“Rejoin the party? For life?” Samimi sneered coldly.
“We might have had our differences, but after observing you these past days, I can tell you’ve corrected your flaws. I’m sincerely inviting you to rejoin the Hero’s Party,” Fabiana said.
“Heh. Do you think I was ever happy in that party? Have you forgotten who labeled me a criminal in the first place?” Samimi shot back. “Do you know who made me end up like this?”
“Who…? Wasn’t it the Church…?” Fabiana’s voice faltered.
“It was you all.” Samimi’s tone turned frigid. “I’ve already fulfilled my deal with your grandfather. The Hero tasked you with keeping an eye on me — that mission’s done, isn’t it? We’re even now. Move aside.”
She laid her cards on the table, making it clear she no longer wanted this tag-along.
After all, Niubao had already learned most of the Diarmuid family swordsmanship. Fabiana had no further value — time to let her go.
“I… we… it was the Hero’s command. I had no choice…” Fabiana stammered, unable to defend herself.
“I was actually eavesdropping behind the door that day — you were the one badmouthing me the most behind my back. You know exactly who I am, and I know exactly who you are. Drop the act.”
Of course, Samimi was lying — she had bolted from that scene so fast that day.
“How did it come to this? Weren’t we getting along well for a while? Can’t our misunderstandings be cleared up?” Fabiana asked sorrowfully.
“You fool. I was just using you.” Samimi said coldly. “Did you really think I needed your pitiful money?”
“Using me? Using me for what?” Fabiana was stunned.
“Niubao’s already learned your family’s sword style. You’re worthless now. Go crawl back to your Hero’s Party.” Samimi said, patting Niubao’s head.
“…”
Fabiana felt a chill flood her body.
She didn’t even know if it was anger or something else. The sensation was indescribable — a bitter, tangled grief.
But thinking it over, she realized something didn’t quite add up.
The Diarmuid family’s swordsmanship was a priceless treasure. Even money couldn’t buy a lesson from the Sword King — you needed talent, connections, and lineage.
Samimi had none of those. And Niubao — a lowly half-beast — would normally have no chance at learning elite sword arts.
Yet somehow, Samimi had charmed both Fabiana and her grandfather, and managed to get Niubao accepted as the Sword King’s personal disciple — even earning a “Whale Knights – Honor Badge.”
That badge symbolized recognition, like a prince’s elevation during a noble title ceremony.
“All those kind things you did before… your goodwill toward me — was it all fake? Didn’t we reconcile? Didn’t we fight the Abyss together? Don’t you feel anything for me?” Fabiana asked with quiet pain.
“All of it was an act. Just to steal your family’s sword techniques.” Samimi replied mercilessly.
Hearing that was like a thunderbolt. Fabiana froze in place, her face twisted with disbelief, slowly morphing into fury.
Her trust had been used. Her sword techniques stolen. So this is what betrayal feels like.
Their time together, fighting side by side… all a lie?
The affectionate gestures, the sweet talk — it had all been fake?
No — what was she thinking? Hadn’t she hated those gestures back then, which was why she pushed Samimi out of the party? How could she be reminiscing now? Was she truly that pathetic?
“Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell Grandpa?” Fabiana snapped. “How could you use me like that?”
“Go ahead, tell the old man. He’s already wrapped around my finger. Let’s see who he believes — you or me? And don’t forget — you’re the ‘Pure White Knight’ who slandered her teammate and ganged up to exclude her.” Samimi laughed.
“Take that back. You’re insulting me, the name of the Sword King, the Whale Knights, and my family.” Fabiana said, hand on her sword hilt, shaking with rage.
“Oh please. You insulted me plenty. So why can’t I return the favor?” Samimi mocked.
“You can’t… you just can’t treat me this way!” Fabiana cried, gritting her teeth. But she had no comeback.
Damn it! Samimi could really talk circles around people! That sharp tongue — how were people like her even allowed in holy orders?
“Let’s set aside our personal feud for now. But you must apologize to my family and to my grandfather.” Fabiana declared, gripping her sword. “I won’t let you leave so easily. Even if I have to drag you back.”
Since words were useless, only a knight’s way — violence — remained.
“Oh?” Samimi lifted her hand and pulled off her veil — only to reveal another layer of black gauze beneath. Classic prank.
She revealed half of her wickedly charming face, wearing a subtle, smug smile.
“What are you laughing at?” Fabiana growled.
“What am I laughing at?” Samimi answered. “Because I’ve wanted to beat you up for ages!”
“I really thought you’d changed… but turns out, you just got better at acting. So I was just being lied to this whole time?” Fabiana said, heart aching.
“You glorified little lapdog of the Hero — let’s not kid ourselves. We never trusted each other. Our team-up was just a forced arrangement from above. What love? What friendship? It never existed.” Samimi sneered.
“I’ve been wanting to punch you too!” Fabiana roared — though her fury masked her hurt.
Because not long ago, she had truly believed Samimi had changed. She had opened her heart and genuinely hoped the three of them could be lifelong friends.
But now…
“Clang!” A flash of golden light split the darkness of the garden path.
Fabiana drew her Golden Knight Sword, leveling it at her former comrade.
Her face was twisted with inner conflict. Her lips trembled, and the hand gripping the sword shook — revealing her torn and confused heart.
She didn’t really want to do this — didn’t want to draw her blade on Samimi.
But now the emotions, the pride, the betrayal — all had spiraled too far. They couldn’t stop. The only way forward was steel against steel.
Samimi, calm and steady, showed no emotion. No unnecessary words. Her unshaken half-face revealed her cold resolve.
Seeing this, Fabiana became certain — Samimi truly felt nothing for her.
Samimi unstrapped the Demon-Slaying Sword from her back and handed it to Niubao.
Niubao gently placed her lunchbox down and took the heavy sword in her arms.
“Samimi! No — you can’t!” Fabiana realized what was about to happen, and her lovely face twisted with panic.
“…”
Niubao said nothing, slowly drawing the Demon-Slaying Sword.
“Niubao! I’m your teacher!” Fabiana cried, watching the serious little face, her grip trembling harder than ever.
“…”
Niubao stayed silent, posturing like a sword master, unwavering as she stepped between Samimi and Fabiana.
Clearly, Niubao held far more loyalty to Samimi than to her former sword mentor.
At this moment, it was as if Fabiana was the real criminal here.
“I’m a priestess. And priestesses must have their party.”
Samimi spread her hands, a smug grin returning to her face — that devilish expression fully revived, bringing back the air of her old villainess persona.
With her rebellious little sister, she’d been lenient, just enough to teach a lesson.
But this ex-colleague who’d backstabbed her in the past?
She was going to hit her — and hit her hard.
Judging by the sudden drop in IQ, huge shift in personality, brain-dead logic of their argument and difference in writing style, this is chapter is clearly AI prompt…