Chapter 434
Isabel’s Battle
Isabel, in Yulia’s form, sat quietly in the carriage, facing a beautiful woman with long, wavy, golden-blonde hair.
This carriage was not there to assist the woman’s accomplices. It was definitely not a common open-top carriage one might find by the roadside. It belonged to a knight or a merchant family. The carriage interior was adorned with fruit and exquisite decorations, and the soft cushions beneath made the ride comfortable.
The woman had hailed it down casually. In just one encounter, the owner had been completely controlled. Without even asking what she intended to do, the owner smoothly and naturally alighted from their own carriage, handing it over to her. As the interior occupant bid her farewell warmly and departed, they noticed nothing amiss, not even casting a glance at Yulia.
Once Yulia was inside the carriage, the woman drew the curtains, obscuring “Yulia” from outside view. In the dim interior, a pink halo shimmered in the woman’s pupils. The sweet aroma intensified within the confined space.
Isabel clearly felt her consciousness beginning to blur again, on the verge of succumbing to the enchantment.
“This absolutely will not do.”
This thought flashed through Isabel’s mind. Although she didn’t know who this woman was, it was evident she sought trouble for Yulia. If she could subtly control Bishop Mathers, she was likely a Fifth Tier Extraordinary. This person was probably Countess Emma from Star Antinomy.
Revealing her true identity now might stop the criminal act, but it would more likely lead to even deeper trouble. She could be completely controlled and become a puppet, or have her mind manipulated into harming Eivass and Yulia, thus ruining personal relationships. Or, she could simply be attacked or assassinated to silence her. Even if her memories were wiped and she was taken to find the real Yulia, Isabel could never accept that.
Yesterday, a drunk Eivass had embraced her, calling her “Mother” and weeping incoherently, speaking nonsensical words like in a dream. It was the first time Isabel realized that Eivass, who seemed to know and do everything, also had such fragile moments. It was then she profoundly understood that she could not view Eivass as a god, nor was he her Savior. He was a mortal, with his own affections and pains. Though he always wore a relaxed and confident smile, he silently bore his burdens. Isabel could not shift all responsibility and pressure onto Eivass. Eivass had saved her, and she would protect all he held dear.
“That’s fair!”
If she couldn’t even protect an innocent little girl like Yulia, how could she confidently and uprightly pledge to protect Avalon before the nation?
Thus, before losing consciousness again, Isabel began to set up a means for her own awakening. Isabel instinctively sensed that Countess Emma’s mind-manipulation method was likely through that scent. It wouldn’t turn her into a puppet, but instead dissolve hostility and foster immense affection, making one feel like close friends of decades. However, if called by the wrong name, she would regain a moment of clarity. If the other party didn’t press the control afterward, she could break free.
Therefore, Isabel needed to ensure the woman would utter “Yulia’s” name after leaving the carriage. To orchestrate this, she had to take a risk.
This was her battle.
With her objective and risks clarified, Isabel looked up and casually pulled open the carriage curtain, looking outside. Her action surprised Emma, but Emma made no move, merely watching Isabel with keen interest, curious about her intentions.
“Where… are we going?” she asked in Yulia’s soft, timid voice. It wasn’t difficult for Isabel to play this role; she simply mimicked her past self. Her eyes betrayed a hint of apprehension and fear, and she gently pursed her lips.
“Are you afraid?” Emma asked softly, reaching out to gently take “Yulia’s” hand. She stroked the back of “Yulia’s” hand and casually inquired, “Can you tell me what you’re thinking?”
Isabel felt an intense wave of dizziness well up from her core. It was like sinking into a warm bath after arduous studying and then curling up in a cozy bed. It felt as though any relaxation would lead to immediate sleep. She lightly closed her eyes, trying to stabilize the internal imbalance and resist the urge to relax, while feigning a look of recollection. “Brother told me… the Lloyd District is dangerous, and he told me not to wander off…”
“It’s alright,” Emma chuckled gently, pulling “Yulia” closer and resting her forehead against Yulia’s. She spoke in a soothing tone, like comforting a child, “Sister will protect you.”
Isabel dared not exert any force, nor show the slightest resistance. The image of Eivass’s face flashed in her mind. She desperately recalled his every word to distract herself, to lessen the overwhelming and unnatural intimacy. Meanwhile, Isabel opened her eyes and looked at Emma with curiosity, casually asking, “If we’re going to the Lloyd District, are we going on a trip abroad?”
“We will, later. But for now, I’ll show you the way. Sister has things to do these two days and can’t take you away just yet. First, memorize the Lloyd Society building… When your brother attends the Round Table Hall meeting the day after tomorrow, you can sneak out then. Do you understand?”
She was now somewhat hesitant to interact with Eivass. Although Eivass was only a Third Tier, the inexplicable special situation last time had made her wary. As a succubus, Emma’s personality leaned towards caution. If possible, she preferred to avoid conflict altogether. It wasn’t that she was unskilled in combat, but she disliked it. She had already dealt with Eivass, and in a sense, had revealed her abilities and some of her intentions. She still had to remain here for a few days. If she were to kill Yulia and take her heart immediately, the body would easily expose her. A fight on Glass Island would be problematic.
Moreover, one heart might not be enough. Opening the seal might require more blood besides the heart. Bringing a living person and repeatedly healing them would ensure sufficient blood, certainly better than just bringing the heart. So, although her “Father” had said that bringing just the heart was acceptable if necessary, she didn’t want to disappoint him. If possible, taking Yulia directly would be best. Plus, having a hostage would afford greater safety.
By the time they discovered Yulia’s disappearance, she would already be in Star Antinomy. While delaying and playing cat-and-mouse with Avalon, she could seize the opportunity to sacrifice her.
—It was for this reason that Emma needed “Yulia” to “walk over” at the opportune moment. At a time when “Avalon’s Eye” was surely not operating, and when Eivass was certainly occupied. Without alarming anyone… only she herself could accomplish this.
For now, she was merely taking Yulia out for a stroll, and was returning her after a brief tour. If she were caught by “Avalon’s Eye” now, she could easily explain herself, as she had indeed done nothing. In fact, she had already implanted her psychological suggestion into “Yulia’s” mind. By “the day after tomorrow when your brother attends the Round Table Hall meeting,” the implanted suggestion would burst forth, and she would walk over of her own volition.
“I remember.”
The moment the “suggestion” actively intervened, Isabel’s mental defenses dissolved completely. She nodded earnestly, replying from the depths of her heart. The last image lingering in her mind was Eivass holding her and calling her “Mother” last night.
She threw herself into Emma’s embrace, arching her back like a kitten and gently rubbing her head against Emma’s soft chest, her voice soft and sweet, “Mew~ Can I call you Mommy then?”
“Of course, good child…” Emma smiled gently, tidying Isabel’s messy hair. “Yulia, you can call me whatever you like.”
The moment she heard this, an intense, heartfelt revulsion surged within Isabel. It was like being in a sweet embrace with a lover, only to hear them suddenly call out another woman’s name – the affectionate filter, ready to immerse her completely, shattered instantly. Along with a strong sense of displacement, Isabel’s pupils constricted once more. Her rationality, almost lost to the immersion of “love,” instantly returned.
This time, Isabel didn’t hold out for long before succumbing to the drowsy state again. It was like being in class, so tired you couldn’t open your eyes, your head nodding uncontrollably. Yet, you desperately tried to use reason to keep your eyes open and stay sober. While nodding, you’d suddenly jolt awake for a moment – not a doze from tiredness, but a reawakening after already falling asleep. Because of this, she could barely maintain a brief state of clarity.
“At least it’s confirmed that this method works.” Isabel lowered her heart slightly, realizing the control wasn’t permanent as she quickly pondered. However, Yulia’s character was that of a quiet girl. She couldn’t keep chatting with Emma, as that would arouse suspicion. Therefore, she had to enter the controlled state now to conserve her strength.
Enduring the fear and resistance towards the unknown, Isabel actively submerged herself into the controlled state. When Isabel looked up from Emma’s embrace, her face wore a naive and joyful smile, and she became quiet once more.
Since Moriarty Manor was in the White Queen District, Emma cautiously considered the possibility that someone near Yulia’s home might recognize her. Thus, she kept the curtains drawn, not wanting anyone who knew “Yulia” to see her. Only after the carriage passed through the Red Queen District and White Queen District, finally entering the Lloyd District, did Emma draw the curtains. She had to open them to let “Yulia” recognize the surroundings. However, in the slums, no one would likely recognize Yulia. After a tour here, they would take Yulia home.
Outside the window, a light white mist prevailed. The distant sound of the port’s foghorn mingled with the cries of vendors. “Yulia” leaned against the carriage window, gazing out, diligently memorizing the route.
At this moment, Isabel suddenly saw a little girl, carrying a basket of wildflowers, dart past the window. The girl was dirty. Even in winter, she was thinly dressed and emaciated, shivering in the cold wind. Her lips were even a bluish-purple, which deeply worried Isabel. She couldn’t help but open the window and lean out to look behind them.
