CHAPTER 598: THE PART OF HER THAT STILL LOVES HIM

Timing her breath, Nnenna waited until both men were distracted in quiet conversation. Then, with the swiftness of a cat, she dropped down from the rafters above the corridor, landing silently behind them.

She moved fast, hugging the shadows until she reached the side door normally reserved for servants. Her fingers slipped into the pocket sewn inside her sleeve, pulling out a thin wire she had prepared earlier.

"Careful," the System whispered.

"I know," she murmured.

A few quick turns of the wire, and the lock clicked open with a soft snap. She slid inside just as one guard turned his head. For a heartbeat, she thought he had seen her, but then he scratched his neck and yawned.

Nnenna exhaled slowly, pressing her back to the door. She had made it.

The air in the dungeon was colder, heavy with damp stone and the faint smell of iron. Her footsteps echoed faintly as she walked deeper into the dark corridor, guided only by a single torch she dared not touch.

And at the very end, Nanny’s cell waited.

Finally, Nnenna reached the far end of the dungeon. The torchlight along the walls was dim, throwing jagged shadows across the damp stone. She scanned the cells one by one until her eyes settled on Nanny, sitting on a wooden bench, hands folded loosely, staring into nothing.

For a long moment, Nnenna just watched. Then, softly, she called,

"Nanny."

No answer.

She tried again, louder this time.

"Nanny."

The woman stirred at last, lifting her head slowly as if it weighed a ton. Her eyes were dull, lifeless. "Come to gloat?" she asked, voice hollow, as though all her strength had already been wrung out of her.

Nnenna frowned. "No." She stepped closer, her tone steady but edged with curiosity. "Why did you do it?" She didn’t bother specifying what it was, the evidence and confession already screamed treason.

Nanny only stared at her, lips sealed.

"I can help you," Nnenna pressed, leaning in just a little.

That earned a bitter laugh, sharp and humorless. "Now you want to help me? What happened to your grand conviction in front of everyone, painting me guilty?" Her words dripped with mockery.

Nnenna lowered her voice, a tinge of regret slipping in. "That’s the thing. I don’t think you’re guilty after all."

"Oh?" Nanny tilted her head, sarcasm sharpening her tone. "So should I thank you now, for your... confidence, after you condemned me in front of the court?"

"You don’t owe me a thank you." Nnenna shook her head firmly. "I just want to know what really happened. Who’s the real culprit?"

Silence.

"Please." Nnenna’s voice dropped even lower, urgency rising. "Tell me. I know you don’t want to die. I can get you out if you talk."

Nanny’s gaze finally lifted, but it held no warmth. "You know nothing, little girl." She waved her hand dismissively, like brushing off a fly. "Go back to bed."

Nnenna stood frozen. For once, she didn’t know what to say or do. Since being given this second chance at life, she had rarely felt so powerless.

How many good points do I have? she whispered inside. I need to hear what she has to say.

The Love System’s voice came back, low and regretful.

"You don’t have enough to make her talk."

Nnenna’s chest tightened. The truth was right in front of her, yet slipping further out of reach.

"But you don’t need the good points. You already have something more powerful," the system said gently. "Compassion. You treat people with empathy and love. You’ve come a long way from that fifteen year old girl who only wanted revenge the moment she got a second chance."

Nnenna let out a quiet breath. "Thank you... I appreciate that," she said softly, though her brows furrowed. "But it doesn’t really help me here."

"My point is—" the Love System cut in, its tone firmer this time. "Reach the good part of her. Reach the part that loves Carl. Even when you thought she was guilty, you never doubted her love for him. "

"That’s why you came here in the middle of the night instead of letting her rot in this dungeon. Why not try? It won’t hurt, and honestly, you don’t have another option."

Before Nnenna could respond—

Ding!

"You earned 6,400 Good Points."

Her eyes widened. "What just happened?" she whispered.

"Looks like you just got a dividend for one of your past good deeds," the system explained, amusement in its tone. "Now you do have options."

For a moment, relief and happiness flickered through Nnenna’s chest. But then she froze. The system’s earlier words echoed in her mind. Reach the part of her that loves Carl more than whatever, or whoever, she’s protecting, the good part of her.

Nnenna’s hands tightened into fists at her sides. She raised her eyes toward the silent woman sitting in chains. If I can reach that part of her... maybe the truth will finally come out.

"Nanny," Nnenna called softly into the dim cell, her voice barely above a whisper. No response. The older woman sat motionless, eyes locked on the floor.

Still, Nnenna pressed on. "I’ve heard the stories... your history with Carl and his family. You’ve always been there for them. I don’t believe you would ever do something to hurt him."

Silence.

"Nanny, I trust you," Nnenna said, her tone firmer now. "I trust that you love Carl like he’s your own son. Tell me what happened. Who’s forcing you to do this? I can help you."

Nothing. Not even a flicker.

Nnenna exhaled sharply, frustration tightening her chest. "You do know that by staying silent, you’re most likely taking the fall for whoever’s behind this. And that means you’re leaving Carl wide open for them to try again."

This time, the words struck. Nanny’s head snapped up, her eyes burning. "No!" she burst out, her voice cracking. "You’ll protect him, like you’ve always done. You won’t let anything happen to him. Promise me!"