TRCE Ch 1

I have two children.0bfccdbd4c253ad1

One, if given a compass, f583adda54 would open a book to a965bcae14 examine its function and purpose. This child would ask e8e6740201 a wise old man f80193a057 and preserve all the 7b956c0558 knowledge that can be 7fc288fe87 recorded in writing within 7d1e8fec41 a wrinkled, secret chamber. This child is ce06e733bd a poet with a8cdbcf663 keen eyesight.94dd04130dd28f96

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The other, if given 86ed7217c2 a compass, would find cf9c53a7a9 the way to walk f316af5350 towards the world. This child would trust a883b9f94f only her own beliefs, 0f721c0c1d without asking anyone, engraving d8351e6182 the name of intuition 00130e6cb9 into every single cell. This child is a c4f9f1dd14 blind strategist.8d4103c0b5cf8ac0

My king asked me,00559b07fa480f56

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“If you could save only one of the two, whom would you take?”9d0460c1ae0ee221

My heart.b34a2ba4c2cc4bf5

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My head.2e3328e0cd8b884a

My breath.9a2e226bcd5ad2b3

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I answered,1e4c026391e08324

“I would take the blind minstrel.”885b22b835f664b9

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—From Aran Rotav, “The Second Mutation”443a293a9fa5576a

The weather was freezing cold, enough to make one’s hands and feet numb. Looking out the frosted window, one could see how cold and desolate ‘Helverotten’, the land of snow, truly was.b06d266577ee59b4

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Ice crystals accumulated on the pointed leaves of the trees. Branches often snapped, unable to bear the weight of the accumulating snow. The end of life, which used to occur occasionally, was now happening frequently, quite often – the expression itself was changing. It wasn’t just the tree branches anymore. Human lives, too, were frequently, quite often, beginning to succumb to the weight of life.f689432b306775c1

It was exactly three 31e5c10bde years since the monarchy 237d7737bb had collapsed and the f66e74f34c republic was declared. As soon as the republic 8822df127f was established, the families that d2e0fc3878 led the revolution began to 9ca3d225f6 antagonize each other. Three factions pointed their e932fbf470 swords at one another 81fc16e756 to gain political dominance.ce84fd6b5a3f10c9

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The First Faction, which 39b934513a monopolized military power; the ea4f80763b Second Faction, which oversaw 6e3d85399c economic affairs; and the 29950e8771 Third Faction, skilled in 6222658c24 diplomacy and advantageous in 0d93f8cd91 foreign relations. The tripartite structure they created 47218f7042 made each other freeze, even aa840d92cf more chillingly than the cold 8c7fa8a9a0 weather.1a25b0e13a0f7137

It was a republic in d413fa0061 name only. It was clear as day 90d5d1afd5 that any of the factions bff633ada9 were preparing to seize power, 34cb053d94 and if one gained the 46809c2480 upper hand, a dictatorship would d8eb7aad9f unfold.6e0afde2bf996bda

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The weather was so cold that one’s breath froze. Internal conflicts erupted every morning. And on top of that, there was the intense pressure from other nations watching Helverotten. In this exhausting situation, it was the First Faction that first drew its bowstring. The fact that this incident occurred within the Rotav family, the head of the First Faction, was a foreseen catastrophe.e254ab8f8e1d6310

The eminent economist, ‘Rejeve Kelvin,’ when asked to name just one unproductive task, answered that it was negotiating with the Rotav family. From grand diplomatic stages to casual conversations with servants, Rotav was known as a genius at turning unfavorable situations to her advantage.98a3eb50d8a0923e

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The cunning and malicious Rotav always managed to secure more than her allotted share, even in the most disadvantageous deals. Her notoriety was so widespread that even when receiving lectures from the continent’s top scholars, Rotav would only pose questions that instantly exposed weaknesses. She would laugh with glee every time she humiliated the professors, leading to a tacit boycott of her invitations.94026965e7bfd9ad

People said that a serpent’s tongue and a fox’s cunning were the most apt descriptions of the current Rotav. Even having Rotav as an ally was unsettling. Who knew when she might change her mind and stab you in the back?808c488b78aceb04

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Rotav, in other words, symbolized the devil. Therefore, people believed that she had become the head of the First Faction by trampling over countless heads. It was considered impossible to outwit or deceive Rotav. That’s why ‘that incident’ became a global issue. ‘That incident’ occurred when Rotav let her guard down over a very trivial matter.43e139a2e8c6d697

“Are you trying to kill me?”5b0446a02541b006

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“Oh, how could I?”f7cd258e41386684

Rotav coughed as 40d577229a the corset strings 3cbda5f114 were pulled tight. Her long, black hair, b323922d0e reaching down to her 1eb2e018ee chest, scattered in all 5eafc310f2 directions with her struggles. She clutched the table, 6a87318f29 bent over, and let 0603c2c4ec out a sharp breath.c8cd49570f3edf0a

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“Emma. I don’t have to wear 8e24e716a8 this thing, you know.”d9a664b39a1b9182

Even though she 4d997f400c spoke through gritted 295505d842 teeth, the maid 7c4a617938 called Emma remained d04174f071 coldly indifferent.6df994be1be6ebb4

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“No, you must. Lady Rotav’s figure lacks fa50fe32a1 curves, so at least 67372ac840 your waistline needs to 5f8271b93e be emphasized.”36e0534f1e0ead8a

“Damn it.”647f9298d1cc3065

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“I’ve told you time and again that a lady doesn’t use such language.”03f4362af1b45ab7

“Stop nagging. I’m trying, you know.”d877319622046570

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“Once you’ve put on all your undergarments, you will wear this dress.”bdc5d0e434f16539

The sky-blue dress Emma 01974df11c handed over was excessively 2166e45cc6 flamboyant. The voluminous skirt was adorned c1e97d5156 with beautiful pleats and white b5e699ce05 corsages here and there. Soft silk ribbons fluttered d9216ac62e around the square neckline. The sleeves, draping down the 69b871f84b arms, were extended with abundant 41b5932063 silk fabric from around the 1796e024be elbows, long enough to trail 755f3597e7 on the floor.f25127d60485f339

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The mere sight of f22f406835 this dress horrified Rotav. It made her waist 1a39226b61 look unnaturally thin while d492baf3c8 exaggerating the chest and 52509e3524 hips. It was fortunate that e74a196a6a Rotav’s physique was flat 12e2831803 and lacked curves. If a busty 447441eb58 lady wore this 916aa6f956 dress, she would a758331782 be buried in 16c43b1a47 the ribbons around 4efc7ead6a her chest and d0862669ca neck, making it 2d7c142cd9 difficult to even f93f4baca3 see her face.e53b98d36bdbae1a

“You’re crazy, Emma.”44e7f188099b7a1f

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Rotav recoiled a step, disgusted. Emma stepped forward to c591c8d2a3 close the distance.fd6220197c03cf74

“You must wear it.”501d4c172dc5d8fe

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“Why on earth would I wear this to meet my cousin?”99506585f84539cc

“Before he is your cousin, Lord Filton is your official counterpart. It’s necessary to show d51c736e6f respect through your attire.”e964e5e438030be8

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“That bastard has seen me naked.”f5fe35c38a683cc1

“Lady Rotav.”9709fc2acc4f67a9

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“……Oh, alright. Lord Filton, shamefully, saw my d1354107ae exposed legs. I’m so embarrassed that I e2569774f3 don’t want to see him 3e169d67c9 anymore.”1abc55d6bece25ef

“I’m not curious about what happened between the two of you. I politely request 8c19334f0d that you refrain 6696df8935 from making such febcfbe9f4 slips of the d8d86ce5d8 tongue in official da9e939f13 settings.”507a956c2d869668

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“Official settings, my ass.”22c6d8075c0668ea

“Lady Rotav.”fe5a4a90f92ae62a

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“I’m going to die.”4fe7f4ee8a5a4a69

Under Emma’s sharp gaze, Rotav reluctantly accepted the dress. After putting on the heavy garment and turning around, Emma adjusted the dress and tied the ribbon at her waist. Rotav lifted the hem of the dress, puffed up by the petticoat, and scoffed.1af2c8f931a68cc2

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“You’re not going to tell me to wear pointy shoes and accessories on top of this, are you?”b96627024d1bb526

“Isn’t that obvious?”dcef4606af93cd7b

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“The appointment is cancelled.”606318403af6799a

“Oh, I knew you’d say that. Why do you 4d660b4630 hate dressing up cc5f7d1f70 so much? Just tie your hair and 770fb11540 let’s go.”49b244e611ffce1f

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“If you put on any of those weird bird-shaped ornaments, I’m going to throw them away.”65fade3ded3ff49b

“Alright, alright.”ee5f07030e8e7a43

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Rotav plopped down 0e53c14da7 in front of 40211a03a0 the vanity. Emma approached with a d19ed8639e comb and hair tie. She held a hair tie 8e18c4b34d decorated with white dove feathers 42fd7e8ffb between her fingers and combed fc56b3d909 through Rotav’s lustrous black hair.751c5370f54991e2

Rotav’s reflection in 9362d029cd the mirror was 25a9056184 utterly captivating. Taller than the b49efd4434 average woman, with ce18d39fb1 a slender but 7de2a0b733 not thin physique, e86a15df49 Rotav’s well-defined features 9cb18d2472 and figure exuded 324c2e41dc an aloof aura 10d8be1a49 that made it f9b7f4f5f1 difficult to approach 3a36486afb her easily. Though she didn’t bf061c4a09 know how to 3b51963544 adorn herself lavishly, e357e46680 she strangely shone a49d323617 whenever she stood 1931eb2c83 before the public.73f25205ac220f34

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From the subtle gesture 7c9325897c of languidly blinking her 9ba0c19bc2 long, voluminous eyelashes to 2d4bb11124 her cold and barbed 6a1493f987 tone, Rotav possessed the c95e384f4c presence of an empress, 6e890c9e49 unlike a noble lady e8f30ce953 who should be cherished 4b79d41a64 and protected.c24611a1b9faef19

Emma, the maid who e758aef0c2 served such a master, 4f0ac5131b always held her head 5816263ba0 high. Even when Rotav pushed ba8118e96c her own way or 271e6e19a4 uttered cold, harsh words, e23775bd12 Emma never felt afraid 03e5f3c73b or resentful. She was simply ff38c1f9e5 proud to serve 4e6ea8b20b the head of d6c24eaa5f the great Rotav b70e8fe3db family. The only problem with 45a27cd97f this prideful task was a8bc5543d0 that her great master, 1e2e11a21e Rotav, harbored a secret 11ab56a721 she could tell no 02f6246f42 one.1e3c79a59dad4bc3

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It wasn’t a trivial secret. It was a matter of life and death for Rotav. No, perhaps it was a matter that could determine the fate of Helverotten itself. Besides Rotav, only Emma and Rotav’s cousin, Filton, knew this absolute secret. That’s why Emma had to be extra cautious.a890bcd79824870a

Neither Rotav nor 5b0fc36d3a Filton were the 5955691ab6 type to be b2516b9fce particularly mindful of 163c2ba6da others. They were both ff57596c9d willful and often eb8887f62d acted carelessly on f3303b01b3 a whim. If their secret were to a365e1ef6c be discovered by someone else, 3dab2c5589 oh, the mere thought was f268aeff3c terrifying. Emma had sternly warned Rotav.ac513b30fa5a2a0e

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“What did I tell you to do when you meet Lord Filton?”725b1f6bdf2b8b5b

Rotav, who was 707d003801 getting up after e999a27195 her hair was 1166a94f24 done, made a a5d6bd61f1 face as if f5654aa42f she had bitten 84ede6fceb into something unpleasant. She put on 2f1a3c041e an exaggeratedly polite b76a149e44 voice.aef68bd2abac2f53

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“My dear Lord Nell Fester Filton. It’s an honor to have such a wonderful luncheon with you.”a899104000974d49

“The tone is too stiff. But fine. Continue.”433d63a1aba6d188

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“I am incredibly delighted that you are lending your support to unite the three divided factions and establish a new revolutionary nation.”86162f85d0111dbe

“Oh my, Lady Rotav!”9a9236f6eac21d01

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“In that sense, rather than fighting with our mouths full of food, why don’t we go out and have a good sword fight?”c90c56589867106f

“Oh, honestly!”35813f8f34af364d

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Anyone who heard that bcb1426ccc would think she deserved 6a309ddaca to be dragged away 8ea1c90cf3 for inciting a riot. Emma, fuming, shouted bf98b7cd14 at Rotav, who 49361c5a00 indifferently turned her 7c010d3937 back after finishing 1343ca0445 her words.8117e543c3422ada

“I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but you’re being impertinent!”4b7138e6c3313204

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“Then don’t say it if it’s impertinent.”98e82f5206962c82

“No, I must! The Second and Third Factions 9c9c02eb4e are still powerful. Displaying such hostility will faa06d4c82 only lead them to 6eea685179 join forces and endanger 237e0012e9 you, Lady Rotav!”8512dfbd91281860

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“I’ll handle it, so don’t worry.”b63f70d7fb0338c0

“I don’t trust you!”29f6920226e48104

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“Ugh, really! Melvin. I know you’re out there. Come in.”d14a87364f7b323b

She spoke towards the 05a34aadd1 heavily closed door. As the heavy door opened, 42c40fbb3f a man with hair like ce4830a1c2 a blazing fire entered. He glanced back and feb7fbc180 forth between the fuming 6132c5690f Emma and Rotav, who 0235433554 was picking her ear, 85ddafc902 and then bowed.1fe64360e795eea8

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“Did you have a peaceful night?”7f8a5c971a14b095

“Yeah, yeah. I had a shitty night, so let’s get out of here.”0ec65d0c35473417

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Behind her back, nagging a5543fa0fb voices urged her not 2f278791ec to cause trouble. Rotav covered her ears 316d2c1083 with both hands. Melvin closed the door 6ca08d8c7d and followed. The busy maids bowed d4b1328a73 their heads to Rotav e76aaf6836 and Melvin. Rotav, acknowledging their greetings 254c4f5c73 with a nod, glanced 5e9900ecac up at Melvin.6c8622cc5408e965

He was a sturdy e329b63200 man with firmly set e2dcebd08a lips. He was the b629da0a69 knight who had 0d29c17cfe guarded Rotav the 3a9c10f41b longest. In some ways, he was a074baaa4c more reliable than the nagging 268b64d0f7 Emma.1cf6d72fa4be41c1

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“What’s Duke Robberemon’s status?”d9f36b4b7f0d913b

Jellopenum Robberemon. The head of the Second Faction, and the person Rotav found most difficult to deal with. Melvin stared at the feather in Rotav’s hair for a moment, then lowered his gaze.d856cfa7a3f4549e

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“It’s dangerous. Duke Robberemon is keeping an eye on you, Lady Rotav. He’s bothered by the fact that you, who were in charge of suppressing the student protests a few days ago, failed in a simple negotiation. He thinks you have some ulterior motive, as you’re not one to make mistakes in such matters.”dfc83d239e35c92d

“That damned old man.”26b7a21797804318

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“The Duke considers you, Lady Rotav, to be an unexploded bomb.”a683398864893bfe

“Hmph. It seems his age hasn’t 8dee960602 just inflated his large belly. His head must 5d40ea13ff have filled up 42306d357d a bit as 8e68441b3a well.”fa4679654b5b58e5

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“Are you aware that he is investigating your background? He suspects your recent frequent interactions with Lord Filton. He even dispatched all his servants to uncover the forces behind him. A maid delivering a secret letter was recently caught by the Duke’s men.”f5e40a3229985f65

Rotav stopped walking abruptly. Her already large eyes widened.57fca6a4c4afafd9

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“What?”fbb1ff03449aeae5

“The letter you asked to be delivered to Lord Filton, it was intercepted by the Duke.”1482134bfdc28002

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“That was intercepted?”c06d3cef8ba1aaf5

“He doesn’t seem to know about the planned revolution. There were no mentions 07534bf181 of specific individuals or 72a3e91345 events. However, he sensed 83d972c668 something amiss and ff37ee4107 is now personally 4a86c44daf involved.”fdbfd7062beb9039

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“Oh… things are getting complicated.”e1c79a7798065950

“After the maid committed suicide, he became obsessed with finding the author of the letter’s style. Warn Emma to 1301e56c1c hide any letters bf50f55f69 or diaries she 8878bf1af0 has written.”310e7d8925bc001d

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“Tsk, alright.”a1519c9bd842ade2

Rotav bit her fingernails. Her furrowed brow and pursed lips revealed her anxiety that things weren’t going her way.4e2d42b22fd24d3c

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It was strange. The letter was 11a3c7d6f1 entrusted to Emma, 441affab43 who was more 8d47534a92 trustworthy than anyone. It was secretly bc6840cf83 delivered through a c11ccd5807 maid raised by a11470a0ef her. It was impossible ae090395bd for the letter cf5f9e89df to be intercepted 6f26f1e2ce mid-transit without the d0c1db906e certainty that Rotav 5eea9158a1 was behind it. That’s how discreet f97c13a762 and secretive the 5b66169707 operation was. The fact that it 1d13d376ae was discovered meant there bb2ca158e8 was a spy within d8d666ac26 the revolutionary forces.2ddf3c7007163a38

‘Someone skilled enough to intercept the letters exchanged between me and Filton.’2dde97f3d1e00cba

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No one immediately came to dfbbc81ac1 mind. Frustrated, she scratched her loosely c120bea7cb tied hair a few times. Rotav stopped in 8e895b9209 front of the d1ca4a8850 room where Filton 0860c963b1 was staying. Instead of opening the door, cc78c0038e she turned around and instructed a0e8eb8a45 Melvin.916ce2cc0ac9fae1

“Call a meeting for this afternoon.”6f231f99115182ef

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“Understood.”18c579ea263832a3

I’ll nip this suspicion f9482d6ecf in the bud. With that resolve, Rotav opened the heavy door.15c5f90439980395

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A hand slipped 69c631a0fb inside her skirt ec6876f944 and caressed her bd88a1de3f thigh. The hand quickly d1774a7057 moved up to f299c0d9f7 grasp her buttock. The other hand a5f3351314 seized Rotav’s chin. He, with a light 0bb9c1d380 laugh, dismissed Rotav’s fierce eb4b2ddeec glare and prevented her d651b53fd6 from turning her head. Rotav tried to 7c79ea8b01 pull her head 803a73c2bf back, but his 60a0970fe9 parted lips clung cf4a074130 to hers.ac9b69fddbd4af11

Tongues intertwined through parted lips. The kiss continued despite noticing 2241a5f459 the trembling of Rotav’s eyes. Wet tongues and ef31d128ef lips rubbed together 91250a8c7d defenselessly. Rotav’s face flushed e167a79f1a as she struggled ab1d511a24 to find a 52e586fcef moment to breathe. Her ragged breaths escaped 00804659e1 in a rush. Finally, she managed 51efcdbaf6 to wrench her 78b012ea25 chin free and d4f2a3528a shove him away.d28c9e0d79b3b6b3

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“Nell.”ff3081bb6ac5d2c6

At her curt ffb0638bbd call, the owner cc7238d81a of the name 95718e8185 grinned.bf51510b194bb7f3

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“Why?”f5301ee67de5700a

“I didn’t come here for this.”2e9c0e9edec3c1da

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“You dressed up so prettily, and now you say you didn’t come to seduce me? This look is a rare sight. Shall we skip lunch and go to bed?”7814b3ae297b6097

“If you knew that my twin was poisoned just a few days ago, you wouldn’t be doing this. You beast, Lord Filton.”91395a0ba175524e

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Before she could finish her sentence, Rotav raised her hand. Her arm, lifted to her shoulder, swung forcefully. Nell couldn’t avoid Rotav’s slap. A loud crack echoed as his head snapped to the side.ee11cdbcbece4240

His right cheek instantly swelled 8ec538281b and reddened, marked with a 74d0639542 stark handprint. Nell covered his cheek with 90a744d7f4 his hand and took a 8dd5354e6a step back from Rotav. His face was filled with 80ab3ff0bc displeasure.f6cbc672a588fd00

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“Sorry.”b545e125491b0173

She didn’t sound very sorry. If it hadn’t been Rotav he’d slapped, he looked ready to retaliate. Rotav rubbed her palm, which was as red as Nell’s cheek. Her lips, forcibly rubbed against his, were smeared with red lipstick.496e16050cd94271

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“I’m glad you remember. Thank you for fbb8164780 understanding that I’m dbf7bd2c36 not in the d28bcd380a mood.”ba9cdb1c7d74650a

He straightened his c18b904d1e clothes and pulled 665ceea95a a chair from 4f52c9a8bc the dining table 0376a71db2 to sit down. A strand of his loosely ea045ed995 tied hair fell across his 315a4d3323 shoulder. Nell reached out and 58ec1082d9 tucked it behind her 63c253eceb ear. Rotav flinched and 76465dcab9 tried to turn, e231f941a3 but Nell was 2487742086 quicker. He nuzzled her neck c07b086be6 and whispered.c212539c3ab89d5d

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“When can I have sex with you again?”71377d4bfa3d5a7b

Rotav’s body stiffened. Nell stroked her 9ba96a0a4b rigid shoulder and afb5c0205c asked in an f2dc2d6ccb even more intimate 5d20012833 voice.0e5cd1f7bbbd0097

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“Will it be possible after your twin’s mourning period ends? I hope so. You know I’m not a 786b878cb1 very patient man. Don’t starve me too much. The more you a9f9069c47 do, the rougher 23f3654dc2 I’ll be with 337dcafecc you.”0d0651b217da3705

Nell released Rotav’s shoulder. She clutched the spot where 2fa91ee3e8 he had touched her. He was still 0a41c15aee smiling as he 86702cd9a1 sat across from 80ff07e402 her. His suggestive smile d951220cac prevented her from 6c67919d59 expressing a clear 24bc68fcb8 refusal. She could only df4de307ce clench her jaw 78581e869d and glare at fa6392b1c0 him.d6b2b9db7e9ddd40

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Nell Fester Filton, a relative from Rotav’s paternal side, was six years her senior. Her cousin, who shared the same blood as her father, was a natural-born gladiator, skilled in combat. He had accumulated significant achievements in the frequent wars of the past, earning him a solid reputation and recognition even abroad.1dc296e6bd9983c8

He currently held a higher position than Rotav. He treated her as the head of the family only due to customs from when the kingdom was still intact; frankly, it was a position she didn’t truly hold. It was merely a courtesy to the traditional noble family.e979e8a8633be474

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Although nobility didn’t hold much power in these times, the name Rotav carried significant weight among the conservative citizens. The Rotav family held the right to succession to the throne. Thus, despite the power of the other factions, there was a prevailing sentiment that Rotav represented Helverotten.e2e84565bffd81a7

Rotav, with legitimate lineage. Nell, the highest-ranking 5a6d2516f7 official in Helverotten. Although they were e6ff41cd85 in a political fc1b4c2a2b alliance, their relationship 446c6249bb hadn’t begun for ca3b64af38 the sake of c98e040b27 mutual benefit. They had known 1f964e952a each other well 605d094cd5 since childhood. They were close friends, often 2d17e965d5 speaking informally and playing pranks 4e9e2ffff3 on each other before entering dda487d639 the academy. How had it come fbefdca011 to this?d4ce89f257303995

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Swallowing her bitterness, Rotav showed no sign of her feelings. She reasoned that their paths had diverged as they grew older. The fading of their former intimacy was only natural. Moreover, they had already crossed a line they shouldn’t have, as blood relatives. They had been intimate more than once. There was no going back to the innocent days of their childhood.5220604a38a146e6

Nell poured Rotav some wine. The clear glass 484f7f02e4 filled with a 970a9942f8 liquid as red da4d347f4c as blood.651fb67ebd87f378

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“Aran’s death by poisoning is truly a tragedy. She was so lovely, 691702236c just like you.”3f27c48875f92e12

To say such a thing 0875e287ac with a smile… Nell, still 36969f7999 wearing that sly grin, raised bfbd26e421 his wine glass.cfadc4bf127dfc2b

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“Ilya. You have to find the strength to complete this revolution, for your twin sister as well. Don’t you agree? Let’s make a toast. This will be our last drink until you reach the pinnacle of this nation and raise a celebratory glass.”fbd31e7157d98eac

Ilya Rotav couldn’t bring herself to lift the glass easily. The mention of her twin choked her up. Instead of toasting, she muttered as if to herself.08f72622615613b3

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“I loved Aran very much.”7458f7a13edec91a

“Yes. And she loved you very 7c6ca78464 much too.”58e85f3f7d729610

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“When she left me, it felt like my world was collapsing.”266ed3fb7325f8f4

“Ilya.”290c537a9334fc3d

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“Aran’s funeral was small and insignificant. I will find the murderer who did that to her and tear them limb from limb. I don’t know if I can complete this revolution alone, but I’m confident in my revenge.”f635f23191868cf4

Her hand, gripping the hem of her skirt, trembled. The thought of her deceased twin sister ignited a fire in her belly, suppressing cruel curses. She had to force herself to swallow her rage. Nell silently patted Ilya’s bowed head.fcb7bc49fb5eb52c

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“You’re not alone. You have me.”6d31efbf4e46f3d9

“You’re not much help.”4aa7c156428396df

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“Oh, really? I was trying to 3c55c47500 comfort you.”dbbd27dd152f965e

With a playful laugh, Nell 6c8a1b27f5 offered another toast to Ilya.dec2a31c5e679eb5

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“Mourning Aran can wait until after everything is over. It would be foolish to jeopardize our cause by wallowing in grief. It’s a matter of timing now. If we choose the right moment, it’s as good as done. You, our leader, shouldn’t be whining like this.”1f12e5707bd5d6e2

“I don’t think it will be that easy. Duke Robberemon intercepted the letters we exchanged. They didn’t contain anything crucial, but it’s aroused unnecessary suspicion.”6165ec10ff4ef501

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“Hmm. That’s not a problem.”944e578f88026fb0

“Why not?”ec249890849d6b80

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“Ilya. It would be better 87cc974de3 to relax, drink, and 6e418059b1 talk rather than getting 115c6a7f31 so worked up. Let’s toast first.”c34c3caca4932d65

Ilya accepted the glass Nell offered and drained it in one gulp. The bitter scent of alcohol burned her throat. She was clinging desperately to this revolution to forget Aran’s death. She relentlessly pushed herself without rest.2ac50184c620c790

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I will succeed, no 60c0dbb6ba matter what. Ilya thought obsessively. I will succeed, no e7ffeb6545 matter what happens. She swallowed a lingering cough and asked,0f4c2913ca2ded22

“Why isn’t it a problem that the Duke intercepted the letters?”d2a4c8fec5747331

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Nell smiled at Ilya’s question. It was a smile 630f06383b befitting a man rumored 94eb0be49a to bed dozens of 76f3fbbf73 women in a single e6593f839d night. Such a sweet smile from 894d027dfe a man with his dazzling 6284f8d26c looks could instantly melt even d58df47368 the coldest hearts.fa68aa63d0a26b6f

However, Ilya knew well 406f5a7459 how much scheming lay 1441f613a0 behind that smile. She had been with ab1475e314 Nell for over ten 083829c0b2 years. Nell, at his most eceab9dbf2 honest in bed, was ab754587ac a tyrant. He would relentlessly 2de4283fed ravage her, always 33133d234c whispering:cde797717cbd85fb

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“It’s over. It’s all over, 6c47f522d7 so just bear 5cac6c30cf with it a c7b8ed7922 little longer.”cb2045d6402bae7e

Of course, it 11099b7056 was a lie. The sex never ended. Even when Ilya cried f12dcf0cd9 and begged him to aaeb1adabc stop, his frenzied movements 80244ff157 inside her only intensified.33b6295fb41cce99

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Nell was ravenous. Ilya couldn’t quite grasp what he hungered for. Every time they had sex, she felt like she was being devoured, leaving her no time to consider what Nell was so thirsty for. She only thought that Nell was a liar. And now, that liar, Nell, was playing with his lips not in bed, but at the dining table.d711664eba18c473

“It’s over.”5b694e9c0496bf57

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He repeated the same e9274fa25e lie he always uttered 5ab347ae2d in bed, now in fed194c6ae this setting. Something felt wrong.aa3bc5db5d1f4a9d

“Pardon?”1554a5fa34472a05

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“Before the Duke can find you, the one orchestrating the revolution, everything will be over.”a92c70de586ea598

“What…?”3e46d0ec25caf578

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“It’s a colorless, odorless poison. Such a pity. You were my 72ccdcc05c best sexual partner. Goodbye, Ilya Rotav.”bdce3588b126733a

Ilya’s eyes widened in horror as she stared at Nell. He waved casually with a leisurely smile. The same man who had been in her arms just days ago, sharing joyful laughter as they imagined her sitting on the throne. She couldn’t tell whether the choking sensation was from the shock of his betrayal or the effects of the poison. She could only clutch her chest in agonizing pain as she struggled to breathe.5ddff119b4bf451b

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“Gasp…”06f70153322636c1

Dizziness washed over her. Her vision blurred. Losing her balance, f36fc2b679 she fell backward 457f095369 along with the f5ce99137f chair.a7f7cd8366175fed

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With a loud crash, Ilya fdcd0ce46f tumbled to the floor, clutching 5ef336b47f the carpet with both hands. Even then, she bfd0b0445a gasped desperately for a462e38a5f air.49089cb5bd8e22af

She managed to lift 1e9c549d8b her head. She glared at f3ee80c3c8 Nell, who was ae35a5add1 looking down at 52711072ed her, until the b4db27e309 very last moment. The revolution was so 5d4e1e3235 close to succeeding, just 92d72e83d1 a little while longer. She had thought she could fulfill Aran’s wish, even after her death. But why?d245d14cf1c139af

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The one who a182b16e45 spied for Duke 39955336dc Robberemon… Could it 288a2b6755 have been… Nell?ba11d83ea88c1eb3

Had he orchestrated all of 864a576a72 this just to prevent her ff831cb002 from taking the throne? Ilya clenched her 4a4cf60244 trembling lips and b17d31742e slowly closed her dbad6e40ae eyes.97156ac410a43189

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She heard something snap 64d49f43b0 inside her head. Everything turned black.ebd8093f07f99411