Kurena coughed weakly, her body screaming in protest as she forced herself to raise one trembling hand.
"…I give up," she said hoarsely. "I won't fight you anymore."
Yumina tilted her head, amused. "Oh?"
Kurena lowered her gaze. "Damon forced me. He threatened to kill my friends. They are people without powers. Civilians. If I disobeyed, they'd die. I didn't have a choice."
Yumina studied her in silence for a moment, then smiled with calm confidence.
"Fair enough. I'll accept your white flag."
Kurena let out a shaky breath of relief. After a pause, she hesitated before asking, "What… what will you do with Kai's body?"
Yumina blinked. "Kai?"
"You destroyed his hand," Kurena said. "That hemorrhage should've killed him by now."
Yumina casually pointed behind her. "Look."
Kurena followed her finger, and froze.
Kai lay there, unconscious.
Breathing.
Both arms intact.
No blood. No wounds.
"…He's alive?" Kurena whispered. "You healed him?"
"Yep," Yumina replied cheerfully. "He's alive and well. Well… mentally traumatized, probably. But biologically? Perfect condition."
Kurena stared at her, utterly baffled. "Why?"
Yumina shrugged. "I'm not a villain, you know?"
She stepped closer, her eyes sharp despite the playful tone. "Now, tell me about Damon. Where is he, and what does he want?"
Kurena swallowed. "He's here. In Ashford."
Yumina's smile faded slightly. "And?"
"He wants the daughter of King Charles," Kurena continued. "Princess Kiana Valliere."
Yumina's eyes narrowed.
"Interesting."
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Within Ashford's inner district stood a luxurious building, its marble walls bathed in sunlight and guarded by layers of security. Inside one of its most elegant rooms, a young woman stood before a mirror, adjusting the fine clothes laid out for her.
She sighed.
"So boring…"
Princess Kiana Valliere turned slightly toward the woman standing nearby, a tall, dark-haired maid clad in simple yet practical attire. Her posture was straight, and her expression indifferent.
"Aris," Kiana said, "don't you think my life is unbearably dull?"
Aris folded her hands calmly. "That depends on one's perspective, Your Highness."
Kiana puffed her cheeks. "You're no fun."
She spun around, clasping her hands behind her back. "You know I've had talent for magic since birth, right?"
"Technically correct," Aris replied flatly. "Still, your existence is too precious for the kingdom to be put at risk. Outside of Eldara, His Majesty will only allow you to set foot in Ashford."
"Grr, I know…" Kiana groaned. Then she brightened. "Aris, can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"You swore to follow my orders, not my father's. Correct?"
"…Yes."
"You'll follow my royal commands even if they seem absurd to the kingdom?"
"Yes, milady," Aris said, closing her eyes with a stoic expression. "Even if I personally disagree."
She paused.
"Still, I advise against reckless actions. His Majesty still has that man under his command. If necessary, he won't hesitate to send him to retrieve you."
Kiana's expression stiffened.
The man Aris referred to was the greatest knight of Erindor, the one granted the title of Sword Saint. His mastery of the blade eclipsed all others. Though not formally part of the Royal Guard, he remained Charles' greatest asset.
"I know," Kiana said softly. Then her eyes lit up with resolve. "But I can't give up. I'll either come up with the greatest plan to achieve my freedom…or wait for someone strong enough to rescue me from this prison!"
"…You are not imprisoned, milady," Aris said with a sigh. "You possess what most women in this country never will. Wealth. Power. Education. Knowledge. Beauty. You will never lack food or shelter either."
Kiana turned to face her fully, eyes blazing.
"And what do any of those things matter if I can't live my life the way I want?"
Aris fell silent.
"I'm grateful to my father," Kiana continued. "Truly. He's done everything to keep me safe and comfortable. But it's time to let me fly with my own wings."
She clenched her fist.
"I have no interest in ruling Erindor right now. Nor in marrying some stranger who only wants my status. If I'm ever going to rule anything, I want to understand the pain and struggle of those beneath me first."
She smiled, determined.
"To do that, I need to experience the outside world. I want to become an adventurer."
Aris sighed once more, already knowing resistance was futile.
"…Very well."
Kiana's tension melted instantly. "All this talk made me bored of staying on this building. Aris, let's take a walk around the city."
Aris bowed slightly. "Yes, ma'am."