Capítulo 239: IUD-CHAPTER 239 VACILLATION
The room emitted a resolute yet somewhat noble voice, akin to that of a knight. The voice was melodious, allowing one to ascertain that it belonged to a female.
Moreover, with this person's words, the temperature around seemed to slightly drop, suggesting the presence of an extraordinary being.
Fang Li and Aria exchanged glances, both remaining silent, holding their breaths, and treading lightly as they approached the two ends of the door.
Aria had already gripped her firearms.
Fang Li, on the other hand, stood empty-handed but turned his head slightly to focus his gaze on the room.
A small window on the door, reminiscent of a prison cell's barred window, enabled the taller Fang Li to catch a glimpse of the interior.
From this vantage point, Fang Li could clearly see a simple room behind the door, containing only a bed and devoid of any other furniture.
At this moment, a young girl was standing by the bed.
She was clad in armor reminiscent of a knight, with a radiant broad-bladed sword hanging at her waist.
The girl boasted silvery hair akin to frosty blossoms, and her eyes gradually sparkled like blue jewels. Her countenance was not so much beautiful as it was strikingly dignified.
And before this young girl, another girl was seated on the simple bed.
Seeing the girl seated on the bed, Fang Li's eyes narrowed instantly.
("Shirayuki…!")
It was indeed Shirayuki.
("So, the other one is Demon Sword, I assume?")
Fang Li shifted his perspective, focusing on the knight-like girl facing Shirayuki.
Unbeknownst to the girl being observed, her eyes were like blue jewels as she watched Shirayuki. With a pleasing yet composed voice, she spoke, "Don't you think it's time for you to give up? Since you've come this far, do you really believe you can leave?"
Hearing this, Shirayuki, displaying an unusually serious expression, met the knight girl's gaze and softly replied, "The Miko of Hotogi Shrine is the Guardian Miko. We will never join I-U, Demon Sword."
"Don't call me Demon Sword. I dislike that nickname," The knight girl asserted unequivocally. "I carry the name inherited from a great ancestor, Jeanne d'Arc."
—Jeanne d'Arc.
Even among the general public, this name was widely recognized.
This Master of the name was once known as the Saintess. Over 600 years ago in history, she led France's army in repelling multiple invasions from England's Orleans, liberating the city, and becoming known as the Hero of France.
However, in history, this Saintess of France eventually fell victim to false accusations and was burned at the stake as a heretic, dying on the cross.
During her execution, Saintess Jeanne was only 19, and she left no descendants.
However, Demon Sword was indeed Jeanne's descendant.
Riko's intel had mentioned that the Jeanne who was burned was a decoy. The true Saintess Jeanne had been secretly rescued long before that. Generations of her lineage remained hidden behind history's curtain, becoming a renowned strategist Clan.
Demon Sword was the 30th generation of Jeanne.
Thus, it was natural for this young girl to inherit the name Jeanne d'Arc.
Furthermore, it was perfectly natural that Jeanne was a strategist.
Confronting Shirayuki's stubbornness, Jeanne showed no signs of discouragement. Instead, she wore a confident smile and stated, "I thought you were just an innocent girl unaware of the world's dangers. But you're surprisingly stubborn. No matter, since you're here at I-U, no one who arrives here ever leaves. Do you know why?"
"Because they become stronger." Jeanne faced Shirayuki squarely and resolutely said, "I-U is a place no one who desires to become stronger can resist. Here, you can learn techniques beyond your imagination and grow at an astonishing pace. So, those who were captured here in the past eventually chose to compromise."
"But I won't compromise." Shirayuki replied without a trace of hesitation, "I don't aspire to become stronger."
"Oh? You really don't want to become stronger?" Jeanne adopted an expression that seemed to dismiss all others as insignificant, and she continued, "Do you really not wish to protect that Gun Magician? Could it be that you don't want to protect him?"
"…!" Shirayuki's complexion subtly changed when he heard those words.
"You've mentioned it yourself; the Miko of Hotogi is the Guardian Miko. And as far as I know, you seem to hold a special affection for the Gun Magician." Jeanne's voice held a victorious note as she continued, "So, you absolutely want to protect him. No matter what, you'll protect him. That's Hotogi Miko's fate."
"But the Gun Magician is strong, even I know that. You're by his side every day; it's impossible that you don't know." Jeanne suddenly smiled, her tone seductive, and she slowly continued, "In that case, if you want to protect him, there's only one way: getting stronger. I-U can make you stronger. So why do you refuse to join I-U?"
Shirayuki's lips moved slightly, and it looked as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out.
Clearly, Shirayuki was wavering.
Jeanne was truly worthy of her strategist Clan heritage.
From the very start, she had seized upon Shirayuki's weakness — the "Guardian" aspect.
Just as Jeanne said, Shirayuki would undoubtedly go to any lengths to protect Fang Li.
Even if there was no real danger to Fang Li, as Hotogi's Miko, the idea of guarding was deeply ingrained in her heart. In any situation, she would prioritize his safety.
"And this is where your wishes can be fulfilled, Shirayuki." Jeanne extended her hand toward Shirayuki, stating, "Follow me."
The atmosphere in the room immediately grew heavy.
Gazing at the hand extended toward her, Shirayuki's expression finally showed a hint of hesitation.
At that very moment, Jeanne abruptly flinched, swiftly turned her head, and shouted, "Who's there?"
Unfortunately, at this point, it was already too late to react.
Because the door had quietly opened before that.
Immediately after, a figure dashed through the door and, with astonishing speed, suddenly leaped before Jeanne.
Thus, after Jeanne's outcry, she realized that a dagger was already pressed against her neck.
Soon after, the image of a rather ordinary face appeared in Jeanne's vision, seemingly arriving later than expected.
Aside from Fang Li, who else could it be?
...
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