Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 103
The south, often referred to as the Land of Fire, felt different from the east. The people’s skin was darker, and their frames were larger.
“We plan to visit the royal palace first this time.”
When traveling to the Land of the East, several towns and cities were passed along the way. The same would be true for this trip to the south. Only the order had changed.
“But you don’t seem to be in a good mood.”
Well, because the opponent was Shah-Naz.
For Irene, he was a formidable adversary. It was said that the decision to push her into the torture chamber was agreed upon by three people, but still, his attitude was different.
Sage hesitated a bit, and Garan was cold. And Shah-Naz was the first to actively agree to send her to the torture chamber.
“The thought of meeting a beast with whom I can’t even communicate is unpleasant.”
Irene’s evaluation of Shah-Naz was chillingly harsh. And that evaluation did not change even when she actually met Shah-Naz.
“The Saintess has arrived.”
The atmosphere was unusually bad for a meeting between the saintess and the king.
“Welcome to the Land of the South.”
Nevertheless, Shah-Naz seemed determined to fulfill his royal duties. Bowing and greeting Irene looked quite plausible.
“It has been a while.”
Irene said just that one sentence and turned her steps toward the palace designated as her residence. She didn’t want to talk longer with Shah-Naz.
The separate palace, often used to accommodate external guests, was nothing special. However, compared to Garan, who had deliberately planned to enchant Irene, it seemed relatively shabby.
“Wow, how shameless. How could they prepare so poorly to welcome the Saintess? Should we lodge a complaint?”
Lani grumbled, but Irene didn’t want to bother with it.
“It’s fine.”
She didn’t want to express any dissatisfaction. Despite her disappointment, Lani fell silent.
‘I’ve thought about it a lot.’
She couldn’t think of a way to exact revenge on Shah-Naz. Even Burt provided no information this time.
‘So what should I do?’
She would have to extend her stay and find Shah-Naz’s weaknesses.
Irene slowly laid her travel-weary body down. It was as though this situation was prearranged, a physician began to examine her.
It was a familiar routine for her, weakened as she was by torture.
“When is the welcome party?”
“In two days.”
“Alright.”
It seemed best to rest until then.
“The Saintess’s condition is better than expected. It appears the King of the East took great care of you.”
Guy had shown Irene utmost consideration.
He ensured she was comfortable during her stay and assigned more people to accompany her on the journey to the southern land.
The people treated Irene with utmost care, so her body was quite well despite her mood.
“That’s fortunate. Continue to examine her with caution.”
“Of course.”
As the physician withdrew, a new visitor arrived.
“Burt.”
It was Shah-Naz.
“What’s the matter?”
“This is my palace. It’s not like I’ve come to a place I shouldn’t be.”
“But this is also my room now. Your rudeness remains unchanged.”
At Burt’s words, Shah-Naz shrugged.
“It’s not like you can do anything about it, no?”
Despite such comments, he wasn’t entirely foolish.
Burt clicked his tongue and looked at Shah-Naz.
“You must have a reason for coming.”
“I do. I want to improve my relationship with the Saintess. I need your help with that.”
“Why should I?”
“You’re a king too. A king has a duty to protect his country. But in my current state, I’m fortunate if things don’t fall apart.”
“That’s the obvious consequence of your actions.”
Burt spoke firmly, but Shah-Naz was persistent.
“It was a single mistake. But does it make sense that my people might suffer for it? I’ve already apologized.”
“Apologized? You mean that foolish act?”
“Foolish? Then what more should I do?”
“Kneeling isn’t enough; how about crawling? Or perhaps kissing her feet in reverence?”
“Are you insane?”
Shah-Naz looked at Burt with an incredulous expression.
“I am perfectly sane.”
“No, you must be crazy. No matter how important the Saintess is, we are kings. Crawl for her? Kiss her feet? How idiotic! Can you do it?”
“How could I not?”
Burt’s calm response shocked Shah-Naz.
He had always known Burt to be unflappable. But he believed that deep down, there was some degree of friendship.
They had been together for so many years, after all. But it seemed Burt thought differently.
“Did you have a hand in Garan’s disappearance too?”
“Garan is missing. What does that have to do with me?”
“He’s a king! And a king doesn’t go missing without reason. Moreover, someone with ominous symbolism has become king?”
“Shah-Naz, stop jumping to conclusions without evidence.”
“You…”