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00:00Hurry, that's her.
00:05The pearl her highness desires is within her body.
00:10Split her open, retrieve the pearl.
00:16Take this to report to her highness.
00:18There, look at the heart of the sea.
00:20There is yet another survivor.
00:22I saw with my own eyes as my sister was slain.
00:24Since you are reluctant to leave, then remain here for all eternity.
00:27Release your arrows.
00:29Slay her.
00:30Leave no soul alive.
00:31Sky-darking arrows tore through the air.
00:33I plunged desperately into the water, fighting for my life.
00:35Arrows skimming the surface, shrieked with piercing sound.
00:37I dove beneath to the hidden reefs.
00:38The voice of my sister echoed in my ears.
00:41Serafina, you must live well.
00:44In the southern sea dwell the merfolk,
00:46holy and ancient, concealed beneath the waves.
00:47They should never have been disturbed.
00:49But within the belly of the mermaid saint lay a pearl beyond compare.
00:52Should one embed it within, they'd possess a bewitching charm, an eternal beauty.
00:55Upon hearing this, Lady Evelyn lost all appetite.
00:57His majesty, in pursuit of her favor, commanded the slaughter of the merfolk,
00:59where the steel struck, none survived.
01:01The sea was dyed crimson, half its waters turned red.
01:03Everywhere lay my kin.
01:04I alone narrowly escaped, hiding among the dark reefs.
01:06The world knows only that within the merfolk, the saint conceals a legendary pearl.
01:10Yet none know that among this generation, two saints emerged at once.
01:14One possessed an enchanting beauty, yet her flesh and blood could nurture venomous creatures.
01:18And that one was me.
01:18To avenge this blood feud, I endured agony that gnawed at bones and soul.
01:22Inch by inch, I crawled onto land.
01:23Using my blood as a guide, I invoked the forbidden merfolk ritual.
01:26With agony, my tail shattered, my bones reforged, my veins reshaped,
01:29forcing my tail to become a pair of human legs.
01:32Then, sacrificing all my bones and blood, upon this silent night,
01:34I nurtured a thousand venomous creatures,
01:36until a black serpent with crimson tongue flickering coiled round my wrist.
01:39It consumed thousands of venomous creatures, becoming the king of venom.
01:43From that moment, after three months, I mastered the art of venom.
01:46Battered and wandering, I made my way at last to the capital,
01:49disguised as a palace dancer.
01:50With a pouch of pearls formed from the tears of merfolk,
01:52I exchanged for news of the emperor, Charles' whereabouts.
01:55As moonlight washed the shore, I walked upon the water,
01:57my toes skimming the rippling waves, blooming at every pace.
02:00As if skimming atop waves, fragrant aura wafted all around,
02:02carried aloft by the breeze, drawing colorful butterflies to seek the scent,
02:06circling in celestial dance, lingering endlessly.
02:10Charles stood transfixed, watching for a long while,
02:13until my dance concluded.
02:14Turning, I inadvertently met his gaze.
02:16My heart jolted in fright, hurriedly slipped on my shoes,
02:19preparing to depart, yet he called out to halt me.
02:21Stop.
02:22Are you a palace dancer?
02:23This dance is extraordinary.
02:25I've never witnessed such.
02:27I feigned unfamiliarity with his features,
02:29all hatred concealed beneath that mask.
02:32In response to your excellency,
02:33this is a dance from my homeland.
02:35Very few have ever seen it.
02:37Homeland.
02:38I can't fathom what hills and rivers could nurture such a dance,
02:41so otherworldly.
02:43Your excellency, there is nothing but ceaseless sea wind.
02:46However well I danced, only the wind witnessed.
02:49No one understood.
02:50The wind doesn't understand.
02:52But am I not standing here, watching?
02:54A hint of fragrance drifted near, and the air grew softly intimate.
02:57Now that you've found a true witness,
03:00why do you not dare to raise your head?
03:02I glimpsed awe in Charles' eyes,
03:03a marvel passing through them.
03:05Then he spoke with gravity.
03:06Her highness delights in the dance.
03:07Soon comes her birthday.
03:09Perform this dance in celebration for her.
03:10I feigned ignorance of his true identity,
03:12knelt down upon the ground, crying in fear.
03:14I did not know you were his majesty.
03:16I beg your forgiveness.
03:17Charles waved his hand.
03:18Rise.
03:19You are forgiven.
03:20Do not disappoint me and her.
03:22Thank you for your grace.
03:26Watching Charles' retreating form,
03:28I moved my finger slightly.
03:29A tiny venomous creature burrowed into his skin.
03:31The next day, news of the emperor's encounter
03:33with a dancer by Swanmere spread through the harem.
03:35There came a knock at my door.
03:36The visitor was a matron unfamiliar to me.
03:38I was brought before Lady Evelyn.
03:39Inside Radiant's hall,
03:41she sat resplendent in silks,
03:42her hair adorned with pins,
03:43alone atop the high dais.
03:44It was for a single mermaid pearl
03:45that she killed my whole clan and slew my sister.
03:47Upon seeing me, her face was full of disdain.
03:49She covered her lips and sneered.
03:50Such an unsightly thing, yet you dance for me?
03:53Before coming,
03:53I had already covered my face with numerous blemishes.
03:56She's quick to jealousy.
03:57Should my true beauty be revealed in her presence,
03:59a violent fate would follow.
04:00Your highness, I shall veil my face during the dance.
04:03Never will I startle you.
04:05Enough.
04:06Enough.
04:06With a face as yours,
04:07you can't stir any waves.
04:09Since it is his majesty's will,
04:11I shall accept it.
04:12Evelyn waved her hand.
04:13The matron at her side led me away.
04:15Just as I departed,
04:16I met Charles, newly arrived.
04:17A hurried glance revealed
04:18that I looked nothing like I did last night.
04:20Yet the unique fragrance was unmistakable.
04:22He knew well it was my means of survival.
04:24A spark of anger kindled in Charles' heart
04:25toward her highness.
04:26I let a faint smile touch my lips.
04:28The smallest seed of dissatisfaction
04:29shall, in Charles' heart,
04:30burrow deep and take root,
04:31growing at last into a towering tree.
04:33When that day comes,
04:34all the glory and favor she enjoys
04:35shall matter not.
04:36The higher the climb,
04:37the more ruinous the fall.
04:38Back in my own chambers,
04:39I washed away the spots from my face.
04:41Evelyn Westcott,
04:42is it not your wish
04:42to possess an alluring body,
04:44a beauty beyond compare?
04:45I shall see that all your gains
04:46and all you long for
04:46turn to empty dreams,
04:47scattered upon the earth.
04:48Now, the black serpent
04:49coiled around my wrist.
04:50Soon,
04:52I shall be the first
04:53to send her beneath the earth
04:54to pay penance to my sister.
04:56On the day of Evelyn's birth celebration,
04:58the revelry was grand.
04:59Lotus blossoms covered
05:00Jadewater Lake overnight.
05:01The folk all declared it
05:02a sign of heavenly favor.
05:03Charles stood at the lake shore
05:04beside Evelyn.
05:04The gift your majesty promised.
05:06When will it be presented?
05:08Charles nodded in acknowledgement.
05:09As the music began to play,
05:10I stepped onto the lotus leaves.
05:12Elegant in every step,
05:12fragrance blossomed anew
05:13while radiant butterfly
05:14was descended,
05:15dancing with me,
05:16all present gazed on.
05:17Entranced as if under a spell,
05:18only Evelyn clenched her fist tightly.
05:19In that moment,
05:20my veil slipped quietly,
05:21revealing a beauty without peer.
05:24As the final note faded,
05:25the assembly remained lost in wonder
05:27until I sank to my knees
05:28before Charles.
05:28Serafina Drake
05:29offers birthday greetings
05:30to your highness.
05:31May you two share deep affection,
05:33never parting from one another.
05:34Jealousy in Evelyn's eyes
05:35was almost tangible.
05:37May the realm of the dominion
05:38endure forever.
05:39Blessing to its sovereigns.
05:40At some point,
05:41Charles had released Evelyn's hand.
05:43He reached toward me
05:44and softly spoke.
05:45Rise at once.
05:45Truly,
05:46you haven't disappointed me.
05:47Evelyn,
05:48nearly grinding her teeth to dust,
05:49forced a wand smile and said,
05:50The gift your majesty bestowed upon me
05:52I cherish dearly.
05:53Charles replied with a perfunctory nod.
05:55So long as you are pleased.
05:56The spell began to take effect,
05:58clouding his judgment.
05:59With a subtle motion,
06:00I sought to summon the enchantment back.
06:02Your majesty.
06:02In that very instant,
06:03a man's voice rose from amidst the crowd.
06:05Why not grant this beauty unto my house?
06:07That peace may reign between us.
06:09Who dares to speak?
06:11Your majesty,
06:12it's the crown prince of the Elysian kingdom.
06:14The man strode forward,
06:15adorned in the garb of distant lands,
06:17tall and imposing.
06:18I pay respects to your majesty.
06:19I am Adrian Ellsworth,
06:21crown prince of Elysian.
06:23Should your majesty be willing
06:24to bestow this beauty upon me?
06:26I shall pledge peace between our realms
06:28for a hundred years.
06:29It is fortune unmatched indeed.
06:31To exchange a mere dancing girl
06:32for the harmony of two nations,
06:34by any measure,
06:34a bargain beyond compare.
06:35Standing nearby,
06:36Evelyn added,
06:37Your majesty,
06:38surely to wed the Elysian as consort
06:40would be the finest destiny
06:42for this young lady.
06:43Charles didn't understand
06:44that by sacrificing an insignificant soul,
06:46he could secure peace for two nations.
06:48Why then was his heart
06:49so burdened with reluctance?
06:50I lifted my face,
06:51regarding Charles in stillness.
06:52For tonight's dance,
06:53I brushed a blossom motif beside my eye,
06:54appearing even more enchanting.
06:56You are too late.
06:58She is now a consort of me.
07:01Evelyn,
07:01wide-eyed in disbelief,
07:02cried out,
07:03Your majesty.
07:05Prince Adrian departed in regret,
07:06yet my back was already
07:07drenched in cold sweat.
07:08Fortunately,
07:09I had not yet had the chance
07:09to remove the worm.
07:11Otherwise,
07:11I'd likely have been sent
07:12into foreign lands.
07:13Such peace,
07:14achieved without violence,
07:15is something no sovereign
07:16could ever refuse.
07:17During the day,
07:18Charles declared me
07:19one of his consorts.
07:20That very night,
07:20the imperial decree
07:21was delivered to my chambers.
07:22I left the dwelling
07:23where I once lived as a dancer.
07:24From afar,
07:25I looked back
07:25and silently vowed in my heart
07:26that I'd repay the suffering
07:27of my sister and my people
07:28a thousandfold.
07:29Upon reaching Moonlight Hall,
07:30Evelyn was already awaiting me there.
07:32She looked at my face,
07:33wearing a wicked smirk.
07:35You dare to deceive me.
07:38If I hadn't lied,
07:40would I have lived
07:41until the day of the dance?
07:42You seem to know me.
07:43Then do you know
07:44even if you've shown face
07:45before his majesty
07:46and been granted your title,
07:48I shall kill you all the same.
07:50I gazed quietly at her.
07:51My eyes remained calm
07:51and unruffled.
07:52So you have already devised
07:53a manner for my death.
07:54A fire in the palace,
07:56Lady Serafina perishes
07:57in the flames.
07:58I have been wed
07:59to his majesty since youth.
08:01My father and brother
08:02have fought for him.
08:03Surely, a single life
08:05means nothing
08:05and he would not
08:06hold me accountable.
08:07Those brought by Evelyn
08:08bound my hands and feet
08:09and threw me to the ground.
08:10They doused me in oil.
08:12When the spark fell,
08:13Evelyn laughed
08:13without restraint.
08:14His majesty is drunk tonight.
08:15No one in all the palace
08:16can save you.
08:17I watched Evelyn's
08:18departing figure
08:19without the least stir
08:20upon my face
08:21until every guard at the gates
08:22bled from every orifice
08:23and died.
08:25I cradled shadow
08:26and stepped out
08:27from the flames.
08:27Following the guidance
08:28of the ants,
08:29I ran towards a certain place
08:30until I collided
08:30with someone's arms.
08:32I lifted my gaze
08:33toward the man.
08:34Fear lingered in my eyes
08:35yet to fade away.
08:36Tears brimmed in my eyes.
08:37Investigate the fire.
08:38I nestled in his embrace.
08:40I gave no reply.
08:40He did not truly remain
08:41ignorant of the culprit.
08:42He was merely putting on a show,
08:44just as Evelyn had said.
08:45After all,
08:46they wed as youth.
08:46Your majesty,
08:48I am afraid.
08:49I nestled into his arms,
08:50putting on a delicate manner.
08:51Charles was indeed in his cups,
08:53a faint flush coloring his face,
08:54his every breath tinged
08:55with the scent of wine.
08:56I was born with a bewitching charm
08:57and with the spell of the goo,
08:58desire began to kindle deep
08:59within Charles' gaze.
09:00He swept me up,
09:01carrying me to Tranquility Palace.
09:02I had no doubt that word of this
09:03would soon reach Evelyn's ears.
09:05With her temperament,
09:06she'd never let this lie.
09:07Sure enough,
09:07I had barely set foot
09:08in Tranquility Palace
09:09when the eunuch in Evelyn's service
09:10knelt before the hall.
09:11Your majesty,
09:12her highness is indisposed.
09:13She suffers
09:14and begs to see you now.
09:15Your majesty,
09:17do you wish to visit her highness?
09:19His gaze was no longer clear.
09:20He stared blankly at me.
09:22With my beloved consort by my side,
09:24what need have I for others?
09:26I covered my mouth,
09:27smiling softly.
09:28Within this chamber,
09:29there was only Charles and myself.
09:31He gazed at me with a fool's devotion.
09:32His hot breath brushed against my neck.
09:34Yet in the next moment,
09:34he sank into slumber.
09:35Upon his brow,
09:36a flesh-pink little creature
09:37wriggled its way inward,
09:38slowly.
09:39I pushed him upon the bed.
09:40I've woven for you a splendid dream,
09:43so bask in it well.
09:45Saying thus,
09:46I drew the hairpin,
09:47piercing my fingertip.
09:48I let my blood drip onto a kerchief.
09:49The rest I feed wholly into Charles' mouth.
09:51Let not this blood go to waste.
09:52Though this dose can do the body
09:53no true harm.
09:54With time,
09:54day upon day,
09:55it shall claim your life.
09:56In this poison,
09:56none in this world may cure it but I.
09:57The moon had passed its zenith.
09:59Moonlight streamed softly through the window.
10:00I kept watch by the hour,
10:01waiting for her arrival.
10:02A faint rustling came from the window ledge.
10:04It was a spider,
10:05no larger than a fingernail,
10:06just one among the spies
10:07I had placed within the palace.
10:08I rose to my feet,
10:09smoothed my robes,
10:10then I stepped in out.
10:10Evelyn stood before the hall.
10:12Behind her followed a dark mass,
10:13a throng of eunuchs and maids.
10:14It was hardly for seeking favor.
10:15It was a show of power.
10:16I stood before her,
10:17deliberately lifting my hair,
10:18revealing the red mark upon my neck.
10:20Beneath the moonlight,
10:20I stood atop the steps.
10:21I offered her a faint smile.
10:23His majesty has retired.
10:24Your highness may return tomorrow.
10:25Evelyn regarded me with bitter resentment.
10:27Her features contorted.
10:28Wretch,
10:28I shall see you dead.
10:29I raised a finger toward her abdomen and spoke.
10:31Pray calm yourself,
10:32lest you disturb the child.
10:33In but a single phrase,
10:34Evelyn stood frozen in place.
10:35Charles once promised,
10:36should Evelyn bear the eldest prince,
10:37she would be the empress.
10:39Yet five years into their union,
10:40her womb had shown not the slightest stir.
10:41All these years,
10:42Evelyn had sought every remedy.
10:43Healers from every corner had come.
10:45Should she still fail,
10:46the seat shall forever be out of her reach.
10:47Attend me.
10:48Drag this wretch out at once.
10:50Beat her to death.
10:51This was her deepest agony.
10:52Yet now I had spoken of it boldly
10:53before the entire assembly.
10:54How could she not be enraged?
10:56I shook off the hands of those eunuchs.
10:57Your highness,
10:58pray still your anger.
10:59Might it not be wise to summon the doctors?
11:00If I may,
11:01allow me one more word.
11:01Only I can safeguard this child within you.
11:03Evelyn reclined upon the chaise in the side hall.
11:05Several court doctors knelt in waiting.
11:06She held her head,
11:07weariness clouding her gaze,
11:09and spoke with impatience in her voice.
11:10Well,
11:10have I conceived or not?
11:12Your highness,
11:12this pulse is surely laden with joy.
11:14Several physicians answered in unison.
11:15Evelyn,
11:16overcome with joy,
11:17sprang to her feet.
11:17Tears glimmered within her eyes.
11:19Truly?
11:19Her voice trembled ever so slightly,
11:20wary and filled with great care.
11:22I gazed upon her countenance.
11:23My heart couldn't help but wonder
11:24that someone so utterly arrogant
11:25might also display such cautious demeanor.
11:27She then turned her eyes toward me,
11:28recalling the words I had spoken,
11:29and she continued,
11:30Is the state of my unborn child still stable?
11:32Your highness,
11:33judging from your pulse,
11:34it is steady and strong.
11:35There is nothing amiss.
11:36Upon hearing this,
11:36she smiled,
11:37but her gaze overflowed with murderous intent.
11:39Now that I bear a child within,
11:40I should not be seeing blood,
11:41yet you are truly displeasing to my eyes.
11:43To spare you would leave me unsettled.
11:44At Evelyn's command,
11:45those eunuchs stationed at her side
11:47stepped forward and seized my arms,
11:48intending to drag me away.
11:49My fingers moved,
11:50and an instant later,
11:50she clutched her womb,
11:51wracked with pain as she cried out.
11:52The doctors assessed her pulse,
11:53yet every one of them furrowed their brows
11:55and knelt upon the ground.
11:56Your highness,
11:56spare us.
11:57This is a sign of miscarriage.
11:58Evelyn was thrown into panic.
11:59The child she'd struggled to conceive
12:00only just confirmed with joyful news.
12:02How could she be losing it?
12:03At this moment,
12:04she finally turned her pale face toward me,
12:05spitting out two words with bitter.
12:07You come.
12:07If you fail to protect this child,
12:09I shall have your entire clan put to death.
12:10I looked upon her fierce visage,
12:12clenching my palm hard in silence.
12:13My entire clan.
12:14She seemed unaware that all my kin
12:15were killed long ago,
12:16only I dragged myself from the hell
12:17to seek vengeance upon her.
12:18I pierced her with a few needles.
12:20Evelyn's complexion gradually eased.
12:22The doctor examined her pulse,
12:23found it calm.
12:24The child has been secured, it seems.
12:25In truth,
12:25I know nothing of medicine,
12:26nor was Evelyn truly with child.
12:28It was only when she set fire to kill me
12:29that I planted a parasite within her.
12:30It can mimic the pulse of pregnancy,
12:32creating the illusion of a child.
12:33Even toward the latter days,
12:34it'd show signs of life.
12:35Yet all the while,
12:36it tormented the host,
12:37devouring her strength.
12:37It answered to my will.
12:38Should I wish her dead,
12:39she would not survive.
12:40Yet the death of Evelyn alone
12:41couldn't quell the hatred in my heart.
12:42It was her father and brother
12:43who slaughtered my people.
12:44I gazed upon Evelyn's joyful face,
12:46a cold smirk curling my lips.
12:47The pain my sister suffered,
12:48I shall make you repay a thousandfold.
12:50Upon returning to tranquility,
12:51Charles was still deep in slumber.
12:52I shed my outer garments
12:53and lay beside him,
12:54lost in thought.
12:54When he learns of Evelyn's pregnancy,
12:55such news,
12:56what expression shall he wear?
12:57After all,
12:57he administered a drug to Evelyn long ago,
12:59ensuring she'd never bear a child.
13:00Her family held the sword.
13:01Their power was absolute.
13:02Should Evelyn truly bear the eldest son?
13:04Who knows if they harbor rebellious intentions?
13:05Charles did have a measure
13:06of true affection for her,
13:07but compared to his reign,
13:08it was insignificant.
13:09As Charles awoke,
13:10he stared at my face,
13:11stunned for a while.
13:12He seemed to linger on last night's memory.
13:13It appeared the dream pleased him greatly.
13:15Under his gaze,
13:16I slowly feigned awakening,
13:17offering a bashful smile,
13:18and just as I was about to dress him,
13:19his chief eunuch,
13:20Benjamin Clark,
13:20made his report outside.
13:21Your Majesty,
13:22Her Highness has sent word.
13:23The physician confirmed her pregnancy.
13:24Upon hearing this,
13:25the smile upon his face froze.
13:26He furrowed his brow.
13:27Has word been sent out?
13:28Your Majesty,
13:29Her Highness has delivered a message
13:30to her father.
13:31I rose from my seat,
13:32preparing to depart,
13:33yet he took hold of my hand.
13:33You were utterly exhausted.
13:35Rest first within the hall.
13:36I shall order that a finer palace
13:38be sought for you.
13:38I gave thanks to him.
13:39I obediently lay upon the dragon bed,
13:41watching the silhouette of him
13:41as he departed.
13:42Evelyn was with child.
13:43They harbored dark motives.
13:44Charles must balance the powers
13:45within the court,
13:46and contend with the child
13:47in Evelyn's womb.
13:48At this moment,
13:48none had time to heat a consort
13:49without standing,
13:50and that was the finest chance
13:51for my vengeance.
13:52The Elysian crown prince
13:53from the banquet
13:53was the blade I wield
13:54for retribution.
13:55The lives I sought
13:56were far more than these few.
13:57You slaughtered my entire clan.
13:58Thus,
13:58I shall overturn the realm.
13:59I penned a note for Shadow
14:00to carry in his mouth.
14:03The word passed swiftly.
14:04I moved into the new palace.
14:05The eunuch serving Lady Evelyn
14:07knocked at my chamber door.
14:08The lady is suffering
14:09unbearable pain.
14:10Lady Serafina,
14:10please attend and examine her.
14:12I touched Shadow,
14:13coiled upon the table,
14:14and slipped it into my pocket,
14:15then proceeded to radiance.
14:16The incense within it was acrid,
14:17yet it could not mask
14:18the scent of blood.
14:18It appeared Charles
14:19had made his move.
14:20Sadly,
14:20there was no child
14:21within her womb.
14:22No matter how much drug
14:22was administered,
14:23it had only caused her to suffer.
14:24My efforts to safeguard
14:25her pregnancy
14:25were hidden thoroughly.
14:27Charles remained unaware
14:27even now.
14:28I stood before Evelyn's bedside,
14:29watching her face contort
14:30from her agony.
14:31Deliberately,
14:32I brought out my needles.
14:33The venomous insect
14:34went unaffected.
14:34It continued to grow
14:35and multiply within her belly.
14:36Will my own child survive?
14:38I casually took her pulse
14:39and told her,
14:40It can be saved,
14:40but you must endure
14:41some hardship.
14:42She gazed at me weakly.
14:43Serafina,
14:44if you dare deceive me,
14:45my father and brother
14:46will not spare you.
14:47Calmly,
14:48I drove the needle in,
14:49inch by inch,
14:50until the whole needle disappeared.
14:51Her pain tore through her soul,
14:52yet she couldn't utter a sound.
14:53All she could do
14:54was glare at me
14:54with burning eyes.
14:55I was rather curious
14:56to see how her father
14:56would exact their revenge on me,
14:58considering they could
14:58hardly save themselves.
14:59I entrusted some parasites
15:01him to slip them
15:02into the food of the Westcots.
15:03They had long supervised
15:04the borders.
15:05If the parasites
15:05should take root
15:06and misfortune
15:07befall the general,
15:07unrest will surely
15:08take the troops.
15:09In that hour,
15:09the Westcott army
15:10will cease to pose a threat.
15:11When all ten needles
15:11were embedded,
15:12I withdrew my hand.
15:13Evelyn was near faint
15:14from agony.
15:14I beckoned with a gentle gesture,
15:16summoning the physician
15:16to examine her.
15:17Yet when the physician entered,
15:18Charles came along.
15:19The doctor examined her pulse.
15:21While Charles and I stood aside,
15:22he fixed me,
15:23then spoke coldly.
15:24I was unaware
15:24you possessed such skill.
15:26A mere folk remedy
15:27from my homeland,
15:27your majesty.
15:28I gave him a gentle smile.
15:29He gave no reply,
15:30merely gazed toward the tent.
15:31I had spoiled his plans.
15:32I couldn't escape punishment.
15:33Within my heart,
15:34I weighed how best
15:34to perform my loyalty to Charles.
15:36The physician reported,
15:37Her Highness's child
15:38has been preserved.
15:39Charles's expression
15:40was unpleasant,
15:41yet he still feigned concern
15:42and took Evelyn's hand.
15:43Evelyn,
15:43you have suffered much.
15:44For your majesty
15:45and the child,
15:46I feel not the least
15:46bit of hardship.
15:47Standing aside,
15:48I could only find amusement.
15:49Look,
15:49did he show even a hint of joy?
15:50Much thanks
15:51should be given to Serafina.
15:52She spoke with feigned sincerity.
15:53She was frail in body.
15:54The entire ward
15:55couldn't protect the child.
15:56Only I could succeed.
15:57Charles's gaze fell upon me,
15:58his voice betraying
15:59an undeniable coldness.
16:00Serafina,
16:01do you plead guilty?
16:02I knelt upon the ground,
16:02reciting the words
16:03I had long prepared in my heart.
16:04I know my offense.
16:05My skills are imprecise,
16:06yet I sought to save her.
16:07Should disaster have occurred,
16:08I could hardly shirk responsibility.
16:10Charles scoffed coldly.
16:11To know your crime as well,
16:12such carelessness
16:13shall be punished by confinement.
16:14I was just about
16:15to accept my punishment,
16:16yet Evelyn spoke up.
16:17Your majesty,
16:17it was by my own wish.
16:19Please don't punish my sister.
16:20She looked at me with concern.
16:21I hardly believe
16:22she did it to help me.
16:23She merely hoped
16:23I would protect her child.
16:24If I were truly confined,
16:26the next time Charles tried again,
16:27I wouldn't arrive in time.
16:28Your highness,
16:29it was my own lack of forethought.
16:30I'm willing to accept it.
16:31I knelt upon the floor,
16:32my voice sincere.
16:33In this moment,
16:33to preserve my life
16:34was the matter of greatest importance.
16:36Enough, Evelyn.
16:36This is the first child
16:37between you and I.
16:38Serafina nearly committed
16:39a grave error.
16:40There is no need to plead for her.
16:41Evelyn opened her mouth,
16:42but in the end said nothing.
16:43After all,
16:44she was itching to see me dead.
16:45I returned to Blessing Hall.
16:46That very night,
16:46Charles came.
16:47By candlelight,
16:47he took my hand
16:48and lightly caressed it.
16:49The fire flickered in his eyes,
16:50his gaze revealing emotions
16:54Serafina,
16:55bear me a child.
16:56Were it not for Charles
16:57standing before me,
16:58I would have burst out
16:58laughing on the spot.
17:00Behold,
17:00no emperor ever loved deeply.
17:01I feigned affection,
17:02pretending to answer him
17:03with bashful shyness.
17:04He carried me into the bedchamber.
17:05I had shared the marriage bed with him.
17:07The insects could be concealed for a time,
17:08but not for a lifetime.
17:09Each time I used it to muddle through,
17:11yet sooner or later,
17:11suspicion would arise.
17:13Merfolk are unbelievably supple,
17:14the rarest beauties.
17:15Charles once tasted such delights,
17:16and thus lingered in my quarters.
17:17Evelyn flew into a terrible rage,
17:19nearly tearing down the Radiance Hall.
17:20She imagined that if Charles
17:21confined me to my chambers,
17:23my favor would surely wane,
17:24came,
17:25should she bear him a royal son?
17:26She could command my death at her whim.
17:27Little did she expect.
17:28Instead of hearing news
17:29of my fall from grace,
17:29she was met with the joyous tidings
17:31that I had conceived.
17:31Unlike Evelyn's so-called pregnancy,
17:33when news reached him of mine,
17:34Charles' joy was entirely sincere.
17:35Years on the throne,
17:36yet his harem remained scant,
17:37and Evelyn couldn't bear a child herself,
17:38so in secret,
17:39she administered medicine
17:39to every concubine.
17:40Thus, to this day,
17:41Charles had remained with no air.
17:42The tender affection in his eyes
17:44lingered like a mist.
17:44Was it not possible
17:45he had fallen for me?
17:46Merfolk are fertile,
17:47so long as I willed it.
17:48Bearing a child
17:48comes far easier than to the humans.
17:50Yet, alas,
17:51this child was fated never to be born.
17:52Every drop of blood in me
17:53had been spent to nurture the creatures.
17:54What could remain for offspring?
17:56Charles Blackwood,
17:57this is your retribution.
17:58You extinguished my entire clan.
17:59Thus, I shall ensure
18:00your lineage is severed.
18:01That only then
18:01might my fury be quenched.
18:02Charles pressed his ear
18:03against my belly,
18:03and his voice was filled with delight.
18:05I believe he is moving.
18:07Smiling,
18:07I caressed his temple and answered,
18:09Your Majesty just wants more.
18:10He's only two months along.
18:11How could he move?
18:12I truly sensed it.
18:13Perhaps my stomach is simply empty.
18:14As these words fell,
18:15the two of us erupted in laughter.
18:17Evelyn entered,
18:17and the scene she witnessed was thus.
18:19Her pregnancy had grown more apparent.
18:20Her frame had become heavy.
18:21Over these days,
18:22her child had settled steadily,
18:23yet she herself appeared ever more worn.
18:25Her complexion was remarkably poor.
18:26Layers of powder
18:27couldn't mask her exhaustion.
18:28The parasite thrived within her womb,
18:30draining her strength.
18:30And I,
18:31nestled in the arms of Charles,
18:32with skin as pale as ivory,
18:33cheeks blossoming,
18:34my laughter and words shining bright.
18:36Upon seeing Evelyn,
18:36I instinctively attempted
18:37to rise from his embrace
18:38to pay my respects.
18:39Yet he held my hand to restrain me.
18:40His brows furrowed,
18:41displeased by her intrusion.
18:42Why have you come here?
18:43Evelyn foreseed a strange smile.
18:45Your Majesty,
18:45I heard the happy news about my sister,
18:47so I came to offer my congratulations.
18:49I didn't expect you to be here as well.
18:50Charles hadn't visited her
18:51in quite some time.
18:52Previously,
18:53making all manner of excuses,
18:54he no longer wished to see her.
18:55Left with no other ways,
18:56she wrote letters to her father,
18:57but no reply had come.
18:58Today,
18:59she heard that I was with child
19:00and could no longer sit idly by.
19:02At these words,
19:02I rose from Charles' arms.
19:04Thank you for your concern,
19:05Your Highness.
19:05Have you been well?
19:06Evelyn gave me no glance,
19:08instead gazing silently at Charles,
19:09eyes brimming with tears.
19:10Your Majesty,
19:11have you grown weary of me?
19:12After all,
19:13we are still a young couple.
19:14Charles' grip on my hand
19:15eased a little.
19:15If not for Evelyn being with child,
19:17causing his heart to be troubled,
19:19I fear I could not so easily
19:20keep Charles by my side.
19:21Don't let your mind wander.
19:22I shall come to see you later tonight.
19:24Just at that moment,
19:25Stuart Clark arrived to report
19:26with an anxious look.
19:28Your Majesty,
19:28urgent news from the front lines.
19:30The ministers are assembled in the hall.
19:31Charles patted my hand,
19:33glanced once more at Evelyn,
19:34then rose and departed Blessing Hall.
19:35I reclined upon the consort's couch,
19:37resting my head and gazing at Evelyn.
19:38Leisurely,
19:38I stifled a yawn.
19:39Do you still have need of me?
19:40If not,
19:40I shall take my rest first.
19:42Evelyn regarded me with a cold laugh,
19:43her now gaunt and hollow-cheeked face
19:45carrying something unsettling.
19:46I had underestimated you, it seems,
19:48but in these inner courts,
19:49what of carrying the royal heir?
19:51It's the birth that requires true mastery.
19:52I shall return these words to you,
19:54your highness.
19:54I idly amused myself,
19:56playing with my nails
19:56without even lifting my gaze.
19:58You vile woman.
19:59Do not be too arrogant.
20:00I have the backing of my mother's kin,
20:02as well as my father.
20:03You are nothing but a dancer.
20:04On what grounds do you dare compete with me?
20:05At this,
20:06I raised my eyes and looked at her,
20:07saying,
20:07Is that so?
20:08If my guest does not fail me,
20:09this urgent dispatch concerns
20:10the Westcott father and son.
20:12A few days ago,
20:12I received a secret message.
20:13The Westcots had always sought
20:14to raise arms against the Elysian,
20:16but now,
20:16with funds lacking,
20:17Charles had no wish to make war.
20:18So Thomas,
20:19the eldest son,
20:20crossed the boundaries,
20:21provoking trouble.
20:21At first,
20:22I thought he possessed capability.
20:23Yet after facing Adrian in several bouts,
20:25he was thrown from his steed,
20:26his leg broken.
20:27Adrian didn't seek battle
20:28and spared his life.
20:29Yet unexpectedly,
20:29General Westcott rallied his forces,
20:31swearing to avenge his son
20:32and wash away this disgrace.
20:33The Borderlands lied far away.
20:34It'd take a full month to reach them.
20:36Charles likely had not yet received the news
20:37that General Westcott had been defeated.
20:39My intelligence must reach sooner than his.
20:40Prince Adrian carried a broodling of mine.
20:42News shall be relayed to me through that.
20:43Night deepened by the moment.
20:44I carried a bowl of snow ear porridge
20:46to the Hall of Sovereign Duty.
20:47Lady Serafina,
20:48why have you come?
20:48His Majesty is deliberating on state affairs.
20:50Let her enter.
20:51Charles' voice drifted from within the hall.
20:53Within the hall,
20:54he wore a somber expression,
20:55his gaze fixed upon a mountain of memorials.
20:57I set the food casket aside,
20:58stepped forward,
20:59and gently massaged his temples.
21:00I have been plagued by fierce pains in my head.
21:02Yet when you,
21:03my beloved consort,
21:04are near,
21:04I find relief for much of my suffering.
21:06He drew my hand into his grasp,
21:07but his words were cold as ice.
21:08My hand faltered for the briefest moment
21:10before I spoke softly.
21:11Has your Majesty summoned a court doctor?
21:12Charles drew me into his arms.
21:14The doctor has examined me.
21:14He claims I am simply overtaxed.
21:16I curved my eyes and let a smile blossom.
21:18Your Majesty is diligent.
21:19It is a blessing to all the people,
21:20but would you grant me one favor?
21:22Even if only for me and the child I carry within,
21:24please take time to rest.
21:26He pressed his forehead against the side of my neck,
21:28his voice gentle.
21:29I promise you.
21:30My heart in that moment shuddered for an instant.
21:32Your Majesty,
21:32don't forget to drink the broth.
21:34I shall take my leave first.
21:35Mm, go on.
21:36After I departed,
21:37a man stepped out from behind the screen.
21:38Did you notice anything amiss?
21:40Charles inquired.
21:40The man was dressed all in white
21:41and in the box he held
21:42lay that fleshy goo insect.
21:44He shook his head in reply.
21:45I saw nothing out of the ordinary.
21:47She does not appear one skilled in the art of goo.
21:49I have told you,
21:50it cannot be Serafina's doing.
21:51His voice was low,
21:52as if only meant for himself to hear.
21:53This goo causes no harm to the body.
21:55It merely lets one linger in sweet dreams,
21:56unwilling to awaken.
21:57I never dream,
21:58much less of pleasant dreams.
21:59Let us set this matter aside for now.
22:01The front lines have grown unstable.
22:03Your younger brother has already set out.
22:04Your Majesty Leonard has departed.
22:06When I returned to the palace,
22:07a sharp pain seized my heart.
22:08I coughed up a mouthful of blood.
22:09A masterful goo sorcerer
22:10can rely on the child goo
22:11to seek out the mother goo
22:12and the one who planted it.
22:13At that moment in the hall,
22:14I severed the link
22:14between the child and mother goo,
22:16but I suffered a backlash.
22:17I did not foresee that Charles
22:18would have someone skilled in queue nearby.
22:19The pain in my chest grew severe
22:20as a pearl slipped gently from my eye,
22:22striking the ground with a crisp sound.
22:23The tears of a merfolk become pearls.
22:25I picked up that pearl
22:25and placed it inside a small box.
22:27Then, wiping the blood,
22:28I prepared to rest upon the couch.
22:29Yet in the darkness,
22:30someone suddenly seized my wrist.
22:32Your Highness, it is I.
22:34How could he be in the capital,
22:36even entering the palace?
22:37A flame ignited,
22:37and all the maidservants fell into slumber.
22:39Harold Westcott's been captured,
22:40and his sole son has a broken leg.
22:42The Elysian shall soon march to war.
22:43If you wish to leave,
22:44tonight you may depart with me.
22:46My heart missed a beat.
22:47How could he speak such words?
22:48Perhaps he perceived my astonishment.
22:50He offered a self-mocking smile.
22:51Your dance upon the lake that day,
22:52I beheld it and cannot forget.
22:54Thus, this heart was surrendered to you.
22:56I concealed my inner tumult and spoke.
22:57Your Highness,
22:58there exists only alliance between us.
23:00There shall never be aught else.
23:01He lowered his gaze.
23:02You're of the merfolk, right?
23:03At these words,
23:03my pupils contracted in an instant.
23:05It must have been when my tears became pearls
23:07that he discerned it.
23:08I know.
23:08You seek vengeance.
23:09It shall be some days before we reach the capital.
23:11I beseech you to contemplate thoroughly.
23:13With those words,
23:14he vaulted through the window,
23:15disappearing into the boundless night.
23:16The great feud remained unavenged.
23:17Now wasn't the hour for my identity to be unveiled.
23:19Of late,
23:20Charles's suspicion toward me grew ever deeper.
23:22Just a few more steps remain.
23:23All these souls shall soon pay the price.
23:24There must be no missteps.
23:25The following morning when I awoke,
23:27Charles was standing quietly in the courtyard.
23:28There was some earth upon his hand.
23:29Serafina loves the winter blossom.
23:31I ordered men to bring some over.
23:33That way,
23:33when winter arrives,
23:34I may enjoy the snow,
23:35the blossoms,
23:36and tea with her.
23:36His brows were gently curved.
23:38He smiled at me.
23:38I dashed toward him
23:39and threw myself into his arms.
23:40I took up his hand
23:41and examined it closely.
23:42There is no need for you to do these things.
23:43I said,
23:44my eyes full of tender concern.
23:45If it is meant for Serafina,
23:46I wish to do it himself.
23:48He held me tightly within his arms.
23:49His voice carried true affection.
23:50Within his embrace,
23:51I lowered my gaze.
23:52Then,
23:52as a return gift,
23:53allow me to personally take your life.
23:54War was officially declared.
23:55General Westcott's remains were sent back.
23:57Thomas was left with a crippled leg.
23:58Evelyn was now seven months with child.
24:00Charles commanded that the news be kept hidden,
24:02not letting Evelyn know.
24:03Now,
24:03her family was weakened
24:04and can no longer threaten Charles.
24:06Toward the unborn child in Evelyn's womb,
24:08he had grown all the more expectant.
24:10I went to Radiance Hall.
24:11I met with Evelyn.
24:11She now appeared utterly withered.
24:13She could only lie upon the couch.
24:14Upon seeing me,
24:15she forced herself to rise from the couch,
24:17her gaze cold and steely.
24:18What brings you here?
24:19Were I not to come,
24:19this play could not continue.
24:21Seven months.
24:21If those creatures remain any longer,
24:23Evelyn shall perish.
24:24He is still unaware of her father's demise.
24:25She cannot witness me slay her brother,
24:27nor does she know what manner of child
24:29she has carried for months.
24:30How could I bear to let her die?
24:31Your Highness,
24:32I have come to aid you.
24:33Your brothers entered the Imperial prison.
24:35I feared you might not make it in time
24:36to see him one last time.
24:37Wretch,
24:38what nonsense do you speak?
24:39She summoned all her strength
24:40and shouted at me.
24:41Attendance,
24:42dress her Highness.
24:43Whether it is true or not,
24:44a single glance will reveal all.
24:45Evelyn's voice trembled.
24:46Attendance,
24:47prepare my bath.
24:48Thomas was indeed in the prison.
24:49He incited conflict between two nations.
24:50By law,
24:51he must die.
24:51Yet Charles,
24:52his heart softened.
24:53Evelyn lost her father.
24:54Now she carried a child in her womb.
24:56He could not bear to kill her brother.
24:57I must thank Charles
24:58for leaving the vengeance to my own hand.
25:00I brought Evelyn to the Imperial prison
25:01to see Thomas.
25:03Her tears began to fall without cease.
25:04Thomas,
25:05how have you come to be here?
25:06Father,
25:06where is he?
25:07He gazed upon his sister,
25:08her belly heavy with child,
25:09and concealed the news of their father's death.
25:10He comforted her.
25:11I've broken a few military codes,
25:12nothing serious,
25:13only detained for a few days.
25:14Father is at the border.
25:15Do not fret.
25:16Evelyn dried her tears.
25:17Do not deceive me.
25:18When have I ever lied to you?
25:19With his assurance,
25:20Evelyn wiped her tears
25:21and forced a smile.
25:22I shall plead with his majesty
25:23to release you.
25:24I must accept my punishment
25:25when I err.
25:26Do not worry.
25:26In a few days,
25:27I shall be out.
25:28Take good care of yourself.
25:29With us absent,
25:29how have you grown so thin?
25:31The child is rather troublesome.
25:32Evelyn looked down at her belly
25:33and spoke gently.
25:34I had seen much affection
25:35between the siblings
25:36and stepped forth from the shadows.
25:37When Thomas beheld me,
25:38a look of terror
25:39slowly crept across his face.
25:40My sister and I
25:41were born of the same womb.
25:42Our features resemble each other.
25:43He recognized me at once.
25:44With a sly smile,
25:45I strode up to him.
25:46May you have been well.
25:46You are?
25:47Did you not perish already?
25:49Evelyn looked upon us.
25:50Confused.
25:51She was about to inquire,
25:52but Thomas' voice
25:52tore from his throat.
25:53Leap.
25:54A parasite,
25:54scarcely larger than a fingernail,
25:56burst forth from his chest,
25:57slowly gnawing at his insides,
25:58piece by piece.
25:59I wished you two
25:59to see each other one last time,
26:00to give you chance
26:01for departing words.
26:02Why do you not thank me?
26:03On the day my sister died,
26:04I was not allowed a word with her.
26:05Thomas stared wide-eyed,
26:06yet not a word
26:07would pass his lips.
26:08Only rivulets of blood
26:09flowed from his mouth.
26:10My eyes glistened with tears
26:11as I smiled.
26:12Each drop fell to the ground
26:13like pearls.
26:14Sister,
26:14did you see it?
26:15The pain you suffered,
26:16I ensured he paid for it
26:17a hundredfold.
26:17Yet my heart aches still.
26:18It is not enough.
26:19I will let Evelyn witness
26:20with her own eyes
26:20how her brother is tortured
26:21and dies.
26:22Just as I witnessed
26:23beneath the waters
26:24how my sister perished
26:25before my very eyes,
26:26Evelyn's face turned
26:27deathly pale.
26:27Her body trembled.
26:28You shall not faint.
26:29I want you to watch
26:29as he is devoured alive
26:30until not remains but bones.
26:32The venomous worms
26:32guarded her heart veins,
26:34granting her only a sliver
26:34of strength,
26:35yet sealing her throat,
26:36so that even when her heart
26:37is racked,
26:37she cannot cry out.
26:38Tear after tear
26:39struck the ground.
26:40I saw the despair
26:43no matter how much
26:44I do, my people.
26:46My elder sister cannot return.
26:47Thomas had fallen,
26:48nothing left but white bones.
26:49On the carriage ride back,
26:50I looked at Evelyn's condition,
26:51smiling as I spoke.
26:52Your Highness,
26:53it appears that the pearl
26:53is of no use at all.
26:54Beauty everlasting.
26:55Natural allure,
26:56such things are mere lies.
26:57Now you are more unsightly
26:58than the lowest palace maid.
26:59Every glance makes me feel
27:00nothing but revulsion.
27:01Surely His Majesty
27:02shares my sentiment.
27:03She could only glare at me
27:04with resentment,
27:04her eyes bloodshot.
27:05When we arrived at Radiance,
27:06I loosened the seal
27:07binding her voice
27:08with the venomous insect.
27:09It is nearly time.
27:10I want you to witness
27:10what you have brought
27:11into this world.
27:11The physicians and midwives
27:13had all come.
27:13My actions today
27:14had stirred too much attention.
27:15Charles must surely be aware
27:16of these tidings
27:17and is making haste to come,
27:18but it matters not now.
27:19Evelyn is destined to die today.
27:21Basins of bloody water
27:21were carried out.
27:22I stood firmly at the side,
27:23staring intently
27:24at her agonized appearance.
27:25Serafina,
27:26if I perish this day,
27:27do you truly believe
27:28you shall survive?
27:29Your Highness,
27:30I have been so overwhelmed today.
27:31I almost forgot
27:32your father was captured
27:33and died,
27:33tormented in the enemy's camp.
27:34Upon hearing these words,
27:35she was instantly drained
27:36of all vitality.
27:37Her gaze dulled in despair.
27:38I am the one
27:39who ruined father
27:40and my brother.
27:40Had I not coveted
27:41the mermaid's pearl,
27:42they would not have died.
27:43Indeed, it is you.
27:44Without you,
27:44how could my sister have died?
27:45She gazed at me
27:46in utter despair.
27:47It was only when
27:48His Majesty arrived
27:48that the light of hope
27:49rekindled in her eyes.
27:51When Charles entered,
27:51I had departed
27:52from the inner chamber.
27:53Everything that transpired today,
27:54he's been made aware of.
27:55Why?
27:55He regarded me and asked,
27:56his eyes clouded and somber.
27:58Still confused?
27:58Do you recall the day
27:59Lady Evelyn set
28:00Moonlight Hall ablaze?
28:01You promised justice
28:02and promised to speak for me.
28:04Yet I waited and waited,
28:05but you never bestowed
28:06the verdict I sought.
28:07So I was left to decide
28:08my own fate.
28:08Suddenly, just then,
28:09a cry of alarm
28:10echoed within the hall.
28:11Evelyn had delivered,
28:12but what she delivered
28:13was not a child.
28:13It was clusters
28:14of writhing insects.
28:15The midwives were struck
28:16with terror.
28:16The stench of rot
28:17filled the chamber,
28:18nauseating.
28:18She took only a single glance
28:19before collapsing.
28:20I clenched my palms,
28:21determined to remain alert.
28:22Still, I couldn't endure.
28:23How unfortunate
28:24that I wasn't able
28:24to witness the manner
28:25of her demise.
28:26In my last flicker of awareness,
28:27it felt as if I had fallen
28:28into a broad embrace,
28:29just as that night,
28:30amidst the blazing inferno,
28:31when I crashed
28:31into someone's arms.
28:32When I awoke once more,
28:33the chamber was utterly empty.
28:34I forced myself to sit up,
28:35then walked into the courtyard.
28:36The branches of the plum trees
28:37were bare,
28:38hideous to behold,
28:39a true blight upon my garden.
28:40Greetings to Lady Serafina.
28:41The visitor was the man
28:42from the hall of sovereign duty.
28:44I tilted my head
28:44and I inquired.
28:45Are you a physician?
28:46The situation at the front lines
28:47is dire.
28:47His majesty has been
28:48particularly busy.
28:49He has sent me
28:49to attend to you, lady.
28:50He is said to be
28:51that formidable goo master.
28:52I nodded,
28:53extending my hand for him,
28:54yet he merely smiled.
28:55My lady,
28:55I am Dr. Richard Bellamy,
28:56skilled in the arts
28:57of goo medicine.
28:57How curious.
28:58I am adept at killing with goo.
28:59He regarded me for a moment,
29:00then continued.
29:00No wonder his majesty
29:01holds affection for you.
29:02I laughed softly.
29:03Men often favor beauty
29:04above all else,
29:05so it's no surprise.
29:06Is Dr. Bellamy of the same mind?
29:07Richard shook his head.
29:08A golden glint flickered
29:09in his eyes.
29:09I am fascinated by this,
29:10by the array of insects
29:11within you.
29:12I extended my hand.
29:12A tiny goo insect
29:13crawled forth.
29:14If you fancy them,
29:14you may have them all.
29:15When Charles arrived,
29:16I was sitting barefoot,
29:17draped in a white cloak,
29:18underneath the plum tree
29:19in the courtyard,
29:20conversing merrily
29:20with Dr. Bellamy.
29:21The wooden little box
29:22before me was already
29:23brimming with goo insects
29:24of every kind imaginable.
29:25All of them were nourished
29:26with my own blood.
29:27Do not let them go to waste.
29:28Charles cleared his throat twice,
29:29and only then
29:29did we take notice of him.
29:31He glanced at my bare feet
29:32and frowned slightly.
29:33Dr. Bellamy,
29:33you may withdraw for now.
29:34Many thanks for your gift.
29:35Richard gave me a courtly bow,
29:37then departed with the box.
29:38Charles moved to my side,
29:39just as I endeavored
29:39to raise a smile
29:40to continue the charade.
29:41Do not trouble yourself.
29:42If you do not wish to smile,
29:43then do not.
29:44He lifted me onto the divan
29:45and then took my feet,
29:46wiping them clean.
29:47You are with child.
29:48Take heed of your health.
29:49I beheld his countenance,
29:51but could not utter
29:51a single word in return.
29:52After cleaning the dirt
29:53from my feet,
29:56speaking to himself.
29:57Evelyn has awakened.
29:58A faint twitch
29:58passed across my brow.
29:59Have you gone to pay her a visit?
30:00So Evelyn yet lives?
30:02It must have been
30:02Dr. Bellamy who saved her.
30:03Of late,
30:03we are most occupied,
30:04utterly occupied.
30:05There is no time to spare.
30:06Then why has your majesty
30:07come here?
30:08Charles gave a long sigh.
30:09He fixed his gaze upon me.
30:10Only then did I realize
30:11his eyes were veined
30:12with crimson.
30:12I heard you had awakened,
30:13so I wished to see you.
30:14If only for the sake of the child,
30:16is it possible you spare me
30:17some measure of worry?
30:18Yet he still clasped my hand
30:19gently within his palm,
30:20as though nothing
30:20had ever transpired.
30:21Did that Dr. Bellamy
30:22reveal the truth to you?
30:23Charles lowered his head.
30:24I glimpsed perhaps
30:25a single tear
30:26tracing down his nose.
30:27It was a long while
30:27before he spoke,
30:28his voice hoarse.
30:29There will be others.
30:30I smiled.
30:30Charles,
30:31when did you learn
30:31to deceive yourself?
30:32Dr. Bellamy and I
30:33are both masters of goo.
30:34He must know that all my blood
30:35has been fed to my goo,
30:36and only a single pulse remains.
30:38I shall not live much longer.
30:39Charles departed.
30:40Once more,
30:40I watched his retreating figure.
30:42I went to Radiance Hall.
30:43There is one more matter
30:43I must tell Evelyn.
30:45The hall was cold,
30:45and only Evelyn was present.
30:47She no longer possessed
30:47her former splendor.
30:48Clad in thin garments,
30:49she sat alone
30:50in the empty chamber.
30:51She glanced up at me.
30:52Her once lusterless eyes
30:53blazed with intense hatred
30:54upon seeing me.
30:55Your body was long ago
30:56poisoned by Charles.
30:57You shall never bear a child.
30:59I bestowed upon you
30:59the joy of expecting a child.
31:01Should you not thank me for that?
31:02After finishing,
31:03I offered her a smile.
31:04Wretch,
31:04I've reported everything
31:05to his majesty.
31:07Do you believe
31:07you can still survive?
31:09Even if I die,
31:10I will drag you with me.
31:11Evelyn cried out hysterically.
31:12She seized the hairpin
31:13and charged at me,
31:14but I blocked her easily.
31:16Gripping her wrist,
31:16I asked,
31:17You claim you told him everything?
31:19Indeed.
31:19You do not truly imagine
31:20that he could ever favor you,
31:21do you?
31:21Despicable creature.
31:22I seized that golden hairpin.
31:24With a reverse grip,
31:24I plunged it into her neck.
31:26Warm blood splattered
31:26across my face.
31:27It was hot.
31:28I shoved her down
31:29onto the ground.
31:29I watched as her eyes widened,
31:31awaiting her own death.
31:31Charles arrived
31:32at the most opportune moment.
31:33When he came,
31:34Evelyn had just drawn
31:35her last breath.
31:35Evelyn never saw Charles again,
31:37not even in her final moments.
31:38As I gazed at him,
31:39I laughed through my tears.
31:40They fell like pearls
31:41upon the ground.
31:42Once,
31:42I fed Charles poisoned blood.
31:44Alas,
31:44I gave him far too little.
31:45The poison as it stands
31:46is not enough to trigger it.
31:49I still have a single chance.
31:50If only I could draw near to him.
31:51Let Shadow bite him just once.
31:52Even Dr. Bellamy
31:53would be powerless.
31:53It was my impatience
31:54that doomed me.
31:54If only I could have waited
31:55a while longer.
31:56I might have witnessed
31:56his agonizing death
31:57with my own eyes.
31:58Countless thoughts
31:59raced through my mind.
32:00Yet in the end,
32:00I tossed the hairpin
32:01to the floor.
32:01With the look of resignation,
32:02I said,
32:03I confess my crime.
32:04Charles's expression
32:05was complicated.
32:05I couldn't decipher it.
32:06All I could see was him
32:07walking against the light
32:08toward me.
32:08He drew out a handkerchief.
32:10Carefully,
32:10he wiped the bloodstains.
32:11Some had splattered upon my face.
32:12It was already dried.
32:13He couldn't wipe it.
32:14He breathed a sigh.
32:15Taking my hand in his,
32:16he spoke.
32:16Do not weep.
32:17Let us return.
32:18I gazed at him in astonishment.
32:19Why?
32:19Why does he not kill me?
32:20He clearly knows all now.
32:22He knows I wish to kill him.
32:23On the road back,
32:24I contemplated.
32:25Perhaps it is not me
32:26he wishes to keep,
32:27but rather the child within me.
32:28Perhaps Dr. Bellamy
32:29has found a way
32:30that I might bear this child.
32:31He looked upon my face,
32:32deep in thought,
32:33and he smiled.
32:34I know what you are thinking.
32:35Serafina,
32:36how is it you do not believe?
32:37I merely wish for you to live
32:38and remain by my side always.
32:40Serafina,
32:41you wish to slay me
32:41and the Westcots,
32:42and you are not wrong,
32:43but your error lies
32:44in conspiring with the Elysian
32:46and sparking the flames of war.
32:47This battle has been a bitter one,
32:49countless lives lost.
32:50Is this what you hope to see?
32:52I clenched my palm tightly,
32:53yet Charles gently
32:53took hold of my hand.
32:54When I handed the insect
32:55to Prince Adrian,
32:56I knew then that war was inevitable.
32:57The insects can sway
32:58the heart and mind,
32:59making a person irritable
33:00and quick to anger.
33:01The Westcots were always pro-war,
33:02with the Venom's influence added.
33:03It was only a matter of time.
33:05I foolishly schemed
33:05to use the war
33:06to overthrow the Empire of Charles,
33:07yet I forgot that
33:08once war begins,
33:09lives are lost.
33:09How fares the battlefront?
33:10It shall soon be finished.
33:11Dr. Bellamy's brother
33:12leads the troops,
33:13a gifted general.
33:14Victories keep pouring in.
33:15That is well.
33:16I lowered my gaze
33:16and spoke softly.
33:17Upon my return,
33:18Charles brought a bowl
33:18of medicinal broth.
33:19Drink this.
33:20It is a draft
33:20to end the unborn life.
33:21This child was never
33:22meant to be born,
33:23so why go through these?
33:24Charles perceived the thought
33:25in my heart
33:25and spoke thus.
33:26Dr. Bellamy has told me,
33:28this child is draining
33:28the mother dry.
33:29If you continue
33:30to bear this child,
33:31you have but a handful
33:32of days left.
33:33I took the medicine
33:33and drank it down.
33:34Since Charles loves me,
33:35then I yet have a chance
33:36to kill him.
33:36Between us lies
33:37a sea of blood and vengeance.
33:39What he seeks and desires
33:39are not but futile dreams.
33:41I gently pressed myself
33:42against his chest.
33:43Your majesty,
33:43I am willing,
33:44willing to cast aside hatred
33:45and remain by your side.
33:46The fires of war were fading.
33:47Charles was searching
33:48among the royal kin,
33:48seeking a worthy heir
33:49to become crown prince.
33:50The poison blood I gave him
33:51rendered him unable
33:52to father a child.
33:53The following spring,
33:54Charles proclaimed the crown prince.
33:55A grand victory was achieved.
33:56He and I sat together
33:57in blessing hall.
33:58The breeze drifted
33:58through the hall,
33:59carrying with it petals,
34:00whose origin I know not.
34:01He stroked my brow and spoke,
34:02The breeze can warm the flesh,
34:03but why can it not
34:04smooth the furrow of your brow?
34:05Is it because you are here
34:06with me, my dear?
34:07He gazed upon the few
34:08bare plum trees.
34:09What a pity.
34:10Last year the plum failed to bloom,
34:11and so you never saw me
34:12planting the plum trees for you.
34:14Your majesty,
34:15I only spoke fondly
34:16of plum blossoms in passing.
34:18I was born by the southern sea
34:20and have never seen a plum flower.
34:22Charles now lied in my arms,
34:23his breath growing faint.
34:24I cradled his lifeless body
34:26and through the doors
34:26gazed out into the distance.
34:28My vengeance was complete.
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