Early morning.
Lola was waiting with a file folder in hand.
"Good morning, Your Highness."
"Morning, Lola."
I rubbed my eyes, still heavy with sleep, and climbed out of bed.
After washing up, I boarded the carriage and headed straight for the prison.
This time was completely different; I saw a more realistic side of society.
Although the citizens were thin and sallow, looking somewhat malnourished, many of them wore genuine smiles.
However, this was limited to Brilliant City; as for the situation outside the city, it was hard to say.
"Your Highness, the prison is just ahead."
"Mm, let's go."
The carriage slowly came to a halt at the prison gates. When I stepped down, a thick carpet had already been rolled out on the ground.
Following the carpet, I walked into the prison. Just as I had requested, the one leading the way was Sake once again.
"Hahaha~ Welcome, Lady Saintess~ Uh~ No, welcome back... emmm, that's not right either?"
The old bull tilted his head, his two curved horns forming a comical angle, his bovine face a picture of confusion.
"It's fine. If you can't think of the right words, don't say anything."
"Heh, thank you for your understanding, Lady Saintess. This old bull has plenty of strength, it's just... others always say I don't know how to speak properly."
He really didn't. The last time I was here, his language wasn't exactly clean either.
But it didn't matter; someone like him felt more simple and honest.
"Has Cyrus been brought out?"
"Of course!"
The old bull straightened his back, puffing out his chest with a look of pride.
"You sent word last night. To make sure that kid stayed honest, I didn't sleep a wink all night."
Didn't... didn't sleep all night?
What did you do?
Suddenly, I didn't want to go in.
...
Entering the prison, I was quite surprised when I saw Cyrus tied to a cross.
At least on the surface, the guy didn't have a single scar on him.
And this time, the old bull had thoughtfully set aside his axe and instead tied an apron around Cyrus's waist.
I really wanted to ask this old bull though.
Where on earth did you find a housewife-style apron?
Don't you know this guy is over three meters tall now?
That apron barely covered that specific spot, and the shape was clearly visible from the outside.
It was undeniable that the demon race's recovery was powerful; even with his external sources cut off, Cyrus had healed his injuries within two days, even regenerating his lost limbs.
Could you explain to me, you stupid bull?
Why is that place bleeding!?
What exactly did you do to him!?
I looked at the proud old bull, then at the pale, hollow-eyed Cyrus.
I was covered in goosebumps.
"Cyrus, today is the last time I will see you privately."
"Heh... Your Highness, what else do you want to ask? Everything I can tell you, I've already said."
"No, there are still things unsaid. Cyrus, I already know why you turned to the demons, but what I want to know now is how you contacted them?"
On one hand, I needed to cut off the source so people wouldn't actively turn to the demons, and on the other hand... completely severing the connection between the demons and the interior of Brilliant City was crucial!
Only by doing this could we prevent such a situation from happening in Brilliant City again.
Two high-ranking demon traitors were not something the current Brilliant City could withstand a second time.
Fortunately, only two high-ranking officials defected this time. If a Guardian Knight had turned, I couldn't even imagine the outcome.
"If Your Highness wants to know, go to the slave market. There... you will find what you want."
Cyrus's voice was as flat as water, devoid of any vitality.
After all, he was about to be taken to the execution ground. After the Great Trial at noon, he would undergo a standard burning at the stake before the eyes of all the citizens.
Actually, I didn't want to watch.
Being burned to death is a very painful way to go.
But as the Saintess, I had to witness it from beginning to end.
This was the duty of a Saintess.
"The slave market? Does... the Cavendish family have connections with the demons?"
I pressed him, but he stopped answering and kept his mouth shut.
I could endure it, but Sake beside me couldn't. He stepped forward and delivered a massive backhand slap!
With a crisp crack, the sound echoed through the interrogation room.
"The Lady Saintess is asking you a question! This is my boss! Speak up, or this old bull will make sure you enjoy treatments you've never experienced before for the rest of the morning!"
Hearing this, a flash of terror crossed Cyrus's face, and his body trembled slightly.
I became increasingly curious—what exactly had this old bull done to Cyrus?
At the same time, I felt a growing sense of dread. This old bull's methods... were a bit wicked.
Even the now-fiendish Cyrus could be this terrified.
Most demons have weakened pain receptors; even if a sword is thrust into them, they don't feel the heart-wrenching pain humans do.
This was one of the characteristics of the demon race.
And yet Cyrus, whose sense of pain was greatly reduced, was actually feeling fear?
Hmm... this bull is a talent worth cultivating.
It would be a waste to leave him in this prison.
"...Slave market, third stall, find Erak..."
After a long silence, seemingly deciding not to suffer anymore, Cyrus uttered a name.
I looked back and signaled Hilda. She nodded slightly and quickly withdrew.
In this situation, I didn't need to say much; she would naturally handle it.
"Alright, Sake, take him back."
"You got it, Your Highness."
With that, the old bull turned to take him away.
"By the way... Sake, would you be willing to become my personal bodyguard?"
"Huh?"
The old bull suddenly turned around, looking at me with disbelief and a hint of disdain.
"Lady Saintess, what are you saying!? Do you not know the oath of my beastmen race!?"
"What... what oath?"
"Orcs will never be slaves! You want this old bull to be your personal bodyguard? How is that any different from being a slave!!"
I was momentarily speechless. I didn't expect this old bull to be so stubborn. Well... they do say people can be as stubborn as an ox, and he certainly was an old bull.
"Fine, since..."
"Fifty silver coins a month."
"Deal."
???
Pfft!
I looked at them, completely dumbfounded.
Lola's expression was calm, as if everything was under control.
The old bull's expression was also calm, as if this were only natural.
"Sake, can I ask you a question?"
Rate on N.U.
