Chapter XXV: Sin and Defilement (Part 5)

"Rezef was the one who killed the Emperor, Your Highness," Medea reiterated, her gaze icy and unsettling. Frederick felt a chill run down his spine at her words. He shook his head in denial, clutching at his temples. "No, that can't be... it's too much," he whispered in disbelief. He had always known his brother harbored ambitions for the throne, but this? Murdering their father? It seemed unthinkable."For Rezef, there's no such thing as too much," Medea continued, her voice slicing through his thoughts. Frederick looked up, meeting her serious expression. She averted her gaze momentarily before locking eyes with him again, her face contorted in a grimace. "He tried to kill me before. What makes you think he wouldn't do the same to others?"A heavy silence fell over them. Medea took a deep breath, flicking her long hair back over her shoulder. 'This man is too hard to convince,' she thought, frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior. She clicked her tongue, deciding to press further. "If Rezef didn't intend to kill the Emperor, why would he let you be accused? Why would he believe someone else's words over yours?"Frederick clenched his jaw, struggling with the implications. "There's one piece of evidence," he said, tilting his head to reveal bruises on his neck. "He said he couldn't believe me because of this. Maybe he thought our father did it."Medea scoffed, eyeing the bruise with disdain. But her annoyance quickly gave way to a more serious demeanor. "It seems you're not just accused, but also deceived," she remarked. Another reason she considered herself superior to Rezef. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, thinking, At least I know how to manipulate people properly, she mused. By exploiting their weaknesses, insecurities, and desperation for my own amusement. Rezef, on the other hand, resorts to crude tactics like deceiving those around him, and underestimating them to get what he wants easily. How pathetic.She met Frederick's gaze once more, her expression unyielding. "Rezef's tactics are sloppy. He fools those around him to get what he wants, all while underestimating their capabilities. He sees everyone as a means to an end. You were just another obstacle in his path. It's only a matter of time before his arrogance leads to his downfall."Frederick's eyes widened as he processed her words. The room seemed to close in around him as he realized the depth of his brother's betrayal. Medea's calculated demeanor only added to his growing sense of despair. His face twisted with a mix of anger and realization. "But why? Why go to such lengths? What does he hope to gain from all this?"Medea's eyes narrowed. "Power, Frederick. Absolute power. Rezef craves it more than anything else. And he's willing to destroy anyone who stands in his way, even his own family. You need to stop turning a blind eye and see the truth."His shoulders sagged under the weight of her words. He looked at Medea, a mixture of desperation and determination in his eyes. "What should I do then? How do I stop him?"Medea smiled, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "You don't have to face him alone. Align with me, and together we can outmaneuver your brother. He may be ruthless, but he's not invincible. With my intellect and your rightful claim, we can bring him down."Frederick's breath hitched. The offer was tempting, but the stakes were high. He knew he had no choice but to consider her proposition. Rezef's treachery had left him with nowhere else to turn.As the silence stretched between them, Medea's confidence grew. She had planted the seed of doubt, and now it was only a matter of time before it took root. Rezef's downfall was inevitable, and she would be there to watch it unfold.With a hesitant sigh and a reluctant grumble, Frederick finally gave in. He looked Medea in the eye, his expression one of utter defeat. "I shall accept your offer," he said, his voice heavy with resignation.Medea's lips curled into a malicious smirk. At last, the first human in this world had succumbed to her temptations, reaching out to grasp the hand of darkness. Her efforts and desire to corrupt humanity were finally bearing fruit. She would ensure that Frederick's soul ripened to perfection. The thought then made her sigh internally, It's a shame. His soul would be so delectable; I would devour it if I were in my true form. But never mind that. Leading him down the path of darkness until he becomes a sinner will be just as satisfying.She tapped her fingers thoughtfully on the table before finally speaking. "Very well, I am at your service." Medea moved to his side, leaning in close. Frederick flinched, glaring at her with venom. "But it doesn't mean you can do anything you want," he retorted, his voice brimming with hatred.Medea rolled her eyes and placed a firm hand on his shoulder, gripping it tightly. "Do you think I want to do this of my own volition? I don't even want to touch you," she whispered dangerously in his ear.Before Frederick could respond, Medea activated her powers, enveloping them both in a swirl of energy. The room blurred around them, and in an instant, they were gone, teleported to another location.As they reappeared, Frederick stumbled slightly, disoriented by the sudden shift. He steadied himself and shot Medea a glare. "Where are we now?" he demanded, his voice tinged with both anger and fear.The familiar place screamed perfection. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling glistened brightly above them, casting a warm glow over the opulent room. Medea began to walk around, her heels clicking against the marble floor, and turned to Frederick with a proud smile. "Welcome to my manor, Your Highness," she greeted mischievously.Frederick furrowed his brows and sighed deeply. He watched as Medea signaled for him to follow her. Hesitantly, he complied, his gaze wandering around the halls of the Falaguerra estate. Something felt off. Why were there no servants around? In such a grand manner, he expected to see staff bustling about, attending to their duties. But instead of voicing his curiosity, he shrugged it off, wary of Medea's intentions. This woman could not be trusted, and he needed to stay vigilant. He still couldn't believe what she had done—using her magic to help him escape. It was against the law. If people found out, he would be branded a wanted criminal. Frederick couldn't bear the thought of being seen as a fugitive, further solidifying the accusations against him."I don't want to sound ungrateful, but this is the kind of help I didn't appreciate," he said with a grimace.Medea rolled her eyes at his words, finding his attitude pathetic. "Really?" she taunted. "You were willing to stay in that stinking cell and let others judge you, despite knowing you're innocent?"Frederick looked away, his expression troubled. "I planned to face the accusations head-on. The law states that if a person is not guilty, they will be proven innocent," he explained with a frown.She fought the urge to laugh in his face. His naivety was almost charming. He genuinely believed that the law would protect him and that justice would prevail. She found his faith in such ideals to be gibberish. The law was just a collection of rules and regulations, easily bent or broken by those in power.With a mocking scoff, she responded, "You think you can use the law as a shield against fabricated justice?" She stopped in front of a large, ornate door. "Once power is at stake, fairness ceases to exist. Justice becomes a casualty," she concluded coldly, opening the door.Frederick stood motionless, a bitter smile forming on his lips as he swallowed the harsh truth. He followed Medea into the room. "Brother."The Duke looked up from his desk and then at Frederick, his expression calm and composed. He immediately stood up and placed a hand on his chest. "Greetings upon the future sun of the Empire," Vincentius said respectfully, bowing.Frederick waved his hand dismissively. "Well, I am currently on the run. So there's no need to show respect, Duke Falaguerra," he reprimanded gently, making Medea scoff internally. Acting all noble now? she thought, shaking her head."I was curious," Frederick began, furrowing his brows as he addressed Vincentius. "Did you know that Medea helped me escape? You don't seem surprised to see me."Vincentius looked at Frederick calmly. "I was informed of the plan," he admitted. "Medea and I agreed that drastic measures were necessary to protect you from an unjust fate."Meanwhile, the little devil on the sofa frowned. I didn't say that. Who cares about him having an unfortunate fate? The crown prince felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. He was now in the hands of people who played by different rules, and he had to adapt quickly. The weight of his situation pressed down on him, but he knew there was no turning back."I see. And you trust her?" he asked, his tone laced with skepticism.Vincentius glanced at Medea, who was watching them with a bored expression. "I trust that her interests align with ours, for now," he said cautiously. "We must work together to uncover the truth."Medea smirked, satisfied with her brother's response. She knew that trust was a fragile thing, easily manipulated to her advantage. "Let's not waste any more time, then," she said, her voice cutting through the tension. "We have much to do, Your Highness. My plan isn't simple after all."Frederick took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. Despite his misgivings, he knew that he had no choice but to rely on Medea and the Duke. The path ahead was fraught with danger and deceit, but he would navigate it with determination. The fight for justice had only just begun.***Inside the opulent office chamber of the First Prince, the Genovian Princes had gathered. The sudden disappearance of their brother, Frederick, had sent ripples of alarm not only through Rezef but also through Endymion and Lucius. Concerned and seeking answers, they converged on their oldest brother's office chamber."How could this happen?" Endymion demanded, his legs and arms crossed as he lounged on the sofa. "Didn't you already order that no visitors be allowed in?"Rezef's frustration was evident as he shook his head, brushing the strands of his bangs aside. His hands clenched tightly on the edge of his desk, his back turned to hide his irritation. "You don't have to worry about it," he began, his voice taut. "I've already instructed the Imperial Knights to search the city and any possible locations he might have fled to."Lucius, who had been standing calmly, looked at Rezef with sincerity. "Brother, allow me to help find Frederick," he offered earnestly.Rezef's frustration only deepened. "I said, it's under control," he snapped, though he tried to maintain a composed facade.Endymion, ever the inquisitive one, leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "Wouldn't that be a bit too obvious?" he asked, tilting his head and pursing his lips.Both Rezef and Lucius turned to him, their expressions a mix of bewilderment and disbelief. Endymion raised his hands defensively. "Listen, what I'm saying is that Frederick's escape could make him look more guilty. If he truly wanted to prove his innocence, he wouldn't run away," he explained, trying to make his point clear.Lucius furrowed his brows, a hint of accusation in his voice. "Are you insinuating that Brother Frederick is guilty of killing our father?"Endymion sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Since when did I say that, Lucius? I'm merely pointing out a possibility," he replied, not wanting to escalate the tension.Lucius looked away, his tone still sharp. "Because your words imply something."Endymion shot him a frustrated look. "Ugh, what's with you? You're jumping to conclusions," he said, frowning and pouting.Before the argument could escalate, Rezef cut in with a commanding tone, "Enough." His voice, cold and authoritative, made both brothers tense. Endymion swallowed thickly, clearing his throat, while Lucius maintained his composure despite the rising tension.Rezef took a deep breath, turning to face them with a serious and intimidating presence. His gaze fixed on Endymion, causing him to flinch. "You're quite right," Rezef began."But brother—" Lucius tried to interject, but Rezef silenced him with a sharp glance."If Frederick indeed has nothing to do with father's death," Rezef continued, his voice laced with malice, "he wouldn't have escaped."Lucius sweatdropped, sensing the underlying spite in Rezef's words. He isn't merely agreeing with Endymion, he's being spiteful.Night gave way to dawn, but the events of the previous day still felt fresh in Elysia's mind. She stood gazing up at the sky, her expression wistful, while Rezef remained beside her, silent and brooding. The tranquility was soon interrupted by a knight approaching them."Greetings to the---" the knight began, but Rezef cut him off with a sharp gesture. "Speak your intention," he demanded, his tone impatient and edged with irritation.The knight nodded, maintaining his respectful bow. Rezef's eyes glistened dangerously as he stared down at the knight, waiting for him to speak. "Your Highness, we have located Prince Frederick. He is currently hiding in the Falaguerra Manor."Elysia gasped in surprise, while Rezef's gaze narrowed, his expression darkening. An unsettling grin spread across his face as he pieced together the implications. Medea, he realized, must be the one aiding Frederick. In the entire empire, only she would dare involve herself with a suspected criminal."I see. Pass my order then," Rezef said, turning to face the bright reflection of the sun in the sky. His thoughts churned with the realization of Medea's insolence. Her shameless behavior about mingling with someone's affairs must be put in the right place. And I will start from this. "Capture the crown prince, and arrest Medea Falaguerra."