The Devil is the Villainess (COMPLETED)

Chapter XXVI: Arrested

The Imperial Knights encircled the grand estate of the dukedom of Falaguerra, their intent clear as they forced their way inside. The heavy doors swung open with a resounding thud, revealing Medea standing alone in the grand foyer. Her presence was commanding, almost otherworldly, and it sent a shiver down the spines of even the most battle-hardened knights. Her gaze was steely as she addressed them. 

"May I know the reason for this intrusion?" she inquired, her voice as cold as ice.

One knight, braver than the rest, stepped forward to respond. "We are here under orders from His Highness," he declared, trying to mask his unease. The corners of Medea's lips twitched slightly at his words, a sign of her restrained amusement, just before the knights moved to seize her. Strong hands gripped her arms, holding her firmly in place.

A commanding voice cut through the tension, ringing through the hall. "What are you doing?!" Vincentius shouted, striding forward with authority. He was immediately blocked by several knights. 

"Duke Falaguerra," one of the knights proclaimed, "your sister is accused of aiding the crown prince, who stands guilty of the Emperor's murder. She has harbored him here and must be taken into custody."

Vincentius shook his head in denial, his eyes darting to his sister. "Search the entire estate and capture the crown prince!" the knight commanded, prompting the others to disperse and begin their search. Medea stood with her head bowed, seemingly indifferent to the chaos unfolding around her. Her mind raced with thoughts, though she maintained an outwardly calm demeanor. She knew she could handle this situation in due course.

As expected.

"Too bad! There are no signs of the crown prince!" one of the knights exclaimed after a thorough search. Medea scoffed, a smirk forming on her lips. "Fools," she muttered under her breath. 

The knights, growing increasingly alarmed at the prince's mysterious absence, decided to extend their search beyond the estate, combing the surrounding areas in a desperate attempt to locate him.

Rezef, your brother was out there, finding his way towards victory.

The scene turns to Frederick pulling his cloak tightly around himself, the fabric rustling softly as he adjusts his hood. His eyes wandered back to the sprawling dukedom of Falaguerra, a place steeped in both history and mystery. He gently stroked the mane of the horse beside him, its warmth a comforting reminder of the task ahead. His mind drifted back to a recent, pivotal conversation with Medea and Vincentius.

"As you were wondering about the absence of the household servants, I took the liberty of granting them a day off, allowing them to return to their own homes," Duke Falaguerra had said, his voice calm and measured. "Medea advised that it would be best for them to be far away, ensuring your presence here remains unnoticed and avoids unnecessary commotion regarding your current situation."

Seated in a high-backed chair, Frederick had furrowed his brows in contemplation. "So, you anticipated my arrival," he remarked, the realization dawning on him.

Medea, standing nearby, had placed a thoughtful hand under her chin. Her gaze was steady and piercing. "You wouldn't want to become the subject of their gossip, would you?" she asked, her tone almost teasing. Frederick, however, chose to ignore her question, his focus unwavering.

"And what is your plan for addressing this?" he asked, his voice tinged with impatience, eager to bypass any trivialities and get straight to the matter at hand.

Medea rolled her eyes at his brusqueness before clearing her throat. "Your Highness, I require your cooperation. We've prepared a horse for you. You must ride to the obsidian tower before Rezef arrives here. Do you recall the magician I mentioned? Meet him there and stay in the tower for protection," she instructed.