Episode 81. Maybe I'm You
Renisha bit her lip.
Life doesn't let you down your guard.
It was like a whip, telling Renisha not to be complacent.
A great fate was rolling towards Renisha.
Kassius, who had returned from inspecting the area near the capital, shook his head at Renisha.
No matter how much he searched the forest, there was no trace of them.
They might not have reached this area yet, or they might have already encountered the Emperor.
Renisha's expression grew cold.
She assumed the worst of the worst.
What would happen if Laxus learned of Heylin and Brixton's survival?
Even Laxus couldn't attack the nobles within the Empire without evidence of treason.
He wouldn't openly point his sword at Hiloshine.
Instead, he would be waiting for an opportunity.
He waited for Renisha and Kassius to make a move.
She could feel Laxus's cold breath on the back of her neck.
He'd open his mouth and plunge his sharp fangs into Renisha's nape.
He'd feel the thrill of watching Renisha writhe in pain as he injected the venom.
Would Haylin escape Laxus alive?
It was a foregone conclusion that Laxus would learn about Brixton and Haylin.
Then he'd have to think about what to do next.
Renisha clasped her fingers.
"Renisha,"
Kassius called her in a heavy voice.
"I'm not okay. I'm not optimistic that things will turn out well."
Renisha said slowly.
Day by day, the weight of what she was about to do weighed on her.
She knew she had to endure this weight to move forward.
Still, the pain was unavoidable.
"I have to find a way to save Haylin."
What about negotiating directly with Laxus?
What would he ask of Renisha?
Laxus wanted Renisha to come to this mansion.
Laxus was fixated on Renisha.
Renisha's eyes darkened.
There was only one conclusion:
Laxus would want Renisha back in his hands.
Renisha's eyes turned to Kassius.
"What are you thinking?"
"...I don't know." "
I'm anxious."
Kassius smiled awkwardly.
"Kassius. You said you'd follow me no matter what I did."
"I'm anxious, as expected."
"I have to go to the Emperor."
Silence fell.
Kassius's expression hardened, colder than ever.
His eyes were increasingly stained with anger and pain. He seemed to belatedly accept Renisha's words.
"Renisha, I cannot allow that."
"Even if Kassius doesn't allow it, I must do it. I must go and rescue Haylin... and that might actually be easier. If I destroy Laxus from within... that might be the best option for now."
"I cannot allow you to go where I cannot reach."
"Kassius, this is..."
Renisha gave a sighing smile.
“If I lose Heylin again, I won’t be able to do anything. I’ll just foolishly regret it over and over again, dwelling on the things I didn’t do. I...”
“Renisha,”
Kassius interrupted.
Listening to Renisha, he knew he would do whatever she wanted.
Even now, he understood what Renisha was saying.
He knew her method could be the answer.
“I don’t want to.”
Yet, the overflowing emotions blocked everything.
“I don’t want you to go to Emperor Laxus, and I don’t want you to get involved with that man. Renisha could be in danger.”
“...There’s no time, Kassius.”
Renisha laughed painfully.
“I have to make a decision.”
Kassius ran a trembling hand through his hair. He couldn’t stop Renisha.
He would see her off and follow her wishes.
And what then?
“Kassius.”
Renisha placed her palm on the sword at Kassius's waist.
"By this sword, you swore to me. That you would protect me with it."
Kassius bit his lip.
“If I’m in danger, come running to me anytime. Protect me with your own hands. Keep the promise we made.”
Renisha slowly drew Kassius’ sword.
A cold, rustling sound echoed between them.
Renisha held the sword with both hands.
It still felt heavy.
This must have been the weight of the burden Kassius carried.
“I will cut off Laxus’s head with this sword.”
Renisha’s eyes sparkled.
The spring light shimmered with a fierce flame.
Renisha spoke to Kassius.
“We will definitely meet again, and we will become a family, have children, and be happy, just as you wished.”
“Renisha...”
“Renisha Lottera. I promise on my name. I will grant your wish.”
Kassius laughed.
The massive sword in Renisha’s small, white hand caught Kassius’s gaze.
Just as Kassius held the sword, Renisha held her own weapon.
Renisha's weapon was herself.
The courage and guts to throw everything away, and the wisdom to meticulously map out the world.
Everything about her was a weapon. Renisha promised to grant his wish, and she would.
Just as she had found a way to revive Hiloshine.
"I trust us, Kassius. What about you?"
Did Renisha know?
Those words were nothing short of a confession.
They bound Kassius and Renisha together with the word "we."
"Do you trust me, you, us?"
What could Kassius possibly say?
Kassius covered his face with his hand.
In the end, he gave up.
From the start, it was a fight Renisha could not win.
How could she win?
He would have listened even if Renisha had to behead him.
He would rather have beheaded Laxus.
Laxus glared at Haylin, his face pale.
"I thought maybe you were dead."
Haylin lifted her bruised face.
She had absolutely no regrets about throwing herself before Isabella.
Her mind had gone blank when she saw the assailants reaching for the child.
This time, determined to protect Isabella, she stepped in.
Haylin spat blood-tinged saliva at Laxus.
Too weak to reach Laxus, it fell to the ground, but it must have been a sufficient insult.
“I didn’t even know you were alive. I guess I was complacent because I couldn’t see a single trace of you.”
“You failed before, and you will fail this time too.”
Thud.
Laxus slapped Haylin across the face.
Haylin slowly raised her head.
Glaring at Laxus, Haylin rubbed the corner of her mouth.
Another bruise appeared.
This didn’t hurt at all.
The pride of protecting Isabella and the fear of her existence being discovered intertwined, making her forget the pain.
Haylin swallowed.
A pungent aroma filled her mouth.
Struggling to swallow her fear, Haylin pursed her lips.
“I’d rather die.”
Haylin snickered.
“I’d rather die than be held hostage to give you what you want!!”
“You won’t be able to die at will, and you won’t be able to live at will either.”
Laxus muttered slowly.
“You’ll be used as a hostage to capture Renisha, Haylin.”
Kassius nodded slowly.
Renisha had told Kassius a few things.
Like how to let people in through Turiel.
'Let Luna in. I need a woman who can wield a sword. Someone who can stay by my side as a maid. The children who used to work as maids will return to the palace. You can mix between them.'
Kassius's throat cleared.
It was heartbreaking that he couldn't be there for her, that he had to leave her to someone else.
Why would fate not leave Renisha alone?
Renisha tilted her head toward Kassius.
She whispered slowly.
"Perhaps I..."
Her beautiful smile was etched into Kassius's heart like a brand. She was such a cruel woman. She held Kassius in her arms and shook him to the very end. Kassius watched Renisha's back for a long time, until the castle gates closed and the sunset descended upon them.
'I don't even know if I love you.'
Renisha bit her lip.
Life doesn't let you down your guard.
It was like a whip, telling Renisha not to be complacent.
A great fate was rolling towards Renisha.
Kassius, who had returned from inspecting the area near the capital, shook his head at Renisha.
No matter how much he searched the forest, there was no trace of them.
They might not have reached this area yet, or they might have already encountered the Emperor.
Renisha's expression grew cold.
She assumed the worst of the worst.
What would happen if Laxus learned of Heylin and Brixton's survival?
Even Laxus couldn't attack the nobles within the Empire without evidence of treason.
He wouldn't openly point his sword at Hiloshine.
Instead, he would be waiting for an opportunity.
He waited for Renisha and Kassius to make a move.
She could feel Laxus's cold breath on the back of her neck.
He'd open his mouth and plunge his sharp fangs into Renisha's nape.
He'd feel the thrill of watching Renisha writhe in pain as he injected the venom.
Would Haylin escape Laxus alive?
It was a foregone conclusion that Laxus would learn about Brixton and Haylin.
Then he'd have to think about what to do next.
Renisha clasped her fingers.
"Renisha,"
Kassius called her in a heavy voice.
"I'm not okay. I'm not optimistic that things will turn out well."
Renisha said slowly.
Day by day, the weight of what she was about to do weighed on her.
She knew she had to endure this weight to move forward.
Still, the pain was unavoidable.
"I have to find a way to save Haylin."
What about negotiating directly with Laxus?
What would he ask of Renisha?
Laxus wanted Renisha to come to this mansion.
Laxus was fixated on Renisha.
Renisha's eyes darkened.
There was only one conclusion:
Laxus would want Renisha back in his hands.
Renisha's eyes turned to Kassius.
"What are you thinking?"
"...I don't know." "
I'm anxious."
Kassius smiled awkwardly.
"Kassius. You said you'd follow me no matter what I did."
"I'm anxious, as expected."
"I have to go to the Emperor."
Silence fell.
Kassius's expression hardened, colder than ever.
His eyes were increasingly stained with anger and pain. He seemed to belatedly accept Renisha's words.
"Renisha, I cannot allow that."
"Even if Kassius doesn't allow it, I must do it. I must go and rescue Haylin... and that might actually be easier. If I destroy Laxus from within... that might be the best option for now."
"I cannot allow you to go where I cannot reach."
"Kassius, this is..."
Renisha gave a sighing smile.
“If I lose Heylin again, I won’t be able to do anything. I’ll just foolishly regret it over and over again, dwelling on the things I didn’t do. I...”
“Renisha,”
Kassius interrupted.
Listening to Renisha, he knew he would do whatever she wanted.
Even now, he understood what Renisha was saying.
He knew her method could be the answer.
“I don’t want to.”
Yet, the overflowing emotions blocked everything.
“I don’t want you to go to Emperor Laxus, and I don’t want you to get involved with that man. Renisha could be in danger.”
“...There’s no time, Kassius.”
Renisha laughed painfully.
“I have to make a decision.”
Kassius ran a trembling hand through his hair. He couldn’t stop Renisha.
He would see her off and follow her wishes.
And what then?
“Kassius.”
Renisha placed her palm on the sword at Kassius's waist.
"By this sword, you swore to me. That you would protect me with it."
Kassius bit his lip.
“If I’m in danger, come running to me anytime. Protect me with your own hands. Keep the promise we made.”
Renisha slowly drew Kassius’ sword.
A cold, rustling sound echoed between them.
Renisha held the sword with both hands.
It still felt heavy.
This must have been the weight of the burden Kassius carried.
“I will cut off Laxus’s head with this sword.”
Renisha’s eyes sparkled.
The spring light shimmered with a fierce flame.
Renisha spoke to Kassius.
“We will definitely meet again, and we will become a family, have children, and be happy, just as you wished.”
“Renisha...”
“Renisha Lottera. I promise on my name. I will grant your wish.”
Kassius laughed.
The massive sword in Renisha’s small, white hand caught Kassius’s gaze.
Just as Kassius held the sword, Renisha held her own weapon.
Renisha's weapon was herself.
The courage and guts to throw everything away, and the wisdom to meticulously map out the world.
Everything about her was a weapon. Renisha promised to grant his wish, and she would.
Just as she had found a way to revive Hiloshine.
"I trust us, Kassius. What about you?"
Did Renisha know?
Those words were nothing short of a confession.
They bound Kassius and Renisha together with the word "we."
"Do you trust me, you, us?"
What could Kassius possibly say?
Kassius covered his face with his hand.
In the end, he gave up.
From the start, it was a fight Renisha could not win.
How could she win?
He would have listened even if Renisha had to behead him.
He would rather have beheaded Laxus.
***
Laxus glared at Haylin, his face pale.
"I thought maybe you were dead."
Haylin lifted her bruised face.
She had absolutely no regrets about throwing herself before Isabella.
Her mind had gone blank when she saw the assailants reaching for the child.
This time, determined to protect Isabella, she stepped in.
Haylin spat blood-tinged saliva at Laxus.
Too weak to reach Laxus, it fell to the ground, but it must have been a sufficient insult.
“I didn’t even know you were alive. I guess I was complacent because I couldn’t see a single trace of you.”
“You failed before, and you will fail this time too.”
Thud.
Laxus slapped Haylin across the face.
Haylin slowly raised her head.
Glaring at Laxus, Haylin rubbed the corner of her mouth.
Another bruise appeared.
This didn’t hurt at all.
The pride of protecting Isabella and the fear of her existence being discovered intertwined, making her forget the pain.
Haylin swallowed.
A pungent aroma filled her mouth.
Struggling to swallow her fear, Haylin pursed her lips.
“I’d rather die.”
Haylin snickered.
“I’d rather die than be held hostage to give you what you want!!”
“You won’t be able to die at will, and you won’t be able to live at will either.”
Laxus muttered slowly.
“You’ll be used as a hostage to capture Renisha, Haylin.”
Haylin stared sharply at Laxus.
“You’ll also be used as a hostage to capture your husband and child. Your value is so high. How could I kill you?”
Haylin’s spirit was worthy of praise.
All of the Lotteras were the same.
They were brimming with immense pride and spirit.
In many ways, they were dazzling.
“Ah. Renisha might already know. She’s a smart woman, so she might walk in on her own. To this imperial palace.”
Laxus spread his arms.
His violet eyes, cloaked in darkness, were filled with madness.
Beyond Laxus, a gigantic shadow seemed to appear.
The darkness that supported him.
Haylin clasped her hands.
'Renisha...'
Renisha, who had seemed like a sturdy, ancient tree, came to mind.
Renisha, who seemed indestructible.
If only Renisha knew everything and came to rescue Haylin, as Laxus had said... everything seemed okay.
Haylin would return alive, Renisha would become Emperor, and Laxus would be punished.
Renisha was a beacon of hope.
“Keep a close eye on this woman.”
“Yes.”
The maids bowed their heads in fear.
The men who brought Haylin were slain by Laxus’s sword.
They would never know why they had to die. They met their sudden deaths without even closing their eyes.
There was no way they could avoid that fate.
Living as obedient beasts, following Laxus’s orders, was the only way to survive in the palace.
“Muzzle them and ensure there are no sharp objects in the room. Conduct body searches. And only bring in the prescribed food, and only remove the muzzle when eating.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
“If that woman dies without my permission, you too will die. Remember that.”
The maids bowed deeply.
Laxus glared at Haylin coldly and left the room.
They were all equally arrogant and displeased. Annoying.
Still, holding Haylin in his hand, his mind felt clearer.
Just as he had Haylin in his hand, Renisha was next.
Well, isn't it amusing?
The woman who had held her head so proudly would now bow her head as she entered.
"Open the door for Renisha."
Laxus's voice filled the palace.
He decided to think positively.
Renisha was going to take away everything Canary had, one by one. She decided not to give her anything she wanted.
She would enter with nothing, but Renisha would have everything Canary wanted.
Laxus knew how Renisha was used.
"Don't worry too much,"
Renisha said her final goodbye to Kassius in front of the palace.
"Nothing will happen to me. I will be absolutely safe."
"..."
"You didn't forget what I said, did you?"
“You’ll also be used as a hostage to capture your husband and child. Your value is so high. How could I kill you?”
Haylin’s spirit was worthy of praise.
All of the Lotteras were the same.
They were brimming with immense pride and spirit.
In many ways, they were dazzling.
“Ah. Renisha might already know. She’s a smart woman, so she might walk in on her own. To this imperial palace.”
Laxus spread his arms.
His violet eyes, cloaked in darkness, were filled with madness.
Beyond Laxus, a gigantic shadow seemed to appear.
The darkness that supported him.
Haylin clasped her hands.
'Renisha...'
Renisha, who had seemed like a sturdy, ancient tree, came to mind.
Renisha, who seemed indestructible.
If only Renisha knew everything and came to rescue Haylin, as Laxus had said... everything seemed okay.
Haylin would return alive, Renisha would become Emperor, and Laxus would be punished.
Renisha was a beacon of hope.
“Keep a close eye on this woman.”
“Yes.”
The maids bowed their heads in fear.
The men who brought Haylin were slain by Laxus’s sword.
They would never know why they had to die. They met their sudden deaths without even closing their eyes.
There was no way they could avoid that fate.
Living as obedient beasts, following Laxus’s orders, was the only way to survive in the palace.
“Muzzle them and ensure there are no sharp objects in the room. Conduct body searches. And only bring in the prescribed food, and only remove the muzzle when eating.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
“If that woman dies without my permission, you too will die. Remember that.”
The maids bowed deeply.
Laxus glared at Haylin coldly and left the room.
They were all equally arrogant and displeased. Annoying.
Still, holding Haylin in his hand, his mind felt clearer.
Just as he had Haylin in his hand, Renisha was next.
Well, isn't it amusing?
The woman who had held her head so proudly would now bow her head as she entered.
"Open the door for Renisha."
Laxus's voice filled the palace.
***
He decided to think positively.
Renisha was going to take away everything Canary had, one by one. She decided not to give her anything she wanted.
She would enter with nothing, but Renisha would have everything Canary wanted.
Laxus knew how Renisha was used.
"Don't worry too much,"
Renisha said her final goodbye to Kassius in front of the palace.
"Nothing will happen to me. I will be absolutely safe."
"..."
"You didn't forget what I said, did you?"
Kassius nodded slowly.
Renisha had told Kassius a few things.
Like how to let people in through Turiel.
'Let Luna in. I need a woman who can wield a sword. Someone who can stay by my side as a maid. The children who used to work as maids will return to the palace. You can mix between them.'
Kassius's throat cleared.
It was heartbreaking that he couldn't be there for her, that he had to leave her to someone else.
Why would fate not leave Renisha alone?
Renisha tilted her head toward Kassius.
She whispered slowly.
"Perhaps I..."
Her beautiful smile was etched into Kassius's heart like a brand. She was such a cruel woman. She held Kassius in her arms and shook him to the very end. Kassius watched Renisha's back for a long time, until the castle gates closed and the sunset descended upon them.
'I don't even know if I love you.'
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