Chapter 183: The Witch Behind the Mask 10

“Remarkable…to think you would so easily crush those holy knights…”

“I merely did what was required,” Freddie dismissively replied to Baiken’s sincere awe.

Witnessing her curt demeanor, Baiken found herself strangely captivated by this masked woman.

‘Such nonchalant poise even after subduing such formidable foes…she’s quite dashing, isn’t she?’

Possessing overwhelming might yet exuding coldness and haughtiness – this embodied Baiken’s personal ideal.

‘Although our future relationship remains uncertain…I’d like to befriend someone like her.’

Regarding Freddie with a hint of reverence, Baiken inwardly mused.

Meanwhile, unnerved by Baiken’s weighted gaze, Queen began sweating anxiously.

‘What’s with that look…could she have discerned my identity as Queen from earlier? No, impossible…the spells and combat tactics were completely different…’

Apprehensively reviewing her actions for potential slipups, Queen’s complex, masked expression merely appeared to others as a powerful victor calmly basking in triumph.

Having captured the holy knight prisoners, Baiken felt elated at perfectly accomplishing her mission on the return journey.

Although she failed to obtain news of her sister, she hadn’t expected that difficult task to succeed anyway.

‘I’ve properly fulfilled my duties. Father will surely be pleased.’

Truthfully, Santana’s dazzling exploits had left Baiken feeling sidelined.

As the elder daughter, she yearned for paternal recognition.

Thus, she harbored modest hopes of earning praise for this achievement.

Eager to swiftly return to Bohemia, Baiken and her weary troops briefly rested – the soldiers, including the valiant Freddie, slumbering to recuperate from their long march.

Only Baiken remained awake, lost in contemplation alongside a lone sentry.

The heavy silence pervaded until a voice addressed Baiken:

“Pardon me, my lady? Might I have a word?”

“Hmm? What is it? Speak.”

Intrigued by her subordinate’s unexpected query, Baiken responded.

Hesitating briefly before glancing at the slumbering Freddie, the soldier carefully continued:

“I’m uncertain whether I should raise this, but…I harbor personal suspicions about that woman named Freddie.”

“Suspicions? What do you mean?”

Surprised by such words from a mere soldier, Baiken inquired further.

With her permission, he reluctantly divulged his knowledge after further contemplation.

“The truth is…I’ve witnessed the magic she utilized before. When…Her Highness Queen was abducted.”

“W…what did you say?”

Stunned by this unforeseen revelation, profound bewilderment and shock gripped Baiken’s expression.

Toward her stricken visage, the soldier detailed what he recalled from that ambush:

The unidentified ‘enemy’ who had summoned countless ghostly legions identical to Freddie’s magic…

“So…is it true? On that day of the attack…someone using the exact same magic as this witch took our sister…?”

“Yes, without a doubt. An almost perfect match – those translucent, armored ghostly legions. Precisely the same magic.”

“Then…why did you not disclose this critical information earlier? Everyone claimed no recollection during the investigation.”

“That’s…because unlike the others, I witnessed events from afar, too terrified to intervene directly. I later learned my comrades’ lack of memory, but feared punishment, so…I’m deeply sorry.”

“Haah…”

Sighing as she grasped the situation’s crux, Baiken nevertheless remained profoundly troubled by this unexpected revelation.

Having ventured onto this perilous path to uncover her sister’s whereabouts, she could not dismiss the soldier’s disclosure as mere coincidence.

‘The kidnapper used ghost-summoning magic…while similar spells exist, the timing is too convenient. Moreover, the culprit concealed their identity behind a mask. Could it be…?’

Suspicions mounted the more she contemplated.

Yet Baiken could not immediately confront the slumbering Freddie despite her misgivings.

Regardless, Freddie remained a diplomatically-assigned guest.

Overt hostility based on mere circumstantial evidence could trigger undesirable repercussions.

More crucially, Baiken had witnessed Freddie’s might firsthand.

While justification existed, rashly provoking her could prove disastrous for Baiken’s own forces.

‘For now…informing my family and seeking their counsel seems wiser. Santana, in particular, may offer valuable insights.’

Lacking such talents herself, Baiken ultimately chose to rely on her brother, regarding the suspiciously masked woman with guarded caution.

‘If she truly did abduct our sister, inflicting torment upon her…then I shall never forgive it. Adequate recompense must be exacted…’

Instantly forsaking any former admiration, Baiken’s gaze toward her potential sworn enemy chilled.

As Baiken’s entourage neared Bohemian territory, Queen felt a steadily mounting sense of dread.

‘Dammit…she seems to have caught on somewhat…Baiken’s shift in demeanor clearly indicates suspicion toward me.’

Ever since subduing those two holy knights, Baiken’s altered, unsettling gaze instilled unease within Queen, fearing her identity’s exposure.

‘What should I do…perhaps it’s best to simply disclose the truth to Baiken? But that loose-lipped fool could easily complicate matters…’

Queen’s inability to lie convincingly rendered confiding in her blabbermouth sibling inadvisable, prompting profound contemplation throughout their journey.

Meanwhile, as Baiken and Queen grappled with their respective dilemmas, a familiar sight emerged before them:

Their homeland, yet a profound symbol of despair for Nune and Tine.

The visage of Bohemia’s sovereign castle.