Chapter 115

“One thing led to another,” eh? Elisabeth scratched her cheek. The fact of the matter was, considering how slow he was moving, she still could have returned the young man’s attack with time to spare. She had never been in any real danger. Yet somehow or other… …she felt as though she’d been saved nonetheless. The carriage rattled along the dark night road. The driver who’d been manning the reins on their way there had already fled, so the Butcher was filling in for him. “Why, I could do that with my eyes closed!” he’d claimed. And sure enough, he was handling the carriage more deftly than even the driver had. There are mysteries about when it comes to that man. Is there anything he can’t do? As Elisabeth pondered that question, she stole a glance at Hina, who was sitting beside her. Hina said nothing, a silence that Elisabeth mirrored. However, their expressions were like polar opposites of each other. Hina was smiling happily, but Elisabeth was frowning in discontent. Eventually, Elisabeth looked back away from her seatmate and quietly spoke. “…You’ve no objections, Hina?” “About what, might I ask?” “You saw the atrocities I committed back in that room. You ordered the man not to call me a monster, but…your master is Kaito, not I. There’s no need for you to flatter me. I appreciate your diligent service, don’t get me wrong, but you needn’t pretend to hold me in such regard.” “I’m sorry, Lady Elisabeth, but please don’t misunderstand me.” Hina’s voice rang out dignified and resolute. Elisabeth turned back toward her so fast, it was like she’d been slapped in the face. Hina was staring straight at her. Even in the dim, her emerald eyes shone like jewels. She softly opened her mouth, then spoke with a gentle calmness. “I might not have a sense of morals the way humans do, but I am aware of how your past deeds and cruel nature have drawn hatred and criticism from many. I can’t refute what they say…but at the same time, it’s my right to choose who I want to protect, and who I want to hold dear.” My heart is mine and mine alone. Not even my beloved master can deny me that. That was what Hina was saying. Elisabeth had no answer for that. Instead, she just stared off into space. Eventually, she curiously posed a question. “…How utterly puzzling. What about me do you find so worthy of your admiration?” “Hmhm, there are oh-so-many things… But the specifics are a secret. That’s something you’ll have to figure out for yourself someday, Lady Elisabeth. It wouldn’t mean anything if I just told you.” Hina playfully raised a finger in front of her lips. Yet again, Elisabeth had no answer for that. It seemed wrong for the Torture Princess to affirm herself in that way after committing such a massacre. Beside her, her automaton companion kept on smiling. It was the expression of someone who knew their own heart inside and out.