Episode 102. Laxus's Decision
In her life, whether long or short, the most profound realization Renisha has had is that the world continues to function well despite the misfortunes of others.
Despite Hiloshine's misfortune, Renisha had a task to accomplish.
Even if Brixton's life hung in the balance. She had to complete the scheduled masquerade ball before the Festival of the Three Serpent Gods ended completely.
Renisha had to brush herself off and stand up, her face unfazed.
She opened the doors to the Empress's Palace.
It was inevitable, as Renisha, who should have been at the Duke of Lottera's residence, was in the Imperial Palace.
The festival was drawing to a close.
She had to fulfill her duties as a Duchess, so she opened the doors to the Empress's Palace in a hurry.
People who had been cautious at first now came and went effortlessly, as if it were Renisha's place. For the first time in a long time, Lindy also set foot in the Imperial Palace.
“It’s been a while, Lady Renisha. How have you been?”
Lindy choked up.
Renisha smiled faintly at the moisture in her voice.
“If someone saw me, they’d think I’d barely survived.”
“It’s no different for me. I remember my life here clearly... Is everything okay?”
Renisha nodded slightly.
In a way, she completely understood Lindy’s feelings.
The palace had always been precarious, like a candle in the wind, thanks to Laxus.
Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s not still the case...
Laxus’s attention was completely focused on Canary and the Prince.
A deep, invisible chasm had formed between Cloud and Laxus.
Thanks to that, Renisha was able to step back from Laxus’s attention.
"It's really fine. The palace is so noisy these days. I wonder if the Emperor has any interest in sparing me. Lindy, I'm very happy to see you, but there's still work we must do before that."
Lindy nodded.
Lindy wiped away her tears with a handkerchief.
She was fully aware of why Renisha had summoned Kassius's people to the palace.
"We must hold a masquerade ball. The festival is only two days away. Before that..."
"I have prepared everything well, Lady Renisha,"
Lindy said calmly.
"Despite Hiloshine's misfortune, I thought Lady Renisha would fulfill her duty."
Renisha stared at Lindy, surprised to hear something unexpected.
Lindy continued.
"You've always been like that. You never once neglected your duties. I deeply respect you, Lady Renisha."
Renisha pursed her lips.
As Lindy had said, she had never failed to fulfill her duties.
Renisha always repeated this mantra.
"I'm not like Laxus. I'm not like Laxus."
That became her guiding principle.
Unlike Laxus, Renisha wanted to be fair, composed, and unwavering.
She realized it anew.
"...Thank you."
And Renisha must have always had this kind of solid support behind her.
"Then send out the invitations. I think we can discuss this with the Marquis of Danvers."
"Yes, Lady Renisha. By the way... will Lady Renisha be attending?"
Usually, a host must attend every banquet.
But right now, Renisha was tied down by Laxus.
Renisha smiled coldly.
"What do you think the meaning of this masquerade ball is?"
"Ah...!"
Lindy clapped.
No one reveals their identity there.
Furthermore, Renisha had prepared a mask to cover her face.
“Trust me, Lindy. I really put a lot of effort into the mask.”
Turiel, who had been silently listening to the conversation, smiled.
After Lindy, several people came and went from the Empress’s Palace.
As the mistress of Lottera, she took care of the necessities, and before she knew it, evening had fallen.
The last to visit Renisha was Massius.
Renisha sat up, her face startled.
Meanwhile, Kassius had been coming and going in the palace in snake form.
Now, Kassius had confidently passed through the gates of the Empress’s Palace.
“Renisha.”
“...It’s refreshing to see you so confidently.”
In her life, whether long or short, the most profound realization Renisha has had is that the world continues to function well despite the misfortunes of others.
Despite Hiloshine's misfortune, Renisha had a task to accomplish.
Even if Brixton's life hung in the balance. She had to complete the scheduled masquerade ball before the Festival of the Three Serpent Gods ended completely.
Renisha had to brush herself off and stand up, her face unfazed.
She opened the doors to the Empress's Palace.
It was inevitable, as Renisha, who should have been at the Duke of Lottera's residence, was in the Imperial Palace.
The festival was drawing to a close.
She had to fulfill her duties as a Duchess, so she opened the doors to the Empress's Palace in a hurry.
People who had been cautious at first now came and went effortlessly, as if it were Renisha's place. For the first time in a long time, Lindy also set foot in the Imperial Palace.
“It’s been a while, Lady Renisha. How have you been?”
Lindy choked up.
Renisha smiled faintly at the moisture in her voice.
“If someone saw me, they’d think I’d barely survived.”
“It’s no different for me. I remember my life here clearly... Is everything okay?”
Renisha nodded slightly.
In a way, she completely understood Lindy’s feelings.
The palace had always been precarious, like a candle in the wind, thanks to Laxus.
Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s not still the case...
Laxus’s attention was completely focused on Canary and the Prince.
A deep, invisible chasm had formed between Cloud and Laxus.
Thanks to that, Renisha was able to step back from Laxus’s attention.
"It's really fine. The palace is so noisy these days. I wonder if the Emperor has any interest in sparing me. Lindy, I'm very happy to see you, but there's still work we must do before that."
Lindy nodded.
Lindy wiped away her tears with a handkerchief.
She was fully aware of why Renisha had summoned Kassius's people to the palace.
"We must hold a masquerade ball. The festival is only two days away. Before that..."
"I have prepared everything well, Lady Renisha,"
Lindy said calmly.
"Despite Hiloshine's misfortune, I thought Lady Renisha would fulfill her duty."
Renisha stared at Lindy, surprised to hear something unexpected.
Lindy continued.
"You've always been like that. You never once neglected your duties. I deeply respect you, Lady Renisha."
Renisha pursed her lips.
As Lindy had said, she had never failed to fulfill her duties.
Renisha always repeated this mantra.
"I'm not like Laxus. I'm not like Laxus."
That became her guiding principle.
Unlike Laxus, Renisha wanted to be fair, composed, and unwavering.
She realized it anew.
"...Thank you."
And Renisha must have always had this kind of solid support behind her.
"Then send out the invitations. I think we can discuss this with the Marquis of Danvers."
"Yes, Lady Renisha. By the way... will Lady Renisha be attending?"
Usually, a host must attend every banquet.
But right now, Renisha was tied down by Laxus.
Renisha smiled coldly.
"What do you think the meaning of this masquerade ball is?"
"Ah...!"
Lindy clapped.
No one reveals their identity there.
Furthermore, Renisha had prepared a mask to cover her face.
“Trust me, Lindy. I really put a lot of effort into the mask.”
Turiel, who had been silently listening to the conversation, smiled.
After Lindy, several people came and went from the Empress’s Palace.
As the mistress of Lottera, she took care of the necessities, and before she knew it, evening had fallen.
The last to visit Renisha was Massius.
Renisha sat up, her face startled.
Meanwhile, Kassius had been coming and going in the palace in snake form.
Now, Kassius had confidently passed through the gates of the Empress’s Palace.
“Renisha.”
“...It’s refreshing to see you so confidently.”
Renisha snickered.
“Did no one block your path?”
“No one.”
Kassius nodded.
Although there were whispers about Massius, no one blocked his path.
“Laxus must be really busy.”
Renisha chuckled sharply.
Laxus had already acknowledged Canary’s child as his own.
There had been some friction, but everyone recognized the child as Laxus’s.
In that situation, he had to change his words.
Even the most reckless Laxus couldn’t avoid being swayed.
A mischievous smile appeared on Renisha’s face.
Laxus was the current ruler of the castle.
Laxus firmly believed he had everything under his control.
Renisha tugged at Kassius’s tie.
Kassius was now quite accustomed to wearing a suit.
Kassius stumbled, his face a little surprised.
"Renisha?"
Renisha pressed her face against Kassius's.
The startled servants quickly left the room.
Renisha spoke.
"...I despaired yesterday, and today, that a new sun would rise."
Renisha's pink eyes rose provocatively.
"My world has collapsed and been rebuilt countless times, yet everyone is so fine. Imagine how hellish Hiloshine must be right now."
Renisha's voice wavered.
All day, she had acted normally, interacting with people with aplomb.
But Renisha's mask was now gone. Renisha bit her lip.
Kassius gently stroked her lips.
Naturally, Renisha let go of his.
Kassius lowered his head and kissed Renisha's lips gently.
"Don't let me think about anything, Kassius. In this palace where Laxus, who drove me to hell, is, in front of him."
Her eyes were calm, yet faintly mad.
Kassius stroked Renisha's cheek.
It felt like he knew what she was thinking, and then he didn't.
He hadn't even imagined she'd make such a request.
He'd simply rushed to Renisha at the news that he could legally visit her.
He'd thought he could spend a little longer with her, free from the gaze of others.
His pure intentions quickly became tainted with impurity.
Kassius buried his lips in Renisha's.
Renisha embraced him with arms as white as clouds.
She wished Laxus would open that bedroom door and rush in.
She'd roll around in front of his obsession with Renisha.
Renisha was desperate to hurt Laxus.
She wanted him to crumble as miserably as possible.
Just like Renisha had!
Kassius responded energetically to Renisha, hoping to soothe even a little of her sorrow.
The sorrow pent up in this small body was so immense, he couldn't even begin to fathom its depth.
There was no choice but to let it go as it pleased.
Laxus rubbed his forehead.
The urge to strangle the young thing seethed within him.
Laxus's appearance had become quite comical.
He had yet to reveal the child's birth to the old temple man, who had been keeping his mouth shut.
For the first time in a while, he let go of the alcohol and medicine. He needed to think rationally.
“Did no one block your path?”
“No one.”
Kassius nodded.
Although there were whispers about Massius, no one blocked his path.
“Laxus must be really busy.”
Renisha chuckled sharply.
Laxus had already acknowledged Canary’s child as his own.
There had been some friction, but everyone recognized the child as Laxus’s.
In that situation, he had to change his words.
Even the most reckless Laxus couldn’t avoid being swayed.
A mischievous smile appeared on Renisha’s face.
Laxus was the current ruler of the castle.
Laxus firmly believed he had everything under his control.
Renisha tugged at Kassius’s tie.
Kassius was now quite accustomed to wearing a suit.
Kassius stumbled, his face a little surprised.
"Renisha?"
Renisha pressed her face against Kassius's.
The startled servants quickly left the room.
Renisha spoke.
"...I despaired yesterday, and today, that a new sun would rise."
Renisha's pink eyes rose provocatively.
"My world has collapsed and been rebuilt countless times, yet everyone is so fine. Imagine how hellish Hiloshine must be right now."
Renisha's voice wavered.
All day, she had acted normally, interacting with people with aplomb.
But Renisha's mask was now gone. Renisha bit her lip.
Kassius gently stroked her lips.
Naturally, Renisha let go of his.
Kassius lowered his head and kissed Renisha's lips gently.
"Don't let me think about anything, Kassius. In this palace where Laxus, who drove me to hell, is, in front of him."
Her eyes were calm, yet faintly mad.
Kassius stroked Renisha's cheek.
It felt like he knew what she was thinking, and then he didn't.
He hadn't even imagined she'd make such a request.
He'd simply rushed to Renisha at the news that he could legally visit her.
He'd thought he could spend a little longer with her, free from the gaze of others.
His pure intentions quickly became tainted with impurity.
Kassius buried his lips in Renisha's.
Renisha embraced him with arms as white as clouds.
She wished Laxus would open that bedroom door and rush in.
She'd roll around in front of his obsession with Renisha.
Renisha was desperate to hurt Laxus.
She wanted him to crumble as miserably as possible.
Just like Renisha had!
Kassius responded energetically to Renisha, hoping to soothe even a little of her sorrow.
The sorrow pent up in this small body was so immense, he couldn't even begin to fathom its depth.
There was no choice but to let it go as it pleased.
***
Laxus rubbed his forehead.
The urge to strangle the young thing seethed within him.
Laxus's appearance had become quite comical.
He had yet to reveal the child's birth to the old temple man, who had been keeping his mouth shut.
For the first time in a while, he let go of the alcohol and medicine. He needed to think rationally.
As the saying goes, a madman is more fearsome when he gains reason, and the main palace where the Emperor resided slumbered in silence.
'Cloud will lie flat like a fat rat for a while. The problem is...'
Laxus gritted his teeth. The ridiculousness lay in the fact that too many people had witnessed the scene.
The festival of the Three Serpent Gods had lost its purpose.
All the upstanding figures in high society were gathered together, gossiping about Laxus and the Prince.
No matter how absurd his actions were, he had never tarnished his throne.
People had feared Laxus, but they couldn't point fingers and ridicule him.
Except for Renisha and Lottera.
Laxus bit his teeth.
"Damn it, you bitch."
Of course, even Canary couldn't escape Laxus's wrath.
Laxus sighed deeply and gestured to the chamberlain.
The temple had to make an official announcement before the Three Serpent Festival ended.
And Laxus also had to decide what to do with Canary and the nameless Prince.
The chamberlain bowed and rushed in.
“You summoned me, Your Majesty.”
“...Have the High Priest appointed immediately. And release Canary from prison... and bring the young one back to me. Tomorrow, I will announce the imperial family’s official position.”
Laxus’s voice dropped to a low note.
The chamberlain pricked up his ears.
“I will bestow the name Deimas upon the Prince. As Prince Deimas, he will become the next heir.”
The chamberlain raised his head, momentarily forgetting his fear.
“Your Majesty...!”
Laxus intended to cover this up.
Of course, he knew it was a lie.
But this shouldn’t shake Laxus’s foundation.
In fact, appointing a successor would only strengthen Laxus’s foundation.
If it’s already ridiculous, it’ll only get funnier, right?
“I will expedite the appointment of the Crown Prince. However, minimize Canary’s duties and continue her unofficial confinement. Spread the word to the public that Canary collapsed from shock and is in poor health.”
Laxus gripped the armrests of his chair.
“Anyone who questions Prince Deimas, regardless of reason, is to be put to death.”
The chamberlain lowered his head in fear.
“Yes, Your Majesty...”
Laxus’s violet eyes narrowed, as if searching for the future.
When a new child is born, the Crown Prince can be deposed.
It won’t be too late to raise the current suspicions then.
Prince Deimas is merely on a timeline.
Laxus clenched his fists.
Unable to contain his anger, he stood up.
“Where is Renisha now?”
“Of course...”
“Ah. She must be presiding over the festival.”
Laxus smiled crookedly, watching the fading sun.
“Who is she seeing now?”
"Duke Kassius is here."
"That slave has set foot in my castle again."
Laxus paced in place.
He wanted to cut off Kassius's head with his own hands without waiting for Duke Cloud.
The thought of that lowly wretch taking Renisha made his stomach turn.
Fury multiplies.
Laxus gestured to the chamberlain.
"Bring me my sword, now."
The chamberlain squeezed his eyes shut. The castle will be plunged into bloodshed again.
"...Yes!"
Laxus rose from the palace where he had been crouching.
'Cloud will lie flat like a fat rat for a while. The problem is...'
Laxus gritted his teeth. The ridiculousness lay in the fact that too many people had witnessed the scene.
The festival of the Three Serpent Gods had lost its purpose.
All the upstanding figures in high society were gathered together, gossiping about Laxus and the Prince.
No matter how absurd his actions were, he had never tarnished his throne.
People had feared Laxus, but they couldn't point fingers and ridicule him.
Except for Renisha and Lottera.
Laxus bit his teeth.
"Damn it, you bitch."
Of course, even Canary couldn't escape Laxus's wrath.
Laxus sighed deeply and gestured to the chamberlain.
The temple had to make an official announcement before the Three Serpent Festival ended.
And Laxus also had to decide what to do with Canary and the nameless Prince.
The chamberlain bowed and rushed in.
“You summoned me, Your Majesty.”
“...Have the High Priest appointed immediately. And release Canary from prison... and bring the young one back to me. Tomorrow, I will announce the imperial family’s official position.”
Laxus’s voice dropped to a low note.
The chamberlain pricked up his ears.
“I will bestow the name Deimas upon the Prince. As Prince Deimas, he will become the next heir.”
The chamberlain raised his head, momentarily forgetting his fear.
“Your Majesty...!”
Laxus intended to cover this up.
Of course, he knew it was a lie.
But this shouldn’t shake Laxus’s foundation.
In fact, appointing a successor would only strengthen Laxus’s foundation.
If it’s already ridiculous, it’ll only get funnier, right?
“I will expedite the appointment of the Crown Prince. However, minimize Canary’s duties and continue her unofficial confinement. Spread the word to the public that Canary collapsed from shock and is in poor health.”
Laxus gripped the armrests of his chair.
“Anyone who questions Prince Deimas, regardless of reason, is to be put to death.”
The chamberlain lowered his head in fear.
“Yes, Your Majesty...”
Laxus’s violet eyes narrowed, as if searching for the future.
When a new child is born, the Crown Prince can be deposed.
It won’t be too late to raise the current suspicions then.
Prince Deimas is merely on a timeline.
Laxus clenched his fists.
Unable to contain his anger, he stood up.
“Where is Renisha now?”
“Of course...”
“Ah. She must be presiding over the festival.”
Laxus smiled crookedly, watching the fading sun.
“Who is she seeing now?”
"Duke Kassius is here."
"That slave has set foot in my castle again."
Laxus paced in place.
He wanted to cut off Kassius's head with his own hands without waiting for Duke Cloud.
The thought of that lowly wretch taking Renisha made his stomach turn.
Fury multiplies.
Laxus gestured to the chamberlain.
"Bring me my sword, now."
The chamberlain squeezed his eyes shut. The castle will be plunged into bloodshed again.
"...Yes!"
Laxus rose from the palace where he had been crouching.
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