Chapter 8

Arcrain was using every word in his vocabulary to curse Turtelise in his mind.

He thought of nothing but insults for his political enemy, even using dirty slang that he would never normally utter. Being locked in this stark white prison, he felt that this was the only way to maintain his mental balance.

Currently, Arcrain was restrained with handcuffs and leg irons that prevented the release of mana, tightly bound in this white prison. The walls, floor, and ceiling of this room, which existed in the basement of the palace, were all painted white, designed to imprison the Awakened.

It was a courtesy, considering that the Awakened of the royal family possessed monstrous powers and were thus heavily guarded.

Still, it was a prison of bad taste.

Not only was the room white, but the clothes he was made to change into and the restraints on his hands and feet were also white. The thoroughness of using white to fill everything was undoubtedly a measure to include torture. Furthermore, all sounds were completely excluded from this room.

This was psychological torture aimed at sensory deprivation. It was said that people whose colors and sounds were thoroughly taken away would gradually be invaded by their minds.

Even the food provided in this room was white.

The food served was bland, white dishes like rice pudding and porridge, making him feel like he was being treated like livestock.

When he tired of cursing, the image that came to mind was Estelle's.

If she were being treated the same way—just thinking about it made his chest feel like it would tear apart.

Arcrain had surrendered quietly because Estelle had been captured first. If only his close aides had been captured, he would have resisted and escaped.

He had always discussed with his aides the plan to scatter and escape the moment they sensed any unrest. If they couldn't make it in time, they would use their wits to escape, and even if they lost their lives, they would not blame each other. That was the agreement.

However, the plan was thrown off by the presence of Estelle. If she were involved, Arcrain couldn't disobey.

—That's why he didn't want to make anyone special.

The only special person was a weakness. He thought he had protected her with all his might.

Keeping her in the birdcage of the Balance Palace, he had thought she would be safe. How foolish he had been.

However, it was impossible to take her with him on all public duties, even after marriage. His unstable position made him feel both pitiful and angry.

He never thought the queen would take such a bold move to target Sarses, especially when he was away from the palace on official business.

Today's official duty was to attend a ceremony of the army, and it was well known that Arcrain would be out.

The timing to target Sarses and the timing to capture him were, in retrospect, meticulously planned. He was surrounded by the King's Guard after the ceremony, when he had parted ways with his aide, Claus, and was about to return to the palace.

The queen's power was due to Sarses' favor. Therefore, his rebellion against Sarses was unexpected.

If Sarses were to fall before the succession order was changed, the queen would be in trouble—thinking this, his own complacency made him want to vomit.

Estelle's recognition as the first hero to slay the stray dragon might have pushed the second prince's faction into a corner.

More than his own death or madness, he was worried about Estelle's treatment.

Again, he couldn't protect her. Arcrain was tormented by frustration and inadequacy. This was his sin for not letting go of Estelle.

What had happened to his aides? He hoped they hadn't resisted poorly and gotten hurt. He regretted not having made any arrangements regarding Estelle.

He was like a plague, spreading misfortune to those around him just by existing.

—He shouldn't have been born.

If he hadn't existed, the political strife over the succession would never have happened. Estelle and his aides wouldn't have been dragged into the lives of those involved.

Even though he wished for Estelle's safety, the thought of her being happy in a world without him made him want to vomit. How despicable and dirty he was, unable to pray for the happiness of someone he loved.

Trapped in dark thoughts, Arcrain sighed deeply and heavily, then raised his head, thinking he had heard a sound.

Had he finally started hearing things, deprived of color and sound?

As he raised his head with a self-deprecating smile, he heard another sound.

Thud, thump.

It was a heavy sound. Then he heard what sounded like someone shouting, and Arcrain focused his hearing.

Could it be that help had arrived? No, he shouldn't be too hopeful yet.

Regardless of Arcrain's internal struggle, the entrance to the white room soon opened.

"Your Highness! Are you all right!"

Bursting in were soldiers in bright blue uniforms—those who had captured him, the King's Guard. Arcrain was taken aback.

◆ ◆ ◆

"Master Arc!"

Following the sturdy guards, Estelle burst in, and Arcrain was completely confused.

However, seeing her running towards him, looking energetic, he felt relieved.

As he was embraced by her soft body and sweet scent, he suddenly remembered that he hadn't bathed since being imprisoned and felt uncomfortable.

Ah, but he couldn't resist this warmth.

"I'm sorry to interrupt this reunion, Miss Estelle, but could you step back a bit?"

Interrupting them was Sarses, and Arcrain was surprised again.

"Father!? But you were supposed to be poisoned..."

"I pretended to drink it and threw it away. I'll explain later. Let me remove the restraints, so extend your hands."

At his words, Estelle stepped back.

Feeling the warmth leave his hands, Arcrain couldn't help but glare at Sarses.

Sarses shrugged slightly and drew the sword from his waist. The sight of it made Arcrain flinch.

"It looks like Caledvulfr."

"It is Caledvulfr."

Sarses casually announced, and Estelle also looked shocked.

Caledvulfr—the symbol of royal power, also known as a holy sword, an ancient relic.

A highly powerful mana blade said to split the sea and cleave the earth.

"Why do you have such a thing?"

"It will be needed later."

Saying this briefly, Sarses used Caledvulfr to cut the restraints on Arcrain's hands and feet. The strong metal chains were severed like butter, and his body suddenly felt lighter.

He tried to release mana to see if he could move the severed chains. He could. The chains floated in the air.

The suppression effect on his abilities, which had been applied to the entire cell, seemed to have been nullified by Sarses and his men.

"Take care of the rest yourself. If I use this thing carelessly, I might cut off your wrists too."

Sarses said something that wasn't funny.

Arcrain sighed lightly and flowed telekinetic power into the remaining restraints on his hands and feet, forcibly breaking and removing them.