CHAPTER 642: CHAPTER 642

The plan was obvious... Theressa would be suspected immediately because of this and the tragedy would end our family with my death.

’The aid from the gods... is it truly needed...?’ — Even if nonsensical as I felt it was surely my end that I was about to meet, there was a conviction in me that I would not close my eyelids to never be able to open them again.

I felt dying... but...

’... I don’t think I will..... I don’t want to die like this...’

*******

"DON’T LET ANYONE LEAVE THIS HALL!!!"

"... This isn’t good." — Hearing the destroying growl, Francois felt the hit of Zeleskiaz’s rage in his whole being. Quickly instructing the frozen servants to take guard and precautions. — "Do as he says and summon the physicians immediately. Whatever you do, don’t confront the crown prince. Go, quickly!"

From his place, he could see there was a horrible sight on the ground where Zeleskiaz was kneeling. Instinctively knowing only one person could provoke the worst possible situation.

’Orland, where are you?... I have a bad feeling about this.’ — The Emperor thought, rushing to the place even while knowing death could be found.

"Francois!"

"Stay here, love... Jasmine! Stay with your mother!"

"!... But..." — Feeling dizzy without an apparent reason, Jasmine fell next to her mother, the Empress. Looking at the place of the commotion. — "I feel weak... huff... m-mother... what is going on...?"

"Dear, stand up. We must do as your Father says. You need to keep it together."

"Mother... Brother Zeleskiaz might kill us all if... if what my spirit weakened for is true... I knew the dreams were not baseless..." — Tears one-sidedly fell down her visage, unable to move while she watched people lose their minds.

The chaos was resonating in everyone’s limbs. Many fell while scared wanting to escape although no route was available. An enraged beast like Zeleskiaz had given an order, something that never happened for it would find relief without warning. Following the order, even if deadly, was most advised for otherwise his wrath could resort to his brutal justice... One blinded by madness... a madness he was fighting only so the worst punishment could fall on the culprits.

’So it has begun.’ — A second prince contemplated while the ambience’s coldness took the breath of the many cornered by Zeleskiaz’s orders. — ’Brilliant... so she decided to make him suffer too...’

"Your Highness, Prince Sverre! Crown Prince Zeleskiaz is-"

"I know." — Leaving the spot, Sverre paced now to see from up close. Quite entertained for the night had turned more entertaining than expected. — "Niccolò is there... he must be surprised. I hope he recalls not to interfere when Zeleskiaz is enraged... He’s not useful if dead."

"S-si-sister..." — Horrified by the blood in her hands, the little sister trembled next to the ninth she had been holding onto a moment ago. Replaying the terrifyingly dry scene of her sister’s breathless whispers that did not finish with one warning.

".. r...ing....f.."

Marianne was not dying even while surrounded by her own blood. Unable to make sense of who it was that was holding onto her hand while lying on the harsh ground.

"... R-ring..... Th-the ring!" — Hurriedly taking it off, Theressa almost dropped the piece. Looking at it with tearful eyes hoping the murmurs of her sister were the clue that could help the situation. — "?!...it has... a h-hidden needle..."

"Who did this." — Meanwhile, Zeleskiaz who was reluctant to lose sight of her resistant gaze said gritting his all.

The golden eyes of the girl lost all colour once she looked at the arm that was exploding from within. Her own blood would not suffice even to help Marianne recover a tad... and her visage twisted... Standing with trembling legs to scream a desperate order.

"KARINA VALZERIE!! HAVE HER ARRESTED!!! DON’T LET THE WOMAN TAKE A STEP OUTSIDE!!!"

"?! Arrest her?" — One of the nobles questioned breaking slightly from the shock.

"Lady Theressa, if anything the one to arrest is you!"

"IT DOES NOT MATTER!! DO NOT LET THAT WOMAN ESCAPE!!"

"You were beside the ninth!"

"T-that’s right! Are you trying to place the guilt on someone else?! What do you take us for-?!"

"Theressa!" — Pushing the noble that had joined the others in a panic, Orland arrived, followed by the Emperor who uselessly tried to stop him.

"Orland don’t!"

"F-... Father..."

The scene came into Orland’s eyes unexplainably abominable. A bleeding daughter and his youngest were covered in said blood. An uncontrollable aura threatening to break through taking every life in revenge for the sight... and grief ready to come out at the slightest chance.

"Theressa! Dear!! What is all that blood!" — The Sylfinnier’s mother, indifferent to the daughter’s suffering went to the younger. Glancing disgustedly at the bloody hands and the one lying on the ground. — "Goodness! You must cleanse yourself!... What is wrong with the girl now? Do not tell me this was your doing."

"... what..."

"You should be discreet if you are to do this! How will you escape judgement now!?"

"... what are you saying... mother... I didn’t..."

In disbelief at the cruelty in the whispers of her mother, Theressa stepped back. Sickened by everything surrounding her. Looking for her father, this time fearful he could believe this scene was her doing as well. Nonetheless, Orland’s forces had left his legs in shock. The scene was too much for his heart to endure; and the hand of the friend was what helped his stammer. Staring empty at the bloody sight who for a flickering moment met his lost gaze to bring some sense into himself.

"... arrest her..." — Orland muttered.

"Orland?"

"Arrest Karina Valzerie... and Theressa Sylfinnier." — Repeating softly to the Emperor, Orland’s insides broke further, weak and desperate by the reality he came to experience as if it was never enough... this time praying and begging that the sight before him was not the truth anyone could come to believe.

Stillness in the midst of chaotic fear was gushing over every soul present, many were confused and blue for the visible end they could find if the crown prince who was fixated on caring for his beloved decided to move from such a spot... They begged from their cores that nothing would happen if the man called a hero, but also a gruesome madman, decided to find his own relief with the lives present in the hall. Therefore, a hushed gasp chained them to their places when they saw the crown prince rise, carefully leaving his beloved after letting his forehead kiss hers... still alive. Refusing to meet the end of her young life.