BXBX NOVEL Chapter 35 – Retaliation
Chapter 35 – Retaliation
The next day, I woke up feeling refreshed.
I had thought I’d be bedridden for days.
It seems Diana’s care had a significant effect.
After waking up, I was eating a light lunch she had prepared, and Merlin came to find me.
Merlin had come to deliver some news to me.
“Your former fiance left for the Holy See yesterday morning.”
Isabel had gone to the Holy See.
Upon hearing that news, Isabel’s voice echoed in my ears like an auditory hallucination.
— I’ll bring it.
— For you.
— Because I love you.
Yes, the Sacred Solvent.
Isabel must have gone to the Holy See to bring me the Sacred Solvent.
To seek forgiveness from Kyle.
And to prove her love.
It probably won’t take long.
Isabel’s purification ability is the perfect means for the Holy See to prove a divine defection, and besides, isn’t Isabel a regressor herself?
With knowledge of future events, negotiating with the Holy See shouldn’t be too difficult.
“…”
Now, once I have the Sacred Solvent, the Elixir production will be complete.
Then, all that’s left is one Holy Blood.
But this won’t be smooth sailing either.
The impregnable Duke Winfred will surely be guarding the vault with vigilance.
So, what measures should I take to breach that formidable security?
Lost in thought, Merlin made a suggestion in a solemn voice.
“How about using your half-sister?”
A reasonable suggestion.
It’s more likely for Winfred’s eldest daughter, Luna, to breach the vault than for Kyle to infiltrate as the Duke’s illegitimate son.
But there’s a problem.
The item to be stolen is none other than Holy Blood.
If she were to get caught, even Luna Winfred’s life couldn’t be guaranteed.
So, would Luna readily accept such a risky request?
‘…It might be possible.’
Honestly, it does seem possible.
From what I’ve seen of Luna in this run, she seemed willing to do anything for Kyle.
‘I guess I’ll have to visit the Duke’s estate again.’
Having to face Luna once more, and even return to that damned Duke’s estate for a while, isn’t exactly appealing, but what choice do I have?
I’ll just have to endure that much suffering.
At that moment, Merlin’s lips parted.
“Just so you know, Luna Winfred left the Duke’s estate yesterday. Specifically, last night.”
What? She left the mansion?
How long has it been since she returned from the palace to the estate, only to leave again?
“What was her destination?”
“Well, I don’t know that.”
“She didn’t just go out for a stroll?”
“I heard she told the butler not to come looking for her because she will be away from the mansion for a while?”
“…How do you know this?”
Merlin shrugged indifferently.
Then, fiddling with the teacup, she added.
“Did you forget? My main job is being an information broker.”
Thud— Merlin placed an elegantly crafted dagger on the table.
It’s a familiar item.
[Dagger of Tranquility], one of the few unique-grade artifacts in the game.
“The moment the system intervenes in your fate, infuse the dagger with mana and an intangible blade will rise, reacting to your psyche.”
“…”
“When that dagger touches someone, it’s instant death. But you can only use it once, so keep it in mind.”
The Dagger of Tranquility literally brings perfect peace to the target.
The emerged dagger precisely separates the physical body and soul, so there’s no sensation of pain whatsoever.
At least there’s no worry about feeling pain when dying.
“If you drink Holy Blood, your soul’s power will increase. Then, even if you die, your soul will linger near your body, like a being with an ego.”
“After that, I guess I can revive with the Elixir when the chance comes.”
“That’s right. Once you successfully revive, you’ll be completely liberated from the system.”
My heart raced.
The hope of escaping this damned world was gradually coming closer.
At that moment.
Knock— Knock— Knock—
The sound of a few knocks echoed through the air.
“Master, it’s Diana.”
As I opened the door, Diana cautiously entered the reception room.
“I have something to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“A visitor has arrived.”
“A visitor? Who?”
“It’s Esdel from the Alchemy Association.”
****
Creak—
With a noisy friction, the carriage came to a stop.
“We’ve arrived, Lady Isabel.”
Isabel lifted her head from a contemplative position.
In her widened field of vision, she saw a facade almost as white as snow.
It resembled more of a castle than a church.
The carriage door creaked open.
Although the coachman extended his hand, Isabel ignored it and stepped out of the carriage.
“Hmm.”
Isabel took a spin, taking in the sight of the Holy See.
To her, it was a familiar yet majestic sight.
After all, the Count Yustia had strong ties with the Holy See, and until her return to the past, the Holy See had been a place of solace for Isabel whenever her mind and soul were weary.
Shortly after, knights who had disembarked from the carriage behind her approached Isabel.
“Please follow me.”
Isabel nodded casually and followed suit.
Walking absentmindedly, Isabel suddenly burst into a quiet laughter.
The memory of meeting Kyle at the palace a few days ago came to mind.
‘Kyle… He looked so surprised…’
When she kneeled, asking for punishment, Kyle’s eyes were filled with deep disdain.
As heartbreaking as it was, Isabel felt ecstatic knowing she had left an impression on Kyle’s memory.
Isabel was well aware of how repulsive she was perceived.
But now, she no longer cared about such trivial matters.
At least now, Kyle needed her.
— Sacred Solvent.
— Yes, just bring me that.
— Who knows? Maybe it’ll move my heart?
Yes, that’s enough.
With just that fact alone, Isabel felt a surge of ecstasy throughout her body.
“This way.”
After turning several corners, they arrived at the gate.
Creak— As the door opened, a boy in pristine white priest attire rushed out to guide them.
Clack, clack—
The Holy See at noon was quite deserted.
How long had they been walking?
Suddenly, Isabel found herself in the central garden of the Holy See.
The garden was completely empty.
Somehow, they had arrived much earlier than the agreed time.
“I hope you have a peaceful time.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
With a nod, the boy who had been guiding her stepped aside.
“…”
Isabel slowly looked around the garden.
The Holy See’s garden acted as a sort of thoroughfare.
The garden acted as a sort of thoroughfare, connecting all the spaces within the Holy See.
‘Kyle…’
Their engagement ceremony had also taken place here.
The image of Kyle, dressed up for the occasion, flashed before Isabel’s eyes.
Back then, Kyle had looked more splendid than anyone else in the Empire.
Oh, how she missed him.
What would Kyle be doing right now?
Even if it were just for a second, Isabel hoped Kyle would think of her.
The chirping of cicadas echoed in her ears.
The cool scent of grass tickled her nose.
Lost in her daydreams, she was walking absentmindedly.
“Isabel?”
A familiar voice reached her from behind.
Isabel didn’t hesitate and turned her head in the direction of the voice.
“Isabel? It is you, right?”
It was a man.
But it wasn’t Kyle.
“Why is it so hard to see your face these days?”
Who was this?
Her memory was fuzzy.
Step by step, the man approached her.
There was unmistakable joy on his face.
“Isabel? Why aren’t you saying anything?”
“…”
“What’s wrong? Ah, don’t tell me you don’t remember who I am?”
The man chuckled amiably.
She was displeased.
So much so she felt like slapping him right then and there.
That moment came.
“I’m Ludvik.”
Ludvik.
That name pierced her mind like a stake.
At the same time, fragments of memories flashed through her mind.
— Madam! Have you heard the news?
— It turns out Sir Ludvik, who often visited the mansion, was a spy for the kingdom.
— According to the found note, he planned to kidnap you and hold you hostage… Oh dear! He really deserved to die.
Ah, she remembered now.
Yes, that’s how it was.
He was that kind of person.
“I’ve grown taller since you last saw me, huh? Haha, no one recognized me.”
His annoying voice pierced her eardrums like a needle.
Isabel approached Ludvik step by step.
“Still, it’s a bit sad, huh? I thought you’d recognize me.”
Shut up.
It’s been a long time since I wiped out trash like you from my mind.
“I… I heard the story… Your engagement was broken off, right…?”
Rising murderous intent consumed Isabel’s rationality.
At the same time, a yellowish glow gathered in her right hand.
The compressed divine power reached its limit and emitted a low hum.
“I-Isabel…?”
Ludvik slowly stepped back.
Isabel smiled with her eyes closed.
At the same time, her right hand, glowing yellow, rose into the air.
And then.
Thud—!!
Isabel’s right hand struck Ludvik’s left cheek forcefully.
A dull thud reverberated heavily.
The sound echoed like a thick wood being split in half.
Crash—!!
Ludvik, sent flying, rolled on the ground for a while.
Dust and dirt flew in the direction he was thrown.
“Uh… Ughh…”
Ludvik struggled to stand up, clutching his swollen left cheek in agony.
The pain radiating from his swollen cheek made it difficult for him to speak properly.
Shortly after, something white dripped from the corner of his mouth.
“Y-You…!”
Ludvik’s teeth gleamed.
[TL/N: Bro got bitch slapped by a crazy bitch 💀]