Back at the balcony:
Manu stood alone, staring into the distance, the book still weighing heavily on her mind.
"Now that I know of Diego's existence… should I just go see him? No… I still have work to do here. But it would be best for me… it's only a matter of time before Zan—"
The glass door suddenly shattered into pieces.
Before she could react, Zanu barged onto the balcony and grabbed Manu by the neck.
"I should have done this a lot sooner," Zanu said coldly, her grip tightening. "But I had more than enough on my plate."
She dragged Manu forward and pushed her to the edge of the balcony.
"So tell me… how do you want to die? Should I just throw you off here?" She shoved her slightly, letting her teeter dangerously. "Or should I strangle you to death?"
Her eyes burned with fury.
"Tell me… how did you kill him? And who ordered you to?"
She released her grip slightly, and Manu gasped for air.
"I—I was given a syringe… I don't know from who…"
Zanu's expression hardened.
"I hope you're finally happy now. My life is as pathetic as yours now."
She paused, her voice lowering.
"I was thinking of sending thugs for your dad…"
Manu gasped.
"But I'm not as disgusting as you."
Zanu leaned closer, her glare icy.
"Your hell is awaiting you in the place you least expect it, Manu."
She stepped back.
"You were planning on running with Asuna, right? Better do so fast… and never show me that disgusting face of yours again."
She turned and exited, leaving shattered glass and silence behind.
Manu fell to the ground helplessly as the maids rushed in, gathering the broken pieces of glass.
Moments later, Asuna walked in.
"Are you okay? You poor thing… stand."
She helped Manu to her feet.
"We need to move now."
They exited quickly.
From a distance, Kizaru—disguised as a repairman—watched quietly. He removed his phone and made a call.
"Madam… just as planned. They're about to make their move."
He hung up.
Asuna tightened her grip on Manu's hand as they moved.
"Hurry. There's a probability something might happen to your dad."
Manu suddenly pulled her hand away.
"I don't want to go. I just want to be left alone."
Asuna stopped.
"Manu? You prefer to die by the elders' hands for murdering the king… than meeting that one person that longed to see your face?"
Manu's expression twisted with frustration.
"Where was he? When I needed him the most? Where was Diego? When my life was a living hell—where was Asuna?"
Her voice rose, filled with years of pain.
"I made it this far with nobody by my side… and now Diego—my dad—appears. Asuna—my helper—appears. Maria, stupid diary—everything just suddenly shows up!"
"Asuna…"
"Who even made all these stupid rules? Royals this, true descendants that—why is—"
"You're wrong!"
Asuna's voice cut through sharply, louder than before.
"My mom didn't make any of these so-called rules. It must be the doing of the elders. My mom never made any of those rules."
Her tone softened slightly.
"The only rule she made… was that everyone must be loved and treated the same."
Manu scoffed.
Asuna continued, her gaze steady.
"I'm really sorry you had to go through this. Everything will be over once my powers are finally back to me. Then I'll get to rule the palace just like the old times."
Manu let out a bitter laugh.
"You think the current ruler would just give their position up for you? Why? Because you're the founder? You must still be living in—"
"The elders would give me my place back," Asuna interrupted firmly. "They are aware of everything, but choose to keep their mouths shut."
Her expression hardened.
"I don't know where this type of generation came from… and the audacity that you people have."
She stepped closer.
"I think it's high time I put you people back in your place—and I'll be starting with you."
Her voice dropped, commanding.
"When I tell you to do something… then you do it."
Manu laughed.
"And what if I refuse?"
Asuna didn't hesitate.
"I made a promise to your mom to watch over you. I also promised to discipline you when you're at fault."
She turned slightly.
"Now pack your things. We leave in an hour."