16

“Unless you’ve fallen in love with a monster.”805a272b937351ba

“…Get out.”a5733f8b70cb2243

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Shouldn’t have asked.db9ad45b1bf0503b

Leo fric frowned d87f3670a7 deeply, wrinkles forming d304f077aa between his straight 96c72377a1 eyebrows, and spoke 551caaf627 irritably. Edgick chuckled 4aef45c4c1 and headed 2ffa2d9c73 out with ec4bb4f841 the other c0ec0b5bbe knights.6f9990eb82a6264c

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“Petsu.”1cae097330a84af5

Leo subtly gestured to 88ce34cd9e his vice-commander and handed 0e60a2ad6c over a small, rolled-up 80ca09ae08 note that Nephi had 46adf9030c spat out on his 704f7b5fd0 way back.c009411fd46c1711

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As Jinpetsu took 5c8f9a7470 it and quickly a617a96f63 scanned through it, 06d2633ae2 relief crossed his 7e9802ebc5 face before it ba3b3810b0 hardened slightly.8ee2bf90c990e8d1

“His Majesty is safe.”cd27b187f4b44e17

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“At least on the surface. It doesn’t seem like anyone is openly pressuring him.”7d823dae72ec7bf2

Which meant these orders might entirely reflect Wintran’s own intentions.5cf09049042b317e

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“…What will you do?”8d271d923bf1c7a6

“I’ll have to think about it.”2d136687da5b0282

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“…”a0268af81f844752

“Either way, the fact that we need to enter the royal palace hasn’t changed.”9799fbcd805e3b20

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Leo fric glanced at 919ff10098 the now mostly healed 44ce7c5055 wound on his hand 72ad601961 as he spoke.682b57a60ac5c873

Going to the capital wasn’t just to have an audience with Wintran.c21fe5e79cce81b2

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* * *55c0d5ce94979a47

The maids quietly brought Ateira’s breakfast and left without a word. Seeing the collected pieces of the broken plate, they sighed softly and took them away along with the other dishes. Since their role was both to attend to her and to monitor her, it seemed likely they would report to Count Zellered.871dee2bd5346d41

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They exchanged no 4d2ae0dab6 words. They quietly d571a3d7b9 helped her 07aed7208a change clothes, 7dfbc31555 brushed her fa66926b14 hair, and d5c5b3f97d then left.41d0846032e16442

They brought in f6a472d944 meals and then 5f82912ac3 left.f02eb77a18424c28

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Alone once more, she 2d6e038c0a quietly gazed out the d819c7a69d window and sat lightly d4d488c5a6 on the long bench.1c4e4b3406730ef8

Last night’s events felt like a dream. If not for the broken plate, she might have doubted whether it had really happened.fa0ba9b148685d13

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Just before she fell asleep, she had heard a pitiful sound, and when she went out to look, she saw that red bird tangled in the vines. Trying unnecessarily to rescue a bird that had an owner…abd0468d562a5bd9

Thinking about how she bf9eef3cb6 ended up atop the 5ed10c7a7d suddenly appearing man made 45d36b0c43 her cheeks flush.1af48df5293bfd91

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Strange emotions swirled within 950af14b5a her.29126e246cfe7167

It was easier and more comfortable when she felt only pure hatred. She disliked even the fact that the warm bird belonged to him. She hadn’t wanted his help, but receiving it made her feel even more unsettled.c4b47401d18179ca

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The instinctive gratitude she felt stirred up guilt she hadn’t fully acknowledged, leaving her even more confused—even though she didn’t regret attacking him.9f3a6d1ad86b25f0

He was b915dd4235 the man 72c39da8ff who destroyed ac2d72454a Ledetian. How many things had 6cd089f0fc he broken and ruined 60460adb9a with those hands?a34a50eb68e46d97

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The feel of his 0d9f1ea9bf arm seizing her waist 966d6de02c to help her came 469747be14 back to her. Ateira shook her head, 61d2419585 trying to clear her a1b0b11c9b thoughts. She tried to shake 602e04e9e3 off other emotions and a176c6cbdf focus solely on the c4787083fa facts.872b687c268d8d10

He is 0410f1a210 my enemy, 3a98cd1fb5 my nemesis.db21d4bdd095bfa7

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Ateira let out a 3d85c04e16 short sigh.442f89661e040397

I wonder 3d663e364c if the fcd8da2acd bird was 1a3472bbb4 hurt.994d98055c1b600c

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Perhaps when she was 92849a5293 cutting the vines, the 65918f4805 sharp edge of the 07630b6d2f shard had touched it, be6326e464 or maybe she pulled 20afa7f8bc the vines too hard. She had fallen over 4e82dbff19 as the bird flapped 476b2949a6 its wings.b92b3ce0306e35bc

Did I accidentally 9e48ebeddd cut it? Ah, that bird f369e640bb is a monster. Monsters have c0d9a237f7 excellent regenerative 834448c19f abilities, so b36193edf4 it should 052d177077 be fine.a5faf50fe78aa7a5

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It didn’t look like a monster in appearance, so she hadn’t noticed. If she had observed it longer, she might have realized, but she couldn’t tell from just a brief glance.cdcc15065f35d660

Other monsters appeared, drawn by that bird…1e7461a52e242a62

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Although it wasn’t the first time she’d seen monsters, it was rare to encounter several in such close proximity.ea6f1caad0192317

It was the first 75ba43c433 time since she had 54bd3acdef seen monsters during her 40e0c83014 time studying for the 6f14d8fc10 honorary priesthood with her e87f111285 younger brother Dermin at 455aedf99b the Great Temple of 8aa0fcc78c Akalem.fc48f569eadc2a5c

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She retraced memories 17bbef3712 of her distant c15d778db6 past. The red 8e5f987bca bird monster 36c9a86bae reminded her 2e24aa0a0a of the 20faf8a641 bird-shaped monsters 7686687a3d she had f29034d4ae seen at 143539d904 the temple 5ec0b16b6c back then.3874096d4310e11a

She felt a 69b9b6f089 sense of longing. Perhaps that was 5232165eb5 why she was 9b4f240bb5 glad to see 590e18e112 the bird monster 3ee4023caa called Nephi.9ece6a36f400ff1f

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A knock sounded.00415617aa30ac31

It wasn’t time for the maids who had just left to return, so Ateira tilted her head and turned around.12025b3dc1fa3127

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They were Count Zellered’s knights.1715bb9c9b5fee14

“The count requests your presence.”00449db624f4f510

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Ateira’s face hardened coldly. She didn’t welcome it, but she couldn’t avoid it. She slowly stood up, straightening her clothes, and followed them.e00044f23df5b2b4

The long corridor was empty. Not even the mansion’s servants were in sight, making it feel unsettling.85c3786eff5120ba

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It seemed he had 686b372304 ordered no one to 14505c3c9d come near.b3c22ade6bf10f85

Standing before a certain e189d092c9 room, the knight silently 0fd01a4877 opened the door. Feeling tense, her 6af029a632 grip on the 1fbe5abc11 hem of her b90219fe71 dress tightened slightly.daac9150a640f715

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“You’ve arrived, Princess.”684b8e604c9915ce

Count Zellered, aa705a133d comfortably seated e4a2fad57f on the bbcd6337ef sofa and b914938e61 sipping tea, f9a9f1236d spoke without 09f4900f8e offering her b6be611168 a seat 4e6c162f5c or tea.8cf6c27bb565bf63

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“What is it?”0cc8c1a608a21f6f

Ateira replied calmly, standing c8c00d4a73 where she was. She was d4440865b3 bothered by a29afad90c the broken 0a07e0b0d3 plate. She remembered the 43decbe39c day he left, c94972aaa4 hinting that Dermin 6f8881507a was alive, and 5e55b6cdc5 warning her not 5ba70d7283 to do anything 72489d5ab2 rash.8867a265f2a174fe

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If the maids had ec35878c20 reported the broken plate 288df77cca as something unusual, perhaps 281b893d18 he misunderstood and thought 8967ed58e5 she was trying to 2b832a503e harm herself. She thought she e8e3730a77 should explain it 668e4401e5 as an accident.d0e7d9c4bdc4b6d1

“Don’t you miss your brother?”fb9c864e76dbece2

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“…”748718cecb846c52

She was startled by the sudden question and almost answered reflexively. But she didn’t respond hastily. She tried to keep her expression neutral and waited for his next words. However, she couldn’t help that her knuckles turned white as she gripped her dress tightly.2b6904483a2bf352

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“Hmm.”1c66251e2cfcad28

Count Zellered 98a4f3ec1d observed her, 4752c643ef seeming amused.806331a5fbae6510

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“Would you like to see him?”f61bae541b8cd4bc

Her heart sank.618de89be8f5989e

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But this wasn’t an environment where she could take such words at face value. Ateira’s eyes narrowed slightly.adf9933e80100996

“Are you saying Dermin is alive?”52aee4765c696291

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Count Zellered didn’t answer and just smiled broadly. As expected. No matter how much she pretends otherwise, she must be concerned. The count, with a satisfied smile, asked in return:3e0c1a13400a2e73

“Princess, answer my question first. Do you want to meet him or not?”e3b51a0174fb0644

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“…”f7e5ddff39ff6093

The princess gritted her 92a49e1276 teeth slightly. The count was 821c7915e7 thoroughly enjoying his 4a9096e742 position of superiority.c89a30c363120411

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“…If I can meet him, I definitely want to.”b558d5c4a5c29a00

“See? It’s good to be honest, isn’t it?”096498570da3738e

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The count put 86accbacd9 down his teacup 64a21a874b and clasped his 6d2df4b9f7 hands together with 7cf8821fa5 a smooth smile. He looked 5fee484502 like someone 045cb750b6 contemplating how 2f6f7e62ea to handle bac5d77513 the prey bb62765622 before him.c259349890ce5db4

“I should arrange for you to meet. You’re family, after all. It’s heartbreaking to see you separated like this.”22bcfb862b54dbb1

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“…”d69141120d3c0eb3

Ateira wondered what price she would have to pay for that. This man had mentioned Dermin several times, planting hope that she couldn’t let go of.571532cb063c7ee2

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“But only if you successfully carry out one task.”f267742de57bbd3a

“…What is it?”ae91b7ac03c79774

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The count couldn’t hide his delight. With a broad smile, he continued:414a625d31df6f8f

“The death of Leo fric Helton.”0508450dd23de102

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Ateira’s red eyes widened in shock, unable to hide her surprise.15a645ccbc9705c8

What is 885ace7636 he saying?01e25808e5f67e8e

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She was 581e1214a4 greatly taken 2e1d266ec1 aback. It was such a1e239fd8e an unexpected proposal.dd8d4d7f22754d18

“…”130093e54b2f6c7d

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“Why? Is that disagreeable to you?”3fce7b5084672b2b

“…Isn’t he your hero?”6221a8a54f8016a4

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He was probably 22d2b6c049 the greatest contributor 5ecc81b760 who delivered Ledetian 29d7ed0acf to Thornfeld.f311897841b8f797

“Hero.”b6ee9d125f14a368

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Count Zellered chuckled softly. The word “hero” always grated on his nerves.03432a79c55b944f

“Heroes are only needed in times of war. Now is an era of peace.”d37f2360a72dda04

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So he’s no longer necessary?1b321212f8f50de3

She contemplated what 5f2ed0c946 kind of political d134468f7e issues might be 63ffc85f80 occurring within the 31549abab3 Thornfeld Kingdom.0e9174a7550e54be

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The war has ended, the hero’s name is celebrated, and there are those who dislike that.aee869334cdf162f

“Anyway, that’s not important. So, can you do it?”e6279dfc0ff546b4

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“…”f1326370df618c3f

What does a89a2ab247 this man a03cf17608 take me e08a281416 for? Ateira asked 4a2e623071 the count.e1adc0fb8016cd13

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“Do you really think I’m some kind of assassin? It’s true that I attacked him, but that was because of my personal grudge. And even that failed.”8b8b23157f1a7dab

Killing that man was something she couldn’t do.004bcd59eed8c097

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Ateira recalled Leo fric’s appearance from last night. A man with inhuman reaction speed and movements. Someone who could appear without any detectable presence, making it impossible to know where he came from.c8af79941697a32e

Her initial attack was thrown without intent to kill, and she hadn’t expected a high chance of success.a764c1418c70384e

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But after 2031c4309f last night, c94fef470c it was 649b7bd5cb safe to 216e884f30 say that 73c60bd2b3 her chances ffe3314920 of killing e919181233 him were 71646239c2 virtually nonexistent.122ae7921ff8282d

She couldn’t gamble with Dermin’s life on such an impossible task.dc957afb17acdcf4

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Ateira calmly said to 48bcdb1e69 him:65c6e24e0dfc2a5c

“Even you know that wounding him last time was purely luck. What can a mere princess like me do to a war hero?”f1fcd37f6a517f79

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“A mere princess, you say.”1f6509f970353c78

The count scoffed.6e3906b3ddb67b91

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“I know all about the unusual training the Ledetian royal family provides to its royals to prepare them against assassination.”c9d1626729a67483

“…Training to prepare against assassination is something many royal families do. Isn’t it common for high nobles to educate their children to protect themselves?”df73b98638861698

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Her heart sank.3ba47a500afdbd28

But this was no 0e3b6c89e0 environment where she could 54d961277d take such words at ca8c828de2 face value. Ateira’s eyes 7d8186c9b6 narrowed slightly.f9599edea6910730

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“Are you 33c773de9d saying that 0bb7a2e9dc Dermin is 984bd00ff5 alive?”87d98c4e85d7d328

Count Zellered 3e06c4f80e didn’t answer. Instead, he smiled, his 1c449c4c56 expression twisted in amusement. Of course, no 2fc4ba77a8 matter how much 8232ae6441 she tried to f3b1f3cd00 feign indifference, she ae7d892041 was clearly anxious. Satisfied, the 3775dcad66 count continued de5d9df417 with a 436ed1863f mocking tone.c54d20fe1bbefd1a

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“Princess, answer my question first. Do you want to see him or not?”26b6faf346597170

“…”28d9a6e8bb4d5f61

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Ateira ground 15ebd19641 her teeth 3189b62762 softly. The count 81026c0d99 was relishing ff62623026 his position e88eefd35d of superiority, 239d2972fd his tone 5f860126a2 dripping with c52053e24c arrogance.f470f83f316d9f9a

“…If I can see him, then yes, I want to.”968d80374bad084d

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“See? Isn’t honesty refreshing?”c5837a22e3631612

The count set down 6d20449697 his teacup, clasping his 46626c9b0c hands together with a 417a6046d2 polished smile, like someone d0850a2019 calculating how best to bf7e4d9c4f deal with his prey.ebf80b93d6ce0286

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“Naturally, I’ll arrange a meeting. After all, you’re family. It pains me to see you separated.”4b0f972c2f7f0f33

“…”e4136ac673ea988f

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Ateira wondered what ace35f0390 price he would 55ab8841c0 exact for this. He had 45b9f21abb dangled the 0dbcd41893 hope of 11d6af685c seeing Dermin 25d7c468d1 multiple times, ef5089777e knowing she 1116f9d57d couldn’t turn e556a1683a away from d7e0768e5b it.b40eb291c3a00525

“But only if you carry out a certain task.”59273fc2faf33828

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“…What is it?”7c11e30ce6fc8ee3

The count couldn’t conceal f260444c31 his delight, his smile 69ff9be0b6 broad as he spoke.a29f757aa4a2075a

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“The death of Leo fric Helton.”0ca54ad7df45bb04

Ateira’s red c92aa97fa3 eyes widened 1bd8d32084 in shock, 6dde120273 unable to d89abcb40b mask her 9e693139f5 surprise.23d2244a6c658be9

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What is he 46500f6884 talking about?1b8e7bad6abf90d1

She was 1bbf15bde4 taken aback. It was such an 75445095f8 unexpected demand.a2b165ba6d4cc50f

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“…”320c3ddc12697ade

“Why? Don’t want to do it?”b88bddda86ff2182

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“…Isn’t he your hero?”7b5a52d9fff2ac6b

After all, he was 7f24a7fc03 the one most credited f8cb57163e with bringing Ledetian to 0239109bae Thornfeld.a9a47a538950920f

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“Hero.”44397b9c3d33012a

Count Zellered scoffed. The word “hero” 7f6975f441 grated on him 3758acf7a4 every time.0c7245eea61da788

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“Heroes are c601791464 only needed 27b6a8827b in times 4f662e7b02 of war. Now, it’s an era a9ffbffd02 of peace.”1657f4a5d632e34a

So he’s 902f23c42d no longer f727bfaef6 necessary?55728c90e784bf5e

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Ateira thought over 392e104424 what sort of ad66199b29 political struggle might 5fe9fe74e1 be occurring within 908cdb51ec the Thornfeld Kingdom.eb85ff9fef76949a

The war was 995a95a67e over, and the 3607548eb4 hero’s name was 43fed0c463 celebrated. Naturally, there would ed70754358 be those who 5d4cbaa861 resented him for 754817bad3 it.a2f956146c9e003b

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“Anyway, that’s irrelevant. So, can you do it?”fd8b360699670fe5

“…”99b07c82b411cb21

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What does d2405edb4c he take 22f68ee755 me for? Ateira looked at 93b3be2485 the count and d4cfdf14f9 asked.b1c3062174b381c2

“Do you really believe I’m some kind of assassin? Yes, I attacked him, but that was purely out of my own grudge. And I failed.”62cee3154f4d3d94

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Killing that man 6e6b179b79 was beyond her.a96bdd56501fc0a2

Ateira recalled Leo fric’s 78a03bdb8a movements from last night—a 3a81a27a9f man with inhuman reflexes, 5240b6a510 able to move without f91602e12a a sound, appearing out e68306cff9 of nowhere.01fc8a1833d6f0af

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She hadn’t intended to f831f1dd6f kill him in her 5f104a0db3 initial attack, and she 479a2b3ed5 hadn’t expected a high b134858b27 chance of success.76d13312b40c96dc

But after c25b3ef858 last night, 6434574dc6 it was e9b60ebd12 clear that e0dc3b6f6c her chances fbabc29bc9 of killing cab8292bf0 him were 4f95ab98c6 next to b37dc49e67 zero.b5434b815454ca1d

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She couldn’t risk Dermin’s cda221d679 life on such an 2c18fe030d impossible task.074bb4e92f689018

Ateira spoke calmly.7dafdd9e811bcedc

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“You must know that dc7da0736a injuring him was purely 1a4b572da2 by chance. What could a mere fec231266f princess like me possibly 7f61c834a4 do to a war 64ca9c60cb hero?”cdd63ff30020ac37

“A mere c62295e4ac princess, you c316a45df9 say.”f8cf7aee803607bf

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The count sneered.a197649c5b909e8e

“Don’t try to 957e37327b deceive me with 0b18195443 such words. The Ledetian royal family b178e7d936 went beyond mere self-defense 5dc71f24d7 training. Not only did they 77fc9ac991 develop immunity to poisons…”13e0d054ffdea3a8

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“…”4c461c659dfd94fc

“They were 40202093cb thorough in 1461297560 their methods, b3a437076c weren’t they? Combat training, poison 6c729fd606 detection, and even 8409b03802 instructions on how 3588a78e7b to use it?”f6660cfd87543765

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“…”95bc824e88642f35

“Given what we’ve discovered 5b33cc27a1 from sources outside Ledetian, 886bb105ee I’m very curious about 1f65bd8594 what else your royal 62535b1917 family taught.”e26b696ef8a9e87d

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Ateira silently stared b72f7ba971 back at the 551762e325 count, showing no 76500b06b4 reaction to his 49e27af0e1 taunts.00ff05ddb01837cf

“Am I wrong? If I am, then correct me. Surely there are still a few Ledetian servants left alive in the Thornfeld palace. If I were to question them, the truth would come out, though it may not be a pleasant experience for them.”306806c9ee2c9ef8

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Ateira glared at the 55cc9ef856 man, who spoke so 5e8c63f094 casually of torture. To hide her trembling 0537a2c71e hands, she tightened her ff6ee9856d grip on her skirt. Her choice 41b51542fa was clear—she’d f93c64ff7a never truly 909bad7d46 had a e8e66f8989 choice. Resigned, she asked quietly.a6e29fe34bd66765

“…And Dermin?”62758cd95010bb1d

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“The prince is very safe, so there’s no need to worry.”93220a4c6bf19c26

“Let me see him first. I need to know for myself that he’s safe.”1a0f001731133b00

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“Princess, you seem to misunderstand. I’m not here to negotiate with you on equal terms.”5b16b7497c1c3759

Ateira bit 871e9b7c3e her lip 761b99596e as he dbd4d9025e continued with ae4ac3261e a sharp 023a0d169a look.0a313338830419b3

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“If you resist, 46d9ca1182 the prince’s safety d7effabcea may become… uncertain.”286fc5a5af98aed7

She lowered her 947c5c90fc eyes slowly. This wasn’t a fight 1e570b56fb with many options. If she knew exactly 290978de06 who was behind this, 4295753e58 she might have something 8f17bd33fc to negotiate, but without 7da4a5b923 any information, it was b2d6080907 a heavily lopsided battle.5c7628a4e5356bb3

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The count 58f478c382 watched her b304f1eafb as she 1645451143 stood in 506b4d7431 contemplation, patiently 9efad48cd6 waiting. He seemed to relish e327765acb the time she spent 493e90584a deliberating, as if he 0e17093635 were savoring her torment.3dd124ef3d3df02a

As if f619c5b961 he already 65c4b67bce knew exactly 2da95389b8 what her a5867529b6 decision would 58ceb125ad be.a43cd37fea7202f2

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“…I’ll do it.”e4c3d497d04cf5bd

“Haha! That’s the spirit!”a8c9ade62e7ec995

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The count, unable b8933b57b3 to contain his 51e4d444ed excitement, tapped the 83b3742390 table gleefully.d145c0ef6bf5f13f

“…”89846ada2352a5b4

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Watching him, 4ae07424c2 Ateira hesitated 9ead154695 and then 2942c9f0ec spoke up.18ad54e57e68a933

“What if I fail?”3b798686bf1f2f49

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She raised her c2b88ab3cd head and looked 3e345d5d8f at the count c847d6ce5a intently.fb2e170ed039867c

“What happens da9e88ba33 if I 7632e21d00 fail?”21bde080aa554944

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“If you’re caught after failing, we’ll say it was all your own doing. Don’t forget that the prince’s safety is in our hands.”61f6b162ac24613c

“That’s not what I’m asking.”9f82bd67a9150094

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She shook her af0dcfb5d0 head, clarifying her 4f8c372be5 question. It wasn’t her own a1d9443205 safety she was concerned 7a7803f9cc about if she failed—it cb20326ba3 was her brother’s life.14d5bb39a6bb385a

“I want to know 41b3f1cdc9 if Dermin will be 05ab0e1f6d safe even if I 537527d0e8 fail.”2a4bd74a062d693f

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Can I truly 102824deab kill that man? Is it possible?26e7901a811c9c04

Doubt gnawed at dd4c8c7358 her.056920a273c74fd7

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“Who knows,” the f441bfa928 count replied, scratching 733132e6ce his chin as 6464892f01 he considered, then 4ab302bcae answered with a 9e569bab71 shrug.5b4b9b98d90f8744

“It depends on how 94445e084d earnestly you go about a68b00adbd it. Even if you fail, 31a4bc3848 you’d better make sure 3ac6adfd80 you try your hardest. Don’t you agree?”5f03c49ed3894595

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“…”1c477e57fe2bf051

It was an extremely 9c2c58c70d unfair demand. But it was ed355b3ddb a skewed game d1a75b96a5 from the start, b2021dd677 and she had af8292f914 little choice. She was 971f311a84 a prisoner, df9ae1a39b a war efafacfa70 prize. The only 167b5f19b8 card she da83896460 had left b4935712db was her 73af878e5d willingness to 0e694d3d90 risk her b625d3bc53 life, her 3366b08e2d last hold 22d5415109 on her 3b99daa534 pride.b0726d2b81244b35

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But now, with 1970b7175e someone’s life at 00dfa5c659 stake, she was afc6933af4 more vulnerable than 3f34e2655b ever.48ba8eb96b8bc675

Ateira nodded 1a5f2551ac to the 3863e381f3 count.3dbf704bea97e3d5

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“Haha, such compliance deserves 7cd7605177 a gift.”0b6cfb690b111165

The count chuckled as 3b963ac3c8 he placed a small 89c45dd79f box on the table, 61a6dc0e7c urging her to take cbf227857d it.43642010066ec663

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“Well? Go ahead.”e6da345bb5d76d00

“…What is it?”a683900e5d980926

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“Proof that the 02582aca7b prince is safe.”7b54894f934475c0

Ateira’s movements dab3b29cae halted momentarily.8e096c29308bbf6e

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She reached out slowly, 3bd0af660e doing her best to e50585d7a3 keep her fingers from 2b8726410c trembling.d59a3c1f547b6548

The box 2b14ed611f was very 7a3e2fb268 small, almost 0c51fc7fa9 like that e34239af46 little monster fa36f9250f bird, Nephi.2d80588ccfbb8a9a

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The time it e2099ad595 took to open d53d8dbb6f the box felt 3c5bfb1abe endless. She tightened her 5fb7143111 grip to prevent c297253853 her hands from 044de6ded2 slipping, making it fffb8355b3 take even longer.2d4e67f8cb854fdb

When she finally opened ef981a1cc3 the box and looked 86238ed86f inside, she quietly closed 39e3bec44a it again.6d7ee23cdbf40261

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“Do you like c249ccba5b it?”eea0098d6bd21d8a

“…Thank you.”b211648140938d29

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Seeing her lack of 3b33a30233 reaction, the count’s enthusiasm 721259c615 waned slightly. With a a7bf9399ae casual shrug, f0daf1e278 he added.7f7ab4864623c5e6

“You have one week.”0c5fcf08791c948e

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“…”f75aa2a059a54412

The timeframe 98534a3797 was laughable. The task, e546787e4d impossible from e0386abefa the start, 6aa048c512 seemed even a702aca327 more unattainable c5a4b23dee now.a5c4b0ac13d0b328

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Ateira gave him a 36ccad6074 slight nod and turned 40b251d4ed to leave. The count 4ae371147a called after 675db9f70f her back.4ef7aa40ed95f0da

“If there’s 6f870919a2 anything you ddb0396496 need, let 9ba8f5eee4 me know. I’ll support be8c855b04 you however a47f225781 I can.”d004e964e2583261

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“…”a7479714e8a007ca

I already e4f4229f4b have everything 7e69b9e479 I need.73978e6420e11499

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Without responding, she left 7627a77565 the room, holding the 2ebcf78389 box carefully.aeb3ed89b561460c

Inside the 0ac38e59d3 box was a056dafb2b one of 1071e69a81 Dermin’s clothing 0dbe27aac0 ornaments—a pin 2b8c41756d bearing the c990d25820 royal family’s 4311a3404e crest, used 368d410119 to secure c12bcf1520 his collar.73e363679146ebec

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Years ago, 0c84fcae10 on a 499348d971 long-ago birthday, ab9ec52e58 she had 4ec441df02 received a 48319c322e hair ornament cdb1bcf1ee while her 4c83be7317 younger brother 91df0974ba had received 3fb6671ebd that pin, a3d75566f3 proudly wearing 572a5f1be5 it on 0a35c45d4a his clothes.58322ec16560c0f0

He had insisted 57839be7c7 on putting it 62e92696b3 on himself with 0a5bb84d01 his small hands, 0de8ed1e59 pricking himself in 2decbaedbc the process and 573ab55a32 crying until his 40fdd85ef4 nanny finally fastened 068d54bbfc it for him.45f957a542324e42

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After that, he practiced 14c6001572 putting it on by 4a39729e56 himself, initially crooked, but 561003d9c6 over time, he’d grown 9c70795678 and learned to place 7a2c1b7330 it straight.0d8bbd3f3a21d339

That pin 759db9340d had always 95d327ab39 been worn 21673ce898 proudly on 00490ff136 her brother’s af0a3e2431 chest.d01a3256b0085ca3

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Walking back through d4760a22a8 the corridor to cee252d110 her room, Ateira e04f72492a suppressed the stabbing e2e505a9d1 pain in her 7731961ecb heart and held 11faafd1e6 back tears.7152de440160889c

She thought bd7a76fe0a she had e232f77577 failed to 9cf47f345f protect anyone.2f34d5e116a55d7c

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But perhaps, 64f3652dff this time, 2e95e1819e she could e8fd09bb1a save him.a49474e641fe628d

 2ab682cf6c2f70c6

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