The Devil Is The Villainess (✔)

Chapter XXV: Sin and Defilement (Part 5)

"Rezef was the one who killed the Emperor, Your Highness," Medea reiterated, her gaze icy and unsettling. Frederick felt a chill run down his spine at her words. He shook his head in denial, clutching at his temples. "No, that can't be... it's too much," he whispered in disbelief. He had always known his brother harbored ambitions for the throne, but this? Murdering their father? It seemed unthinkable.

"For Rezef, there's no such thing as too much," Medea continued, her voice slicing through his thoughts. Frederick looked up, meeting her serious expression. She averted her gaze momentarily before locking eyes with him again, her face contorted in a grimace. "He tried to kill me before. What makes you think he wouldn't do the same to others?"

A heavy silence fell over them. Medea took a deep breath, flicking her long hair back over her shoulder. 'This man is too hard to convince,' she thought, frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior. She clicked her tongue, deciding to press further. "If Rezef didn't intend to kill the Emperor, why would he let you be accused? Why would he believe someone else's words over yours?"

Frederick clenched his jaw, struggling with the implications. "There's one piece of evidence," he said, tilting his head to reveal bruises on his neck. "He said he couldn't believe me because of this. Maybe he thought our father did it."

Medea scoffed, eyeing the bruise with disdain. But her annoyance quickly gave way to a more serious demeanor. "It seems you're not just accused, but also deceived," she remarked. Another reason she considered herself superior to Rezef. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, thinking, At least I know how to manipulate people properly, she mused. By exploiting their weaknesses, insecurities, and desperation for my own amusement. Rezef, on the other hand, resorts to crude tactics like deceiving those around him, and underestimating them to get what he wants easily. How pathetic.

She met Frederick's gaze once more, her expression unyielding. "Rezef's tactics are sloppy. He fools those around him to get what he wants, all while underestimating their capabilities. He sees everyone as a means to an end. You were just another obstacle in his path. It's only a matter of time before his arrogance leads to his downfall."

Frederick's eyes widened as he processed her words. The room seemed to close in around him as he realized the depth of his brother's betrayal. Medea's calculated demeanor only added to his growing sense of despair. His face twisted with a mix of anger and realization. "But why? Why go to such lengths? What does he hope to gain from all this?"

Medea's eyes narrowed. "Power, Frederick. Absolute power. Rezef craves it more than anything else. And he's willing to destroy anyone who stands in his way, even his own family. You need to stop turning a blind eye and see the truth."

His shoulders sagged under the weight of her words. He looked at Medea, a mixture of desperation and determination in his eyes. "What should I do then? How do I stop him?"

Medea smiled, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "You don't have to face him alone. Align with me, and together we can outmaneuver your brother. He may be ruthless, but he's not invincible. With my intellect and your rightful claim, we can bring him down."

Frederick's breath hitched. The offer was tempting, but the stakes were high. He knew he had no choice but to consider her proposition. Rezef's treachery had left him with nowhere else to turn.

As the silence stretched between them, Medea's confidence grew. She had planted the seed of doubt, and now it was only a matter of time before it took root. Rezef's downfall was inevitable, and she would be there to watch it unfold.

With a hesitant sigh and a reluctant grumble, Frederick finally gave in. He looked Medea in the eye, his expression one of utter defeat. "I shall accept your offer," he said, his voice heavy with resignation.