Chapter 291
Ysaris and Penesir, who had entered the emperor’s bedchamber without delay, continued their conversation before Kazhan, who lay as still as a corpse.
“Your Majesty. I should warn you—I don’t fully understand how my ability works. All I know is that simply being near me alleviates side effects, and drawing blood amplifies the effect. That’s the extent of it.”
“An ability that exerts efficacy just by existing… How remarkable.”
“It’s not something to admire. You must consider the possibility that I might fail to properly neutralize Your Majesty’s side effects. Did Duke Blake truly agree to this gamble?”
“Actually, he has no idea why I came to see Her Majesty. So no, you can’t say he consented.”
“……You came without even telling Duke Blake?”
When her own life was at stake?
As Ysaris turned to her in dismay, Penesir covered her mouth with a faint, sheepish laugh.
“Temishian would’ve objected outright if he knew. I’d rather not disclose my ability, either. But don’t worry—I left a letter behind, just in case. The responsibility for this lies entirely with me.”
“No, even so…”
‘Even if I have purification abilities, this is too reckless. What if something goes wrong?’
As Ysaris hesitated, her words trailing off, Penesir patted her arm reassuringly.
“It’s truly alright, Your Majesty. From what I’ve heard, there are no other options left. We must at least try this.”
“……Why would you go this far?”
What could possibly compel her to take such a risk—one that might leave her comatose?
The answer was simple.
“Because I am Blake’s wife and Mukeon’s daughter.”
The words carried weight. They spoke of the enduring ties between the three families across generations.
“Your Majesty may not understand, but to me, this is reason enough. And with a purifier by my side, it’s worth attempting. I’ve weighed the odds carefully before coming here.”
“If that’s the case…”
Finally relenting, Ysaris clasped Penesir’s hand tightly.
“I won’t forget this kindness, Duchess.”
“Oh, please. I’m only doing what I must.”
Since physical contact would enhance the purification effect, Penesir kept hold of Ysaris’ hand and placed her other palm on Kazhan’s forehead.
“Are you ready?”
“Ah, wait—I’ll draw blood first. It’ll amplify the purification.”
A brief flurry of movement followed. Using a hairpin to prick her fingertips, Ysaris took both Penesir’s and Kazhan’s hands, blood smearing between them.
‘Will this work? Is this really enough to ensure the duchess’s safety?’
‘I hope Kazhan is dreaming.’
Ysaris gazed down at the silently sleeping man, her expression uneasy. The thought that the Duchess of Blake’s fate now rested in her hands made her palms sweat.
Perhaps it was the tension of knowing this might be the last chance to wake him. If this failed, there would be no way to rouse him from dormancy—and that desperation welled up unbidden.
“Let’s begin.”
“……Yes. Good luck, Duchess.”
Ysaris closed her eyes, drawing a deep breath to hide her agitation—greater even than Penesir’s, who was about to enter the dream. All she could do was wait, and for the sake of the one who’d wander that realm, she had to send her off with calm assurance—
“Huh?”
Then Penesir’s bewildered voice cut through.
And Ysaris realized something had gone terribly wrong.
Whoosh—
“……!”
In an instant, something yanked violently at Ysaris’ consciousness. She tried to scream—she thought she screamed—but in reality, she only crumpled forward like a puppet with severed strings.
“Your Majesty!”
Penesir’s cry and the ensuing chaos never reached Ysaris’ ears.
Instead, what flooded her senses was—
“What is this—”
A shattered world.
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