Chapter 131: Their War 5

At a certain level, people wish to live the life they desire.

However… among those who reach that level, few actually live the life they truly want.

And the reason for this, quite paradoxically, stems from what they have accumulated thus far.

Those who pursued wealth are hindered by the very fortune they amassed.

Those who pursued power are bound by the authority they wield.

And those who pursued strength…

Are held back by the very might they possess.

They become unable to live the life they truly desired.

In this regard, she could be considered fortunate in many ways.

Although it may not have perfectly aligned with her desires,

even if it was wrapped in the guise of secrecy…

She had been able to fashion a semblance of the life she wanted.

Of course, this artificially designed life was not without its issues, and she occasionally had to intervene directly to rectify them.

Like at this very moment…

Slowly walking down the corridor, Polena exuded an aura distinct from her usual lightness as she waited for the approaching group.

Shortly after, the people she had expected came into view at the end of the hallway.

There stood a group of armed soldiers, and at their vanguard, just as she had anticipated… Durst Andreas, her master’s younger sister, gazed at her with a cold smile.

“Good evening, Lady Durst. Where might you be headed at this hour?”

Smoothing the chill from her lips, Polena wore a faint smile.

Seeing her demeanor, Durst spoke in an icy tone with a cold smile:

“I’m not going anywhere. Just planning to catch a pesky rat lurking within the castle.”

“Hmm… Does that imply a thief has infiltrated… or should I interpret it differently?”

Polena responded with a beaming smile to Durst’s words.

Seeing her almost amused attitude, as if observing an entertaining spectacle, Durst let out a light scoff as she spoke:

“Heheh, you’re right. There is a thief within the castle. A rather brazen one, trying to steal our dear Brother away.”

-Snap!-

With those words, Durst snapped her fingers lightly.

Immediately, the soldiers surrounded and aimed their spears at Polena.

“Isn’t this a bit excessive for a prank, Lady Durst?”

Even in this tense situation unfolding rapidly, Polena maintained her smile as she spoke.

However, disregarding her attitude, seeing no apparent avenue for escape, Durst coldly remarked:

“Enough prattle. You’ll come with us obediently for now. Any foolish antics, and you might not see the dawn.”

“Very well, if the Lady insists. As a mere servant, I have no choice but to obey.”

Despite Durst’s words, Polena responded with an air of nonchalance.

Seeing this, Durst’s expression automatically soured, but she decided against outward emotion, focusing instead on the task at hand.

“Take her away.”

“Yes, My Lady.”

Following Durst’s orders, the soldiers began escorting Polena to the arranged location, with Durst leading them.

“But are you truly certain about this? While a midnight tryst is one thing, apprehending me like this could cause unnecessary trouble in various ways.”

“Silence, that is not for you to worry about.”

“How hurtful, My Lady. I am merely advising you as a servant. If Lord Santana were to learn of this…”

-Shing!-

In an instant, Durst drew the sword at her waist and pointed it at Polena’s neck.

Despite this action, Polena’s smile remained, but she seemed to have fallen silent for the moment.

“Utter one more word… Unlike my brother, I lack patience. Depending on the situation, I may not hesitate to slit your throat.”

“…Heheh… Very well, I shall remain silent then, Lady Durst.”

Even with a blade aimed at her neck, Polena did not lose her composure.

Seeing this, Durst felt her already simmering anger towards this lowly woman boil further.

‘This wench… she has become emboldened by relying on Brother’s favor. Very well, let’s see how long that attitude lasts… I will make you beg for your life until you drown in your own pleas.’

Polena, nearly confirmed as Santana’s closest confidant and hidden lover.

As such, even Durst could not carelessly kill her, a fact Polena seemed well aware of.

However… in this regard, Durst had someone who could handle what she could not.

The person waiting for them at their destination, the one Polena was being taken to.

If not anyone else, that person…

Estelle, the one who had entrusted her with this task and Santana’s fiancée, could legally deal with Polena, who held Santana’s affections.

From Estelle’s perspective, she could justify her actions as protecting her betrothed from a lowly seductress.

Anticipating the moment when Polena would soon be crying and begging for her life, Durst quickened her pace.

However…

“…This should suffice…”

“?”

In the next moment, a chilling voice whispered past her ear.

Simultaneously, Durst unknowingly halted her steps, assailed by a sudden chill.

“Wha… What…?”

The momentary, bone-chilling sensation, akin to an ice axe cleaving her skull, caused Durst’s face to freeze rigid.

‘Wha… What’s happening? What’s going on all of a sudden?’

It was clear that some incomprehensible situation had arisen.

Yet, she could not muster the courage to turn and face it, even for an instant.

Her survival instincts, as a mage… no, as a human being, were screaming a warning.

If she were to turn around now, something so horrifying would occur that she could not even fathom it.

“You… who are… urk!”

Her feeble attempt to speak was cut off by the primal scream her instincts were voicing, causing her body to stiffen rigidly.

Immediately after, she felt someone’s cold breath against her ear.

“Shh…”

A chilling exhalation devoid of any warmth.

Beginning in her ear, it slithered into her mind like a serpent, instilling a dreadful sensation.

“Stay still… and I won’t harm you.”

“Kughh!…”

The ‘voice’ feigned gentleness yet felt as sharp as a poised blade, inflicting a suffocating pressure on Durst, as if her throat were constricting.

“Heheh… No need to be so tense. Surely you don’t think I’d actually kill you? You merely need to answer my questions honestly from now on.”

“Qu… Questions…?”

“Yes, questions. First, I’d like you to explain the reason for committing such a foolish act against me.”

“!…”

The question posed by ‘it’ allowed Durst to belatedly realize, through her confusion, the identity of the entity behind this situation.

‘Po… Polena?… How is this woman capable of…’