Jess cried pitifully. Her voice was filled with desperation. Her hands shook violently as she tried to pull herself back against the wall. "I really can't say his name because of the curse. Please…" Her words broke off as her gaze fixed on Emilia. Shock replaced some of the fear in her eyes. She trembled harder, unable to understand why Emilia was there, standing so tall and cold that her expression was unreadable. Emilia signalled the guards to go out who gave her a bow and went out. Emilia turned towards Jess.She did not flinch on meeting her gaze. She said nothing yet, her silence heavier than any threat, her stare piercing straight through Jess as if demanding the truth she had been hiding all along. Emilia bent down slowly,and her eyes fixed on the broken figure before her. Her voice was soft but heavy with emotion. "Jess, you have suffered so much," she said, her hand brushing lightly against the cold metal of the chains. "You have been with me since childhood. My heart bleeds seeing you . I want to free you from this hell." Jess's eyes, once dulled by endless darkness, flickered with a faint spark of hope. Her voice trembled as she cried out. "Please, My Lady, take me out of here. Believe me, I never wanted to hurt you. I was forced to do this." She spoke in a trembling voice filled with desperation, as if clinging to one last chance for redemption. Emilia's expression shifted with surprise flashing across her face. "Forced?" she whispered, narrowing her eyes. She leaned in closer. "Who forced you? And how did he do it?" Jess's lips quivered as she tried to speak. "I was forced by…" But before the name could escape, her mouth shut tight as though invisible chains bound her voice. Her breathing quickened, and her body trembling as if even the attempt brought searing pain. Emilia did not let her silence pass. "If you cannot say his name, then tell me how you were forced," she pressed, her tone calm but firm. "Or at least tell me who helped him contact you. If you can reveal even a little, I will beg the Duke to let you go." Jess shook her head, her hair falling messily around her battered face. "That… I can't speak," she admitted, her voice breaking. "Everything is bound by contract. I can't disclose anything." Her words carried both fear and resignation, as though she had tried countless times before but failed each one. Emilia's gaze softened for a moment. She sighed deeply. "I really wanted to know why you did this," she said quietly. "But for all the years you have been with me, I will show you mercy." Her hand reached for the cuff that bound Jess's wrists. With a faint glow of lightning, the lock clicked open with a sharp clink. The sound echoed through the chamber like a final decision made. "Wait for the right time," Emilia said, her voice firm again. "At midnight, you may leave when guards are asleep." Jess's eyes widened, filling with tears. "My Lady…Belive me…I was forced to betray…I never meant…" Emilia stood up straight looking at her with pity. "Keep your words," she said coldly. "It's meaningless for now." She turned around decisively,heading toward the door. Jess's voice cracked behind her, filled with sobs. "My Lady, please forgive me. I apologize. I never wanted to do this…" Emilia's body paused for a brief second, her hand tightening grabbing the hem of her skirt. But she did not turn back. Without another word, she walked out, and her figure disappeared into the dim light of the corridor. The heavy prison door closed with a loud thud, leaving Jess behind with her sobs echoing in the silence. Outside, a deep, heavy atmosphere prevailed. Ruth and Luke stood waiting, both their faces pale and strained with worry. When Emilia stepped out, their eyes immediately went to her, searching for an answer. "I have done it," Emilia said, her tone was calm though her face carried traces of fatigue. Luke released a slow breath, his clenched fists finally relaxing. "Good. Leave the rest to us," he said firmly. "We will make sure to track her down." His voice carried determination, though his eyes betrayed his unease. Ruth gazed around sharply.He gave a solemn nod. "Hmm. Let's see where this tail leads us.This time even a SSS rank dared to come forward,I will make sure he knows what's the consequences of messing up the Veydrins.* His voice was low, but it carried a promise, one that was heavy. Hearing this,Luke snorted inwardly.'You should have just done it before instead of boasting now.' Emilia stood still for a moment, her face unreadable as her mind lingered on Jess's broken figure. 'I can't believeI kept such a snake beside me who destroyed my entire family.' Emilia let out a soft sigh and then turned to look at them. Her voice was calm, though there was a hint of longing in it. "I wonder what's happening out there in the Crown Games." Ruth studied her face for a moment before answering. "If you are so curious, then let's go there. We have people to look after things here." His tone was steady, as though giving her a way out of the heavy air that had been around her. Emilia's eyes brightened for a moment. It had been so long since she had stepped out and faced the public. She nodded lightly, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Then I should dress up…" Her voice carried a quiet trace of excitement that had been missing for years. "By the way,will Kael and others participate?" Ruth thought for a moment and spoke,"Don't know about Kael but Adele will take part from the Second Prince side." Luke nodded and spoke,"I wonder which part of the history they would choose this time." Meanwhile, in the Colosseum, chaos stirred. The roar of the crowd echoed, but amidst it, Ramos's voice cut through like thunder. "What the fuck!" Ramos bellowed, his eyes wide in shock. He leaned forward, staring hard at the group of royals and their close kin standing in a neat line. His gaze locked onto a familiar figure, one who should have been seated beside him. Yet there he was, standing proudly among the royals. Ramos slammed his hand against the railing and cursed again. "Now why is he involving himself in such petty mischiefs?" His face twisted with frustration as he glared down at the sight. Among the line, Kael stood silently, feeling a strange prick at his ear. He rubbed it absentmindedly and muttered. "Is someone cursing me?" Vic, standing close by, gave a low snort. "My Lord, there are plenty of people who might be cursing you. Especially those from the evil groups." His words were blunt, but his eyes carried a sharp edge of truth. Gare raised his eyes for a moment and nodded. Handle gave a slow nod, his expression thoughtful. "I don't understand how it always turns out . Every opponent you face somehow ends up tied to those evil groups." His tone carried both confusion and resignation. Hearing them both, Kael could only shrug his shoulders. His face was calm, almost innocent, as he answered. "Stop blaming me petty bastards.I am totally innocent." For original chapters go to novel fire.net