Chapter 76: Afra’s Confusion p1
“Sister, is the throne truly that important to you?” Vivian swung the heavy sword, her grip strained.
She didn’t understand why Kailun had insisted she use a sword, but she would obey.
She was curious to see how he planned to help her defeat her fifth-tier sister. She was only third-tier, the difference in strength vast.
Hilna looked at her half-sister, her voice laced with a hint of pity. “You’re still young, Vivian. You don’t understand the ruthlessness of royal power struggles.”
“You’re right, I don’t. Because I was nothing but a pawn in your game. I’ve hated you both ever since you sent me to Kailun. But now, I have to thank you. You’ve given me the chance to crush your dreams. There’s only a thin line between a queen and a dog, Sister.”
Vivian stepped back, creating the necessary distance for a standard duel: fifteen meters.
If she were a warrior, this distance would have been to her advantage. But she was a mage.
Hilna, knowing this, didn’t object.
“You can’t win. There are limits to human strength.” She shook her head, preparing to cast a fourth-tier spell.
Even at this close range, Vivian wouldn’t be able to interrupt her casting.
Vivian seemed to hesitate for a moment, glancing down at her arm, before a wide, manic grin spread across her face.
It was eerily similar to Kailun’s smile.
Hilna didn’t understand, but she felt a surge of fear.
“Fourth-tier spell: Fireflash!”
She closed her eyes, focusing on the incantation, a red magic circle forming in her palm.
Her talent allowed her to cast the spell in just two seconds. At this range, it was a guaranteed kill.
But less than a second later, she felt a cold sensation against her neck. Vivian’s voice echoed in her ears.
“Closing your eyes during a duel? That’s quite confident, Sister.”
Hilna’s eyes snapped open. Vivian stood before her, her sword pressed against her throat. How?
Even with a speed-enhancing spell, a third-tier mage like Vivian couldn’t cover fifteen meters in such a short time.
The magic circle in her hand dissipated, its energy flow disrupted.
She stared at the blade against her neck, her heart sinking. She had lost to not only Kailun, but also Vivian?
“How did you do it?” she asked, her voice filled with bitterness.
“I think I met a real demon. Because only a demon can grant such power.” Vivian smiled at Kailun.
[Vivian’s favorability has increased. Current favorability: -30.]
Kailun: “？？?”
Was this her way of getting back at him?
He wasn’t amused. He would have to teach her a lesson later.
Hilna followed her gaze. “There are no demons. That’s just a lie the Divine Church uses to control the masses. But he… he’s definitely a demon. No, he’s a devil. I lost. Take my command.”
Defeated and broken, she pushed Vivian’s blade aside and turned to leave.
She had lost everything. What was the point of lingering?
“Who said you could leave? Seize her!” Kailun stood, holding up the contract.
“What are you doing? She surrendered! Are you going to kill her?” Shirley, sensing danger, stepped in front of Hilna, her sword drawn.
“Kill her? What kind of person do you think I am?” He glared at Shirley. “She’s too valuable to kill. Such a beautiful addition to my collection. Besides, I need her to tutor Phils and me. In various… disciplines. Consider it part of her royal duties.”
Shirley grabbed Hilna’s hand and pulled her away. “Don’t listen to him, Your Highness! He wouldn’t dare harm you with so many witnesses!”
“Shirley, your loyalty should be to me now. Are you truly going to break the contract in front of me?” He held up the contract Hilna had signed.
It was common for trusted commanders like Shirley to sign long-term contracts, binding them to their leader.
Breaking the contract typically resulted in a loss of power or, in extreme cases, death.
Ordering Shirley to capture her former leader was a perfectly reasonable request.
“No! That would be illegal! You’ll be arrested!” Shirley shook her head, realizing the truth of his words. She was now bound to him.
“Illegal? I break the law for breakfast.”
Hilna: “…”
Shirley: “…Of course you do.”
“And who’s going to arrest me? You, Captain Loston?” He turned his gaze towards Loston, who was hiding behind his men.
Loston averted his gaze, his heart pounding. Kailun was a monster.
He had brutally slain Stamp, seized his army, and then forced both Lodis and Hilna to surrender their command.
Those who crossed him met a grim fate.
And what had he done?
He had tried to sabotage Kailun’s business!
He was doomed. He wouldn’t survive the day.
Desperate, he spotted a small rock on the ground and, without hesitation, smashed it against his forehead.
“Thud!” He collapsed, unconscious.
“Well, well. The captain of the City Guard is down. Anyone else want to try their luck?” He smiled at Shirley, pleased with Loston’s quick thinking.
Shirley, cursing him under her breath, forced a smile. “Please reconsider, Master Kailun. Kidnapping the princess will only cause unrest.”
He didn’t answer, his smile widening.
Shirley, seeing Afra approaching with a collar in hand, turned to Hilna, her heart heavy. “Forgive me, Your Highness.”
She mouthed the words, “Don’t worry. I’ll rescue you.”
It was better for her to restrain the princess gently than to let Kailun have his way.
Hilna: “…”
She had lost everything, even herself. Only a fool like Shirley would believe escape was possible.
“You’ll regret this! Incurring the Rose Queen’s wrath is a dangerous game! She never forgets a slight! You’re dragging the entire kingdom into hell!” She allowed Shirley to bind her hands.
“The Rose Queen? You’re afraid of her?” Kailun took the collar from Afra and approached Hilna.
“Let me be clear. I conquered the Xiya Kingdom in three days. I can conquer the Rose Kingdom in two weeks. Believe it.”
She saw the madness and confidence in his eyes. “You’re insane!”
[Hilna’s fear and hatred for you have intensified. Favorability decreased to -70.]
“Thank you. But you’re just a prisoner now.”
“Click!” He fastened the anti-magic collar around her neck. “Take her away. I’ll assign her a cell later. And have Ella and Winnie teach her our house rules. I wouldn’t want her bringing any bad habits from the palace into my home.”
Shirley’s heart ached as she led Hilna away.
Even a princess could end up in a dungeon.
How had things gone so wrong in just three days?
“Someone will take over your duties. Cooperate. As for Anderson, Loston, and Kostja… send them to the mines. I’m not a bloodthirsty monster, after all.” He patted her shoulder and walked away.
Anderson and Kostja wept, their fate tied to Hilna’s.
But at least they were alive. For now.
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