chapter 66

As the invasion gripped Galica, a tense meeting unfolded at the Eskapa base. Three Espadas—Pyun, Yuki, and Kid Lightning—sat in a row at a long table reserved for high council gatherings, joined by Magdalena, the Supreme Commander of Eskapa. Kid, a Mythical Beast with blue hair and glasses, had taken human form through Magdalena's magic and was considered the mightiest weapon of Eskapa, second only to her. 

Magdalena stood by the window, her short brown hair and elegant attire a stark contrast to her usual guise as an ordinary soldier when alongside Xxv and others outside the base. As a Hagen, a race blessed with eternal youth, she appeared as a teenager despite her five centuries in Endoryo. Though Eskapa was founded over three hundred years ago, she had spent much of her life protecting a small town before forming the group to safeguard the realm.

The council convened to address Sei's defiance of Eskapa's laws, particularly her refusal to surrender the Soul Eater, Zhui, for trial. Pyun demanded punishment, arguing Sei had ignored three requests to deliver Zhui to the base. "Queen Sei mocks our envoys and flouts our rules," Pyun said sharply.

"Calm yourself, Lady Pyun," Yuki countered. "We can't punish an Espada for such a trivial reason."

"Trivial?" Pyun snapped. "Soul Eaters consume their victims' powers. You've seen how dangerous they are in battle." She stressed that a Soul Eater, once fed enough souls, could overpower even the Espadas, potentially repeating past tragedies. "This isn't personal hatred—it's about preventing another catastrophe due to our negligence."

Magdalena remained silent, gazing out the window. Pyun, frustrated, pressed her. "Lady Magdalena, are you sparing the Soul Eater because she's Xxv's wife?"

The room fell quiet at her lack of response. Pyun continued, warning of the growing threat of Soul Eaters and other Genions uniting to wreak havoc, which could demand countless lives as sacrifice. "Xxv is invaluable to us, with potential to become an Espada, but he must prioritize the greater good and abandon his Genion wife," she insisted.

"You can't say that," Yuki retorted. "You know Xxv can't control Zhui or convince her to join our cause for peace. We can't trust her intentions."

Yuki recalled her failed attempts to persuade Zhui, who harbored deep resentment toward Eskapa and refused their mercy. Kid interjected, questioning if Eskapa was prepared for Xxv siding with Zhui. "I don't understand humans," Kid said, "but Xxv is devoted to her. His pact with Magdalena for a peaceful world is driven by his love for Zhui."

Pyun insisted Xxv must prove his loyalty by upholding Eskapa's laws. "He's proven his loyalty," Kid countered. "Killing his wife would make him question Magdalena's promise to him."

Pyun bristled, unwilling to accept Eskapa bending its laws for one soldier's request. Kid emphasized maintaining their alliance with Xxv, the destined Mesha, the Heaven-ordained savior foretold by Magdalena. Pyun fell silent, her expression betraying her dissent, but she composed herself, suggesting they arrange a marriage for Xxv with an Eskapa member or a princess from an allied kingdom to strengthen ties.

Magdalena's eyes widened at the idea. "Marry Xxv to someone else?" she whispered to herself. Pyun proposed sending a female soldier as his mission partner to win his affection, hoping he'd forget Zhui. Yuki sighed, noting Xxv's charm had already drawn many admirers, none successful. "He's blinded by his love and gratitude toward Zhui, but if Lady Magdalena orders it, he'll comply," Pyun said.

Magdalena, startled, stammered, "Me? N-no, I can't force him to marry another."

Pyun pointed out they'd arranged marriages for nobles before without issue, given Xxv's renown. Yuki worried a human leading an allied nation might cause unrest, as only the Irish Kingdom accepted humans as equals. "Then marry him to Queen Rei," Pyun suggested.

Yuki scoffed. "Rei's human, but you're delusional if you think she'd wed a slave obsessed with a mortal enemy of her kind."

Seeing Pyun's desperation, Yuki challenged her to offer herself as a bride, knowing Xxv admired Pyun's nobility from his time training under her. Pyun stood abruptly, indignant. "Marry a human? My subjects would lose faith in a kingdom led by one."

Yuki turned Pyun's reasoning back on her. "It's not just about reputation. Humans have short lives compared to other races, offering no lasting benefit to a noble's marriage."

Pyun, speechless, sat down heavily. Silence hung until Magdalena spoke, calming the tension. "Please, no more arguing. Xxv is the Mesha, but the law is the law. The trial will proceed fairly, no matter what."

Yuki pleaded for reconsideration, knowing the trial's toll on Xxv. "Lady Yuki, I trust heaven's will shall prevail that day," Magdalena said, her voice heavy with sorrow. Excusing herself, she ended the meeting and left the room, ordering preparations for the trial.

Magdalena knew Xxv might resent her for ordering Zhui's execution, but Zhui's repeated defiance and attacks on Eskapa left no room for mercy. Alone in a chamber, she sank to the floor, clutching her face in frustration. "Why does it have to be so hard? Why did *you* have to be the Mesha, Xxv? Of all people, why you?" she muttered, anguished.

Pausing, she grasped the pendant on her necklace, staring at it. "No, why did you have to choose *her* as your wife?" Closing her eyes, she stood slowly, resolve hardening. "The prophecy must be fulfilled. For that to happen, she has to die."

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