Episode 96. Surprise Attack
Kassius pressed closer to Renisha.
Close enough that they could feel each other's breath.
Kassius slowly released his breath.
Kassius pulled Renisha closer to him.
Renisha's eyelashes fluttered.
"What would I do if you got hurt?"
Kassius's voice dissipated into the air.
Renisha's lips twitched.
I don't know. Why am I so flustered?
It was just a question, but why am I so...?
"Kiss me, Kassius."
Renisha spat out in a childish voice.
"Right now."
Kassius yielded to that arrogant command.
Kassius leaned in toward Renisha. He stroked her pale neck and wrapped his palm around her slender neck.
He wanted to devour Renisha in one bite.
At this very moment, as the audience watched, he wanted to show them who Renisha belonged to.
To Laxus, Meteo, and all the other wolves who were eyeing her with such eagerness.
"Huh.”
Renisha breathed excitedly.
“Oh my god...”
Someone exclaimed.
The hall, once silent, began to move again.
Some watched Laxus’s expression, while others clutched their fluttering hearts.
It was the moment a new romance was born in Hientri.
Renisha and Kassius became the protagonists of a beautiful love story.
A couple was forced to part ways by the villain Laxus.
Furthermore, the difference in status between Renisha and Kassius and Kassius’s heroic history further contributed to the narrative.
“Huh.”
Renisha closed her eyes and smiled prettily upon hearing that story.
Although she would have to think about the meaning behind that smile.
“Turiel. Isn’t it interesting?”
“Yes...?”
Turiel hesitated.
She put down the teacup she was about to drink from.
That expression was the same one Renisha wore when she was plotting something.
“People believe what they want to believe. To the people of the Empire, I am like a fence protecting them. And Kassius is the hero who defends the Empire. Kassius and I were wrapped in love through their mouths.”
“That... what’s so strange about that?”
“That wasn’t what Laxus wanted. He wanted to turn me into a legendary seductress, a villainess. He made up a humiliating and dirty excuse and ultimately dethroned me. But in the end, I won.”
Renisha smiled softly.
“They didn’t want to undermine me. Laxus misused that mob mentality. So, what should we do in this situation?”
Turiel fiddled with her teacup, her face a bit confused.
It was always difficult to decipher Renisha’s full intentions.
"Actually, what Kassius and I did yesterday deserved to be criticized. Usually, that's how it is. We lost face. But Laxus tore me and Kassius apart, and that actually worked to our advantage. Let the rumors spread, Turiel. Make Kassius and me the protagonists of a heartbreaking love story. It would be great to make a play about it."
"What... are you thinking?"
Renisha's eyes sank heavily.
She was staring into the distance.
"I must ascend to the throne with perfection. If not, I must become the heroine of a tragic story. I must depose my still-viable ex-husband and take his place. Laxus as a vile villain, and Kassius as a hero of the people."
Renisha had made several moves ahead.
Even on the chessboard, those who foresee the future and move ahead tend to win.
Renisha continued slowly.
"I need to justify my throne. Highlight Kassius's divinity. When creating a play, make sure you hit the right key points."
Turiel, understanding what she meant, was impressed.
Renisha was using this rumor to perfectly package their image.
It was a provocative love story featuring a villain, a tragic heroine, and a hero. It was popular enough that everyone had heard it at least once, yet easy to understand.
"...Isn't it dangerous to highlight His Excellency's divinity? His Excellency is of the Yi tribe..."
"The Hientri were able to persecute the Yi tribe because of the tacit agreement of the temple. The temple branded them as heretics. We need to question whether Kassius, who gained the power of the red serpent, is truly a heretic. We need to make an official announcement from the temple."
Renisha also intended to remove the chains of oppression placed on the Yi tribes.
They were to become Renisha's foundation.
The Yi tribes had completed their migration to Hiloshine.
"Luna will assist in that process."
Luna, who had been quietly listening, suddenly jumped up.
"I cannot reveal my identity. We follow the leader..."
"Luna. Is your leader greater than Hisham's bloodline? Kassius is Hisham's bloodline. And I am his wife, so I am no different from your Queen."
"The Duke is not a proper Hisham!"
Luna retorted, her face flushed.
"Hisham, who hasn't even ascended the throne..."
"Then Kassius wouldn't have needed to save the Yi tribes. He wouldn't have had to give up his place in Hiloshine to protect them."
Kassius pressed closer to Renisha.
Close enough that they could feel each other's breath.
Kassius slowly released his breath.
Kassius pulled Renisha closer to him.
Renisha's eyelashes fluttered.
"What would I do if you got hurt?"
Kassius's voice dissipated into the air.
Renisha's lips twitched.
I don't know. Why am I so flustered?
It was just a question, but why am I so...?
"Kiss me, Kassius."
Renisha spat out in a childish voice.
"Right now."
Kassius yielded to that arrogant command.
Kassius leaned in toward Renisha. He stroked her pale neck and wrapped his palm around her slender neck.
He wanted to devour Renisha in one bite.
At this very moment, as the audience watched, he wanted to show them who Renisha belonged to.
To Laxus, Meteo, and all the other wolves who were eyeing her with such eagerness.
"Huh.”
Renisha breathed excitedly.
“Oh my god...”
Someone exclaimed.
The hall, once silent, began to move again.
Some watched Laxus’s expression, while others clutched their fluttering hearts.
It was the moment a new romance was born in Hientri.
***
Renisha and Kassius became the protagonists of a beautiful love story.
A couple was forced to part ways by the villain Laxus.
Furthermore, the difference in status between Renisha and Kassius and Kassius’s heroic history further contributed to the narrative.
“Huh.”
Renisha closed her eyes and smiled prettily upon hearing that story.
Although she would have to think about the meaning behind that smile.
“Turiel. Isn’t it interesting?”
“Yes...?”
Turiel hesitated.
She put down the teacup she was about to drink from.
That expression was the same one Renisha wore when she was plotting something.
“People believe what they want to believe. To the people of the Empire, I am like a fence protecting them. And Kassius is the hero who defends the Empire. Kassius and I were wrapped in love through their mouths.”
“That... what’s so strange about that?”
“That wasn’t what Laxus wanted. He wanted to turn me into a legendary seductress, a villainess. He made up a humiliating and dirty excuse and ultimately dethroned me. But in the end, I won.”
Renisha smiled softly.
“They didn’t want to undermine me. Laxus misused that mob mentality. So, what should we do in this situation?”
Turiel fiddled with her teacup, her face a bit confused.
It was always difficult to decipher Renisha’s full intentions.
"Actually, what Kassius and I did yesterday deserved to be criticized. Usually, that's how it is. We lost face. But Laxus tore me and Kassius apart, and that actually worked to our advantage. Let the rumors spread, Turiel. Make Kassius and me the protagonists of a heartbreaking love story. It would be great to make a play about it."
"What... are you thinking?"
Renisha's eyes sank heavily.
She was staring into the distance.
"I must ascend to the throne with perfection. If not, I must become the heroine of a tragic story. I must depose my still-viable ex-husband and take his place. Laxus as a vile villain, and Kassius as a hero of the people."
Renisha had made several moves ahead.
Even on the chessboard, those who foresee the future and move ahead tend to win.
Renisha continued slowly.
"I need to justify my throne. Highlight Kassius's divinity. When creating a play, make sure you hit the right key points."
Turiel, understanding what she meant, was impressed.
Renisha was using this rumor to perfectly package their image.
It was a provocative love story featuring a villain, a tragic heroine, and a hero. It was popular enough that everyone had heard it at least once, yet easy to understand.
"...Isn't it dangerous to highlight His Excellency's divinity? His Excellency is of the Yi tribe..."
"The Hientri were able to persecute the Yi tribe because of the tacit agreement of the temple. The temple branded them as heretics. We need to question whether Kassius, who gained the power of the red serpent, is truly a heretic. We need to make an official announcement from the temple."
Renisha also intended to remove the chains of oppression placed on the Yi tribes.
They were to become Renisha's foundation.
The Yi tribes had completed their migration to Hiloshine.
"Luna will assist in that process."
Luna, who had been quietly listening, suddenly jumped up.
"I cannot reveal my identity. We follow the leader..."
"Luna. Is your leader greater than Hisham's bloodline? Kassius is Hisham's bloodline. And I am his wife, so I am no different from your Queen."
"The Duke is not a proper Hisham!"
Luna retorted, her face flushed.
"Hisham, who hasn't even ascended the throne..."
"Then Kassius wouldn't have needed to save the Yi tribes. He wouldn't have had to give up his place in Hiloshine to protect them."
Luna trembled, wondering why she couldn't win an argument with Renisha.
"Luna, the future of the Yi tribes hinges on this. You're not going to live as a fugitive like you are now, are you?"
"...And what if I die?"
"That won't happen. Kassius will be with you."
"The Duke...?"
"Kassius will assert his own divinity, and your role is to prove that Kassius is Hisham's bloodline."
Renisha explained. Luna was not good at this kind of political maneuvering. She looked as confused as a lost child.
"The Yi tribes who have Hisham as their divinity will not only clear their names, but..."
Renisha pursed her lips.
"The direct lineage will be reborn as royalty through me."
Luna's eyes widened.
"The forgotten monarch's bloodline will return. It's essentially the revival of the Yi tribes."
Luna swallowed.
"Is that really possible?"
"There's no reason it wouldn't be possible. The child who inherits my bloodline and Kassius's will become the Duke of Lottera and rule Hiloshine. And the other child will become Emperor."
"Well, then..."
Renisha didn't miss the greed flashing in Luna's eyes. Renisha whispered softly.
"If this goes well, you'll become the Emperor's bodyguard."
"...Will the Chief grant permission?"
"I'll take care of that."
Luna reluctantly nodded. Turiel swallowed. As always, Renisha was incredibly clever. She knew how to manipulate every situation to her advantage. By involving the temple, Renisha gained their trust. Then, she restored the Yi tribes and Kassius, and from them, she gained divinity. All of this had happened between yesterday and today, in a matter of hours, yet Renisha had conceived this plan. Her flexibility in adapting to rapidly changing circumstances was truly remarkable.
"Now, Turiel. You understand the details of what you must do, right?"
"Yes, Lady Renisha."
Turiel nodded with a solemn expression.
***
Kassius swung his sword. The events of yesterday kept replaying in his mind. He was completely captivated by Renisha. Kissing her in such a crowded place! Of course, of course... He was greedy. He wanted to show everyone whose wife Renisha was. Isn't that a natural greed? With the crazy Laxus. But who would have thought he would do something so shameful? Really?
"And your sword will break, Your Excellency the Duke."
Kassius jerked his head. The voice that pierced his sensitive ears was a pleasant baritone. Familiar yet unfamiliar. It seemed like an uninvited guest had arrived.
"Prince Meteo..."
"It's been a while."
Kassius lowered his sword. There must be a reason why Meteo had risked his life all this way. Meteo had been operating in Hientri, hiding his identity. On the bridge connecting the Kingdom of Shamdir and Renisha.
"What brings you here?"
Kassius wiped the sweat from his forehead. The stinging sunlight stung his eyes.
"What is it?"
Meteo smiled faintly.
"Something has happened in Hiloshine, Duke."
Kassius groaned softly. Putting down his sword, he put on his shirt with a stiff expression.
Kassius walked alongside Meteor.
“Explain in detail, Prince.”
“...Mercenaries have infiltrated Hiloshine.”
Tension lingered on Kassius’s face.
“The one who hired the mercenaries is Butler Henry. He used to work for Hiloshine. It seems he hired them after escaping from Hiloshine.”
“Tell me the conclusion.”
“Brixton is badly injured,”
Meteo said in a dark voice.
“He’s on the brink of death. Is it possible for Lady Haylin to return? Brixton might not last long.”
Kassius slowly turned his head.
The spring-like, gentle breeze blowing around him ceased.
This was no longer a time for him to be in a fairytale with Renisha.
Kassius blinked slowly.
“Can’t last long...”
“...Unless a miracle occurs... They say it’s possible to extend his life.”
“What do you mean?”
“Inducing him into a vegetative state.”
“Is that possible?”
“They said it was unlikely, but worth a try.”
Meteo and Kassius exchanged words quickly.
Those who sensed their seriousness quietly cleared the way.
The world was not easy.
If you let your guard down, a surprise attack like this would always occur.
Lassius was thinking of Renisha at this moment.
She seemed strong, but she was fragile.
Would that tearful woman, crouched deep within Renisha, burst forth again?
The mere thought made his heart ache.
Kassius frowned.
“...That’s why I’ve come so urgently. If possible, I would like to escort Lady Heylin to Hiloshine.”
“Do you plan to act personally, Prince?”
“I couldn’t bring him here, but I brought along Shamdir’s elite knights.”
“...I see.”
“Hurry. We must contact Lady Renisha immediately. He said he would leave the decision... up to you two.”
“Is the child alright?”
Meteo hesitated.
He slowly shook his head.
Isabella, terrified and held in the arms of the knights...
“How could she be okay?”
She looked precarious, as if she might collapse at any moment.
“For the sake of the child, we need Lady Haylin.”
Kassius squeezed his eyes shut.
Kassius walked alongside Meteor.
“Explain in detail, Prince.”
“...Mercenaries have infiltrated Hiloshine.”
Tension lingered on Kassius’s face.
“The one who hired the mercenaries is Butler Henry. He used to work for Hiloshine. It seems he hired them after escaping from Hiloshine.”
“Tell me the conclusion.”
“Brixton is badly injured,”
Meteo said in a dark voice.
“He’s on the brink of death. Is it possible for Lady Haylin to return? Brixton might not last long.”
Kassius slowly turned his head.
The spring-like, gentle breeze blowing around him ceased.
This was no longer a time for him to be in a fairytale with Renisha.
Kassius blinked slowly.
“Can’t last long...”
“...Unless a miracle occurs... They say it’s possible to extend his life.”
“What do you mean?”
“Inducing him into a vegetative state.”
“Is that possible?”
“They said it was unlikely, but worth a try.”
Meteo and Kassius exchanged words quickly.
Those who sensed their seriousness quietly cleared the way.
The world was not easy.
If you let your guard down, a surprise attack like this would always occur.
Lassius was thinking of Renisha at this moment.
She seemed strong, but she was fragile.
Would that tearful woman, crouched deep within Renisha, burst forth again?
The mere thought made his heart ache.
Kassius frowned.
“...That’s why I’ve come so urgently. If possible, I would like to escort Lady Heylin to Hiloshine.”
“Do you plan to act personally, Prince?”
“I couldn’t bring him here, but I brought along Shamdir’s elite knights.”
“...I see.”
“Hurry. We must contact Lady Renisha immediately. He said he would leave the decision... up to you two.”
“Is the child alright?”
Meteo hesitated.
He slowly shook his head.
Isabella, terrified and held in the arms of the knights...
“How could she be okay?”
She looked precarious, as if she might collapse at any moment.
“For the sake of the child, we need Lady Haylin.”
Kassius squeezed his eyes shut.
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