Favored by the Family That Will Become the Strongest! - Chapter 99
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Cassian had suspected Diena might awaken, but a Purification Ability? He’d never heard of such a thing. And since she’d confessed it so readily, he was caught entirely off guard, his mind spinning.
“Purification? What exactly does that ability do?”
“It can purify the darkness within Ability Users.”
“……Why did you hide it?”
He managed to open his mouth, his first confused question tumbling out.
“Why, exactly?”
“Because I don’t want to go back to House Rothwell.”
Diena met his gaze directly.
“You know what your uncle’s family did to me. You know better than anyone, don’t you?”
He did know. He’d been the one to overlook everything Diena suffered in House Rothwell.
But that was only because he believed he would save her someday. So he’d turned a blind eye to all the cruelties and insults the Rothwell family had inflicted upon her.
He couldn’t win against the Duke of Rothwell. So he’d reasoned that by pleasing the man and arranging a betrothal with Diena, he could someday retrieve her from that place.
Just endure a little longer, he’d always told himself. That was how he justified it.
“And I’m also the one who subdued the Necromancer’s rampage just now. I did that with my ability.”
Diena spoke quietly, her eyes downcast.
“There’s something I need to ask you.”
“Ask me?”
“Could you keep this fact—that I’ve awakened an ability—secret from my uncle?”
……
“If he finds out I’ve awakened a power, he’ll stop at nothing to drag me back to House Rothwell.”
Cassian blinked slowly.
“Diena.”
“I don’t want to go back. I want to stay with House Cardian, just as I am now. I’m happy here, Cassian.”
Her voice trembled with desperate sincerity. Her body quivered faintly. He could feel how terrified she was of returning to House Rothwell.
Seeing her like that filled him with pity.
But still……
‘She’s awakened an ability and refuses to return to her family?’
He prided himself on knowing her best, yet he couldn’t understand this.
She’d always craved Balthasar’s recognition. With a power as extraordinary as the Purification Ability, she would surely earn his approval. Then she could finally receive all the affection she’d been starving for.
Could a person really change so completely in a single moment?
“Cassian, please…….”
It was strange. That fragile display—it felt like the Diena he knew.
Cassian felt torn. She was pleading so desperately—
“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that.”
But his hesitation was brief. Betraying Balthasar would be a foolish choice.
“Why won’t you return? You’ve already awakened an ability. If you go back to the family, you could live a completely different life than before.”
……
“So come with me…….”
“I see. So it can’t be done.”
Suddenly, Diena’s demeanor shifted. Cassian didn’t notice the change; he thought only that she’d given up.
“Yes. But actually, this works out better. If the Duke of Rothwell learns what an incredible Ability User you are, he’ll finally treat you with proper respect—not like before.”
“Proper respect?”
“Yes, you’ll finally return as a true lady of House Rothwell! The life you had before, when everyone thought you were an Ability User. Once that happens…….”
We can live as we did before. Without a single worry, like back then.
You’ll spend your whole life with me.
But faced with Diena’s unwavering stare, the words caught in his throat. Cassian ran a hand across his face in frustration.
Then, abruptly, he raised his sword—toward Demian, who had been quietly watching their exchange.
“Wh—what?!”
Demian yelped and stumbled backward in shock.
“Why—why are you doing this? Why are you pointing a sword at me all of a sudden?!”
Demian cried out, his face pale with shock. Ignoring his histrionics, Diena spoke in a measured voice.
“What are you trying to do?”
“I just need to bring this one back. The Duke of Rothwell said that’s the condition for approving our betrothal.”
“I doubt he said to bring him back unharmed.”
……
She was right. Cassian fell silent, uncomfortable at showing such weakness before her.
“He’s a non-Ability User from outside the Purification Zone anyway. If he stays here, he’s nothing but a time bomb—we never know when his ability might rampage. It’s right that I dispose of him myself.”
“Cassian. Everything you’re saying is just self-rationalization.”
Cassian didn’t respond. She nodded, as if she’d anticipated this very reaction.
“Barcan.”
One word was enough. Without further explanation, Barcan understood Diena’s intent immediately. He moved without hesitation, drawing his blade.
Cassian’s expression hardened in shock. Barcan’s movements were far too swift for someone he’d believed to be exhausted. Barcan grinned wickedly as he pressed his sword against Cassian’s throat.
“I wasn’t actually tired. How was my acting?”
The sharp blade bit shallowly into Cassian’s neck. A thin line of blood trickled down Barcan’s steel.
Frankly, Cassian had believed Barcan was worn out. But seeing those movements now, that display of exhaustion seemed purely theatrical. He stared at Demian with deadened eyes and muttered.
“Then that fool’s clumsy act was also a performance.”
Demian’s lips trembled, unable to respond—because his clumsiness had been no act at all.
“What’s the meaning of this……?”
Cassian’s voice was ice cold. Diena smiled faintly and answered.
“I predicted exactly how you’d react.”
She turned slowly to regard Demian.
“Your uncle ordered you to bring Demian back in a combat-incapable state, didn’t he?”
Cassian didn’t answer.
“Did you really think I’d let you go so easily?”
“……What?”
“You were far too obvious. It’s rather… disappointing, actually.”
Her meaning eluded him.
Even if three people stood against him, the Holy Knights had already witnessed him fighting Barcan. If anything happened to him, everything they’d done would be exposed, and they’d be judged as having defied not only Balthasar but the Imperial Decree itself.
Any rational person would never dare harm him. Surely they’d have to let him leave.
‘What is she thinking?’
Cassian raised his sword warily. Then Barcan’s words echoed in his mind.
“Cassian Volkov. You understand nothing about Diena.”
He slowly turned. The sorrowful expression was gone. In its place stood Diena, her face cold and detached.
“I told you the truth because I had good reason to.”
Diena approached him slowly, then placed her hand on his arm. His eyes flew wide open.
Searing agony tore through his body.
“Gack!”
The Darkness Power flowing through him surged violently. It happened in an instant. Cold sweat drenched his back.
It was almost like the first time he’d felt fear before Balthasar—like when he’d first experienced that man’s ability.
How was Diena wielding such power? Shock flooded across Cassian’s face. Diena whispered softly, her expression serene as ever.
“Now, let me ask again. Be honest with me, Cassian. What exactly did your uncle order you to do?”
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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finnicky_ferret
Noooooooo please tell me this isn’t on a long term hiatus or cancelled!