Chapter 5: In the End… Is It Impossible?

That shout was neither loud nor clear; it carried a trace of hesitation and respect, yet to Seraphina’s ears, it thundered like a clap of lightning.

She drew a deep breath of cold air, quickly released the grip on her left arm, letting it drop by her side.  

Slowly turning around, she fought to suppress the panic in her eyes, wearing her usual mask of cold indifference, though her heartbeat was racing wildly like a runaway stallion.

The one who called out to her was a guard who had just finished his shift, apparently passing by on his way back to rest.

He wore dull armor and held a long halberd, his face etched with confusion and a barely concealed wariness.

Rumor had it that Princess Regent Seraphina was the Demon King Movira’s younger sister, though they had never met.  

While the Demon King’s power was undeniable, most gossip claimed that this sister’s strength didn’t even compare to an ordinary adult human’s.

Though usually lax like most of the guards at the North Gate, seeing the Regent herself wandering barefoot so late at night—her skirt somehow dusted with dirt that should never have been there, and the faintest trace of panic—was undeniably abnormal.

“Your Highness? Are you… alright?” The guard’s voice wavered as Seraphina remained silent, staring at him with eyes that glowed faintly in the dark. A chill crept into his heart. “It’s so late… what are you doing out here?”

Seraphina’s mind raced. The discomfort brought on by the negative effects clouded her thoughts, but she had to offer a plausible explanation now.

She couldn’t show panic. At least not on the surface.

“…I can’t sleep.” Her voice was deliberately lowered a few octaves, rougher than usual, with just the right amount of disdain. “I thought I’d come see how you’re doing. Is that not allowed?”

She lifted her chin slightly, bolstering her cold composure, attempting a disdainful pose, though the slight tremble of her fingers betrayed her effort.

The guard furtively assessed her condition, eyes flicking to her pale but bare feet and the thinness of her clothing. After a moment’s hesitation, he answered.

“Of course, Your Highness. It’s an honor to have you personally inspect our work. But… His Majesty said you are frail and often ill. You shouldn’t be out wandering like this. Let me escort you back?”

Back?! Impossible!  

Seraphina’s heart sank instantly. If she was escorted back, all the painstaking efforts of the last half hour would be wasted.

Her whereabouts would be exposed, making any future attempts nearly impossible.  

More than that, she would face Movira’s intensified “attention” and punishment.

She absolutely could not return!

Her mind working quickly, Seraphina weighed her options. Her status as Princess Regent was one card—and the strongest one. No guard would dare challenge that authority.

As for any other cards… she had none.

If the guard got too bold, he could easily stab her on the spot! Her physical strength really was as weak as the rumors said.

With only one card, she had to play it to its fullest.

“Heh…” A short, cold laugh escaped her lips. “Escort me? Are you worried about my safety? Since when do you get to worry about me? Get lost!”

“Your Highness…”

“I said get lost!!”

No explanation was the best explanation. As Regent, she could completely ignore him.

“Y-Yes…”

Though filled with confusion, the guard bowed his head and hurriedly left, respecting Seraphina’s authority.

Watching his figure disappear into the night, Seraphina was reminded that she had to hurry with the next step.

Even after turning away, she could feel a pair of eyes still fixed on her, but she dismissed it as the guard glancing back.

The night wind blew through, carrying the faintly rotting floral scent of the courtyard’s plants, mixed with the lingering aura of Movira that clung to her.

The pain in her palm and the lingering weakness hidden beneath her surface continually reminded Seraphina of just how perilous and absurd her current situation was.

Only when she finally disappeared into the shadows cast by a towering, grotesque shrub did Seraphina allow herself to pause for a few minutes, steadying herself against the cold, rough stone wall as she panted heavily.

Her exhaustion was not just physical, but the mental strain from the taut nerves threatening to snap at any moment.

Cold sweat dampened her back as the pounding of her heart echoed deafeningly in the silent night.

Raising her head, she looked toward the looming silhouette of the city walls under the dim sky.

Once she reached their foot, everything would be easier to handle.

Though she had never explored this area before, that was the feeling it gave her.

Yet just as she was about to move again, a lazy, familiar voice—like a ghost—sounded unexpectedly close behind her, carrying a teasing laughter that froze her blood.

“My dear Princess Regent Seraphina… so late, and dressed so lightly. Where might you be off to? It’s really quite worrying, you know.”

Chapter 5: In the End… Is It Impossible?

Seraphina’s pupils contracted sharply as she stiffly turned her head.

No miracle occurred. Movira was leaning casually against a massive mushroom cap, seemingly having watched her for some time.

Still clad in that lavish black robe, her figure was accentuated by the moonlight, and her night-dark eyes made Seraphina’s heart skip a beat.  

Her lips curled into a smile that looked like concern but was actually dripping with mockery.

“Could it be…” Movira tilted her head slightly, her smile deepening as her gaze deliberately dropped to the small shoes behind Seraphina and the faint outline pushing against her skirt.

“Are you trying to run away? Escape back to the Human Empire?”

“Give up! According to the Law of Residency, if you stay for one year and one day, you’re considered a resident. That means you’re already part of the Demon Realm—or rather, you’re already tainted with the Demon Race’s aura. Even if you go back, they will only see you as an enemy!”

Seraphina’s mind went blank. Every plan, every hope, shattered in an instant with a thunderous crash.

Only endless cold despair remained, along with Movira’s impending punishment…

“No… no! I—I won’t ever again—”