Chapter 187
“Ting, ting!”
The sharp metallic chimes rang out as the dagger struck the barrier again and again.
“A ring that automatically repels bladed attacks… This is a treasure on par with an imperial-grade barrier. Must’ve cost a fortune. How precious the Emperor must consider you.”
“……”
Ysaris didn’t know how to react as Triennene gleefully slashed at her, the dagger bouncing off the translucent shield each time. No matter how strong the barrier, being stabbed at for fun wasn’t exactly comforting.
Honestly? She was terrified. Every flick of the blade made her flinch.
‘How long will this last? What if it shatters? What if it has a time limit?’
She shut her eyes, unwilling to let her fear show. She was already at their mercy—if they saw her panic, she’d lose all leverage.
Triennene, meanwhile, was delighted.
“Fascinating! Exceedingly so!”
He struck harder, faster, babbling like a child with a new toy.
“Barrier spells usually anchor to fixed coordinates, but this one hugs your skin! Whose work is this? I’d kill to learn the technique. Does it scan your surface area in real time? Adjust dynamically?”
His muttering devolved into technical jargon, as if he were conducting an impromptu experiment.
“And the mana core—how is a single gem in this tiny ring sustaining so much impact? Unless… is there a spatial pocket inside? But layering that without destabilizing the primary function would require—”
“How much longer do you plan to keep this up?”
Runellia’s voice cut through his rambling. She pinched the bridge of her nose, visibly annoyed.
“Take the ring and study it alone. I have business with the Empress, and your nonsense is wasting time.”
“Hm? What business?”
“Private matters. Women’s talk.”
Her smirk was venomous. Ysaris’ stomach twisted.
“I have nothing to say to you.”
“Did I ask for your opinion?”
Runellia sneered.
“You’re in no position to refuse. Just sit there and endure—like you always do in the palace.”
As Ysaris stiffened, Triennene interjected.
“Ah, do you intend to harm Her Majesty physically?”
“Well, if the conversation goes there… I’ve loathed that face of hers for years.”
“Ah-ha! So that’s why her cheek is red. Your handiwork?”
“She kept me waiting. I kindly woke her up.”
“Oho! Perfect timing, then. I’d hate to interrupt.”
Runellia preened under Triennene’s nodding approval, oblivious to Ysaris’ glare.
“I should correct her manners while I’m at it. I’ve whipped enough maids to know—even the proudest break fast under pain. By the end, she’ll beg. Can you imagine? Ysaris Tennilath, groveling!”
Her jade-green eyes glittered with venom—jealousy, resentment, lust for cruelty.
Ysaris’ fists clenched.
“You underestimate me, Consort. Your fantasies will remain fantasies.”
“Oh, scary! Such icy glares! But…”
She leaned in, grinning.
“What can you do, tied up like this?”
Ysaris bit her lip. The truth of it—her helplessness—stung.
Then Triennene spoke again, tilting his head.
“I knew you disliked Her Majesty, but I didn’t realize the hatred ran this deep.”
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