Isania

"I can't understand."
Isania, sitting at the desk, frowned as if displeased.
"Lilia? Our little purple one. We've met enough times to be somewhat close, don't you think?"
"Well... if you say we're somewhat close... maybe..."
"But you see, I just can't understand. Is it so difficult to grant a request to speak with my subordinate who has passed on just once?"
"Ah... that's..."
"If it were impossible from the start, I wouldn't have asked. But the Warden spoke with my subordinate's soul, didn't they? Why can they do it and not me?"
At Isania's thorny words, Lilia began to speak in a stammering voice.
"Well... they were only able to communicate because of a special potion called Whisper of Soul..."
"Whisper of Soul? Ha, now we're getting somewhere. So you're saying it can be done with that potion?"
"Ah... no..."
At Lilia's words, Isania frowned as if her head was throbbing.
"Why not?"
"Communicating with the living puts a strain on the soul of the deceased... If the soul of the deceased is strained while communicating with the living..."
"And then?"
"The soul of the deceased might become damaged and unable to return to the afterlife..."
At Lilia's words, Isania swallowed as if she hadn't considered that.
"I see. I understand. ...You can see that child's soul, right?"
"Yes..."
"Then just tell me this one thing. Did the child seem okay?"
"...Yes. Always... seemed happy."
"I see. That fool..."
Isania sighed as she mulled over Lilia's words.
"It can't be helped. I'm sorry for making an unreasonable request. I won't ask for such things again."
"Ah... thank you for understanding..."
"It's fine. Hearing that the child is okay... that's enough."

"Ah, so you're the Shadowmarked who attempted the poisoning."
Isania's whip cracked against the floor. The sharp sound startled the man bound and fallen on the ground, making him jump.
"What were you promised in exchange for assassinating me?"
"Mo... money... and they promised to ensure my safety..."
Isania scoffed incredulously at the man's words.
"Money, huh. They say you can buy everything with money these days... but is it worth more than life? I wouldn't know."
The man's face turned pale at Isania's words.
"Forgive me... please, just once...!"
"You see, I really cherish my children. So I can forgive most mistakes."
With a light flick of Isania's wrist, the whip snapped with a loud crack.
"But betrayal is a no-go. It's my creed to chase a traitor to the ends of hell and make them pay."
"Isania! Isania...!"
"I'll make sure you're not lonely on your way. I'll send the operatives who hired you along with you. Since they were once my subordinates, I can at least do that much."
With a cold smile that showed no intention of forgiveness, Isania waved her hand and turned away.
"Then, bye-bye~"

How did I know about the Shadowmarked's information? Well, given my position, there are many who might target me. I just memorized the information of those who might become my enemies.
Remembering the names of enemies is surprisingly helpful. It makes me realize how many are after me. Staying vigilant against enemies prevents any complacency. This position is one where a moment of carelessness can lead to a downfall.
The Cyia family?
Really. You've heard something unnecessary. It's nothing. Just a trivial entanglement of ill fate.
The more they approach each other, the more they only end up destroying themselves, yet why don't those fools realize that?
It's better not to be curious about my relationship with the Cyia family. It's not an interesting story even if you hear it. Secrets are better left as secrets. Uncovering the cloth over trash isn't that amusing, is it?
So, forget about the story concerning the Cyia family. I want to remain as I am to you now. And I want to remember you as you are now, too.