The dream Ivy had experienced could be a future prophecy for her. Ever since Race and Ivy's marriage began, Race had always dreamt of the same thing as Ivy. However, Race himself was still determining when it would happen. Ivy, on the other hand, had stopped thinking about the dream, unlike Race. He couldn't get it out of his mind, so he wasn't focused on training the guards at the base camp. Race was even unaware when Winter threw a piece of wood at him, which was used by the training guards.

"What's going on with Race?" Winter asked, furrowing his brow in confusion.

A moment later, Winter looked at the guards he was training.
"You can take a break," Winter commanded.

All the guards acknowledged and bowed before leaving. Winter then walked over to Race, who had been sitting alone and appeared lost in thought.

"Race!" Winter called out, hitting the table in front of Race.

Race was startled and reflexively looked up at Winter.

"What's up, Winter?" he asked.

"What's up with you?" Winter retorted.

"Nothing."

"Then why are you sitting here alone instead of training the guards?"

Race only then realized that he had done something foolish. He looked around the base camp training field and saw no guards in the middle of the area.

"Where are all the guards, Winter?" Race innocently asked.

Winter sighed in frustration and then sat down in front of Race.

"There must be something on your mind right now, right? You didn't even realize that the guards are taking a break," Winter explained.

"Is that so? I'm sorry, Winter, I've neglected my duty," Race said, feeling guilty.

"Never mind! Forget about it! Now, tell me what's bothering you, Race!" Winter urged.

Race remained silent and didn't immediately answer Winter's question. He gazed deep into his cousin's, and also the crown prince's, eyes.

"Race!" Winter urged again.

Race took a deep breath and then looked at Winter intently.

"Winter, can I ask you something?" Race said.

"Uh... ask anything!"

"If Ivy makes a fatal mistake, would you punish her?"

Winter furrowed his brow in confusion upon hearing Race's question.
"What kind of mistake? Just because she's a witch, I can't punish her and separate you two. Isn't that what I should be doing?" Winter said.

"You're right, so why haven't you done that, Winter?" Race asked again.

"Winter, do you really like Ivy?" Race continued.

Winter widened his eyes in surprise. He quickly changed his expression and burst into laughter. Winter lightly patted Race's shoulder and shook his head.

"No, you've got it all wrong! I don't like Ivy that deeply. It's just that Ivy is my shield. She's the most reliable savior for me because she'll know what's going to happen to me before it does. Isn't that right, Race?" Winter tried to convince Race not to think otherwise.

Race himself was truly surprised by Winter's words.

"So, Ivy is nothing more than a shield?" Race whispered.

"Of course, what else but a shield?" Winter retorted while continuing to laugh.

"She's not an object, Winter," Race thought, staring intently at his cousin.
***
King Michel had just entered the meeting room, having received guests from the northern region. He was surprised the guest was the king of the region's north. King Michel then respectfully bowed to greet King Okra.

"What brings you here, King Okra?" King Michel asked.

"There's something I need to discuss with you, King Michel," King Okra replied.

King Michel furrowed his brow in confusion, then gestured for King Okra to take a seat. He sat in his chair.

"So, what is it, King Okra? Why did you come all this way to meet me?"

"There's something I need to confirm. Is it true that you now have a seer in your kingdom?" King Okra asked.

"Yes, it's true. She's Ivy Marionet, the daughter of the Marionet family. She's the wife of Race Agnito, the son of my brother Milano Agnito," King Michel explained, confirming it.

"So, it's true. Haven't you considered that this could become a problem for you and your kingdom, King Michel?"

King Michel's brow furrowed in puzzlement. "What problem are you referring to, King Okra?" he asked.

"Ivy Marionet is a descendant of the Linton family, who were both seers and witches. They were once part of my people, but I eradicated them because they prophesied that the northern kingdom would fall and be taken over by another kingdom. I've just learned that their only daughter was adopted by a family from the west, the Marionet family."

King Okra's story indeed took aback King Michel. He had never thought Ivy was a direct descendant of a witch and a seer. Until now, he had only believed she had those abilities.

"Are you surprised, King Michel? I was surprised as well, even more so for you."

"Frankly, I've only just learned about this, King Okra. How could you have known before me? But it doesn't bother me to know Ivy's origin. She's now also a part of the Agnito family after marrying my nephew," King Michel said, trying to hide his true feelings.

Now, it was King Okra who was surprised. He had come to the east to ask King Michel for help eliminating Ivy, who threatened his kingdom.

"Are you afraid that Ivy might become a threat to your kingdom, King Okra?" King Michel asked, staring intently at King Okra.

King Okra felt intimidated, clearing his throat a few times to dispel his unease. He then gave a faint smile and returned King Michel's gaze.

"I'm just reminding you. She has such strong lineage; she can do anything. Be careful that she doesn't become a boomerang for you, King Michel. Remember that your throne could be shaken by Ivy. Your son Winter's position could even be replaced by your nephew Race."

Hearing King Okra's words, King Michel's mocking expression turned to one of concern. King Okra's statement was partially wrong; anything could happen, especially with Ivy's power.
***
Tesla took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes. He looked towards Ivy and then smiled happily.
"Your condition is much better now, Iv," Tesla said.

"Yeah, you're right. I can feel my energy slowly returning," Ivy confirmed Tesla's statement.

"That's great. With this, we can reduce the healing therapy sessions. I'll come once a week after this," Tesla said again.

"Alright, thank you for healing me, Tesla."

"Don't hesitate! After all, I'm also getting quite a hefty payment for treating you, aren't I?"

Both of them laughed at Tesla's jest. Shortly after, Tesla cleared his throat and looked around Ivy's room.

"Iv, can I ask you something?" Tesla said.

"What?" Ivy asked, furrowing her brow.

"Where's Race? Isn't it part of the schedule that he won't leave anywhere during your healing therapy and would accompany us here?"

Ivy waited to answer Tesla's question. In truth, Ivy was also a bit puzzled by Race's behavior. Since the night she dreamt of Race's death, he had kept a bit of distance from her. Ivy had no idea why that was happening.

"Does it have to do with your dream?" Tesla asked, having heard Ivy's dream story during the therapy.

"Seems like it," Ivy answered.

"You need to be careful, Iv!" Tesla suddenly exclaimed.

"Careful? Why?" Ivy asked, confused.

"That dream could be a prophecy, Race might have dreamt the same thing. I know the power Race possesses, Iv."

"Power?"

Ivy and Tesla exchanged looks. Ivy was waiting for Tesla to continue his statement. Still, the healing mage was about to speak when Ivy's room door suddenly swung open, causing Ivy and Tesla to stand up reflexively.

"Mother, Father," Ivy greeted her in-laws.

Tesla also bowed respectfully to them.

"Is Ivy's therapy over?" Mr. Milano asked, looking towards Tesla.

"It is, sir," Tesla replied politely.

"In that case, you may leave. I have something to discuss with my daughter-in-law," Mr. Milano said again.

Tesla nodded obediently, looking at Ivy and giving her a faint smile before taking his leave. After Tesla left, the atmosphere in Ivy's room suddenly turned quite tense.
"Please, have a seat, Father, Mother," Ivy said politely.

"No need, we're here to tell you to start working again tomorrow. The annual competition is coming up soon. You need to ensure that the event runs smoothly without any obstacles, especially from the forest monsters that might target Winter," Mr. Milano said.

"Go back to work?" Ivy confirmed what she heard.

"Why? Don't want to? Remember your position! If it weren't for the kingdom needing you as Winter's shield, I would have sent you back to the north, Ivy," Mrs. Maria added.

Ivy looked at her mother-in-law, not being unaware. However, upon hearing Mrs. Maria's words, Ivy felt a twinge of pain in her heart.

"I'll return to work tomorrow, Father, Mother, but I need to ask for Race's permission first," Ivy said.

"No need, this is also a direct command from me."
King Michel's voice suddenly entered Ivy's room, startling everyone. They all looked towards King Michel with widened eyes.
***