In the fortified town of Galica, preparations for defense were underway at the battle force base. Sei, the queen, rallied over seventy thousand soldiers, readying them to protect the borders. Her captains, including Aoi, greeted her with salutes, delivering urgent reports on the escalating invasion.
"Your Majesty," one captain began, "these are all the soldiers we can spare for the mission. The beasts are too active in the north and west, preventing other regions from sending reinforcements."
Aoi added, "Our generals' forces are tied to their posts as per your orders, guarding the borders. With our current situation, we're struggling to muster enough troops to defend Galica, let alone send backup to General Agane."
Sei surveyed her soldiers, her expression grave. She knew that if the enemy could shatter the protective magic shielding against black magic users, the intruder in their territory was no ordinary threat. "We have no choice," she declared. "I'll join the mission myself. Aoi, you and General Azuki stay to protect Galica."
The announcement stunned the room. Aoi pleaded, "Your Majesty, please reconsider. Galica is safer with you here."
Others echoed her, urging Sei to let them handle the front lines and support Agane. Sei raised a hand, silencing them, and walked into the headquarters, Aoi and the captains trailing behind. "It's not that I doubt your ability to aid Agane," she said, pausing to face them. "But I won't allow more of my people to die. I also need to test something."
Minutes later, they gathered in Galica's courtroom, where Sei waited with her soldiers. Soon, guards escorted Zhui, bound in special cuffs and chains, to the center of the room. She stood defiant, meeting Sei's gaze. "Is this my sentencing?" Zhui asked.
"Your human friend failed to return in time to save you," Sei replied. "The Supreme Commander has ordered us to transfer you to Regaisu tomorrow for your trial. In three days, that trial will likely be your end."
Silence followed. Zhui showed no fear, as if she'd expected this. Glancing around, she asked, "Why summon me just to tell me that? I can't escape—you've held my life from the start."
Sei's expression remained unreadable as she approached Zhui. Aoi called out, warning, "Your Majesty, even bound, she's dangerous. Don't get closer!"
Sei ignored her, raising a hand to silence Aoi. From her crest, she produced a small object that glowed, activating the stones on Zhui's cuffs. One by one, they unlocked, freeing her. The room erupted in shock as soldiers drew their swords, fearing an attack.
"Your Majesty, what are you doing?" Aoi cried.
Zhui, equally stunned, felt her power return. Scales shimmered across her skin, and her tail emerged. "What's your game?" she demanded.
Sei continued forward, unfazed. "I don't blame you for hating us. That's why I'm giving you a chance."
"A chance?" Zhui echoed, wary.
Sei explained that Zhui could act as she saw fit—attack her to claim her power or flee. "You could try to consume me for my strength," Sei said, stopping before her. "Or use this to escape."
Zhui lowered her defenses, standing straight. She knew she couldn't defeat Sei in her weakened state. "Even if I tried to flee, your soldiers wouldn't allow it," she said. "Or maybe you want me to try so you have an excuse to kill me."
Sei raised her hand, addressing her soldiers. "If Zhui attempts to escape, no one is to pursue or harm her. That's an order—disobey, and face punishment."
"Your Majesty, you can't just release her!" a soldier protested.
Sei turned to Zhui. "If you choose to leave, I ask one thing: don't harm or kill anyone in my domain."
Her soldiers knelt, begging her to reconsider. "This isn't just about our safety from a Soul Eater," one general said. "If Eskapa learns you freed her despite their demand for her trial, they'll lose trust in you, affecting your standing as—"
Before he could finish, Sei's yellow eyes glowed, activating her Crimson Eye. Time rewound, returning the soldiers to their original positions. They gasped, realizing her power had reset their actions. "Your Majesty," Aoi whispered, pleading for someone to stop her, wishing Agane were there.
Aoi sighed. "We must trust our queen and support her decision."
Sei circled Zhui, studying her. "Xxv is like a son to me. He'd be heartbroken if you died because of me. I don't want that, so please, don't act recklessly in my town."
Zhui, confused but resolute, replied, "I'm a Khan noble, not a butcher who slaughters innocents."
Sei smiled, thanking her, then fell silent, gazing at Zhui. The room stilled, and though free, Zhui didn't move. "What's wrong? You're free to go," Sei said.
Zhui's eyes flared with anger. "What are you playing at?" She saw the soldiers' opposition and understood the political fallout Sei risked. "Whatever happens to you isn't my concern," Sei replied calmly. "But if you're truly important to Xxv, I won't let you suffer because of me."
Zhui bristled, shouting, "I promised Xxv I wouldn't cause trouble for those he cares about. I won't break that!"
Sei cut in, insistent. "No one can save you if you don't leave now—not me, not Xxv. This world is full of sorrow and hatred. I don't want Xxv to face that from his allies."
Silence fell as Zhui grappled with her anger and despair, knowing Xxv's efforts to save her would only complicate things. Sei stepped back, ascending the steps to her soldiers. "Before you go," she said, "I have one favor to ask in return."
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