Isania

"I don't understand,"

Isania muttered, sitting at her desk, frowning in displeasure.

"Lilia? Our little purple-haired girl. We've met so many times, we should be pretty familiar with each other by now, right?"
"Is that so…? Well… If we're that familiar... then…"
"But I really don't understand. I just wanted to ask you to let me speak to one of my subordinates who's about to leave before me. Is that so difficult?"
"Ah...that..."
"If it was impossible from the start, I wouldn't have asked you. But I heard Wardens have talked to the souls of my subordinates before. Why can they do it, but I can't?"

Faced with Isania's biting words, Lilia stammered an explanation.

"Well… that's because they have the special 'Whisper of the Dead' potion, which allows them to communicate with the souls…"
"Whisper of the Dead? Haha, so now I can finally get you. So, as long as there's that potion, it's fine, right?"
"Ah... No..."

Isania's frown deepened as she heard Lilia's response, rubbing her forehead in frustration.

"Why not?"
"Because… talking to the living causes a burden on the souls of the dead... If the soul of the dead talks to the living and is put under too much pressure…"
"What happens then?"
"The soul of the dead will be damaged, and it might not be able to return to the afterlife…"

Upon hearing Lilia's words, Isania seemed to have not considered this, taking a deep breath.

"I see. So that's why… "You said you could see that child's soul, right?"
"Yeah…"
"Well, just tell me this. Did the kid...seem okay?"
"Yeah... She always seemed...great."
"Is that so? That idiot..."

Isania mulled over Lilia's words, then let out a long sigh.

"…I guess that's that. Sorry, I asked too much of you. I won't do it again."
"Ah… thank you for understanding…"
"Never mind. As long as I know the kid is doing well… that's enough."

So you're the one who tried to poison me.

Isania's whip cracked hard against the floor. The sharp sound made the bound man on the ground flinch in fear.

"What did they offer you to assassinate me?"
"I... I took the money… They also promised to keep me safe…"

His trembling words made Isania scoff.

"Money, huh? Sure, in this world, you can buy almost anything… but is money really worth more than your life? Guess I'll never understand."

The man's face turned deathly pale.

"Please… Have mercy…!"
"I care a lot about my people. I can forgive most mistakes.

Isania twirled her whip, the tip flicking up with a sharp snap.

"But betrayal? No. Even if a traitor runs to the ends of the underworld, I'll hunt them down and make them pay."
"Lady Isania, please! Lady Isania...!"
"Don't worry, I won't let you take this trip alone. I'll send the ones who hired you along for the ride. Consider it a final favor, since you were once my subordinate."

For traitors, there is only death. With a chilling smile, Isania turned away, waving casually over her shoulder.

"Well then… Bye-bye."

How do I know about the criminal? Well, given my position, I tend to attract enemies. So, I just make a habit of remembering information about anyone who might become one.

Surprisingly useful. It keeps me aware that there are plenty of people out to get me. Staying vigilant is the only way to avoid a downfall. In this line of work, the moment you let your guard down, you're finished.

The Cyia family?

Looks like you've been hearing pointless rumors. It's nothing special—just an unfortunate entanglement.

The closer we get, the more things fall apart. Why can't those idiots understand that?

You're better off not prying into my connection with the Cyia family. Even if you did, it wouldn't be an interesting story. Some things are better left unsaid. Like lifting a cloth off garbage—it's never a pleasant sight, right?

So, just forget about the Cyia family. I want to remember you as you are now, and I want you to remember me too.