Only with Your Heart

Plans destruction (2)

When Exia approached, Chizuru instantly knew she was Exias target, so she quickly got up to fight back. However, Exias slap caught her by surprise.

There was a harsh, loud thud before Chizuru was slammed back against the stone wall.

Her cheek ached from the blow.

You damn woman! Youve ruined all my plans! Its this witchs fault!

Exia was usually always dressed up, but today she was wearing a relatively simple flax colored dress.

Her hair was dishevelled, and the elegance of her appearance at Lukrovs castle was gone. In its place, there was a hysterical woman who was repulsive to ones eyes. Of course, Chizuru was not in the best shape either after spending a few days in this prison.

In order to keep her composure, Chizuru held her bruised cheek with one hand and stood back up.

Youre the one who kidnapped us and brought us here, arent you?

Exia snorted.

What are you going to do about it?

She then stretched out her neck and approached Chizuru.

I should have killed you as fast as I could. But my father insisted that we could use you as a hostage. What a joke!

Chizuru should have said something back, but she was at a loss for words, and she felt suffocated.

According to what Exia said, did that mean that Chizuru could no longer be used as a hostage . Did that mean Lukrov had given up on Chizuru? Was that even possible?

Dont cry,Chizuru told herself.

Believe in him.

If your purpose was to get Lukrovs territory, he has nothing to do with it. Just let him go. Chizuru gestured at Baru.

Baru, who was standing right next to the door, suddenly stiffened.

It was clear that Baru was ready to strike, mercilessly, if anyone tried to do anything to Chizuru. His chivalrous spirit was admirable, but it was also dangerous for him.

Exias thin lips formed an uncanny smile.

He didnt seem to want you even when we threw you in this small tiny cell. You really are an ugly, unattractive woman. Thats exactly what you are.

Even without Exias statement, Chizuru already knew she wasnt as beautiful or attractive as Exia.

But Chizuru was sure that this was an attempt to provoke her. If Chizuru let herself become swayed by anger, she would be walking right into Exias trap.

Chizurus reaction wasnt as interesting as Exia expected.

Oh! What is that?! I dont like it. Why arent you crying and begging for your life? Do you think Ill give you back to Duke Lukrov later?

A cold chill ran down Chizurus spine.

In this world without proper, established laws, it should be a common occurrence for a woman to be discarded in a power struggle. It was no surprise that Chizuru had become one of them. It may be that the fact that she was still alive until now was more unusual.

But Baru has nothing to do with this. Hes Roans knight. You would be turning Roan into an enemy as well. Do you want that?

Chizuru looked at Exia as she spoke while controlling her fear as much as possible.

It was clear that Chizuru was trying to get back at her, just like a cat biting anyone who reached out to touch it. However, Exias reaction was unexpected. She was as upset as if her dress was set on fire and began to stomp the ground in anger.

Its too late! Its too late now!

When Exia yelled, not only Chizuru and Baru, even the subordinates she had brought with her, could not help but be dumbfounded by her actions. Exia gripped the hem of her dress even more forcefully and gritted her teeth as she came at Chizuru.

Your fianc.

Exia began to speak with a slow, cold voice that was filled with a grudge.

Duke Lukrov As soon as he found out that you were missing, he marched into my fathers castle. He was so powerful that he would have frightened a horde of demons. As soon as my father mentioned your name in an attempt to negotiate, he had his head chopped off in a matter of seconds.

Exias lips turned into a bloody purple color.

Chizuru was speechless and stared blankly at Exia, whose eyes were bloodshot as if she had lost her mind.

He chopped off his head! Ah, that madman!

Exia began to wail and buried her face in her hands. Chizuru, who had been staring at Exias sobs in disbelief, glanced at Baru a little while later. Baru nodded toward Chizuru with a serious look on his face.

Can they run away?

But more than a few guards were escorting Exia outside. Baru was unarmed, hadnt eaten much in a couple of days, and had the burden of Chizuru with him. Even if they wanted to escape, Baru was a knight of Roans territory and probably hardly knew the area. The chances of winning were sadly slim.

But if youre a . theres no reason for you to keep us captive any longer.

Wanting to stall for time, Chizuru said to Exia.

But Exia didnt seem to hear anything. She continued to sob in the same position for a while, then suddenly straightened her back and raised her face, which was wet with tears.

Chizuru gulped.

Because Exias eyes were so brutally cloudy that it was hard to believe they were of this world.

My father is dead.

She had a bad feeling about this.

Exias voice, which seemed already disconnected from the surrounding reality, sounded eerily like an oracle from some faraway world.

At the same time, Baru also felt his body stiffen.

It is a miracle that I have been able to escape to this place. Oh, well, I guess the heavens are a little bit on my side. Right?

There was no answer, so Chizuru kept quiet and held her breath. Sweat beads slowly formed on her face from the tension. Maybe it would have been less scary if she had just yelled at her.

Exia smiled, looking like a child.

Duke Lukrov will kill me without a moments mercy, But you know, there are things I can do. She said.

Chizuru prayed to God that Exia would suddenly change her mind. Even though she knew it was a meaningless prayer, she couldnt help it.

To take you with me, or your crazy fianc. You can choose. Which would you prefer?