The truth-2

Rinne showed him evidence. She investigated the matter and found out the man who wrote that letter to her—notifying her about her grandma's illness.

And through him, she realized that the Prince was behind this.

"If you want I can use my skill to prove that I am not saying a lie here," She said as she raised her staff.

She had that skill, and if she was so confident, then it means she wasn't lying. And why would she? Conspiring against the Prince without any reason would only lead to harm.

And it's not like Hades never suspected Cedric of this. The prime reason is Kayla.

The way she switched partners and suddenly everything was focused on Cedric, it did feel strange.

But,

"While what you're saying makes sense… what was the motive?" Hades couldn't help but ask.

Yes, everything she said lined up. Cedric had objected to his decision—but it wasn't just an objection. It was deliberate. As if Cedric knew that Hades wouldn't listen, and counted on it. As if rejecting his advice was part of the plan. Because Cedric already knew what was about to happen. He had carefully set the pieces in place.

But… why?

"What could he possibly gain?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Rinne replied softly. "He may have entered the academy through special recommendation, but you… You earned your place through a scholarship. While he struggled to make a name for himself—even as the Prince of this nation—you won hearts without even trying. Through your strength. Through your kindness."

Her gaze lingered on the redhead before she continued, "He fought tooth and nail to join the Alpha Team, pulling strings just to get in. But you? You rose to the top on your own… and became captain."

Hades blinked, processing her words.

"So yes," she said. "There were motives. And the strongest one, unfortunately… is me."

"…What do you mean?" Hades asked, his brow furrowed.

Rinne sighed, not surprised he hadn't noticed.

"Since the day I joined, Cedric has sent me over seventeen love letters. He's told me—plainly—that he's pursuing me."

Hades gave a slow nod. "Yeah, we all knew that. He's… borderline obsessed."

Everyone in the academy had seen it—the Prince's infatuation with the Saintess. The way he acted around her was night and day compared to how he treated others. Around her, he was warm spring air. Around everyone else, a bitter winter storm.

Hades had always kept his distance. Even when Cedric's obsession began to interfere with missions, he never stepped in.

Because Cedric wasn't just protective. He was the type who would let a village burn just to shield Rinne from the sun.

"And my focus was on you all this time," she added, glancing over her shoulder. Her silver hair slipped across her back, catching the light—and stealing Hades' breath for a moment.

For a few seconds, he had no idea how to respond. He simply stared.

Rinne knew him well—how hopeless he was when it came to things like this. If she didn't spell it out, he'd never understand.

That's why she said it clearly, her voice calm and sure, "I like you, Hades. Not just as a friend, or someone I admire... but as a woman likes a man."

Hades instantly turned red. "Wh-What are you saying… I'm already—"

His voice trailed off.

He was going to remind her that he was engaged. But... did that even matter anymore?

"You're not bound to anyone, Hades," she said firmly. "That's why I can say it without hesitation—I love you."

Hades let out a long breath, trying to gather his thoughts.

Rinne was a good friend. A trusted comrade. But...

"I don't feel the same way," he said gently. "Not like that, Rinne."

"I know," she replied, her voice steady. Not a hint of disappointment.

He looked at her, surprised. "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings."

She blinked, puzzled. "Why would my feelings be hurt? It's not like I'm giving up."

Before he could ask what she meant, Rinne went on all four before him. Her silver hair brushed the floor, and her eyes, clear and resolute, met his with an upturned gaze.

"I want to serve you in any way I can," she said, her voice soft but unwavering. "So as someone devoted to you… My first task is to help you get revenge on that stain of humanity."

Hades' eyes burned with fury. "I'm going to drag him to the arena and challenge him to a death duel. I'll end this with my own hands."

Rinne's expression softened, almost in pity, as she tilted her head with a sigh. "Oh my… innocent Hades."

The redhead's brow twitched, caught off guard by the sudden shift in her voice.

"Simply killing someone who's taken everything from you? That's not revenge," she said with a slow, knowing smile. "That's mercy."

She inches closer, resting her chin on his curled knee, her silver hair falling loosely over one shoulder, framing her flawless face in moonlight. Her tone darkened, silky and dangerous. "And let's be honest… Cedric's a coward. He'd never accept your challenge—not when he knows you'd slice him clean in two."

Hades' fists clenched. She was right.

Cedric would never agree to a fair fight. And even if he tried, someone like Minister Ross would twist the whole thing—make it look like treason, like Hades was trying to kill the Crown Prince out of jealousy or rage. No... acting on impulse would only backfire.

"Then what do you suggest?" he asked, tension in his voice.

Rinne smiled—and it wasn't sweet this time.

It was wicked. Slow. Laced with the kind of confidence that sent a chill down his spine.

"We're going to destroy him," she said, growing so close that he could feel her breath.

"Break his pride, crush his spirit, shatter his mask until nothing is left but a trembling shell."

Her voice dipped, husky and low. "And when he's begging for death… that's when you decide what he deserves."

Hades stared at her.

This wasn't the gentle, pure-hearted Saintess the world adored.

No… standing before him was something else entirely.

A woman too radiant to look away from—sharp like a blade, beautiful like sin.

A Saintess cloaked in light, but burning with darkness.

And in that moment, Hades didn't know what shook him more—

Her plan…

Or how devastatingly hot she looked delivering it.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.