Chapter 102

Inside the underground prison of Hisfil Castle.

Not long ago, Anima was incarcerated here and has been refusing all food from the Serpina Army, consuming only the bare minimum of water.

“Hey.”

“…”

“Hey! Answer me!”

“…”

“…I want.”

Although the guard occasionally tried to talk to her, Anima remained completely unresponsive.

Since the guard hadn’t received any special instructions, they didn’t push further but…

‘At this rate, her life might be in danger.’

Carrying the uneaten meal back out was far from pleasant for the guard.

Thinking it best to check with higher-ups, their ears caught the sound of approaching footsteps.

Looking around, they saw none other than the absolute ruler standing there – a blonde figure who stood at the very pinnacle of their world.

More noble than any, more elegant than any. If a crown for absolute rulers existed on this continent, she would be the sole woman worthy to wear it.

“Greetings, my Lord.”

Serpina spoke to the guard bowing deeply before her.

“Report the situation.”

“As previously stated, she continues to refuse food. She seems to be consuming only the minimal water necessary for survival.”

“I see.”

Serpina turned her head slightly. The guard quickly understood this as a cue to leave and bowed once more before departing.

Alone now, Serpina approached Anima’s cell with an expressionless face. Inside sat a one-armed woman with her head bowed, silent.

“Anima Ingram.”

“…”

“Do you plan to keep up this foolish act? Your master wouldn’t wish for you to falter.”

“…”

“Whatever you’re thinking, this isn’t resistance. It’s just childish self-harm with no meaning or ability to change anything. I heard you were intelligent, but apparently not.”

Eventually, Serpina asked plainly without emotion.

“Anima Ingram. Let me ask directly – do you have no intention to work under me?”

“…What?”

“Exactly as it sounds. I’ve heard of your talents. I’m merely asking if you’d consider using them for me. Though I don’t expect acceptance, changing your mind wouldn’t be impossible.”

Hearing this, Anima finally broke her silence and looked up at Serpina with eyes burning with rage.

“Don’t joke around.”

“…”

“There’s no way I’d serve under you, Serpina, even if it costs me my head.”

Though extremely provocative, Serpina showed no reaction, responding calmly as before.

“Is that so? What a pity.”

Her tone carried no regret at all as Anima continued to burn with hostility.

“I’ll never forgive you, Serpina von Einhardt. I will kill you with my own hands.”

“I hear that often. Not that it matters whether it’s you or someone else.”

“Hah! You’d better think twice. If you don’t cut off my head now, I’ll take yours.”

No matter what Anima said, it couldn’t shake the blonde absolute ruler before her.

“I don’t have the habit of damaging goods that come to me willingly.”

“What…?!”

“Isn’t this good news? With you captured, Baranga Yuri Aishias is effectively compromised.”

Crack!

Hearing this, the anger inside Anima finally erupted.

“You… damn bitch!”

“Go ahead and try. Even if you somehow muster the strength, you know nothing will change. You’re smart enough to understand that, aren’t you?”

“Guh…guh…!!”

Bang!

Anima pounded on the iron bars and glared fiercely at Serpina, who maintained her calm, superior gaze.

“You should consider my advice – eat something.”

“What did you say?”

“You boasted about killing me, right? You need to preserve your life to do that. As someone who served as a strategist, you should honor your words.”

“!!!”

Anima stared at Serpina with wide eyes. Since entering this place, her expression hadn’t changed – a subtle mix of boredom and authority.

Eyes lacking vitality yet burning with determination – a cold, distant look that seemed untouchable.

“…”

Slowly raising her head, Anima finally picked up the rye bread in her room and began eating voraciously, disregarding any dignity.

The sound of chewing filled the air as Serpina turned to leave.

And then…

“…Fiobola Academy.”

“!!!”

Hearing those words from Anima caused Serpina to waver for the first time, though briefly. Though facing away, Anima likely didn’t notice the disturbance in Serpina’s heart.

“You’ve heard of it, haven’t you? The place you arbitrarily erased just because a rival supported it.”

“…”

“It’s not just Fiobola Academy. There are others targeting you across the continent, Serpina. You’ll trip up eventually.”

With that, the sounds of hurried eating resumed. Without looking back, Serpina left the prison in silence.

Back at the royal palace…

Serpina sat in the Lady’s chair, lost in thought about a story from long ago.

“Big Brother… Why… Why did you do such a thing?! What did the people there do wrong-”

“Shut up! This is the only way! We must consolidate power to prevent that incompetent brother from inheriting the throne!”

“But…”

SMACK!

“…Don’t overstep yourself. Do you understand?”

“…”

Recalling these old memories, Serpina slowly closed her eyes, banishing the past.

Reliving it now serves no purpose. From the moment she decided to carry the great name of Einhardt and revive the empire…

She had to become the emperor who would unify it.

Memories resurfaced unbidden – recurring dreams of a place and person she yearned for, showing a happy version of herself.

Could I…

Really find happiness with someone?

“Such a ridiculous notion.”

Closing her eyes and leaning back in the chair, Serpina performed her habitual ritual of sighing several times to regain her composure.

When she opened her eyes again…

She could resume being the absolute ruler and tyrant of the north, capable of calmly deflecting countless hostile intentions.

It may not be the most efficient method…

But believing it to be the best, she simply kept moving forward as she always had.

* * *

“Here, a total of 6900 gold. Your travel expenses are in the top pocket of the box. There’s an additional 1000 gold which should be sufficient.”

I took the wooden box. The sight of the gold coins inside made one feel prosperous just by looking.

“Thank you.”

“Thank you…?”

“For bringing this all the way here. It must have been heavy.”

“No, it’s my duty. Still, thank you for considering my effort, Sir Swoen.”

The soldier saluted after preparing the carriage. If I had more physical capability, I would have done it myself…

Unfortunately, my body required maximum conservation of energy to handle emergencies, so relying on others was the wise choice here.

“Shall we depart now?”

Hearing my words, the soldier remembered something.

“Ah, right. Sir Swoen, there’s a message for you.”

“What is it?”

“Our Lord assigned a bodyguard commander to accompany you. They’ll arrive shortly.”

A bodyguard commander…

It felt unnecessary for a simple negotiation, but then again, the opponent was Serpina.

If we succeed in retrieving Anima, having someone to care for her would be convenient from my perspective too.

“Understood.”

“Yes sir. Excuse me then.”

After dismissing the soldier and watching the clouds pass by…

“Swoen.”

A very familiar female voice reached my ears. I turned toward the source.

“Lady Iren?”

There she stood in comfortable attire for a long journey, looking at me.

Apparently, Lady Iren was assigned as my escort. Given her capabilities, it was quite an appropriate choice. She was someone I trusted completely.

This much was within expectations…

But…

“…A-Ah, hello…”

The problem was the pink-haired woman standing beside her, whose face I recognized well.

“Reika…?”

Irene and Reika.

Their unusual pairing left me speechless as I stared at them.