IMNTI CHAPTER 101

Episode 101

Raphael’s brow furrowed.
“If we stir up that emotion, we might be able to get what we want.”

His lips pressed tightly together. He must have known his eyes looked too resolute to refuse outright, and yet, it was also obvious he didn’t want to drag her into another dangerous situation.

Luisa could understand his feelings now, even without him saying a word.

A suffocating silence lingered for a while, and seeing him watch her uncertainly, as if not knowing what to do, she finally let out a pained sigh.
“…This isn’t something we can put off. It’s a mountain we’ll have to climb eventually. That’s why I want to weed out as much danger in advance as I can.”
“……”
“I don’t like danger either. I don’t want to get hurt. But just as much, I don’t want you—or our family—caught up in it.”
“Luisa.”
“You just have to stay by my side, don’t you? It’ll really only take a short conversation. Please?”

Looking into his tightly shut eyes, she knew he had given in.

Before his mind could change, Luisa thought they should act tomorrow, giving him no chance to go back on it. She squeezed his hand more desperately.

She wondered briefly if she should hold his hand tightly again today, like yesterday, when he looked down at her with that same worried expression. But before she could, Raphael steadied his breath and took a step forward.

“This way. The guards in front of the chapel door are trustworthy men, so you may rest assured.”
“Yes!”

Luisa answered firmly, though in a small voice, and followed him in.

Unlike the main hall, which they had entered through the front gates, this passage was hidden behind a huge tree, with a door that was hard to find. Inside, the winding path was labyrinthine, easy to get lost in.

Still holding his hand, Luisa let him guide her step by step. After descending several stairways, he finally opened a door.

‘Wow, it’s so quiet. Maybe this place isn’t used often?’

She glanced about curiously as they walked down the corridor. Before long, as he had said, they encountered two knights standing guard before a door.

She’d heard that Bella had shut herself in the chapel, claiming she wanted to “reflect.” But from the looks of it, it felt more like imprisonment.

The knights bowed politely and stepped aside.

‘So, Bella’s in there?’

Luisa stared at the door for a moment, then raised her gaze to Raphael. He was watching her calmly, as though waiting for her to be ready, and gave her a short nod before grasping the handle.

As the door opened, Luisa let go of Raphael’s hand. She felt his gaze linger briefly, but her attention was instantly drawn to the sight of Bella.

Startled by the sudden intrusion, Bella turned. Her face was haggard—bloodshot eyes, sunken cheeks, and features once angelic now sharpened, almost unrecognizable.

“What is the meaning of this? I said no one was to be let in…”

Her cracked voice rose with agitation, only to fall weakly. Noting how Bella glanced past her toward Raphael, Luisa gave a scoffing laugh.

‘Even now, she puts on an act in front of Raphael? Fine by me.’

But contrary to her thoughts, Luisa’s face showed no amusement as she spoke.
“Quite the sharp greeting.”
“…Leave. Now.”
“Not even going to ask if I’m all right? This is the first time we’ve met since the accident.”
“T-That… That was just a sudden mishap. I didn’t know that would happen! I was the one hurt, wasn’t I? Hic…”

With Raphael behind her, Bella couldn’t force her out. So she resorted to crocodile tears.

‘So that’s how you’ll play it? Crying, hoping I’ll back off?’

Luisa curled her lips in disdain, then reached out suddenly. Bella’s head snapped up as Luisa grabbed her arm.

‘This is exactly why I came. Thanks for the opening.’

Bella’s green eyes widened in shock.
“Why did you try to kill me?”
“W-What are you talking about? I… I never! Let me go! What are you doing?!”
“It’s too late to deny it now.”
“What do you mean—?”

Luisa’s unwavering stare bore into Bella’s face, twisted in fear and anger. Her pale lips trembled, her eyes darted anxiously, and her anger was quickly swallowed by terror.

Struggling to pull free, Bella suddenly froze. She had noticed Raphael’s arm wrapped protectively around Luisa’s waist from behind.

At that moment, white light formed in Luisa’s hand. Like shimmering heat haze, it bloomed into radiant petals.

“AAAHHHHH!!”

Though warm and pure in appearance, the light of purification tormented Bella.

A burning stench filled the air, and her body shook violently as if struck by lightning. The grotesque sight was enough to make one recoil.

Yet as time passed, Luisa’s face only grew calmer. She watched Bella as though waiting for something.

“Let go! Nghhh!”
“Ugh!”

With a sudden burst of inhuman strength, Bella flung Luisa off. Raphael caught her just in time, preventing her from crashing into the wall.

“Luisa, are you all right?!”
“She really is possessed by demonic energy.”
“…What? Demonic energy?”
“Look at her arm.”

Following Luisa’s pointing finger, Raphael’s eyes widened.

“……!”

Words failed him. His face twisted in disbelief.

Bella’s sleeve had burned away up to the shoulder, revealing her arm—charred black.

“Ah…ahhh…”

Unlike what he’d glimpsed in the underground accident, her arm was now completely ruined, a grotesque mess of ash and smoldering embers. Smoke still rose from it, reeking of sulfur.

Staring in shock, Raphael quickly looked down.
“Your hand—are you unharmed?”

His hand reached for hers, but Luisa gently covered it with her other hand.
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Ha…”

“Thank goodness,” he murmured softly. Luisa stroked the back of his hand reassuringly.

“…Then again, Saintess—or rather, we can’t call her that anymore after seeing this.”

Both their eyes turned to Bella.

She had slowly raised herself, clutching her ruined arm, peering at Luisa through disheveled hair.

Her once-bright green eyes were now dark and murky, like damp moss.

“You… What have you done to me?!”
“If this were the first time, I might believe you. But it isn’t. I clearly remember your arm blackening underground the moment holy power touched it.”
“Lies! You’re framing me!!”
“Don’t be so afraid. I don’t intend to do anything to you—yet.”
“As if I’d ever fear the likes of you—”
“But shouldn’t you be afraid of the Empress?”
“W-What?”

Bella, who had been about to lash out, froze in place. Her voice cracked, trembling with dread.

Luisa kept her expression calm, though inside she was exultant at Bella’s reaction.

“The Empress has no reason to let you live now. Everyone knows your body is tainted with demonic energy.”
“……!”

When Luisa grabbed Bella earlier, she had felt the thick, overwhelming presence of demonic energy inside her. There was no way the Empress didn’t know.

The Empress who had brought monsters to the Hunt Festival, and the so-called Saintess corrupted with demonic power—the connection was obvious.

Normally, Luisa would never risk such a reckless provocation. But Bella’s nervous state after the underground incident made it worth trying. And sure enough, the reaction was explosive.

‘To think it would hit the mark so perfectly.’

From the beginning, she had sensed Bella was unstable. Now, her suspicions were confirmed.

Luisa tilted her head slightly, lips curling faintly.
“I’d already suspected. I only came today to show you your own condition. But…”

Her violet eyes flickered in the candlelight as she let holy power gather again at her fingertips.
“You’ve just proven it yourself.”

“Stay back! I—I’m not… I’m not!!”

At the sight of the glowing light, Bella collapsed backward, scrambling in terror.

Her frantic legs flailed uselessly, unable to move her body, making her look like a dying insect writhing helplessly on the ground.