbed the information, my expression growing grimmer.
"Can it be removed? If so, how?"
She nodded matter-of-factly.
"Naturally, it can. There are several methods. First is obviously, by the one who placed the curse, they can simply remove it. Second, by a powerful Resonator knowledgeable about these things, someone with exceptional aura mastery who can purge the curse without killing the host. Third, a powerful relic or treasure that can cleanse the corrupted blood and erase/seal it. Or you can just find a skilled healer and create an antidote."
I nodded, processing the options and which were available to me. "...Can you do it then?"
She smiled knowingly. "Of course, this is simply snapping fingers for me. But..." Her expression became serious. "Why should I do it?"
I went silent, understanding the weight behind her question.
She continued, her voice taking on a colder edge. "You know they’re not exactly innocent, since they dared to take this mission. Even if their families were held hostage, they are still willing to kill another person. Besides, they already know their fate - they just cling to false hope that they can somehow survive this."
"I know how twisted it sounds, wanting to save people who came to assassinate an innocent girl..."
"But that’s exactly why I can’t let them die," I said, meeting her gaze directly. "Yes, they made a choice to accept the mission, even knowing the risks. But they’re victims too - manipulated, controlled, and ultimately disposable pawns in someone else’s game. If I turn my back on them simply because they were forced into becoming ’assassins’, then what’s the difference between me and the ones who created this situation in the first place?"
"No matter what anyone says, I’ve always believed that everyone deserves a chance at redemption, a chance to choose a different path, the right path."
She raised her brow at my words. But I continued.
"These people are trapped in a nightmare where even their own deaths aren’t their choice to make. If I have the power or the chance to free them from that curse, shouldn’t I at least try? Even if they’ve done wrong, does that mean they deserve to die like that, as puppets, never having the chance to atone or change?"
She studied me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then she let out a small, almost mocking laugh.
"Isn’t that just hypocritical thinking?" she said, her voice sharp. "You speak of redemption and second chances, but what about the innocent people they might kill in the future? What about the princess they’re trying to murder right now? By saving them, aren’t you potentially condemning others to death?"
I stayed silent. I wanted to hear her opinion and worldview first before continuing. I wanted to understand what kind of individual she was.
Her eyes narrowed as she continued. "You need to grow up, boy. You can’t always think with your heart and ignore the harsh realities of the world. Sometimes, the greater good requires sacrificing a few. These assassins chose their path the moment they accepted the blood money, regardless of their circumstances."
She stepped closer, her presence becoming imposing. "Tell me, if one of them were to successfully kill the little girl or any other person tomorrow because you insisted on saving them tonight, would your noble principles comfort the families of the innocent? Will your belief in redemption bring back the dead?"
Her voice softened slightly, but remained firm. "I’m not saying compassion is wrong, but naive compassion can be more dangerous than calculated cruelty. The world isn’t a fairy tale where everyone can be saved, Aman. Sometimes, the kindest thing you can do is let the inevitable happen."
"..." I smiled at her words. "You’re right."
"But I’m not exactly some justice-obsessed foolish hero trying to save the world. I never said I’d let them walk away free. I just want to free them from that curse. And of course, I’ve already thought about what you just mentioned."
I paused, my expression growing more somber. "So yes, they do deserve to face consequences for their choices."
"Now that’s more like you," She smiled, looking intrigued. "But what are you going to do then? Hand them over to the officials, which isn’t any different from letting them become cursed again by whoever’s controlling this conspiracy? They will probably get killed."
I smiled, a hint of something darker flickering in my eyes. "I know most officials aren’t different from the dogs of the royalty and nobility. And that’s exactly why I won’t hand them over to them. I will take that responsibility myself."
"What makes you think you have the right?" she asked, her tone carrying genuine curiosity rather than accusation.
I just shrugged. "I don’t know if I have the ’right’ in any absolute sense. But I believe I can make a fairer judgment than those corrupt officials who would rather execute them to cover up the conspiracy or let them go in exchange for bribes." I paused, considering my words carefully. I didn’t want to sound arrogant. "Besides, I’m not planning to do it alone. I have my methods, you, Cassandra, the baron who wants a similar result as me, and hopefully other trustworthy people who can help judge fairly."
I wasn’t talking about only those assassins, but in a general sense as well.
"The key is to judge them individually based on their specific circumstances. Some might have been desperate trying to save their children. Others might have been greedy opportunists who saw easy money. Each case deserves its own consideration."
I leaned forward slightly. "I’m not naive enough to think I can save everyone or that everyone deserves saving. But I do know that a system where people die as puppets, never having the chance to answer for their real crimes and make amends, isn’t justice - it’s just convenient disposal of inconvenient evidence."
"The real criminals are the ones pulling the strings."
"That’s my opinion and decision."
She smiled, and for the first time since I’d known her, there was something that looked like real pride in her expression.
"Hehe, that’s my son-in-law for you."