traitor chapter 10

“Yes.” Diana answered curtly and moved her legs. Ruby took her hand and led her forward. Splash, splash, the water sloshed around them. The water level was gradually receding. They picked up speed, climbed the stairs, and finally emerged from the water. “It’s a labyrinth spell. I can’t tell how many layers they’ve used. I have no idea when these lunatics started plotting this!” 

“Calm down, and tell me where we’re going.” 

“The second-floor balcony. They’ll have trapped the first-floor exits.”

However, their plan went awry as soon as they reached the second-floor corridor. A man in a black uniform with a red sash stood in the white hallway, his presence stark and foreboding. The Imperial Army Commander. He blocked their path, holding his magic sword as if facing an enemy. 

Zeeeek. The tip of his sword scraped against the floor, sending red sparks flying. His magic was far more potent than usual. At this threatening display, Ruby immediately stepped in front of Diana. “How dare you point your sword at Her Majesty! And you, the Minister of Defense!” 

“Silence, Scribe. Am I not currently questioning Her Majesty?” 

“You shut up.” Diana pushed past the protesting Ruby and stepped forward. Ruby, grinding his teeth, moved aside. Leonhardt, the epitome of a loyal and upright knight, had drawn his sword against his own sovereign. And he didn’t lower it. It was an unbelievable sight. Could this truly be Leonhardt Pluton? The man so rigidly principled he was mocked as a century-old nobleman risen from his grave. The man who would give his life for his Emperor. What could have driven him to this?

“Do you covet the throne? Is that why you dare point your blade at me?” Leonhardt’s usually stoic face contorted. His clenched hand trembled, and the tip of his sword, touching the floor, began to shake. 

“Your Majesty…” Diana’s gaze slowly traveled down from his strained face to his impeccably tailored black uniform. The gold epaulets and red sash, the medals and badges adorning his broad chest, testaments to his illustrious service. 

“Are you truly going to tarnish the meaning of those decorations you wear?” 

“You don’t understand. You don’t understand what drove me to this.” 

How could she understand? She had showered him with favor, even with the blessing of divine power. How could he betray her like this? “You don’t even address me as ‘Your Majesty’ anymore.” 

Diana scoffed, her eyes fixed on the trembling tip of his sword. She observed his emotional turmoil, then looked back at his face. The usually expressionless man was now a mask of anguish. It was absurd that he seemed more aggrieved, as if he were the one betrayed. 

“Will you kill me?” At her question, his face paled. The blade, extended towards her, finally retreated. 

“I respect you. I was ready to give my life for you. I would never do such a thing, even if it meant my death. But I…” 

“Is that so? Then prove it.” 

Diana strode forward, directly towards the line he had drawn. If she touched the sparking boundary of magic, her flesh would be sliced open. Ruby rushed after her in alarm. 

“Your Majesty!” 

Diana ignored him and crossed the line. Leonhardt gritted his teeth and struck the floor with his sword. The fierce sparks instantly vanished. He lowered his own barrier and blocked her path with his body. “You cannot pass.” 

This was the second time he had defied her. No, considering the prince and this labyrinth, it was the fourth or fifth. Diana immediately raised her hand. Slap! She struck him hard across the face. One side of his handsome face turned a vibrant red. If she had her magic, she would have used it on him. 

The thought of her current powerlessness fueled her rage. She had striven to remain calm, but this fool was openly defying her. Still, she had to restrain herself. Stripped of her magic and divine power, trapped in a labyrinth—she was at a severe disadvantage. It was best not to provoke them. 

Anger would only worsen the situation, clouding her judgment. Extreme actions would only play into their hands. She needed to calmly assess and navigate the situation. She knew this. She knew it all too well. But… “How much longer must I endure you?”