**Chapter 35**
While trials unfolded within the tower, soldiers bustled to prepare for Sei's return to her military base, just four kilometers from her palace—a frequent stop for reports. Agane and others greeted her arrival with reverence.
"Your Majesty, weren't you scheduled for next week? Is there an emergency?" Agane asked.
Sei offered no reply, striding into the building. Agane pressed, "If it's about our captive Soul Eater, rest assured—five layers of sealing spells secure her cell."
Sei paused, turning to Agane. A heavy silence hung between them before Sei spoke. "Do you trust me, Agane?"
Startled, Agane knelt instantly. "Yes, Your Majesty. Since the beginning, I've served you with unwavering loyalty, and that won't change until death."
Pleased, Sei nodded. "I'm glad to hear that. Come with me."
A chill of unease gripped Agane, recalling Sei's past decisions that risked her safety. She followed silently as Sei descended to the basement, guards saluting along the way until they reached the final cell.
Facing Suwi's door, Sei ordered it opened. "As you wish," a soldier complied, assisting her inside.
Suwi sat chained, motionless, awaiting her fate. Sei addressed her. "Good day, Miss Suwi, is it?"
Shocked to hear her name, Suwi snarled, "You've no right to speak my name, puppet of Eskapa's false saint!"
Agane lunged, fist raised. "You insolent plague!" But before she struck, she froze mid-motion, like a statue.
"What's happening?" Agane gasped.
"Return," Sei intoned.
In a blink, Agane reverted to Sei's side, as if untouched. Awe and fear gripped the room—Suwi recognized Sei's Columbus power, the Time Keeper, controlling time around her.
"Calm yourself, Agane. I want peace and clarity here," Sei said.
"Forgive my outburst, but I can't bear her insulting you," Agane replied.
"It's natural for her to resent me as her enemy, just as you do her. Aren't you harsh, calling her a plague when she's done nothing to you?" Sei countered.
Agane grappled with the point, though her hatred for Soul Eaters—rooted in their betrayal five years ago—persisted. Sei explained how Agane lost comrades, friends, and kin to that tragedy.
"She lost much, so you can't blame her disgust for your kind. But you weren't among those who attacked my city, were you?" Sei asked.
Suwi scoffed. "How would I know? My servants were slaughtered by Eskapa, and Soul Eater clans don't ally lightly."
Sei sighed, stepping closer. Agane moved to intervene, but Sei waved her off. "Don't worry, Agane. She won't attack me in my domain."
"I learned from Xxv you're a creator. I'd speak with you respectfully—may I?" Sei said, nearing Suwi with a letter.
From Magdalena, it summoned them, including Suwi, to a tribunal in a week. "Your trial looms, and I regret to say your chances of survival are slim—days remain," Sei stated gravely.
Suwi's rage erupted in a scream, "Argh!!" yet she restrained herself, punching the floor to calm down. Sei, surprised by her restraint, asked, "Won't you strike me to ease your anger?"
Suwi shook her head. "It won't save me, and I can't harm a powerful being like you."
"You're wrong. I'd accept your punch if it frees your rage," Sei offered.
Shock silenced the room. Agane knelt, pleading, "Your Majesty, don't— it's blasphemy. Let me take the blow, repeatedly if needed, I beg you."
Sei raised a hand, silencing her. "Of the ten Espada, even my vote against Suwi's execution won't stop it. Out of sympathy, I offer help, however small."
"What are you saying?" Suwi demanded.
Sei explained her pursuit of justice and fairness, bound by law. Closing her eyes, she offered her body to Suwi's strike.
Suwi's frustration peaked. "What's your game? I'm no lowly creature to do that," she snapped, tears streaming as she claimed her royal dignity and desire for peace with her husband.
Testing Sei's kindness, she begged release to reunite with him. Sei remained silent, pity etching her face, then spoke of Xxv.
"Xxv's determination for his dream never wavered—he never abandoned you for gain. I trained him at Magdalena's request, seeing his potential as a great man. I regret his plight," Sei said.
"But peace with Xxv seems impossible. Magdalena won't free him from Eskapa, and Yuki's kingdom won't accept you together," she added.
Suwi bowed, sobbing, accepting her lack of control. Sei warned that Xxv's heroism would crumble if his link to Suwi surfaced, isolating him. Yuki kept him on a distant island for this.
Sei gently touched Suwi's hair, calming her like a child. "Your Majesty!" Agane cried.
Suwi recoiled. "Are you mad? Want to die?"
"Serphia says you needn't eat souls to live, so touching you should be fine," Sei replied.
"You're wrong. Serphia gives me spirit energy, but that doesn't mean you can touch me. Why do this? If you're here to announce my execution, you've done it—leave!" Suwi shouted.
Silence fell. "You're right, my purpose is served, but I seek clarity," Sei said.
She asked how Suwi survived fifty years without souls, why none else could, and what made her spirit pet special. Nathaniel's claim intrigued her—other Soul Eaters knew nothing of it.
Suwi sneered, "Think I'd reveal that to an Eskapa dog who destroyed my clan?"
"Perhaps I could save you if we prove this possible. I'd protect you from all Weapons," Sei offered.
Suwi gaped, but Agane knelt again, pleading, "Your Majesty, you trusted Soul Eaters before—backing her could turn the world against you."
Sei lifted Agane. "Can you trust me?"
Agane affirmed, though opposing Sei's plan, fearing for her queen's safety against nations and groups. Millions could suffer if Sei's kingdom fell for a Soul Eater.
Suwi interjected, "Enough. I won't drag others into my mess, especially if you're vital to my husband. Release me to leave—this place holds nothing for me. I swear never to eat souls"
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