CH 96

The capital was in an uproar.

Suddenly, a wolf monster appeared, and Ian was the one who confronted it.

It was an incident that occurred on the outskirts of the capital a few days ago.

At first glance, the situation painted Ian as a hero.

However, an additional event overshadowed that.

The kidnapping of Rudy Astria.

Ian had kidnapped his younger brother, Rudy Astria, and confined him.

When news of this spread throughout the capital, Ian Astria's reputation began to plummet.

Despite saving the capital from a massive beast, he started being seen more as a villain who imprisoned his brother than as a hero.

And now, within the royal palace of the capital, Rie was walking somewhere from her chambers.

"Oh, long time no see, sister."

While Rie was walking, Yuni approached and greeted her.

Yuni's attire suggested she was either attending a ball or some other formal event.

Rie looked at Yuni disdainfully.

"Aren't you starting school soon? Shouldn't you be studying?"

At Rie's words, Yuni chuckled.

"Come on, I can't just be studying all the time. Taking walks, having tea — it helps me study better."

"So, you're saying that by taking walks, drinking tea, hanging out with friends, and attending every ball, you study better?"

Yuni shrugged nonchalantly in response to Rie's sarcastic comment,

"I have my own way of doing things~."

"Then stick to your way~. And don't bother me with it."

Rie spoke coldly.

Despite Rie's icy words, Yuni waved her hand cheerfully and teased,

"Why so harsh, sis?"

Any average person might've been hurt by Rie's words, but Yuni was accustomed to her sister's sharp tongue.

Rie was about to continue on her path and ignore Yuni when Yuni suddenly clapped her hands, as if remembering something.

"Oh right, I didn't approach you for idle chit-chat."

But Rie didn't stop and continued walking.

"Where are you off to?"

Yuni followed closely behind.

"Don't follow me. I have somewhere to be."

"Going to meet 'him'?"

At Yuni's words, Rie stopped in her tracks, taken aback.

Seeing Rie's reaction, Yuni widened her eyes.

She had never seen her sister so easily thrown off by a simple statement before.

'Him' referred to a guest Rie had brought in.

"I heard a bit about it. He's a man, isn't he?"

"You don't need to know."

Rie quickly regained her composure and answered Yuni flatly.

"Hmm... is he your boyfriend, then?"

"What, what, what???"

Rie stared at Yuni in shock.

Yuni smirked, seeing Rie's reaction.

"Is that it?"

"No! How did you jump to that conclusion?"

Rie exclaimed, then looked around to ensure no one was within earshot.

"Either way, stop prying. If you keep digging, I won't let it go easily."

With that, Rie resumed walking.

Yuni stared intently at Rie's retreating back.

"Hmm... who could he be?"

Yuni mused aloud, tapping her lips thoughtfully.

While she was curious about the identity of the man, Yuni knew that her father, the Emperor, was ensuring his safety and privacy.

Even Yuni couldn't defy the Emperor's wishes.

"I'm so curious."

With that thought, Yuni went on her way.

---

---

"Rudy, how are you feeling now?"

Rie asked.

“I think I’m all better now.”

Sitting on the bed, I gave her a reassuring smile.

We were at the Royal Palace, specifically in one of its guest rooms.

These rooms, splendidly decorated, were intended for honored guests of the palace.

"The doctor will be visiting again later, just so you know."

"I feel like I don't really need any more treatment."

It had been about three days since I arrived at the palace.

For a whole day, I was unconscious; the next, bedridden and sleeping.

But after receiving treatment from the royal physicians on the third day, I was able to move around again.

Once I could move again, I paid my respects to Rie and the Emperor.

The Emperor acknowledged me, promising protection.

While it might be a political move to counter Ian Astria, I was still grateful since he guaranteed my safety.

Luna was also staying in the palace.

She wasn't injured, so she didn't require treatment; they just provided her with a place to stay.

Though we could meet, it wasn't always easy to find a private moment.

At the moment, I am under the direct protection of the Emperor.

It made spending time together difficult.

Thankfully, through Rie, we could pass along messages to each other.

I heard that Professor McGuire met separately with Rie.

After hearing that Luna and I were under the protection of the Royal Palace, he quietly returned to the academy.

I wanted to thank him immediately, but I decided to wait until I returned to the Academy.

As these thoughts crossed my mind, there was a knock at the door.

“It's Serina. May I come in?”

“Yes, come in.”

Rie responded.

Serina?

It had been a while since I heard that name.

I assumed it was just a coincidence.

There are many people with the same name in this world, after all.

"Huh?"

However, to my surprise, the woman with blue hair who entered was the Serina I knew.

Although she wasn’t in the usual school uniform, there was no mistaking it.

"What... is going on?"

Confused, I looked between them.

Rie noticed my expression and spoke,

“Oh, didn't Luna tell you?”

I shook my head.

My meetings with Luna were short, and her concerns for my wellbeing often took precedence over other topics.

“Serina has become a member of the Royal Secret Service. I did oppose it initially, but...”

Rie admitted, casting a slightly disapproving glance at Serina.

But Serina just bowed her head modestly.

"I received assistance from ‘Ling’."

"'Ling'?"

"It's the code name for the head of the Secret Service,"

Rie explained, answering my question.

"When Serina asked to become an undercover agent, that person came to me directly to request it. They wanted Serina to take on that role."

Oh...

I was genuinely impressed by that.

"So, her crimes were pardoned?"

"No, instead of being in prison, she works undercover to atone for her sins."

I nodded at Rie's explanation.

"That's great news. Work hard."

When I said this with a smile, Serina approached and bowed her head.

"I deeply regret not properly apologizing for my mistakes that day. I sincerely apologize for everything. It was entirely my fault..."

"Ah, it's alright. It's been some time since then."

I assured her, smiling.

Yet, Serina kept her head down, refusing to look up.

"I'm really... really sorry..."

I looked at her intently.

I had a feeling that no matter what I said, her attitude would be the same.

"Serina."

I decided to take a different approach, because, regardless of my feelings, she still had a life to live.

"Look, I won't forgive you. You almost killed me, and you tried to kill Astina too."

"I understand. I don't expect you to forgive me for the rest of your life."

I continued after hearing her response.

"Instead of seeking my forgiveness, live your life trying to make amends for the mistakes you’ve made."

I said with a light-hearted smile.

"Save many people and bring salvation to many. With your abilities, you can do it, right? Live with the purpose of atoning, always."

As I said this, Serina slowly lifted her head.

"I promise... I will."

I scratched my cheek.

It felt a bit awkward.

Just a few months ago, we were on casual terms, and now she was addressing me so formally.

Rie broke the slightly uncomfortable silence.

"But you said you won't forgive her?"

"Huh?"

"Serina saved your life. If it weren't for her, you might have died. Isn't that why you are here?"

My eyes widened at Rie's words.

Serina saved me?

Suddenly, I felt embarrassed about the things I had just said.

Realizing my mistake, I immediately apologized,

"I'm sorry. I'll forgive you. Thank you for saving me..."

"No, it's me who should apologize more!"

---

---

After that slight hiccup,

"Priscilla! It's been so long!!"

"Serina, I've missed you!"

Feeling guilty about my earlier words to Serina, I summoned Priscilla.

I remembered how upset Priscilla had been the last time we talked in prison.

I thought letting her see Serina might ease her resentment.

But to my surprise, Priscilla started grumbling to Serina,

"I missed you, Serina. I should have just formed a contract with you. He's worse than a demon."

"Just hang in there, you already made the contract."

Serina gently stroked Priscilla as if comforting a puppy.

And Priscilla, despite her wolf-like appearance, gleefully responded to Serina’s touch.

It was almost like watching a playful pup.

I even wondered if I should take her for a walk later.