TSFA l Part 2 CH 59

Part 2 Chapter 59

* * *

Nike’s breath burned in his throat as he ran.

The moment he realized his power was blocked, only one name came to mind—Duke Bassenberg.

Nullification.
The ability to shut down all gifted powers at once.

Nike hadn’t even known such a thing existed until he heard about it from Ryan. He had never once been unable to use regression—so of course, he had never imagined it.

It made sense. Even the duke himself couldn’t use it carelessly. It was dangerous, draining, and never lasted long.

The first time Nike experienced being “cut off” was when Ryan killed the assassin Marina. The duke must have cast Nullification to control and recall her ability before she disappeared.

That day, Nike felt for the first time the terror of “I can’t go back.”

He still remembered it clearly:
Ryan was tortured in front of him.
David, the duke’s eldest son, mercilessly interrogating.
Bania cried her eyes out.

Nike remembered every detail.

That was the real horror of Nullification.
Not just that he couldn’t use his power.
But whenever the duke used it, no one knew what he was planning to do.

***

With a slam, Nike kicked open Bania’s door.

Thank the gods—she was safe.

Still in her room, staring at him in shock.

Without a word, Nike strode over and pulled her into his arms.

Even after confirming she was unharmed, his pounding heart wouldn’t calm.

Because now… he had someone he had to protect.

And until it all ended, that fear wasn’t going away.

His arms were so tight it hurt. His body burned hot. His heart thundered against me.

He had left for the knights in full uniform—so why was he suddenly barging in like this?

Honestly, it didn’t matter.
What mattered was— we weren’t alone.

“Y-Your Highness…”

“Haah, haah…” His ragged breathing made me blush.

I glanced around.

In my room were six pairs of eyes. The chief lady-in-waiting was chosen by the crown princess, plus five noble young maids my own age.

All staring.

“I-I think you should—”

“Sorry… Just let me hold you. Just until I calm down…”

“…?!”

He’s insane!

Of all days, it had to be today—the first day the maids reported for duty!

We were in the middle of cheerful introductions, and suddenly my husband storms in and declares he needs to hug me until he calms down?!

The maids, far too entertained, pretended not to exist but kept staring with wide noses flaring.

Get out, get out!!

I shooed them with frantic gestures. At last, they shuffled out reluctantly.

“Agh! Why are you like this?!”

I shoved him away in embarrassment.

He looked down at me, still panting—then suddenly loosened his collar.

“Wha—!”

I caught his hands.

“Are you crazy? Why are you stripping in broad daylight?!”

“…What? I’m just out of breath.”

…Who’d believe that?!

“The duke used his power.”

“…What?”

〈Mirror’s Eye – Verse of Regression〉

I checked right away—and understood.

What he was trying to “calm” wasn’t desire. It was fear.

He’d rushed here in panic, too shaken to notice anyone else.

“You were worried about me.”

I looked at his anxious face.

But he didn’t need to worry. Nullification was dangerous, yes—but not to us.

It was a double-edged sword. For this moment, every gifted one in the capital was nothing more than an ordinary person.

Father wouldn’t start a war in a state like this.

“Don’t worry. I’m fine. See? I’m right here, with you.”

I gently stroked his cheek.

Still… I had a heavy guess why Father was using Nullification at this time.

And it darkened my heart.

* * *

Duke Bassenberg’s manor.

Crista sat frozen, pen in hand, staring at her father.

“Not writing?” he asked.

“…”

On the desk lay a blank sheet and a pen.

“If Alex really comes to see me after reading this… should I meet him?”

She knew the answer. But she still asked—like clinging to a straw.

“No,” the duke said, smiling kindly.

“You only need to call him out.”

“…Will he even come?”

“If he ignores you, then I’ll think of another way.”

“What way?!”

Krista voice cracked. Tears welled as she glared at him.

“Another way to lure him out and kill him?!”

“My dear, calm yourself. Did I ever say I’d kill him?”

“Then why! Why!!”

Bang, bang, bang!

She slammed her fists on the table.

Edgar only watched silently.

“I already apologized! I promised I’d never do it again! You said you forgave me!!”

Krista chest burned. If Father really wanted Alex dead, it was because of her. Because she had let her resentment slip. Because she had leaked documents Father suspected Alex of holding.

“If you don’t want to write, then don’t.”

He calmly retrieved the paper.

The truth: her letter wasn’t needed. Alex wouldn’t recognize her handwriting anyway.

This was never about the letter.

It was about teaching his daughter.

Teaching her that Alex was now a target.

That her letter might bring her brother out—and after that, his fate would be sealed.

That she would sit here powerless, wings clipped, waiting for news of his death.

That was his lesson.

“You’re always under my control. No matter how you struggle, you’ll drown in helplessness.”

That was what he wanted to carve into her.

Krista thoughts snapped.

Should I kill him?

The idea was so shocking it numbed her. She had hated him, yes—but she had never thought of killing him before.

Yet now… she realized she could. She had the power. She wouldn’t survive after, of course. Her siblings would tear her apart. But so what?

Her father was a monster. The world would be better without him.

Her hand trembled. Her mind was blank.

Alone, locked in this room.

He had come without guards, smug in the belief his daughter could never harm him.

It was just the two of them.

Her decision wouldn’t take long.

〈Truth of the Storm〉

Ah.

Crista slowly lifted her head.

Her father smiled faintly, as if to say: I already know what you were thinking.

“…Heh. Haha…”

Crista let out a hollow laugh and buried her face in the desk.

The crushing weight of helplessness choked her.

* * *

One week later.

Belzer Castle.

Ryan, the lord, had returned three days ago, reported many things, and was leaving again.

That morning, a letter arrived for Alexander.

Leaning against the table, he opened it—and smirked.

Krista fear had been pointless.

This sharp fifteen-year-old had been waiting for exactly this.

“A trap, huh?” he chuckled.

His eyes gleamed.

He had worried his father might be unpredictable. But today’s letter erased all doubt.

“So obvious.”

Whether or not he stepped into the trap would prove the enemy’s level.

And the so-called genius duke? He was doing exactly what Alex had predicted.

“Pathetic.”

Alexander shoved his hands into his pockets and faced the mirror.

In it, he saw himself grinning cruelly.

“…Damn.”

No. He couldn’t let that side of him out.

He covered half his face with his hand, forcing it back down.

But the mocking laughter—he couldn’t stop it.

“Kuhuh… hahahaha…”

Behind him, Marchen passed by and shivered.

“Oh dear… the sickness again…”