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Chapter XV. Convergence

About two hours had passed since then.

Psyche was once again setting foot in the mansion where she had been imprisoned for about three months. The difference now was that Ruon was by her side, and this time, she had entered the mansion voluntarily.

The first to discover them was Terche, and Psyche immediately requested that he call Rezus.

Rezus arrived at the reception room not long after, and for a moment, he simply stood motionless at the doorway, staring at Ruon and Psyche as if he couldn’t believe they had appeared.

Judging that the siblings would have urgent matters to discuss privately, Psyche quietly excused herself.

When Ruon opened the door and reappeared, he looked more exhausted than ever before. So much so that she couldn’t even bring herself to ask if he was all right.

“……You can go in now.”

Ruon smiled weakly and stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter. Psyche silently patted his shoulder before walking inside.

As she was about to sit down across from Rezus, Psyche hesitated. Perhaps it was because they were in a situation where both sides had retreated temporarily after inflicting heavy damage on each other during the war. Rezus emanated a much sharper aura than the last time she had seen him.

Psyche took a slow, deep breath. Before leaving the mansion, she had asked Rezus not to start a war, but war had already broken out. She didn’t want to argue about that now. The situation was urgent.

“As you’ve already heard from Ruon…… I need your help.”

After a moment of silence, he snickered and muttered.

“To think that you would come to me for help.”

“……”

“I felt it when you cast the barrier.”

His head tilted slowly.

“You can’t properly control your power, can you?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Perhaps he didn’t like how readily she admitted it. The mocking smile on his lips gradually disappeared.

“But isn’t that good news for your side? If I had been able to properly control my power, and if I had sided with Mathes…… this war would never have gone in your favor.”

Rezus simply stared at Psyche. They exchanged glances for a long while.

“You’re openly revealing your weakness.”

He leaned forward and whispered.

“Fearlessly, as if you know what I might do here.”

“Your brother is standing outside the door.”

“……”

He stared at her silently before straightening his posture. Psyche, certain that Rezus wouldn’t touch her, spoke in a calm tone.

“You probably already know all this from Ruon, but as someone asking for help, I think it’s better to say it face to face one more time. Ruon and I want this war to end as soon as possible, and we also want revenge on Zephyros. For the war to end and for our revenge to succeed, your side must be the victor. But…… as Mathes, I don’t wish for the complete destruction of Mathes.”

“…….”

“So please, show mercy after your victory.”

“Why should I do that?”

She took a deep breath in and out, then continued.

“You probably know that one of Zephyros Rosebel’s main abilities is immortality. And right now, you’re struggling in this war. Just as I need your help to win, you too will need my help.”

Truthfully, both sides were struggling, but it was a fact nonetheless.

“When I manifested my ability and went to rescue Ruon, I saw a man who felt sorry for him. ……It was Paris Irene of the Irene family.”

“…….”

“Once I leave this mansion, I’ll find him and convince him to betray Zephyros. And when the right time comes, I’ll send a signal. Then, join forces with me to bring down Zephyros.”

“What if your persuasion doesn’t work?”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that, but if it doesn’t work…… I won’t send a signal.”

“…….”

“If I don’t send a signal after 3 days, wait until Ruon manifests his ability. Drag out the war while minimizing casualties, and when Ruon manifests his ability.”

“You want us to attack then.”

“Yes.”

“Then you.”

Psyche furrowed her brow slightly, as if asking what he meant. Just as she sensed Rezus hesitating to speak, he continued.

“……Do you plan to stay by Zephyros’s side all that time?”

She wore an expression that seemed to ask why he was asking the obvious, but her answer was clear.

“Yes, and while I’m by Zephyros’s side, I’ll pretend to be loyal only to Mathes. That way, he’ll let his guard down.”

“……How can you guarantee that during that time by Zephyros’s side, you won’t have a change of heart and betray us? After all, you are the princess of Mathes.”

“If that were my intention, I wouldn’t have come here asking for mercy.”

“…….”

“I sincerely hope that you will bring down Zephyros and end this war with minimal casualties. Whether you believe in my sincerity or not.”