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Chapter 35
I will have my revenge.
On that villainess who killed my brother and felt no guilt whatsoever—I will give her the same despair.
With that vow, I endured those bitter years alone.
Lillia cried out at Erin, her voice filled with rage.
“Impossible… this is impossible! Why would someone like you, a vile villainess, have such talent? Because of you, my brother… what happened to him… How could this be!”
But someone stepped in front of her. Lillia stared blankly at the person who blocked her. It was Ferdin.
“Lillia.”
“……”
“Erin… she entered the territory of the Wolf Tribe by herself to save you. Do you still believe… that she killed Calypse?”
At Ferdin’s words, Lillia turned her gaze to Erin, standing behind him.
Erin stood silently, not even trying to deny the accusations thrown at her.
That made Lillia’s heart ache even more.
Lillia had always imagined what kind of person Erin Liches was.
A woman who caused trouble, tormented Calypse, and in the end, killed him.
Charlotte often whispered to her that every crime was committed by Erin.
“Calypse… died after suffering at the hands of that villainess.”
“He couldn’t quit serving the Marquis’ household for your sake. I heard your parents passed away early, didn’t they? He endured every pain for the sake of his little sister.”
“Lillia, you have the talent of magic. You can avenge him.”
Lillia was supposed to take revenge on Erin Liches. From childhood, it was a vow drilled into her like brainwashing.
And for that to happen, Erin Liches had to be the villainess.
Ferdin spoke slowly as he looked at Lillia.
“If it weren’t for Erin, we wouldn’t have made it this far.”
Lillia couldn’t say a word in reply.
During the two weeks they traveled to reach the Wolf Tribe’s lands, she had been able to observe Erin closely.
Erin Liches was nothing like the woman described in the rumors. She was considerate, kind, and someone who valued trust.
Every time Lillia saw this, she felt as though everything she knew was being denied. If that was true… did that mean Charlotte’s words were lies?
Charlotte had been the one who stayed by her side when Calypse died. She claimed to know him well from the Marquis’ estate, and hadn’t she also mourned his death?
But then… could it really be that Erin Liches hadn’t killed Calypse? Truly?
Lillia couldn’t bring herself to speak.
“Let’s move. Lillia, I understand your feelings, but… we can’t stay here any longer.”
Amon said, pulling Lillia along. Her dazed face showed no resistance as she followed him.
Even as they emerged from the underground prison, Lillia’s mind was foggy. But the moment she stepped outside, she was left speechless.
Dozens of Wolf Tribe warriors lay collapsed before them.
The raw, overwhelming strength of a Sword Master made chills run down Lillia’s spine.
“Lillia, hurry.”
Ferdin pulled her along when she dawdled. The child he had been carrying was now in Amon’s arms.
Lillia realized that Ferdin was paying attention to her—that he must have entrusted the child to Amon in order to take care of her instead.
Ferdin was almost too kind. He never abandoned those who fell within his care.
Yes… once this subjugation is over, I’ll leave Ferdin.
Looking at him, Lillia thought so. Memories flickered in her mind.
The moment she first joined Ferdin’s knight order. The playful yet kind knights who welcomed her.
There were happy memories, and there were sad ones. But Lillia was certain now—she could no longer remain here.
No matter what the truth was, she no longer had the courage to face Erin Liches.
“Ferdin…”
After this subjugation, I’ll leave the knight order.
She was about to say those words.
And at that very moment—she saw a spear flying straight toward her.
Ah, so this is how I die…
The thought flashed in her mind, and Lillia let out a hollow laugh. All her worries felt meaningless now.
The black mana-coated spear came at her with a speed she could never evade.
Up ahead, Erin turned back, her face shocked as she noticed the danger, and ran toward her.
Lillia stared at Erin’s expression in confusion.
Why… why did she look like that? As if she was truly shocked…
And then, someone shoved her aside.
She couldn’t comprehend what had just happened.
Blood splattered across Lillia’s face.
And right before her eyes—stood Ferdin.
Corellia fiddled with the teacup before her. For some reason, she felt a delightful premonition.
Why am I in such a good mood?
Humming, she picked up a pastry and popped it into her mouth.
Charlotte sat beside her, wearing a faint smile, while across from them sat the First Prince of the Lexia Empire, Ditrion.
With silver hair falling to his shoulders, he raised his teacup with refined grace.
“Charlotte’s tea is always delicious.”
At his praise, Charlotte returned a pleasant smile.
Watching her, Corellia suddenly remembered something and asked,
“Why haven’t we heard from Raymond? It’s about time he reported back, isn’t it? He couldn’t have followed them into Wolf Tribe territory.”
“He may not have been able to slip away.”
“Hm… that’s unfortunate. By now, the Wolf Tribe’s chief must have lost control, right?”
“Since His Majesty didn’t provide the suppressant, yes—he must be in a frenzy.”
“Even if Count Leon went, the result wouldn’t have been different.”
Corellia’s joy was plain on her face. Unless one was Duke Asilly himself, no one could possibly oppose the chief.
Even before losing control, the chief already possessed power near the level of a Sword Master.
Now, in a rampage, he would be even stronger than Count Leon.
Furrowing her brow in thought, Corellia asked Charlotte again,
“By the way, how exactly did you convince that little magician—Calypse’s sister, wasn’t she?”
The name was one she barely remembered unless she deliberately thought of it.
If Erin hadn’t occasionally muttered Calypse’s name, Corellia would have forgotten entirely.
That was how worthless the girl was in her eyes.
“Those kinds of people are simple, aren’t they? I just fueled her thirst for revenge, and she came over. I told her… if she succeeded in eliminating Erin Liches, I’d give her this.”
Charlotte produced a jewel. Corellia burst out laughing.
“Charlotte, you’re terrible.”
Ditrion, who had been listening, smirked at the corner of his lips. Stroking his teacup, he said,
“Ferdin’s people are naïve… perhaps because they resemble him.”
The black-glowing orb looked so much like a mana stone that it was easy to mistake.
Lillia, too, must have believed it was just a peculiar mana stone.
But it wasn’t.
It was a special mana stone forged with black magic. Simply possessing it allowed a magician or knight to rapidly increase their abilities.
It had once been a trend across the continent—at least until its fatal side effects emerged.
Those addicted to such stones slowly lost their sanity, and when their mana went berserk, they became little more than monsters.
The temple had long since banned their use.
But Charlotte had remade the stone in such a way that it no longer resembled the dangerous appearance described by the temple. Lillia couldn’t have known.
“I need to ensure everything goes as planned. I’m not sloppy like Raymond. Once they learn Count Leon isn’t with them, the subjugation force will try to flee. Even that alone will deal a heavy blow to Ferdin Lexia. But… you want Erin Liches gone, don’t you?”
“……”
“A magician like Lillia is good enough to be matched against a promising knight. She even has justification, so no one will suspect a hidden hand behind her actions.”
No matter what happened, Charlotte would gain.
If Lillia succeeded, they would gain another slave.
Lillia would become addicted to the mana stone, living only to wait for the suppressants they provided.
Charlotte was a devil incarnate. Corellia thought so and smiled brightly.
She had a feeling today would be a wonderful day.
But her premonition shattered when a knight arrived at the Marquis’ estate shortly after.
“Sir Raymond has deserted the subjugation force. Lord Ferdin sent me to ask if he perhaps returned here.”
At the news the knight brought, Corellia’s face stiffened.
