KFBRV Pt 2 Ch 48

Odette boarded his carriage with a short greeting.

Her lack of resistance surprised him, who had worried she might refuse. Joy seized him. This felt like a massive step forward.

[Zion] "Where are we going?"

[Odette] "To the Imperial Palace. I wish to see the Crown Prince."

The joy vanished instantly. That loathsome name ruined the moment. Zion reflexively recalled the way Odette looked at Johan.

In reality, her expression had softened, but his mind distorted the memory. He imagined her gazing at Johan with shy, adoring eyes.

His internal organs, still recovering from Viktor's electricity, burned again.

Why do you need to see him? Do you even know he is currently collapsed on a beach somewhere? He drowned and lost consciousness.

What do you like about that weakling?

Being the Marchioness of Kleist is far better than being a Crown Princess burdened with duties.

No one would dare criticize your actions if you were mine. I could make you the most powerful woman on this continent.

He suppressed the jealous words and spoke calmly.

[Zion] "If it is not urgent, would a letter not suffice?"

The worst possible answer followed.

[Odette] "I must meet him in person today. I sent several letters requesting an audience, but the replies only stated he was away. I know it is rude, but I will visit him directly."

Zion's insides turned to ash.

Several letters? Had she reached out to him multiple times? And she still insisted on seeing him?

Of course, he was away. Johan was currently trapped in a mental hell of his own making after the sea swallowed them both.

Does she genuinely have feelings for him?

Odette had clearly put effort into her appearance today. She looked stunning. The thought that she had dressed up for Johan made him want to race back to the beach and drown the Prince in the deep sea again.

Will the day ever come when she dresses up like that for me?

The thought made him miserable. Such a hope felt entirely impossible.

He was glad he had left the bastard on the shore. Even if she reached the palace, she would find no one.

He hid his knowledge and commanded the coachman.

[Zion] "To the palace."

If he told her Johan was missing, she would likely leave the carriage immediately. He hated that she wanted Johan, but he cherished the fact that her goal kept her by his side.

He felt pathetic and foolish. Yet, he didn't want this suffocating feeling to end. He wanted it to last forever.

But as he tried to savor this brief peace, Odette shattered it.

[Odette] "I remember my promise to purify you. I have not forgotten."

---

This is a problem. Johan is definitely not at the palace.

[The Male Lead within range of the Status Window is 'Zion'.]

It displayed the same message even as they neared the palace. The palace grounds were now within range, yet Johan's name didn't appear. This confirmed he was elsewhere.

I intended to meet the Pope through Johan. What now?

Both Odette and the Pope lived at the Cathedral. She could meet him anytime, but she needed the meeting to remain a secret. Raphael's spies watched her every move.

I heard the Pope and the Crown Prince had a scheduled meeting at the palace today. That is why I snuck out.

She planned to use Johan to secure a private moment with the Pope at the Crown Prince's palace. Today, for once, no one followed her.

[Customizable Corpse]

[1,000,000 Atasha]

She had purchased that expensive item and placed it in her guest room at the Cathedral. The decoy acted as a sick version of herself. The priests monitoring her would see the body and leave her alone for a few hours.

The Pope has no other scheduled outings for two months.

She couldn't wait that long. This gamble was her only choice.

I have the right to enter the palace, so getting inside is easy.

However, an official entry would leave a record, making it no different from meeting at the Cathedral.

She had considered using items to change her hair or eye color, but such disguises often caused more trouble in high-security areas. She couldn't exactly kidnap the Pope from the street, either.

Then, she looked at Zion sitting across from her.

What if I only leave Zion's name on the entry record and ask him to bring the Pope to me?

He would demand a price, but she could offer purification. Zion desperately needed it. His condition was clear; the small scratches on his face refused to heal, proving his regeneration had slowed significantly.

The luxury carriage ensured the coachman couldn't hear them. She checked the interior materials one last time before speaking.

[Odette] "I promised to purify you. I have not forgotten that vow."

The expression vanished from his face.

[Odette] "I want to offer you a deal. I will provide a deeper purification than we previously discussed, if—"

—If you can find a way for me to meet the Pope secretly at the palace.

She tried to finish, but his voice cut her off.

[Zion] "No deals, Odette."

His tone was so final that she couldn't continue.

Did my purification become worthless to him already?

Perhaps he had changed his mind. Maybe he took suppressants or planned to receive purification from Charlotte.

How disappointing.

Then again, the man was always unpredictable. He told her to wait at the bank, then never showed up. He got angry, then brainwashed her into crying, and then suddenly claimed to like her.

I should just return to the Cathedral.

They were nearing the main gate. She could see the guards.

Just as she prepared to ask him to turn the carriage around, Zion pulled off his coat. He threw it over her, covering her completely.

---

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