Chapter 91
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Violet's First Words - Episode 91
In truth, Bella had spent her entire life within the Underground Temple and knew little of the world beyond its walls.
Still, because the Religious Sect members feared the Heresy Inquisitors so deeply, she too had come to reflexively despise them.
Of course, she was well aware that Ash Ravensworth was a Heresy Inquisitor.
But Ash always wore either impeccably tailored formal attire or the uniform of the Shatra Holy Knight Order.
'...It seems that even the Imperial Court found no excuse to restrain them from running rampant everywhere after the Seven Sins incident.'
Bella's expression soured momentarily, but she quickly composed herself.
Even after the ceremony began, her mind remained unsettled.
"Hehe, the newly appointed commander of the Shatra Holy Knight Order. I look forward to working with you."
Bella captivated those around her with a warm, engaging smile.
Soon, a high priest from the Capital Grand Temple ascended the platform. He would be today's officiant.
The officiant began his speech with a brief greeting.
"As you know, this Colosseum symbolizes a shameful chapter of history—where demons ravaged and toyed with humanity. Centuries have passed since we overcame this and built an empire for mankind, and the current generation might view this merely as religious symbolism. Yet we now find ourselves in conflict with those who worship the demons' god, the very evil we once vanquished."
Bella listened without any visible emotional response.
But at the officiant's next words, the corners of her mouth lifted ever so slightly.
"Today's ceremony is graced by a most distinguished guest—one who aided in sealing the Seven Sins and a promising knight destined for countless achievements."
It was unmistakably about Ash.
Seated relatively near the front, Bella straightened in her chair.
Though she couldn't see exactly where Ash was, he would soon appear on the platform.
Then he would find her among the crowd. As Bella's lips curved into a smile, an unexpected figure caught her eye.
"V-Violet Everdin...?"
Violet rose from her seat, dressed in a translucent sky-blue gown. The applause and cheers from the crowd intensified.
"Let us all bless this young knight who has rendered great service in preventing the Seven Sins."
The high priest spoke. Violet slowly lifted her head and surveyed her surroundings.
And the moment she spotted Bella, a smile blossomed across her face.
'How is this possible? I distinctly sent Violet to Bludin!'
By now, she should have been at Bludin's residence, mindlessly signing the marriage contract. So why was she here?
In that instant, a transparent barrier suddenly materialized in the air.
"What is that?"
Someone asked.
"Don't you know? That barrier is a type of magical artifact the demons once used in this Colosseum to magnify and display the scenes of their slaughter. Using spirit stones, it can replay any desired scene."
Someone seated behind Bella offered the explanation.
Among those attending today's ceremony were members of the Imperial Family, excluding the Crown Prince, and Knight Commander Marlon Camelaine.
"Protect the Imperial Family!"
As the unexpected situation unfolded, Marlon rose from his seat and shouted.
That was the moment.
Crackle, crackle—
A screen materialized in the empty air.
[My beloved god of malice, I shall offer sacrifices upon that altar without limit. I shall surely destroy the Lord God, and blessings upon your divinity.]
It was footage of someone offering prayers before a black altar.
[Glory to the Night Shadow Cult! Let us surely destroy the Lord God!]
It was Bella.
Her hair hung loose as she bowed before a statue of the evil god, praying and making various hand gestures.
Those were cursed hand signs—demonic sign language meaning the destruction of humanity. One of the Night Shadow Cult's prayer methods.
"No, no, this can't be...!"
Bella shot to her feet. All eyes turned toward her.
The Heresy Inquisitors began closing in on her from all sides.
"Good heavens."
"Who is that woman?"
"She's the new commander of the Shatra Holy Knight Order!"
Whispers spread through the crowd like gunfire. Cold sweat dripped down Bella's back.
'I'm finished.'
In that instant, Bella's instincts screamed at her. She gathered her dress and bolted.
"Damn it!"
The Heresy Inquisitors all rushed at her at once.
[Now, look into my eyes and listen to my words. Hehe, as long as the hypnotic curse we've placed exists, you are our slave.]
[There's no need to resist. Starting with you, Night Shadow believers will seep into every corner of this Empire! Soon everyone will come to believe in our god!]
The footage continued playing throughout it all.
'I've been trapped! This was the Heresy Inquisitors' snare!'
Bella was subdued in an instant.
Bella was no weakling. But weapons had been forbidden at today's event.
Moreover, the Heresy Inquisitors were well-trained in dealing with magic users.
When they rushed her all at once, overpowered her, and clamped heavy shackles around her wrists, she could muster no strength whatsoever.
These were the magical artifacts that the cult's brothers and sisters so greatly feared.
The humiliation did not end there.
The footage continued.
[What exactly do you mean by turning her into a puppet?]
[It's simple. Hypnosis is hypnosis. Once the hypnosis takes effect, Violet will do whatever she's told to do.]
Now the clandestine meeting between Marlon and Bella was being replayed before everyone.
"Ash Ravensworth, you damned bastard!"
Bella, forcibly dragged away by the Heresy Inquisitors, could no longer contain her fury and spat out curses.
"There were demon worshippers infiltrating the Capital!"
"This is absolutely horrifying!"
People screamed and pointed fingers at her.
"Is that Marlon Camelaine? The Capital Knight Commander himself was corrupted by a demon-worshipping cult!?"
Someone cried out in shock.
As Bella struggled, she caught a glimpse of the front row.
Marlon stood there, frozen and at a loss for words.
The Heresy Inquisitors approached him.
"Marlon, what is the meaning of this!"
Emperor Riot cried out in astonishment.
Anne turned away from Marlon, her face drained of all color.
Standing near the platform, slightly apart from them, Violet watched Bella with an unwavering gaze.
Violet appeared utterly composed.
"This is another trap you set! You deceived me!"
Bella thrashed about desperately, trying to reach Violet.
But the Heresy Inquisitors pressed down with overwhelming force, and Bella could only writhe and shriek as she was pinned to the ground.
Brought to you by Valir Scans! To support our team and enjoy the latest releases, please read directly on our official site: valirscans.org