Natasha Kingston—
The most beloved daughter of Grand Duke Ansley.
The second most powerful person in the entire kingdom, surpassed only by the king himself.
But it wasn't just her status as the Grand Duke's daughter that made her untouchable—it was also her relationship with the king that solidified her position. Natasha was, in fact, the king's niece.
The bond between King Augustus and the Grand Duke was complicated, but in simple terms, they were brothers.
As for Diana, she was the daughter of one of the wealthiest ducal houses in the kingdom. Her family held a complete monopoly over Magitech, dominating advancements in the field. With each new creation, their influence grew, making them a household name in the industry, as nearly every gadget relied on their innovations.
What truly connects these characters goes back about ten years, to when Diana first visited Jason's dukedom and fell in love with him. It was also during this time that Natasha and Andor formed a bond. This marked the beginning of their friendship, with both Diana and Jason developing feelings for each other, as well as Andor for Diana. However, none of them have been willing to confess their feelings.
At least for now.
But that matters little to me.
What does matter is that those two were extremely important characters in the story—along with Nora, Jason's adopted sister.
The only existing human with angel blood. Not fallen angel blood, but true angelic blood. I don't even know how that's possible, but it's what she is.
Eventually, she would become so overpowered that if she ever turned against Jason, no amount of plot armor would save him. I guess that's why she was made to be kind and naïve—a sweet, trusting girl. That way, Jason could easily manipulate her, and she would always see him as her beloved brother.
But that doesn't concern me.
What does concern me is getting that before she does—and taking her while I'm at it.
Don't blame me for trying to secure my own plot armor.
If I can get these three girls, then the first stage of my plan is complete.
With just them, I can begin the second phase.
And that…
…is to use Vyinsdra's Curse on Jason.
"Here we are," the man said, pulling my attention back to the massive, castle-like mansion before us.
Damn it. There were still variables I hadn't accounted for.
Vyinsdra's Curse brought instant corruption. And the very thing I came here for… opposed corruption. They were two completely contradictory forces. If I wasn't careful, they could rip me apart.
'Damn it,' I clicked my tongue in frustration.
What now?
Do I let Nora take it, then manipulate her into granting me access to the Fairy Realm?
No. That plan had too many uncertainties. What if I couldn't manipulate her? That would ruin everything.
I couldn't enslave her the way I did Anna.
In fact, I don't even think I can enslave more than two people
I don't know the exact consequences of the enslavement spell, but I do know one thing—it's taking something from me.
No.
It is taking my life force.
But… I don't really care.
As long as I live to see her death.
I can die in peace.
I'll take the risk. I'll take it all.
I just won't lose again.
Even if, in the end… I lose everything.
I don't know why—why this insatiable, burning urge consumes me.
To make them pay.
Every last one of them.
And I will.
I will take my chances.
If, at the end of it all...
I survive?
Then so be it.
But if I die...
At the very least, I'll go with a smile on my face.
We entered after he whispered something to the guards stationed at the massive gates.
"Impressive," I muttered.
It truly was a castle.
Maids moved briskly through the halls, each occupied with their duties. The entire place was a flurry of activity.
"This way, my lord," he said, and I followed him toward the main entrance.
I could feel the lingering gazes, hear the hushed whispers, but I kept my head high. The discipline of nobility—drilled into me since birth—demanded nothing less.
Gruuu!
The massive doors creaked open, revealing a sight that could leave one utterly bewildered.
"Spatial manipulation," I muttered.
"My lord?" He turned to me, his expression uncertain.
"I'm sorry, but this is as far as I go. Lower nobles of my standing cannot step into the grand halls," he said with a bow.
I regarded him for a moment, then simply waved him off before turning my attention back to the vast hall before me.
A slow smirk tugged at my lips.
"Let the game begin."