"But from what I guess, the owner of this mausoleum must have held a rank above a Seventh Rank Saint when they were alive," Hillena said. "Otherwise, it wouldn't be possible for them to still exert such a horrific influence on reality after tens of thousands of years have passed."
Her words sent a fervent glint through Ivyst's eyes.
She seemed to envision the scene where, after her appearance was restored, her docile and cute little dog would snuggle in her arms, prpr.
Her motivation surged to its peak.
Seeing Ivyst so eager, Hillena was still somewhat concerned.
"Whether the things in the mausoleum can strip the Curse Mark from your face remains unknown." After much thought, Hillena couldn't help but add, "Besides, aren't you afraid... that those people lured you to the Helius Mausoleum to strip you of certain powers through this 'Authority'?"
Hearing this, Ivyst smiled lightly.
High risk, high reward.
If she were unwilling to take even the slightest risk, harboring such timidity, how could she ever defeat that wretched woman ten thousand years later?
"As you said, they are the ones wary of me right now."
"If they are wary, it means they have no means to force me into obedience. Therefore, I only need to do what I desire, as my heart wishes," Ivyst stated calmly.
Seeing her sister so composed, Hillena bit back her words.
A Sixth Rank Demigod was indeed extremely powerful, a rarity within the Empire, and this was undeniable.
But that was only in relation to humans.
What one must understand is that the dangers of this world do not come solely from humans, but more so from terrifying rules and Sealed Objects, and even certain indescribable entities.
Furthermore, as she had said before.
As long as one is caught in the web of the Saint Laurent Empire, one will never be free.
That incident in Orn City was because she didn't want to be ousted from the King's election.
And the result was satisfactory to everyone.
But what about next time?
Even if no one could use force to make her willingly strip away her Authority and power,
But if... due to someone's existence, she felt compelled to make such a choice?
After returning from Orn City, Ivyst had changed a lot, and this was good.
But change also meant there were now people who mattered to her.
To the schemers of the Imperial Capital, a Sixth Rank Demigod was not terrible.
Terrifying was a Sixth Rank Demigod with no attachments, no desires.
And once a person has concerns, they also have vulnerabilities.
Hillena truly wished Ivyst would take these words to heart.
Yet looking at her, she felt somewhat at a loss for words.
Hopefully, she was just overthinking it.
Hillena let out a soft sigh.
At this very moment, the tea was growing cold.
Just as Hillena was ready to finish this evening's talk, the study door was suddenly knocked upon.
The next second, the mansion's female steward burst into the room, her expression panicked.
Upon seeing both princesses present, she moderated her panicked look and hurriedly spoke, "Your Highness, just now, on the third-floor corridor, we discovered a male corpse. Based on his attire, he seems to be a guest from tonight's feast."
Upon hearing this, Hillena instantly realized the gravity of the situation, her expression solemn, "Has the identity of the deceased been confirmed?"
"Not yet, but he was wearing a crow mask. We are currently checking..."
The female steward wanted to say more but was interrupted by a sudden voice.
Ivyst, seemingly unaware, lifted her head and looked toward the speaking maid, her voice trembling slightly.
It might have been her imagination.
But in her sister's eyes, she saw an unprecedented panic and despair.
As if... the world had crumbled.
Is this your vulnerability?
Hillena thought to herself silently.
(ps: Transition scene, bit of a narrative block, the next climax is coming soon, thinking about how to build it up better.)