The Prisoner

“By the way, now that we know the possible whereabouts of the missing princesses, is that child completely useless to the Sages?” Yorihime asked with a stern tone. Toyohime’s expression tightened as she responded.

“It’s not so much that she’s useless, but rather that there’s no longer any reason to keep her around. The Sages only kept her alive to extract the specific location of the Second Princess. But it’s been thirteen years, and she still refuses to speak. The Sages’ patience has been exhausted.” Toyohime’s face lost its usual casual warmth, turning somewhat cold.

“You mean… the Sages have run out of patience?”

“Yes. Even if we hadn't obtained information regarding the missing princesses this time, the Sages had no intention of continuing this stalemate with her. Just yesterday, they decided that after a formal final trial… she will be executed.”

“Executed…” Hearing Toyohime’s words, Yorihime’s eyes widened slightly, a turbulent wave of emotion surging within her. She gritted her teeth and continued, “Is there… really no room for negotiation?”

“None. You must understand, Yorihime, that what she committed was an unforgivable crime. No matter what, she cannot be pardoned. The interests of the Lunar Capital must be maintained, and the authority of the Sages must remain unshakable. This is an unchangeable fact.” Toyohime spoke with a severe tone, as if issuing a warning.

Yorihime paused at her sister’s words, lowering her head in silence for a long moment. Then, she began to walk away. Seeing this, Toyohime immediately asked, “Where are you going? You should be preparing for the mission to the surface.”

“I know… but before that, I want to visit that child one last time.” Yorihime stopped, whispering to her sister without turning around. Toyohime let out a soft sigh.

“Go then… after all, she was once your subordinate. Think of it as a final farewell. But Yorihime, remember one thing…” Toyohime walked forward a few steps, coming up behind Yorihime to whisper a warning. “Do not do anything that violates the rules for her sake. I know you are fond of those moon rabbits, but servants are ultimately just servants. Do not let yourself be dragged into an inescapable crime because of them.”

Hearing the warning, Yorihime stiffened. After taking a deep breath, she spoke slowly. “I understand, Sister…”

…

Lunar Capital Secret Realm, the subterranean space beneath the massive architectural complex.

After passing through layer upon layer of restrictions, Yorihime walked through a dim, rocky corridor. Above, below, and to her sides were nothing but solid, smooth stone. The corridor stretched endlessly ahead, the space narrow and oppressive, like a tomb. Or rather, to be precise, this was a prison.

This was the underground jail of the Lunar Capital, and Yorihime was here for a visit.

She walked quickly through the dim stone corridor, her clear footsteps echoing continuously. Before long, she finally reached the end of the passage, stopping before a stone door carved with numerous symbols.

Standing before the door, Yorihime looked through the small window. In the cramped space behind the door, a haggard moon rabbit girl was held captive.

The girl looked to be about fifteen or sixteen by human standards. She was tall but emaciated, wearing only a single layer of thin, tattered clothes. Her hands and feet were bound by heavy, massive shackles. Her skin was marked with many visible scars, and her disheveled white hair fell over her shoulders. Her gaunt face made her cheekbones protrude, and the two long rabbit ears atop her head hung lifelessly to the sides. Her crimson eyes stared fixedly at the window in the cell door, meeting Yorihime’s gaze.

“My, my… and here I was wondering who it was. So it’s Lady Yorihime… it’s been a long time.” In a dry, raspy voice, the moon rabbit girl spoke, a faint, unreadable smile playing on her weary face.

Looking at the girl, Yorihime paused for a moment before speaking directly. “The Sages have obtained intelligence regarding the Princess’s whereabouts on the surface. They have decided to send me to investigate and retrieve her.”

“Ho… after searching for over ten years, you finally have a lead. I suppose that’s thanks to your sister, Toyohime. It seems you two sisters will earn another great merit for this. Truly, congratulations are in order…” the girl in the prison said nonchalantly. Yorihime was stunned by the response, then spoke with a hint of urgency.

“Hey! Don’t you understand what I mean? Now that the Sages have a lead on the missing princess, your confession is no longer necessary to them. They have decided to execute you immediately after your final trial!”

“Hmph… and what of it?” Facing Yorihime’s words, the girl let out a cold snort. Yorihime grew even more anxious.

“So! Right now, before we actually find the Princess, you need to tell us the specific location you sent her to thirteen years ago! Make your testimony meaningful again. Only then is there a chance your death sentence might be commuted!” Yorihime spoke bluntly. A confession only had value if it produced results, and only with such merit could a sentence be reduced. If Yorihime found the princess first, the girl’s confession would become worthless.

“You want me to confess? Hahaha! You people keep cycling through the same old tricks, and now you’ve come to this? I’m sorry, but I’ve held out here for over ten years. Do you really think I’d fall for a cheap ploy like that?” The moon rabbit girl laughed loudly, a clear sense of madness appearing on her face. She clearly did not trust Yorihime, and Yorihime was visibly angered by her attitude.

“This isn't a trick! I’m trying to find a way to save you, Reisen!”

“Ho~ if you want to save me, it’s simple. Smash this door, cut these shackles, and let me escape! None of that should be difficult for someone with power exceeding most of the Sages, right? Our esteemed Lunar Defense Official, messenger of the moon, Lady Watatsuki no Yorihime…” With a mocking expression, the girl named Reisen spoke directly to Yorihime. Yorihime froze, her hand tightening on the hilt of her long blade as she responded in a low voice.

“I’m sorry… I cannot do anything that violates the laws of the Lunar Capital. I can help you as much as possible, but I have my principles.”

Looking at Yorihime, Reisen’s expression darkened. She let out a breath, her face softening slightly as she said, “You have your principles, and I have mine… I admit, Lady Yorihime, you were once very good to me, and you are indeed trying to help me now. But in the end, we are not on the same path. You are a Lunarian, and I am a moon rabbit. You invade us, you enslave us, and we must resist to take back what is ours. The incident I caused thirteen years ago proved just how much resentment has built up among the moon rabbits against you oppressors…”

“Reisen…”

“I will never compromise with the lunarians, nor do I believe that any compromise would lead to a better end for me. If you can find the missing princess on the surface yourselves, then go ahead. Don’t expect to get any information from me… even if it means my death.” Reisen’s gaze was incredibly firm. After staring into Yorihime’s eyes for several seconds, Yorihime let out a sigh and gave up, turning to leave.

Watching Yorihime depart, Reisen thought for a moment before speaking again.

“Lady Yorihime, if you are going to the surface, I advise you to put away that loathsome Lunarian arrogance. On that vast Earth, there will surely be things you cannot handle.”

Yorihime stopped briefly at Reisen’s words, then spoke without looking back.

“Thank you for the warning, Reisen. But I do not believe anything in that impure land could possibly threaten me. The technology of the Lunar Capital has long since surpassed the understanding of those surface dwellers. Even if their heavenly gods were to descend, they could not stop me.”