Now, everything came rushing back to him.
His expression darkened.
He knew exactly who was behind this—and he would never forgive them.
Rage surged within him.
He felt like he could lose control of his emotions at any moment.
His target for revenge shifted.
His thirst for revenge shifted.
Darnel and Valeska could wait.
'Priest Aldren'
He would be the first.
He would be his primary target for revenge.
This meant he had to change his plans.
He needed a more elaborate, perfect plan.
And for that, he had to wait.
He had to wait and see what they would do next.
Knowing everything, all he had to do was plan his revenge.
It was a little difficult, but also quite easy for him.
"Oh? So the man's awake?"
Priest Aldren asked.
A smile spread across his face.
The three of them stopped in front of him.
Are his wounds fully healed?" Aldren asked.
"Yes," Lysette replied. "When I checked on him, he had already made a full recovery."
"...I see," Aldren murmured, casting a glance at Hastora.
He narrowed his eyes.
"Hmmm… It seems you're right."
He stepped closer.
"Did you just wake up?" he asked.
"...Yes, I just woke up," Hastora replied.
"My name is Aldren, I am a priest. May I know your name?"
"...Hastora… Hastora Vallois."
"A fine name."
"...Thank you."
Hastora looked at Priest Aldren calmly, yet meticulously.
He realized something.
Priest Aldren seemed to want something from him.
He didn't know what, but he had to remain vigilant and cautious.
Priest Aldren might want to use and exploit him in his wicked schemes.
"Are you the one who treated me?"
Hastora asked.
He was a little curious.
But this wasn't just a casual question.
He wanted to confirm something before initiating his plan.
"Indeed, I am the one who treated you,"
Priest Aldren replied.
He seemed completely truthful.
That was enough for Hastora to realize something.
'This priest... he's trying to manipulate me, isn't he?'
Aldren might have saved his life—but not without a price.
He wanted to make Hastora feel indebted to him.
Priest Aldren wanted to plant the seed of obligation in Hastora's heart, making him feel obligated and subservient to Aldren's desires.
It was a cunning, yet brilliant plan.
However, it was too easy to predict.
Such a cheap trick was often used by villains in any story.
It was too cliché.
"So… what do you want to do to me now?"
Hastora asked.
Priest Aldren must want to do something to begin his plan.
He was certain of it.
"You're quite perceptive, aren't you? You figured it out," Priest Aldren replied.
Hastora raised an eyebrow.
Everything was as he suspected.
Priest Aldren was indeed trying something before starting his plan.
"So, what do you want to do?"
Hastora asked again.
Priest Aldren answered.
"I just want to give you a potion."
"A potion? For what?"
"To fully restore you."
"But I'm already healed."
"It's true you've recovered, but you're not fully healed."
Priest Aldren took a potion from his pocket and offered it to Hastora.
"Here, drink this," he said.
Hastora paused.
He felt uncertain.
The potion might not be for healing him; it might be to control his mind.
Dangerous.
It could be a trap to control his mind.
But he was a Nonconformity—resistant to such tricks.
It wouldn't work on him.
His conviction returned instantly.
He took the potion and drank it down.
"Thank you," he said.
"You're welcome," Priest Aldren replied.
The corners of his lips curled into a smile.
It was a very cunning smile.
Hastora noticed it, and he hated it.
"So your name is Hastora, is it?"
Suddenly, a woman spoke.
She bore a striking resemblance to Valeska and Lysette. From her hair and eyes to her face.
He knew who she was.
The mother of Valeska and Lysette, the former queen of Glazareth.
Elowen von Asterea.
That was her name.
"Yes, that's my name,"
Hastora replied.
Lysette stepped closer.
"I apologize."
She bowed her head.
"Forgive my daughter's folly."
Hastora's brows drew together in confusion.
He didn't expect this.
Elowen actually bowed to him.
In the novel, Elowen was known for her cold and arrogant nature.
It was impossible for her to bow to someone.
But now…
It was completely different.
Truly different.
Hastora realized everyone in the room was staring at him.
They also seemed to be in disbelief at what they were seeing.
Darnel glared at him angrily, Priest Aldren watched him silently, and Lysette stood frozen.
Their behavior was completely unexpected.
He averted his gaze.
He had to make a wise decision.
Actually, he couldn't forgive Valeska.
He wanted Valeska to feel what he felt.
Therefore, he had to start his plan now.
He had to make a decision first.
Should he accept the apology… or reject it?