Category: This Necromancer Wants to Capture the Hearts of Deceased Beautiful Girls

Chapter 220: You Better Not Touch Her

Baron Shoko, a triumphant grin on his face, looked down at the stunned young man, his voice cold and mocking. “Hmph, you fool. No wonder you’re just a servant under Givia. Fooled by a few words. How does it feel, knowing you’re about to die?”

“It hurts… It hurts so much,” Abyss said, his expression shifting from surprise to pain, his hands instinctively reaching for his throat.

“Regret is pointless now. I don’t know how you learned about the warrior in my house. I never revealed his existence to anyone. But it doesn’t matter. I’ll interrogate your companions. Farewell, boy,” the baron said, his voice dripping with malice.

“Farewell, Mother, I sail tonight, don’t you worry, I have oars of joy and wisdom…”

“Hmm?” The baron frowned. The boy had been stabbed in the throat. How could he still speak? And why was he singing that ancient, three-hundred-year-old song?

“Remove your sword,” Abyss said, his feigned pain vanishing, replaced by his usual carefree smile.

Confused, the baron pulled back his sword slightly.

He stared in horror at the sight before him. He had thought his blade had pierced Abyss’s throat, but the tip was missing. He had only been pressing a broken sword against his throat!

A faint frost clung to the blade, indicating it had been frozen—even the strongest steel became brittle at extremely low temperatures!

“May I beat you up now? Beat you until you agree to abandon your title, take your abusive wife and your two spoiled daughters, and leave this place,” Abyss said, his smile widening.

“You! Who are you?! How do you know such advanced ice magic?!” the baron exclaimed, scrambling backwards, tripping over a stool and landing on his backside. His sword clattered to the floor, shattering into pieces.

He had never seen such powerful ice magic before! Freezing steel instantly, without any warning! He didn’t know what level of magic this was, but he knew this smiling boy could kill him effortlessly, without even giving him a chance to scream!

“Just a wandering wild mage. Remember that,” Abyss said, taking a step closer.

The baron cowered, his eyes filled with terror, but he stopped retreating after a few steps, his gaze fixed on something behind Abyss.

Then, he suddenly burst into laughter. “Hahaha! The warrior is here to save me! Warrior! Help me! I’m going to be killed!”

Abyss turned around casually, seeing a man standing in the doorway, his expression cold and menacing. He wore heavy armor, his chest wrapped in bandages, his pale face covered in stubble. His presence was chilling.

But Abyss recognized him. He had seen this man several times before their arrival in Ossi. It was the Shadowling sent by Kevin.

The Shadowling met his gaze, showing no fear, but Abyss knew he had been recognized. After all, he was a wanted man in the Lord of Nightmares’ domain.

As for how Abyss knew about the Shadowling in the baron’s house, it all started on the night he had infiltrated the Ossi Kingdom palace.

He hadn’t just stolen a few trees that night. He had also discreetly planted several undead ravens and a few tiny, undetectable fly heads within Kevin’s bedroom, establishing his own surveillance network within the Ossi Kingdom.

But that wasn’t all. The undead ravens weren’t just for observation. They carried thousands of eggs—the eggs of carrion beetles, a species well-known to necromancers.

These eggs had hatched quickly, transforming into thousands of thumbnail-sized beetles, dispersing across the kingdom, landing in every settlement, feeding on carrion, silently observing every corner of Ossi, all under Abyss’s control. Each beetle could burrow through a person’s eye socket and devour their brain in an instant, killing them instantly, but Abyss hadn’t resorted to such drastic measures yet.

The entire Ossi Kingdom was under his surveillance. He knew every action, every conversation of the shortsighted nobles who had pledged their loyalty to Kevin.

Even Abyss, who had no interest in politics, knew that Kevin hadn’t implemented any policies to improve the kingdom’s economy. Instead, he had enacted harsh laws, restricting the people’s movements, further weakening the kingdom. Some nobles had taken advantage of the situation, exploiting their subjects, their greed insatiable. Fools like Baron Shoko even boasted about their “wisdom,” believing they were the true beneficiaries of this chaotic era.

The Shadowling standing in the doorway observed the scene, his expression impassive. He didn’t attack Abyss directly, choosing to assess the situation first.

“Warrior! Capture that golden-haired girl! Use her as a hostage to secure my release!” Baron Shoko shouted, seizing the opportunity while Abyss was distracted.

The Shadowling glanced at Flora, who was kneeling on the floor, healing the unconscious stablehand with her magic, then slowly approached her.

“Hey, Mr. Shadowling, if I were you, I wouldn’t touch that girl,” Abyss said, his brow furrowed.

The Shadowling continued walking towards Flora, who seemed oblivious to his approach, her focus solely on healing the stablehand.

“Once I’m safe, you can kill that gray-haired mage!” Baron Shoko said, his hope returning. He didn’t understand why Abyss wasn’t protecting his companion, but this was his chance to escape.

The servants, huddled in a corner of the room, watched in silence. The only sound was the Shadowling’s heavy footsteps. As he approached Flora, the unconscious stablehand groaned, his eyes fluttering open.

“Where… Where am I? Who are you?” he asked, his voice weak and confused.

“You’re safe now. I’ve healed your injuries. You can get up,” Flora said, smiling gently at him.

“Are… Are you a goddess?” the stablehand asked, his gaze fixed on her beautiful face, his voice filled with awe.

“I’m not a goddess. I’m here to help you escape Baron Shoko’s cruelty,” Flora replied, her voice soft and reassuring.

The stablehand was about to say something else when he saw a figure, enveloped in Dou Qi flames, lunging towards Flora from behind. “Miss! Behind you!” he shouted, his voice filled with alarm.

“I know. Don’t worry,” Flora said, her voice calm. She stood up, turning to face the attacker, and slapped the Shadowling across the face.

Slap! Crash!

To everyone’s astonishment, the seventh-tier warrior was sent flying by Flora’s seemingly weak hand, crashing into the wall with a loud thud, the impact shaking the entire house.

Chapter 119: Who Moved the Nobles’ Cheese?

“Damn it! If I hear any more support for Givia, I’ll break your legs!” Baron Shoko roared, pacing back and forth before his servants, his whip cracking in the air, his voice filled with rage. “Who’s responsible for our prosperity this year? King Kevin! Don’t you understand? You dare defy me, supporting that incompetent traitor! Who are you trying to impress?!”

The servants stood silently, their heads bowed. It wasn’t that they had nothing to say, but one of their fellow servants, the young stablehand, lay unconscious on the floor, his body covered in welts, a victim of the baron’s wrath. During the broadcast, the young man had not only raised his thumb in approval of Givia’s Blood Atonement, but had also started singing a song of praise. The baron, already enraged, had flown into a rage, summoning all the servants and publicly whipping the young man until he passed out.

They all knew that the baron’s “we,” referring to those who had benefited from Kevin’s rule, didn’t include them. The baron had been among the first to pledge his loyalty to the usurper, earning him rewards and legal loopholes, allowing him to exploit his subjects even further. But their wages hadn’t increased.

And most of them were locals, their families living within his territory. They not only hadn’t benefited from his newfound wealth, but were actually being squeezed even harder, fueling their resentment.

They longed for the day Princess Givia and her Restoration Army would liberate them. They would gladly see this cruel baron hanged.

“Do you know what we must do? Pledge our loyalty to King Kevin!” Baron Shoko continued his tirade. “Our loyalty will be noticed by the warrior sent by His Majesty. He will report it to Kevin, and we will be rewarded! King Kevin is generous! He won’t be stingy with his favors. You fools are so shortsighted!”

The “warrior” he spoke of had arrived shortly after he had pledged his loyalty to Kevin, bearing a letter signed by the king himself. This warrior was a seventh-tier, seventh-grade Dou Warrior, incredibly powerful. He had three tasks: to serve as the baron’s bodyguard and enforcer, to monitor his loyalty and report any suspicious activities, and to prune the baron’s garden with a pair of shears.

The celestial broadcast had occurred during their midday rest. The warrior had remained in his room, unaware of the servants’ actions. Baron Shoko was now worried, hoping the warrior hadn’t witnessed their defiance.

“I’m warning you, if that warrior saw your foolish actions, I’ll hang you all!” the baron roared, his anger escalating.

“Good afternoon, Baron. Why so angry?”

A calm voice interrupted him as two figures entered the room.

The baron turned, his eyes narrowed, as he saw a gray-haired young man and a golden-haired young woman, their attire suggesting noble origins. The young man, despite speaking fluent Ossi without any accent, didn’t look like an Ossi native. His features were delicate, his skin fair, suggesting Eastern Empire and Elven ancestry. And the golden-haired young woman was even more peculiar, her appearance unmistakably that of a Westerner.

“Who are you? I don’t recall meeting you two,” the baron said, his voice wary. “How did those incompetent fools at the gate let you in?”

The newcomers were, of course, Abyss and Flora. Abyss shrugged, a smile playing on his lips. “I apologize, but please don’t insult your guards. We flew in. We didn’t use the gate.”

“What?!” the baron exclaimed, startled. He stepped back, dropping his whip and drawing a short sword from his belt, pointing it at Abyss. “Don’t come any closer! Guards! Guards!”

“Flora, check on that injured boy,” Abyss said softly, and Flora, nodding, rushed to the unconscious stablehand’s side.

Abyss continued approaching the baron, his movements casual, his expression calm.

“Baron, you might not recognize me, but I know you, Mr. Shoko. You were among the first to support Prince Kevin after his coup, the most enthusiastic, I might add. And you’ve been ruthlessly exploiting your subjects. It’s hard to forget such a memorable performance,” Abyss said, his smile widening, revealing his pearly white teeth. “To be frank, I’m with Princess Givia. I’m here for three things: first, to beat you up; second, to burn down your garden; third, to kill that warrior you’re harboring. What do you think?”

“You damn mutt! Guards! Kill him! And that bitch on the floor! Seize her!” the baron roared.

Several guards had gathered at the entrance, but they hesitated, unsure how to react. Hearing the baron’s order, they finally remembered their duty.

“Go back. This doesn’t concern you,” Abyss said casually, without turning around.

The guards, as if compelled by an unseen force, turned and left.

The baron’s jaw dropped. “You! What kind of magic did you use?!”

“Just a simple charm spell,” Abyss said, now standing before him, his smile unwavering.

“Alright, alright, please don’t hurt me. I’ll give you anything you want,” the baron said, his demeanor suddenly shifting, his voice pleading.

“If you’re willing to obey my every command, I might consider sparing you,” Abyss said, his eyebrows raised, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Shhhk!

“I don’t care who you are! Die!”

The baron lunged, his short sword flashing, plunging into Abyss’s throat!

Chapter 118: The Lord of Nightmares’ Weakness

Initially, Abyss’s three followers had opposed Givia’s decision to perform Blood Atonement.

Givia’s safety was precisely what Cassandra had sacrificed so much for, and now Givia was planning to burn herself, to endure pain, to reclaim her honor. It seemed counterproductive.

And it was a pointless gesture. Blood Atonement was meant to demonstrate courage and a willingness to atone for one’s mistakes. Givia possessed both qualities. Harming herself further seemed unnecessary. Abyss’s followers, two from the Western Empire and one from the Eastern Empire, had all received elite educations, their civilized sensibilities instinctively rejecting such a barbaric practice. They tried to dissuade her.

But after Haina and Cassandra left, Givia, given the opportunity to explain her reasoning, had convinced them.

She understood that Blood Atonement wasn’t a solution to her personal guilt. It was a drastic measure, but a necessary one to regain the trust of the Ossi people, who had learned about her past transgression, a betrayal of their most cherished values. It wouldn’t solve the issue between her and Cassandra, but it would address the issue between her, as their princess, and the entire Ossi population.

Givia’s position was unique. She wasn’t just a princess, the leader of the Restoration Army. She was a symbol of hope, representing the honor and the values that the Ossi people held dear. If she were the leader of any other organization, a simple apology might have sufficed, but this situation was different. The princess, the embodiment of Ossi honor, had committed a dishonorable act. It was akin to a vegetarian noble being caught eating meat or an anti-smoking advocate secretly indulging in tobacco. The consequences would be devastating.

It was an extreme situation, requiring an extreme solution. And that solution was Blood Atonement, a ritual recognized by all Ossi people, a tradition passed down from their ancient ancestors.

The others had wanted to argue further, but Rebecca had been the first to agree, confident in her ability to heal Givia’s injuries and prevent any permanent damage. With Givia’s continued persuasion, Leona and Flora had reluctantly agreed. Abyss hadn’t objected at all. He knew Givia was acting rationally. As her friend, his duty was to support her decisions, to provide her with the reassurance she needed. And he believed she had a deeper purpose.

Indeed, after they had reluctantly agreed, Givia revealed her true intentions.

Blood Atonement, in Ossi culture, was an act of courage. Givia would perform the ritual without any tricks, enduring the full extent of the pain. This would inspire faith in her people. And this faith, she believed, could be used against the Lord of Nightmares.

Why was Kevin, a puppet of the Lord of Nightmares, not interested in ruling for long, but so focused on undermining the people’s support for Givia? Why hadn’t the Lord of Nightmares sent Shadowlings to attack Shodo Town, Givia’s base? Why had he chosen to target the Ossi Kingdom, specifically during a time of turmoil and unrest, after the Western Empire’s invasion?

It meant that the Lord of Nightmares feared something—the people’s faith.

When the people’s faith was strong, the Lord of Nightmares’ power was limited. This was why he couldn’t directly influence Shodo Town. If Abyss could broadcast Givia’s Blood Atonement to the entire Ossi population, their faith in her would be strengthened, their courage would overcome their fear, reducing the number of nightmares, starving the fear-devouring Outer God.

This was Givia’s first act of defiance, a challenge to a being far more powerful than any mortal, driven by her own will.

“For the survival of my kingdom, for the happiness of my people, to rid Hai-Teweru of this parasite, the Lord of Nightmares, I’m willing to do anything. The brave soldiers of the Restoration Army are risking their lives for our cause. Why can’t I sacrifice an arm? What’s a little pain compared to that?” Givia said, her voice firm, her eyes clear and unwavering.

Abyss sensed no fear in her soul. He felt her resolve, the determination of a leader who carried the weight of her nation’s fate on her shoulders.

It was a foolish, audacious battle, just like his own challenge against the gods.

He was determined to help her succeed. And as repayment for her sacrifice, he would make the Lord of Nightmares suffer.

Once he found his weakness, his counterattack would begin.

…

The people, singing ancient songs of praise for their courageous leader, escorted Givia back to her headquarters in Shodo Town, where Rebecca would treat her injuries. Despite the waves of pain from her burned arm, she remained conscious, her willpower unwavering.

Her clothes were soaked with sweat, but the pain-induced perspiration continued to flow. Alva had given her water three times, but she remained on the stretcher, her eyes open, encouraging the soldiers and civilians around her, her voice hoarse but strong.

“Thank you for forgiving me! The Restoration Army will prevail! We will reclaim our kingdom! Victory is within our grasp!”

Her arm, where the flesh had been charred by the intense heat, was dissolving under the effects of Rebecca’s potion, revealing the bone beneath. A network of pink, root-like tendrils spread from her shoulder, clinging to the bone, blossoming into pink “flowers” that expanded, their color gradually deepening to crimson…

Rebecca walked beside her, her expression calm and confident, everything proceeding according to plan.

Leona, watching her friend recover, smiled, relieved.

Haina, Cassandra, Alva, and many other prominent figures of the Restoration Army followed the procession, needing to witness the princess’s recovery before they could find peace.

Abyss and Flora, however, were absent—they had other, more urgent matters to attend to.

Chapter 117: Blood Atonement

The Ossi people’s culture wasn’t as refined as that of the Empires or the Elves. They still adhered to ancient customs, some considered primitive and barbaric by other nations.

“Blood Atonement” was one such custom. If an Ossi warrior lost their honor through cowardice or selfishness, they would face scorn and ostracism. To seek redemption, they could undergo “Blood Atonement.”

This ritual required the warrior to endure the same suffering they had inflicted upon their victim. An eye for an eye, a limb for a limb. They had to perform this act publicly, without crying out in pain or showing any weakness. Only then would the people consider granting them a second chance. If the majority of witnesses agreed to restore their honor, they could once again hold their heads high, their transgression forgiven—but there were no second chances. Blood Atonement could only be performed once in a lifetime.

And now, Givia was performing this ancient ritual.

No member of the royal family had ever done such a thing. Blood Atonement was mostly practiced among commoners. Royalty, as the highest-ranking nobles, wouldn’t stoop to such a barbaric practice—and they would never admit to dishonorable conduct, always finding ways to justify their actions.

But Givia, for the first time in Ossi history, had publicly confessed her transgression and was now seeking redemption through Blood Atonement.

The smell of burning flesh filled the air. Givia’s face contorted in agony, sweat pouring down her face. Her body trembled, but her eyes remained fixed on the crowd below.

Cassandra, supported by Haina, watched, tears streaming down her face, but she didn’t approach Givia. This was a sacred ritual, a personal sacrifice to reclaim her honor. No one had the right to interfere.

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Cassandra,” Rebecca said, approaching her, her voice calm and reassuring. “Her Highness won’t be permanently disfigured. I’ll do my best to save her arm, to restore its functionality. But she has chosen to endure the pain you suffered. We can’t stop her. She’s ready to face her past.”

“Thank you…” Cassandra whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

The flames in the furnace slowly died down. Rebecca’s potion had a limited duration.

Givia’s right arm was numb. Alva, rushing to her side, helped her away from the furnace. Her arm was charred and blackened, the flesh seared by the intense heat. She couldn’t stand on her own, her body wracked with pain.

Flora, standing among the crowd, didn’t use her healing magic to alleviate Givia’s pain. She had asked Givia earlier if she wanted pain relief, but Givia had refused. She watched Givia suffer, her heart aching, but she resisted the urge to intervene.

Leona couldn’t bear to watch. She looked away, her mood somber. Givia was her friend, and she couldn’t stand to see her in pain. Resisting the urge to smash the furnace was taking all her willpower.

“Princess Givia has endured the suffering of Mrs. Cassandra. All of Ossi bears witness!” Rebecca announced, her voice amplified by Abyss’s magic, reaching every corner of the kingdom. “Do you accept the validity of her Blood Atonement? Do you agree to restore her honor?”

A long silence followed. Then, a single hand rose, its thumb pointing upwards.

Others followed suit, their thumbs raised in unison, a sign of approval.

Throughout the Ossi Kingdom, people raised their hands, their thumbs pointing towards the sky, their silent consent reaching Givia, even if she couldn’t see them.

The nobles who had been mocking her were now stunned, their faces pale with shock. They had never imagined that the princess, raised in luxury, would resort to such a drastic measure to regain the people’s respect. It was the most extreme method, but… perhaps the only one. They looked around, their voices weak and unconvincing as they tried to reprimand their servants, who had instinctively raised their thumbs.

Givia, the first princess in Ossi history to perform Blood Atonement, had passed the test.

“She has completed the ritual. Now I will treat her injuries, save her arm. I will also create a new arm for Mrs. Cassandra and heal her burns. Who agrees? Who objects?” Rebecca asked, her voice booming.

“I agree!” someone shouted from the crowd.

“I agree!” “Me too!” “Aye!”

Hands shot up, their earlier doubts and criticisms replaced by admiration.

A leader who faced their mistakes with courage was far more trustworthy than one who never erred! The latter would surely conceal their flaws, while the former possessed true strength!

“I agree!”

Even within the Ossi Kingdom palace, soldiers shouted their approval, defying Kevin’s order for silence.

Rebecca nodded, retrieving several potions from her bag and rushing to Givia’s side, administering first aid. The crowd, seeing Givia’s pained smile, erupted in cheers.

“Princess Givia! We will follow you! Princess Givia! We will follow you!”

The people of Ossi were ecstatic, their voices hoarse from shouting, their hope rekindled, Kevin’s cruel laws forgotten.

They would follow their princess, reclaim their kingdom, and overthrow Kevin!

…

Kevin, standing in his bedroom, listening to the cheers, his face hardened, was about to order the execution of those celebrating when he suddenly felt his skin soften.

“What is this…?”

He looked at his arm, its flesh no longer firm and strong, but soft and pliable, like clay, bubbling slightly.

As he wondered what was happening, a small head on the floor turned to face him—a severed fly’s head, its compound eyes observing him.

And outside the palace, on the gallows, the bodies of the executed soldiers twitched. They grabbed the ropes around their necks, pulling themselves upwards. With a series of sickening cracks, their broken necks snapped back into place.

…

“I’ve found your weakness, Lord of Nightmares,” Abyss muttered, a cold smile spreading across his face, as he maintained the live broadcast, his eyes gleaming with a newfound understanding.

***

Chapter 116: No More Running

Cassandra had no idea what Givia was planning. Givia had only shared her plan with Abyss and his followers, keeping it secret from everyone else. Before leaving the laboratory, Rebecca had brewed a potion that could generate intense heat, its volume small, but its power immense. Even the soldiers carrying the furnace had used long wooden poles to keep their distance, fearing burns.

Givia recounted the events of that fateful day, her voice clear and steady, amplified by Abyss’s magic, reaching every corner of the kingdom. She didn’t spare any details, reliving the horror of that day, her voice filled with emotion.

Givia was a gifted speaker. The crowd, their faces etched with concern and sympathy, listened intently, their hearts moved by Cassandra’s sacrifice. Some even looked at Cassandra with admiration. The Ossi people were honest and straightforward, their emotions easily visible.

“And yesterday, Cassandra came here, risking her life to deliver vital information. Upon seeing her, I finally remembered the debt I owed her, the apology I had withheld for so long,” Givia continued, her voice softening, but her words still carried through the air, reaching everyone present. “Tell me, am I despicable? Am I selfish?”

The crowd remained silent, but many nodded in agreement. Givia’s confession had revealed the truth, the dishonorable nature of her actions. Ingratitude was a grave offense in Ossi culture, a source of shame. If Givia were a warrior, this revelation would have tarnished her reputation forever.

Throughout the Ossi Kingdom, those watching the broadcast were stunned. They were relieved that their princess was alive, but her actions had betrayed their trust. She hadn’t upheld the ancient Ossi code of honor. Her confession, although brave, couldn’t erase her transgression.

“I admit, I was a coward. I succumbed to fear. I chose to forget, to avoid facing the consequences of my actions, to ignore Cassandra’s sacrifice,” Givia said, removing her fur cloak, revealing her bare arms, their skin pale and scarred.

Cassandra, sensing her intentions, tried to stop her. “Your Highness, protecting you was my duty. You owe me nothing… I never blamed you! Please, everyone, understand! She didn’t intentionally forget. She was young, and she couldn’t control her fear…”

“Although I’ve already apologized privately, I must apologize again, before all of you,” Givia said, kneeling before Cassandra, her head bowed low. “Cassandra, I’m sorry!”

The crowd gasped. A princess, kneeling before a disabled commoner?

“She’s putting on a show!” a noble in the Ossi Kingdom scoffed, pointing at the image in the sky. “She couldn’t hide the truth anymore, so she’s confessing her sins and offering a fake apology. But who will compensate that woman for her suffering? Her life must have been incredibly difficult after the accident. Who will take responsibility? The princess… No, the former princess’s apology is worthless!”

His companions nodded in agreement. He didn’t care about the common people, but he was willing to feign empathy if it meant discrediting the now-useless princess.

“What good is an apology?” some Ossi citizens muttered, shaking their heads. “This incident will forever stain the royal family’s honor.”

Cassandra, overwhelmed by the princess’s gesture, tried to help her up, but Givia, as she had done in the laboratory, refused to rise.

Abyss and his companions watched silently. Abyss, using his magic, was projecting this scene across the kingdom, ensuring everyone witnessed it. Flora and Leona stood among the crowd, their expressions unreadable. Rebecca stood beside the burning furnace, seemingly waiting for something.

“I know an apology isn’t enough. I can’t undo the pain I caused Cassandra,” Givia said, finally rising to her feet, her voice clear and strong, addressing the crowd. “Cassandra has forgiven me, but you might not. I am the Princess of Ossi, the leader of the Restoration Army. I should uphold Ossi’s honor above all else. But I failed. I know I’ve lost your respect.”

She was right. Foreigners might not understand the gravity of her offense. A princess makes a mistake, offers compensation and an apology, and all is forgiven. But in Ossi culture, this was a grave transgression, a betrayal of their most cherished values.

Civilians and nobles, soldiers and commoners, all felt a sense of disillusionment, their unwavering faith in Givia shaken. Those nobles who opposed her seized this opportunity to mock and belittle her, hoping to witness her downfall.

“I don’t expect you to respect me, but I hope you can forgive me. I’ve betrayed Ossi’s code of honor. Allow me to seek your forgiveness in the way of an Ossi warrior!”

Givia, her resolve hardening, walked towards the burning furnace.

“Your Highness, what are you doing?” Cassandra cried out, reaching for her, but Givia, her movements swift and determined, brushed past her. She was a mid-level Dou Warrior, her strength surpassing Cassandra’s.

Haina’s eyes widened in horror. She realized what Givia was about to do.

“This is your last chance. Are you sure you want to do this?” Rebecca asked, her voice calm, as Givia approached the furnace.

“I am. This is the Ossi way of seeking forgiveness. I won’t run away anymore,” Givia said, nodding firmly.

The crowd, both friends and foes, watched in stunned silence, their gazes fixed on Givia, understanding her intentions.

“People of Ossi, bear witness to my atonement!”

Givia knelt before the furnace, thrusting her right arm into the flames!

Sizzle!

The smell of burning flesh filled the air.

“Aah!” Givia’s face contorted in agony, the pain searing through her soul!

Chapter 115: A Nation-Wide Broadcast

The midday sun shone brightly on the Ossi Kingdom’s palace, but an eerie silence hung in the air. King Kevin disliked any noise or disturbance during his midday and evening rests, so the palace staff moved about in hushed whispers, fearing for their lives.

Their fear was justified. Several corpses, their bodies swaying gently in the breeze, hung from wooden scaffolds near the palace gates. They were soldiers, recently executed by Kevin for failing to protect the palace, allowing several trees to be stolen. These were just a few of Kevin’s victims. Executions were a daily occurrence, the king’s temper easily triggered, his punishments swift and brutal.

Some of the former palace staff, those who had chosen not to follow Givia into exile, now regretted their decision, wishing they had followed a sane leader. Some had attempted to flee, but Kevin had responded by executing their families, sending knights to their hometowns to carry out his sentence. Those who had escaped returned to find their loved ones murdered.

Since ascending to the throne, Kevin had killed thousands. His cruelty and ruthlessness had cast a shadow over the entire kingdom, and the recent rumors of Princess Givia’s death had further fueled the people’s fear. Nightmares were becoming increasingly common, the demand for calming potions outstripping supply. Those who couldn’t afford potions turned to alcohol, seeking oblivion from their nightly terrors.

A few new recruits, having finished their lunch, were about to return to their posts when a strange phenomenon in the sky caught their attention.

“What is that? A mirage?” one of them asked, staring at the sky, his voice barely a whisper.

His companions, equally bewildered, stared in silence, their mouths agape.

A giant stage had appeared in the sky, populated by translucent figures. On one side stood a crowd of people, on the other, Princess Givia and a few others. And it wasn’t just an image. Their voices, amplified by magic, were clearly audible.

“What is the princess doing?”

“Who’s that woman with the scarf covering her face? Why is she standing with the princess?”

“What’s going on? I was about to take a nap when they summoned us to the town square.”

The voices, although just whispers, were incredibly loud, as if someone were using a giant megaphone in the sky.

Kevin, hearing the commotion, peered out of his bedroom window, his gaze cold and calculating, as he observed the scene unfolding in the sky.

This phenomenon wasn’t limited to the palace. It appeared above every settlement in the Ossi Kingdom, in towns and villages, the voices echoing through the streets, waking those who were sleeping, drawing them out of their homes, their faces filled with awe and confusion.

The palace mages, witnessing this spectacle, quickly realized its nature—a magically projected image and amplified sound. Such powerful magic, beyond their comprehension, filled them with fear. Only a mage of unimaginable power, a mage beyond their understanding, could achieve this feat. The mana required would likely drain several Supreme Mages completely.

They didn’t dare inform Kevin, who had forbidden any disturbances during his rest. They valued their lives.

One of the mages, his voice trembling, whispered to his colleague, “Gene, let’s escape. Take our families and join Princess Givia…”

“Why? Aren’t you afraid of Kevin’s wrath?” his colleague asked, confused.

“What do we have to fear? Didn’t you see? This magic is broadcasting Princess Givia’s activities in real-time! This means she has a powerful mage on her side, a mage whose power is beyond our comprehension. With such an ally, the Restoration Army will surely win. We’ll soon be free from that tyrant’s rule, free from this constant fear!”

“But where did she find such a powerful mage? Did she make a deal with Emperor Camper of the Eastern Empire?”

“Who cares! I’m packing my bags and leaving! I’ve had enough of that monster Kevin!”

…

In Shodo Town, after the townspeople had gathered in the square, Givia finally raised her hand, silencing the murmuring crowd. She was ready to speak.

The people loved and respected her. Silence fell instantly, their attention focused on their leader, their faces filled with anticipation.

“My dear people, I am your princess, Givia Ludiélia Ban Halsati!”

Her voice, clear and strong, didn’t require Abyss’s amplification magic.

“I have summoned you here today to share something very important. I want you to know that I have made a grave mistake!” she declared, stepping aside to reveal Cassandra, who stood behind her. “This is Cassandra, a former palace steward, responsible for my well-being and my safety. You might be wondering why she’s missing an arm. I’m here to tell you that she suffered those injuries because of me!”

The crowd gasped. Givia had summoned them to confess her mistakes? What kind of mistake required such a public apology?

“Unlike the princess you see before you today, I was a reckless and mischievous child. I often caused trouble, and Cassandra was always there to clean up my messes. One day, I took an unstable potion from the palace alchemy laboratory and accidentally spilled it in my room. It caused a fire. Cassandra, to protect me, locked me inside a fire-resistant wardrobe. But it was too small for both of us. She chose to stay outside.”

“Although help arrived quickly, she was severely burned. People said her screams could be heard from hundreds of meters away.”

“I was protected by the wardrobe, only fainting from the heat. But Cassandra suffered terrible burns. The right side of her body was consumed by the flames, her right arm charred, her beautiful face disfigured forever.”

Givia clapped her hands, and a few soldiers hesitantly carried a portable furnace onto the stage. It contained a potion that generated intense heat, blue smoke billowing from its vents.

The crowd, still reeling from Givia’s revelation, looked at the furnace, confused.

What was she doing? Was this furnace a reward for Cassandra?

Chapter 114: Resolve

Abyss gently lifted Givia’s head, supporting her neck with one hand.

Givia looked at him, her eyes filled with confusion.

“It’s just an Outer God. There’s no need to be afraid. The more you fear him, the stronger he becomes, like most things in this world,” Abyss said, his voice calm and steady, his arms crossed. “He’s counting on you to despair, to break you, to harvest the fear of all Ossi citizens. I was wrong before. I thought he was simply enjoying the taste of your fear, but his goals are far more ambitious. He’s not just eating. He’s preparing a feast, and you’re the main course.”

But Givia wasn’t convinced. She averted her gaze, her voice filled with guilt. “But we can’t do anything. Can you shield the entire Ossi population from his influence? …If not, we can only wait for nightfall, for the moment I lose the people’s trust. I’m sorry… It’s all my fault.”

“Are you willing to let him succeed so easily?” Abyss asked.

“I…”

“You’re a proud woman, Givia. You wouldn’t surrender so easily. You’re strong, not just before your people, but also before a god,” Abyss said, spreading his arms wide. “In times like these, you must remain calm, cast aside your fear. He expects you to crumble. Don’t give him the satisfaction.”

“My ancestors left us with a saying,” Leona said, sitting on the edge of the alchemy table, swinging her legs, a smile on her face. “‘True resolve is forging a path forward through the darkest wilderness.’ Givia, I believe you possess that resolve. Never forget your goals, your responsibilities.”

Leona’s words were cryptic, but Givia, a military leader, a princess, understood their meaning. She bit her lip, then looked around. “I understand… I’ll be strong. Where are we?”

“This is my laboratory,” Rebecca said. “Time flows slower here than in the outside world. You have plenty of time to decide your next move.”

“I need to apologize to Cassandra,” Givia said, taking a deep breath, stepping off the table, and approaching the distraught woman, bowing deeply. “Cassandra, I’m sorry. You sacrificed so much for me, and I never even thanked you. I apologize for my callousness. Please forgive me.”

“Seeing Your Highness grow into a capable leader, someone worthy of guiding our kingdom, makes everything worthwhile,” Cassandra said, trying to help her up with her remaining arm. “Your Highness, you don’t need to apologize. You owe me nothing.”

“No, Cassandra, that fire was my fault. If I hadn’t been so reckless, you wouldn’t have been injured protecting me,” Givia said, refusing to rise. “My cowardice prevented me from apologizing all these years.”

“This…” Cassandra felt increasingly uncomfortable. She had never imagined the princess would bow before her. “Your Highness, please rise. I don’t deserve this…”

“I’ll make it up to you,” Givia said. “I’ll take care of you, along with Haina. And I’ll give you a proper explanation. I won’t run away anymore.”

Haina stood silently, watching Givia apologize to her mother. She had imagined many possibilities, even accusing Givia of selfishness and arrogance, but she had never considered that Givia might have suppressed those memories out of fear. And she had never imagined the depth of Givia’s guilt.

Her heart softened. Hearing Givia’s promise to compensate her mother, she felt her loyalty to the princess reaffirmed. Givia was still the same Givia, the leader her mother had always believed in.

“Your Highness, I want you to know that I never blamed you,” Cassandra said, unable to lift Givia, so she knelt before her, meeting her gaze. “I swore an oath to His Majesty, to serve him and protect you with all my strength. My duty was to protect you, to understand you, Your Highness. That fire was indeed terrifying, and the pain was unbearable, but you know, when I woke up and learned that you were unharmed, the pain seemed to lessen. I had fulfilled my duty, kept my vow.”

“Having such a loyal servant is the greatest blessing in my life,” Givia said, her voice choked with emotion, as she helped Cassandra up and embraced her, tears streaming down her face. “Cassandra, thank you. Thank you for caring for me like a mother, for giving me the love my own mother couldn’t.”

“My dear princess, seeing you grow up fills me with joy,” Cassandra said, hugging her back. “I’ve had a good life. His Majesty provided me with enough money to live comfortably with Haina. I even had enough to send her to learn magic. My love for you has never wavered, even when we were apart. I’ve always cherished our memories.”

The once mischievous little girl had blossomed into a strong and courageous leader. Feeling Givia’s youthful heartbeat against her chest, Cassandra shed a tear.

They embraced for a long time, their tears mingling, until Givia’s sobs subsided.

“You faced your fear,” Abyss said, nodding at Givia. “You’ve become stronger, Givia.”

“I understand everything now,” Givia said, wiping away her tears, her eyes red and swollen, but her gaze now filled with a newfound determination. “Abyss, I know what to do. I need your help. I’m willing to do anything.”

“Tell me,” Abyss said. “I’ll help you.”

Givia leaned closer to his ear, whispering her plan.

Abyss’s eyes widened in surprise. “Are you… sure? I can fulfill your request, but this plan… It’s quite audacious.”

“I’m ready,” Givia said, her gaze meeting his, her voice firm. “I will fight the Lord of Nightmares, my way!”

Chapter 113: Despair

“What’s wrong?” Leona asked, leaning closer to Givia, who lay motionless, tears streaming down her face.

“It’s all my fault… My fault…” Cassandra said, pacing anxiously, her face hidden behind her scarf. “My appearance must have triggered those horrible memories…”

Givia seemed to have fallen into a state of utter despair, unresponsive to their words, her eyes vacant, her voice a broken whisper. “We’ve lost… We’ve lost…”

“Let me guess,” Abyss said, his voice calm and analytical. “Now that Cassandra has told us the truth, it’s not difficult to deduce why Givia collapsed, and what she saw in her dream.”

Rebecca, sensing his train of thought, continued, “After that accident, young Givia, traumatized, subconsciously suppressed those memories. That’s why she didn’t recognize Haina’s mother as the maid who sacrificed her arm and her beauty to save her. Cassandra left the palace, allowing Givia to live a relatively peaceful life. But seeing Cassandra’s face triggered those repressed memories, causing a severe mental shock. Combined with the stress of her responsibilities, it led to her collapse.”

Cassandra, sitting nearby, clutched her head, her voice filled with regret. “It’s all my fault! Why did I come here? I should have asked someone else to deliver the message…”

“No, Mrs. Cassandra, it’s not your fault. The information you brought—the fact that Kevin isn’t alive—is too dangerous to be shared with ordinary people. Everyone’s memories have been tampered with. Even Givia, with her strong will, and Haina, a trained mage, experienced severe headaches when those memories resurfaced. Imagine the impact on ordinary people,” Abyss said, standing up.

They were currently inside Rebecca’s alchemy laboratory. After Givia collapsed, Haina had rushed to the guesthouse, seeking Flora’s help. Flora and Leona had been learning needlework together. Hearing about Givia’s condition, they immediately summoned Abyss and Rebecca from the laboratory. They had rushed to the inn, and Abyss had carried Givia into Rebecca’s Anywhere Door.

He wasn’t concerned about his secret being revealed. They all trusted each other. And even if someone accidentally stumbled upon them, they wouldn’t understand what was happening. He and Flora could simply erase their memories. The slower time flow within the laboratory gave them ample time to deal with any unexpected situations.

Flora used a simple healing spell to repair a stomach ulcer that was on the verge of perforation—the result of Givia’s stress, her irregular eating habits, and the cause of her vomiting blood.

She then cast an awakening spell, pulling Givia out of the nightmare induced by the Lord of Nightmares.

“Givia must have encountered the Lord of Nightmares in her dream. He must have used some trick to frighten her,” Abyss said, standing beside Givia, observing her vacant eyes. “So that’s how he’s been tormenting her. Not with Shadowlings, not with his divine power, but by exploiting Cassandra’s loyalty and her sense of responsibility… It’s unexpected, and despicable.”

“Givia, tell us what happened. We can help you. You can’t give up hope,” Flora said, gently taking Givia’s hand, her voice soothing, its inherent calming effect, combined with her genuine concern, finally reaching Givia. Her eyes regained their focus, her voice a weak whisper. “Flora… It’s you…”

“It’s me. We’re here to help you. You’re safe now,” Flora said, smiling warmly.

“Yes, Givia, tell us what’s troubling you. We’re here for you,” Leona said, her voice casual, but her tone reassuring.

“I…” Givia said, a flicker of hope returning to her eyes. She was a strong woman, not easily defeated. “I saw the Lord of Nightmares in my dream… He told me I wasn’t worthy of being a princess, that I had wronged Cassandra, and that it was unforgivable… He said he would reveal the truth to everyone in Ossi, amplifying their disappointment, turning them against me… I don’t remember everything clearly…”

“Relax. Allow me to read a portion of your memories,” Flora said, her voice soft and calming, like a mother soothing her child.

Givia looked at Flora’s beautiful golden eyes, hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She didn’t question how a healer mage could read memories. She simply trusted this gentle girl. She desperately needed help. The Lord of Nightmares’ attack had been devastating, pushing her to the brink of a mental breakdown. She couldn’t see a way out.

Flora cast her Divine Art, extracting a fragment of Givia’s memory, a fleeting dream that would soon fade if not preserved.

She then shared this memory with Abyss through their necromantic link, allowing the others to witness Givia’s nightmare.

“As I suspected… As I suspected…” Abyss muttered, stroking his chin, his expression thoughtful.

“If people learn about this, Givia’s reputation will be ruined, especially with the Lord of Nightmares manipulating their perceptions,” Rebecca said, frowning.

Givia, hearing their concern, her eyes, which had briefly brightened, dimmed again.

“Givia, don’t despair,” Abyss said, his voice firm. “Only by facing your despair with courage can you overcome it. Rise, Princess of Ossi. Your people need you. You must be strong, give them a reason to believe.”

Chapter 112: All is Lost

Givia walked aimlessly through a suffocating darkness, her feet touching solid ground, a cold breeze brushing against her skin, but she could see nothing, hear nothing but a faint ringing in her ears.

As she moved, a distant sound, muffled and distorted as if traveling through a long copper pipe, gradually emerged: a woman’s scream, the same haunting, despairing cry she heard every night in her nightmares.

A sliver of light appeared in the distance. She smelled wood, a faint mustiness, and the warm scent of fur.

The light grew brighter, the screams louder, the crackling of burning wood growing more intense. Acrid smoke filled her nostrils, making her cough.

“Your Highness! Please… Don’t come out!” The woman’s voice, raspy and strained from the smoke, pleaded with her.

“Cassandra!” Givia suddenly remembered the name, her voice a desperate cry. “Cassandra! Cassandra!”

“Your Highness… I’m here! Please don’t come out!”

“Cassandra! Come in here! I order you!”

“Forgive me, Your Highness, but I cannot obey! The wardrobe is too small… Aaaaaah!”

The smell of burning flesh filled the air. The aroma of roasting meat, usually so enticing, now filled her with horror, knowing its source. She gagged, her hand pressed against the locked wardrobe door.

Cassandra’s screams echoed through the darkness, growing louder, blending with the crackling flames. Then, other sounds emerged—crying, laughter, curses, singing…

The cacophony intensified, overwhelming her, as if thousands of voices were screaming in her ears. She covered her ears, but it was useless.

The human voices were joined by inhuman sounds, monstrous growls and shrieks, amplifying the terror, creating a nightmarish chorus.

The sliver of light vanished, plunging her into darkness. Then, after a few agonizing seconds, the darkness receded, revealing a vast, scorched wasteland. She stood atop a massive, black, undulating mass.

“Aah… Aah…”

A woman’s pained moans emanated from the black mass, its slow, undulating movements engulfing her feet.

Givia struggled, her fear mounting, but her feet were stuck, as if trapped in quicksand.

“Let me go! Let me go!” she screamed.

“Hahahahaha! Givia! My sweet darling! You’ve finally returned to my embrace!”

A voice, both male and female, echoed around her, its laughter mocking and triumphant.

“Who are you?!” Givia shouted, looking up at the burning sky.

“You’ve forgotten me so quickly, Givia? I thought we were old friends. Didn’t you dine with me every night?”

“The Lord of Nightmares!” Givia exclaimed, her voice filled with hatred.

“Hahahahaha! You finally remember!” the Lord of Nightmares roared with laughter. “You foolish mortals, you always need reminders to recall your precious memories. How does it feel, remembering the maid you crippled with your childish tantrum?”

A bone-chilling fear gripped her, and she clutched her head, a wave of nausea washing over her.

“You were so terrified that you buried this memory deep within your mind. You forgot the person you harmed, the person you never apologized to!” the Lord of Nightmares said, his voice gleeful, as if he were enjoying her torment. “You’re not worthy of being a princess, of standing with your people. You’ll never succeed! Imagine if I revealed this truth to them? Hmm? Do you think your Restoration Army would remain loyal? Hahahahaha!”

“You’re despicable!” Givia shouted, her voice cracking, her composure breaking.

“Despicable? That’s a word for lowly mortals. You dare use it to describe me, a god? I am the victor, and victors are always righteous. There’s no such thing as ‘despicable’ for a god!” the Lord of Nightmares boomed, his voice deafening. “You pathetic worm, savor your fear! It will consume you, crush your rebellion! My feast is about to begin!”

The Lord of Nightmares had clearly manipulated Cassandra, using her as a pawn to trigger Givia’s buried memories. He hadn’t intended for her to use the information. He had orchestrated this encounter, forcing her to confront the woman she hadn’t seen since childhood, unleashing the fear she had suppressed for so long.

“Tonight! This very night! I will reveal your selfishness, your cruelty, to every citizen of Ossi beyond Shodo Town! You made a grave mistake, and there’s no undoing it! I will amplify their disappointment, their shattered faith in you! When their trust crumbles, fear will reign supreme! You, their self-proclaimed righteous leader, will learn the meaning of isolation!” His voice whispered in her ear, inescapable, no matter how she struggled.

“You monster!” Givia cried, her voice filled with despair.

“Behold!” The Lord of Nightmares, relishing her torment, forced her to witness a scene of carnage. A vast execution ground appeared before her. “Kevin,” his face cold and impassive, stood on a raised platform. With a wave of his hand, countless citizens of Ossi, men, women, young and old, were beheaded, their blood staining the ground crimson. The screams of those awaiting their fate filled the air.

“Leave my people alone!” Givia screamed, tears streaming down her face.

“Hahaha! Is this your greatest fear? I can taste it! It’s delicious! You starved me for days. Now it’s time for you to repay me! Oh… It seems your companions are trying to rescue you. But they can’t change anything. Farewell, my sweet darling. You’re the perfect appetizer for my feast! It’s about to begin…”

“Givia! Givia!”

Flora’s voice reached her, and Givia opened her eyes, seeing Flora’s concerned face.

“Her Highness is awake!” Haina exclaimed, her voice filled with relief.

But Givia remained motionless, tears streaming down her face.

“We’ve lost… We can’t do anything…”

It was… over.

Chapter 111: The Enemy’s True Identity

As she read those words, Givia’s mind went blank. A wave of dizziness washed over her, her vision blurring, her legs giving way.

Memories flooded her consciousness, a veil of deception ripped away, a chilling realization accompanied by a throbbing headache, sending a jolt of pain through her spine. She bit her lip, a muffled groan escaping her lips.

Haina, overwhelmed by the surge of information, collapsed to the floor, clutching her head, gasping for breath.

The truth about Kevin finally surfaced in Givia’s mind.

Kevin was her older brother, who had died from a congenital heart defect when she was very young. He was buried on a beautiful hill overlooking the western coast of Ossi. She vaguely remembered visiting his grave a few times. Her parents often spoke of him, praising his intelligence and courage, his potential as a ruler, cut short by his untimely death at the age of six. He had died before the Church’s healers could arrive.

“Kevin… Kevin… Kevin died twenty years ago… Then my enemy…” Givia said, her headache subsiding, her voice filled with disbelief. “My enemy is a ghost? No! My enemy is a Shadowling! I’ve been fighting a phantom all along! Kevin is a Shadowling! The Lord of Nightmares tampered with my memories, creating a false persona for Kevin in everyone’s minds!”

Haina, sitting on the floor, stared at her, her voice filled with shock. “Prince Kevin isn’t human? He’s a puppet of an Outer God?”

“Haina, this information must be kept secret!” Givia said, rubbing her temples, the pain lingering. “If the Restoration Army learns that our enemy is a god, our morale will crumble!”

“I understand! I’ll keep this secret safe!” Haina said, rising to her feet, her voice firm, despite the pain.

“The Lord of Nightmares, using Kevin’s identity, infiltrated the palace, forced our father to abdicate, and seized control of the Ossi Kingdom!” Givia exclaimed, pacing back and forth, her voice filled with anger. “So that’s it! We’ve been fooled! Prince Kevin never existed! He’s just a tool for the Lord of Nightmares to spread fear in our kingdom! Shadowlings are powerful, but their power is finite. They can’t reach the level of a god—which means our most dangerous enemy might be that eunuch, Apos? He might possess divine power!”

Haina was speechless. She had always believed their kingdom had been usurped by a cruel and heartless prince. She had never imagined he was a puppet of an Outer God!

“Where’s your mother? How did she learn about this? Does she have a way to see through the Lord of Nightmares’ deception?” Givia asked, her voice urgent. “Take me to her, Haina! This is important!”

“But my mother doesn’t want you to see her… She says she’s too disfigured, that she shouldn’t taint your eyes…”

“This is no time for such concerns!” Givia exclaimed, her brow furrowed. “I need to see your mother! Take me to her, Haina! This is crucial!”

Givia’s tone was commanding. Haina hesitated, but she couldn’t disobey her princess.

…

They rushed to the inn where Cassandra was staying, escorted by several guards. The innkeeper, who had been standing outside, saw Givia approaching, his eyes widening in alarm. He rushed towards them, dropping to his knees.

“Rise! Take me to Haina’s mother’s room!” Givia commanded.

The innkeeper, recognizing Haina, instantly understood. He led them to Cassandra’s room, his movements quick and deferential.

Givia, trying to calm her nerves, knocked gently on the door.

“Come in,” Cassandra’s voice replied.

Givia opened the door and entered. Cassandra, her body completely covered, only one eye and one hand visible, sat on a chair.

Cassandra, startled by Givia’s arrival, immediately knelt, her posture a perfect display of subservience. “Your Highness! I apologize for my lack of preparation! Please forgive my transgression!”

“Please rise, Mrs. Cassandra. You’re Haina’s mother, right? I…”

Givia paused, her voice trailing off. The old woman’s voice sounded familiar, but she couldn’t place it.

“You… I believe I’ve met you before…” Givia said, helping Cassandra to her feet, then ordered the guards and the innkeeper to leave, ensuring their privacy. “How did you become so… disfigured? And I wanted to ask you how you saw through Prince Kevin’s disguise…”

“Your Highness, I didn’t use any special methods. One day, I simply realized something was wrong with Prince Kevin. I remembered some details and visited his grave, discovering that he had died long ago. I made a rubbing of his tombstone and asked my daughter to deliver it to you, hoping to alert you to his true nature,” Cassandra explained.

“Is that so? You didn’t use any special methods?” Givia asked, her voice laced with disappointment. She then noticed a detail in Cassandra’s words. “You said you visited Prince Kevin’s grave based on your memories? There were no civilians present at his funeral. Did you work in the palace?”

“Well… Yes, I did,” Cassandra replied, a hint of unease in her voice.

“No wonder you seem familiar. Could you please remove your scarf? I’d like to see your face,” Givia said, her gaze fixed on Cassandra.

Cassandra hesitated. “Your Highness, I suffered severe injuries. My appearance is quite… disturbing. You might be startled…”

“You’re a loyal subject, Haina’s mother, and you’ve brought me valuable information. I wouldn’t judge you based on your appearance,” Givia said, her voice firm. “I’m not that shallow.”

“If you insist, Your Highness…” Cassandra said, slowly unwrapping her scarf.

Givia’s expression remained neutral as she saw the disfigured side of Cassandra’s face.

But as Cassandra revealed her uninjured side, Givia suddenly trembled, blood erupting from her mouth, collapsing into Haina’s arms.

“Keep this secret… Call… Flora…,” she whispered, her voice fading as she lost consciousness.