Holy Kingdom – Interrogation (1)

The prison in the Grand Temple had a very different structure from ordinary prisons.

Since it wasn’t meant for ordinary criminals, it was a solitary cell completely isolated from the outside without even a single window.

The entire room was enchanted with Soundproofing Magic, making it impossible to know what was happening outside or in other cells.

Moreover, seeing the gruesome torture tools placed on the walls and desk would instill fear about the future.

And most importantly… I was imprisoned in that terrifying place.

‘In all my life, I never thought I’d experience being locked up here.’

I’d entered prisons before to interrogate captured demons or spies, but never imagined I’d be the one locked inside.

What a refreshing experience.

At least my efforts following Jade around paid off.

-Drip. Drip. Drip.

Water droplets from the ceiling fell rhythmically.

I blankly stared at the sight.

“This is boring…”

How long do I have to stay like this?

It should be about time for something to happen.

After being captured by holy knights for the grave charge of attempting to assassinate the Pope, I was immediately confined here.

They didn’t just lock me up-Mana Suppression Shackles were clamped around my neck while I was bound to a chair.

Meaning I couldn’t even twitch a finger right now.

The Pope’s method of removing me as an obstacle was quite creative.

Using an artifact to implant brainwashing-like suggestions making me attack him.

Then having holy knights rush into the papal chamber to witness it, leaving me no room for denial.

No matter what I claim now, everyone will only see me as the Pope’s would-be assassin.

Of course, I only pretended to be affected by the suggestion. How nerve-wracking it was worrying if my acting would fool the Pope.

Honestly, I wanted to truly experience being brainwashed.

But I needed to roughly grasp the current situation first. Enjoyment could come later.

Moreover, the Pope explicitly mentioned using the same artifact on the Saint.

‘No wonder he boldly handed the Saint over to us.’

The Pope had already implanted various suggestions, turning her into his puppet.

Did he make her seduce Jade through this?

I wonder what suggestions were implanted. Not like he’d tell me if I asked.

A brainwashed Saint obeying the Pope’s every word.

If the devout Veronica became like that…

Frankly, I’d like to see it too.

It would be incredibly erotic and arousing.

‘Hehe, is this too much?’

I must be quite insane to have such thoughts.

If she ever found out I looked at her this way, I’d deserve every insult she hurled at me.

Anyway.

‘Jade and Annie must know about this incident by now.’

I’m really curious about their reaction.

Will they suspect me? Or believe in me?

It wouldn’t be easy to make Jade doubt me.

I hope the Pope prepared something spectacular to make Jade suspect me.

“So when is the Pope coming…”

There’s a limit to sitting here alone with my thoughts.

Tightly bound, I couldn’t move my body, so everything from my legs to neck felt stiff.

Naturally, without water, my throat was dry and stomach empty…

‘Does he plan to do nothing at all?’

Maybe he’ll drive me insane with boredom to break my spirit.

Just as I started having strange thoughts from boredom-

Clank- Creak.

The iron door before me opened.

“Who…?”

“Hello. Resting well?”

Who is this?

At first I thought it might be the Pope, but it was a man I’d never seen before.

“Who are you?”

“Me? Who do you think? The person who’ll properly discipline you.”

I actually recognized the man’s outfit.

It was the uniform of interrogators who professionally handle demons and spies.

An interrogator visiting means I can expect something interesting, right?

-Swish!

The interrogator twirled a dagger in one hand as he slowly approached me.

“Your name’s Lena, right? I’ve seen plenty of trash, but someone infiltrating the Hero’s party to assassinate His Holiness is a first. Truly an impressive operation. I couldn’t help but marvel when I first heard about it.”

As expected, the interrogator firmly believed I’d deliberately joined the Hero’s party to assassinate the Pope.

I should calmly assert my innocence first.

“No. I’m innocent. The Pope schemed to get the Hero. Everyone’s being deceived.”

“Ha… They all say the same thing when brought here for colluding with demons. ‘I’m innocent,’ ‘It’s a frame-up,’ blah blah. After years in this job, I’ve reached a simple conclusion-just ignore whatever trash like you spew.”

“Please! Please believe me. We must stop the Pope…”

-Clatter! Clank!

I desperately struggled to show I was guiltless.

But the interrogator looked utterly unimpressed.

“Oh? But it’s hilarious that you of all people claim innocence. Multiple holy knights saw you trying to assassinate His Holiness. Still denying it in this situation?”

The interrogator pressed the dagger’s edge against my neck.

-Drip.

“Ugh…”

A slight sting followed by the sensation of blood trickling down my neck.

“Why not admit it obediently instead of wasting effort? You’ll confess everything, then get executed cleanly without torture. Sounds great, no?”

“Ex…executed? Why would I…”

“You tried to kill His Holiness. Did you really think we’d spare your life?”

Executed.

If I were falsely accused and executed before Jade and Annie, what expressions would they make?

They’d probably scream apologies at me, cry, then vow revenge.

‘Haa…’

Just imagining that scene made my entire body tingle.

The interrogator’s voice interrupted my happy fantasy.

“What? Already decided to shut up?”

Oops.

‘Lost in delusions again.’

Not reacting properly here might make things boring. Need to focus now.

I shelved my happy thoughts and resumed explaining.

“The Pope used an artifact to manipulate me. He forced me to attack him. Please believe me. Why would I try to assassinate him…”

“Sigh… This is maddening. Where do you people come up with these absurd scenarios? Why not just claim His Holiness is actually a demon?”

“Th-that might be true! Since he targeted our Hero party-”

-Bang!

The interrogator suddenly punched the wall violently.

“Shut up! Insulting His Holiness. I’m not interested in your desperate lies. Tell me why you did this, who ordered it. Which demon? A Legion Commander must’ve promised big rewards for this operation.”

“I never colluded with demons. I just followed Hero Jade here. I’m truly innocent. If you torture me wrongly, Jade won’t let the Holy Kingdom get away with it.”

“Now you’re selling out the Hero’s name? This won’t do.”

The interrogator shook his head and retreated toward the wall.

Straight toward the prepared torture tools.

“Seems you don’t feel like talking now, so I’ll give you a little taste.”

“…What are you going to do?”

“Why ask when you know? You’ve been staring at all these tools while resting here. Time to experience them.”

“W-wait! Please listen. I’ll explain more about the Pope’s plans…”

“Yeah, yeah. Let’s see if you say the same thing later.”

The interrogator began selecting tools while handling them.

Whips, pliers, knives, saws- the variety of tools was extensive.

Soon they’d mercilessly destroy my body.

‘Finally starting?’

Anticipating the intense stimulation I’d soon feel after so long made my body tremble.

“Oh? Shivering already. Scared? Then just confess your crimes.”

The interrogator approached me holding pliers.

Likely starting with basic torture.

‘Though trembling isn’t bad…’

There’s a more entertaining approach.

After taking a deep breath and clenching my fists, I glared wide-eyed at the interrogator.

“…Interrogator-nim. What’s your name?”

“My name? Why would trash like you need to know? I find it humiliating just being addressed by filth like you.”

My sudden question left the interrogator looking baffled.

His reaction told me enough.

He likely harbored deep hatred toward demons due to some past event, hence this job.

“It’s fine if you don’t want to tell me. But could you promise me one thing?”

“A promise?”

“No matter what torture you inflict from now on… I’ll endure it all. Will you believe me then?”

“Huh? Why should I?”

“No one will believe anything I say in this situation. But look into my eyes.”

I locked eyes with the interrogator.

“You know what demons’ and spies’ eyes look like. I’m speaking nothing but truth.”

“…Eyes can be faked. You think I’d fall for that?”

Despite his words,

I noticed slight trembling in the interrogator’s gaze.

I had spoken only truth so far.

An experienced interrogator like him would surely sense it.

“I understand your distrust. The Pope meticulously set this up. That’s why I’ll endure any hardship you give me. Only then can we stop the Pope, save the Holy Kingdom, and prevent future calamities.”

I clearly stated that enduring torture wasn’t for my life, but for the world’s sake.

Simultaneously making my lips quiver.

Showing unshakable resolve while revealing unavoidable fear beneath.

“Ha! You think you’re some Saint? Don’t delude yourself. You’re just a vicious criminal. A spy hiding information about demons you colluded with.”

“No. I’m innocent. And I believe-even if I die under torture, someone will eventually realize the truth through my resolve. Whether it’s you, my comrades, or anyone else.”

“…”

My continued eye contact and confident speech visibly unsettled the interrogator.

My unexpected willingness to sacrifice myself was clearly shaking his convictions.

“…Fine. Let’s see how long you last. I’ll look forward to tearing off that ugly mask.”

-Snap.

The interrogator’s pliers touched my fingernail.