Chapter 191

"Darling, I have to admit, you really are amazing," Akio said, nodding in admiration.

"But of course." Rosalyne nestled into his lap, her voluptuous body pressing close to his as she purred softly, "So? Do you like your gift?"

"Of course I do," Akio replied with a faint smile. "The Damselette, Columbina… Where is she now?"

"She's in my little house," Rosalyne said. "Though, by now, the Fatui under my command have completely blended into life in Inazuma. It seems they've taken quite a liking to this peaceful lifestyle."

"Thankfully, Columbina had Pantalone take the others back with him. She said she wanted to explore Inazuma on her own for a few days. Otherwise, it would've been a lot harder to make a move."

"..." Akio rose to his feet. "Come on, take me to see the girl."

Then he called out, "Sweethearts, I'm heading out for a bit. You all keep cooking—we'll be back soon."

"Okay~ Go ahead," Miyuki's voice floated out from the kitchen.

"Let's go." Akio wrapped an arm around Rosalyne's waist and stepped into the Imaginary Space.

Inside Rosalyne's residence in Inazuma, within a prison forged from Eternal Flame, a delicate girl sat curled up, hugging her knees, lost in thought.

The cage, made of Eternal Flame, wasn't something even she dared to touch lightly. This flame, once latched on, would burn until nothing remained.

When Akio and Rosalyne appeared, Columbina finally lost her composure.

What did she just see?

The mighty Harbinger known as the "Lady" was now obediently snuggling in the arms of Inazuma's Great Divine Sovereign?!

"Rosalyne! Have you betrayed Her Majesty the Tsaritsa?" Columbina glared at her, voice sharp with accusation—though still exquisitely melodious.

Columbina's voice… Akio had to admit—it was the clearest, most enchanting voice he'd ever heard.

"Betrayed Her Majesty? No, no." Rosalyne shook her head. "I haven't betrayed the Tsaritsa. I've simply found my true love—someone I would give up everything for."

"I will still carry out Her Majesty's will—but not right now. My darling has his own plans," she said with a smile. "As for you, well, you're the gift I prepared for him."

"???" Columbina stared, dumbfounded. She looked between Rosalyne and Akio. She… what? She tied her up and just handed her over as a gift?

"Seriously… Rosalyne, are you insane…?" Even Columbina couldn't hold back anymore, muttering a rare curse under her breath.

"Hmph. Say what you want. Either way, you're his now," Rosalyne said dismissively before turning to Akio with a smile. "Darling, go ahead—enjoy your gift~"

"You really do take things to the next level," Akio chuckled as he stepped toward the cage.

With a casual wave of his hand, the Eternal Flame dissipated instantly. Columbina remained on the floor, staring up at him with a mix of despair and awe.

The death energy Rosalyne had infused into her still lingered, leaving her completely drained, powerless to resist.

Even at full strength, Columbina wouldn't dare to defy Akio.

She had once observed this Great Divine Sovereign of Inazuma through her Seelie-born sight—the ability to perceive truths others couldn't. Her race was known for their piercing insight.

And in her eyes, Akio was a vast and unfathomable presence, towering in might and majesty. Even the Tsaritsa paled in comparison.

It reminded her of a certain higher-order god from the distant past… but even that god felt lesser than the man before her now.

Akio crouched down and gently lifted Columbina to her feet. Wisps of black mist—Death Energy—rose from her body and vanished.

Her strength returned in an instant, but her tear-filled eyes never left Akio. Without his permission, she didn't dare move.

"Columbina, you lost your duel with Rosalyne. That makes you her spoils of war," Akio said with a smile, lifting her delicate chin. "Now that she's gifted you to me—what do you think about that?"

Of course Akio wasn't going to let Columbina go. He wasn't some noble paragon. A prize delivered straight to his doorstep? What kind of fool would turn that down?

"Lord Akio… I…" Columbina spoke in a soft, trembling voice. "Could you… maybe let me go?"

"Sorry, no can do," Akio replied cheerfully.

"..." Then why the hell did you even ask?! Columbina was mentally fried. First Rosalyne, now him—were they all just here to mess with her?

"It's not that I'm unwilling to accompany you," she quickly changed her approach. "It would be an honor. But… I'm cursed."

"If I fall in love, I will lose all my wisdom and strength—become a mindless little Seelie…"

That was the truth. A curse that had haunted her all her life. Not even a Sustainer of Heavenly Principles could lift it. There was no way Akio could.

"Oh? So what you're saying is… if it weren't for the curse, you'd willingly stay with me?" Akio asked.

"..." Columbina hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. Lord Akio, your divine majesty is beyond compare. I deeply admire you. It's just… because of the curse, I cannot serve at your side."

Hmph. This curse had plagued her forever. No one could remove it. No way he could either.

"Remember those words," Akio said calmly, already fully aware of her inner thoughts.

"All curses stem from one of two sources—either the soul, or the flesh," Akio said with a smile. "And conveniently, those just happen to be the domains of my Authority."

"I can grant you the Heart of Ultimate Resilience—freeing you from any corrupting curse. But in return, you must offer me your complete loyalty."

A soft golden glow lit up in Akio's palm.

The Authority of Life and Death governed all wounds of the body and soul—curses included.

A divine power enveloped Columbina, and her cursed soul was instantly revitalized. Every trace of the curse was burned away by Akio's authority.

At the same time, the Heart of Ultimate Resilience opened itself to her.

Columbina's mind cleared. When she looked at Akio again, she found him… oddly pleasant to look at.

But she stayed silent for a while.

She'd thought herself clever, trying to use the curse as an excuse to escape—but he actually had the power to break it.

Of course. A being beyond this world's order—he erased the curse like it was nothing.

"Columbina," Akio called to her.

"...Sigh." She understood what he meant. She had already spoken her vow—there was no taking it back now.

"Thank you for your mercy," Columbina said softly, lowering her head. "From this day forward, I pledge myself to your service."

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