CHAPTER 133: SHIAO YI’S RESOLVE

With a sharp crack, the iron restraints still clinging to his wrists shattered, bursting into fragments.

The raw magic pouring from Dominic’s body resonated through the metal, breaking it apart.

"Uu... UuuuuuOOOOHHHHHHH!"

The sound was a beast’s growl, not a man’s voice.

His magic swelled, condensed, and pressed down on everything around them.

Louis’s body locked up in terror, trembling uncontrollably. He couldn’t move. Cold sweat poured from every pore, drenching him.

...

After his meeting with General Gabrant, Jircniv felt drained, yet he could not contain his excitement.

What the general had offered was, surprisingly, not a bad deal for him and for Dalmasca.

His uncle, Lord Chelmsford, was even very eager about the proposal for his daughter’s marriage.

It had only been a short time since they met, but even in that brief encounter, Chelmsford had come to value Dominic very highly.

Among the royalist faction members who had often visited the manor before, many already knew Dominic’s name.

Some even admired him deeply.

Tenby’s subordinate, Gordon, for example, when he heard the news, reacted like a child, his eyes shining.

"Truly amazing! The Iron Knight tied by marriage to King Jircniv’s line! My comrades will be overjoyed when they hear this! C-could I even ask for an autograph?"

The intensity of his reaction left Jircniv a little taken aback.

If this turned into a wedding, whether it happened in Dalmasca or in Rosaria, there was no doubt the royalist faction would storm in and turn it into a grand festival.

It seemed the royalist men were passionate and quick to get carried away by their beliefs.

Yet it was that very passion that had carried them through twenty years of suppression.

For that, no amount of gratitude could ever be enough.

Without delay, Jircniv walked straight to the room where Shiao Yi was kept.

My angel. Mine alone.

He ordered the guards outside the door to open it, and then stepped inside.

Shiao Yi was still in the same place as before, crouched on the floor near the door.

When the light of the candle flickered over him, his face lifted up, pale and faintly glowing in the dim flame.

Shiao Yi parted his lips to ask something, but Jircniv spoke first.

"I met with General Gabrant. As the condition for Captain Dominic’s release, your custody will be transferred to Dalmasca. I am glad, Shiao Yi. I am glad you will now be near me."

Shiao Yi jerked to his feet as if struck. His eyes flew wide open.

"I—I refuse! Dominic would never allow this! Take me to Dominic!"

He rushed forward, clutching at Jircniv’s clothes.

Looking into those desperate eyes, Jircniv felt a sharp pain in his chest.

He wanted to grant the plea.

But if he gave in, he knew he would lose his angel forever.

That could never be allowed.

Perhaps, for now, Shiao Yi’s heart was filled only with Dominic, but in time Jircniv would repaint it, dye it with his own colors.

He would not accept that his love was weaker than that man’s.

"If you do not agree, Dominic’s life will be lost. He raised his hand against Dalmasca. Normally, that crime deserves nothing less than death. But with your obedience, his life can be spared. Do you want Dominic to die?"

Shiao Yi gasped and let go of Jircniv’s clothes.

He stared at him, silently.

His expression was terribly calm, and for the first time Jircniv felt a sharp unease—had he chosen the wrong words?

"I will not let Dominic die. I will save him, no matter what—"

It was at that moment.

Thud!

An enormous surge of magic burst into the air.

It came from the left wing of the central palace—the place where the prison tower stood.

The force was overwhelming, so strong that Jircniv’s knees buckled beneath him.

He saw the guards outside the door collapse, groaning in pain.

Shiao Yi’s face turned pale, twisting with shock.

"Dominic!"

With a single cry, Shiao Yi vanished.

...

Suddenly, Shiao Yi appeared right in front of him.

Dominic’s body was lifted up into the air and carried into the ruined prison chamber.

In the same instant, the massive waves of magic scattered and disappeared.

The room’s barrier was still active, still holding.

Louis let out a breath of relief and sank down on the spot.

Then he noticed Shiao Yi’s expression.

His face was sharper than ever, so determined it was frightening.

"From here on, I will treat Dominic. His condition is almost terminal, but I will give everything I have to save him. Until I come out, no one is to enter this room!"

"You brat! Do not act out of turn! You should be at Jircniv’s side, not here!"

General Gabrant roared, furious, and lunged toward Shiao Yi. But Quintus caught him from behind, locking his arms to hold him back.

Shiao Yi gave Quintus a look of gratitude and closed the door behind him.

Louis heard the heavy click of the lock sliding into place.

"Dominic is clearly in an abnormal state. Shiao Yi understands his condition far better than you do. Leave him to it! I guarantee he is far more capable than you think!"

"Dominic is my son! How can I trust someone whose background I don’t even know with him?"

"Listen to me! Do you want to lose Dominic? Leave him to Shiao Yi!"

Quintus then ordered Louis and the others to take General Gabrant back to the antechamber.

Gabrant struggled violently, trying to break free as he snapped at Quintus.

"Damn you! Let me go! You fools! Even you, Quintus... unbelievable. I will make you pay for this responsibility!"

Ignoring Gabrant’s shouting, Quintus continued to stare at the closed door for a long moment. Then, with a deliberate movement, he turned on his heel and followed after Louis and the others.

—Shiao Yi... take care of Captain Dominic, Louis thought.

As they forced the still-struggling General Gabrant along, Louis silently prayed.

He knew only Shiao Yi could restore the captain to his former self.