NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 172
Chapter 172. Subjugation
──Once again, a dream.
Recently, it’s always the same dream.
The shapes may vary, but the conclusion remains unchanging.
For her, it is the worst. Something she is forced to see over and over, something she never wanted to.
A future that shouldn’t exist, one that chips away at her heart every time she recalls it.
That is──the death of Hermes.
And then, she wakes up.
Despair and fatigue deeply etched into her face, Nina von Frodite rises.
“Still… still no change, huh?”
The dream remains the same.
Which means her efforts have borne no fruit, a realization she is forced to acknowledge. She mutters bitterly.
Thus, she rises.
To change a future she absolutely doesn’t want to come to pass──but will inevitably happen if she does nothing.
And today again, she embarks on her lonely battle.
Acquiring this “magic” was, in a sense, a coincidence, a stroke of luck, and above all, a misfortune.
When she was living with the Frodite family, her brother suddenly began behaving oddly.
Soon after, Archbishop Johann arrived at their home, proposing a Northern Rebellion.
──She became convinced that this man was the root of it all.
The core of the Frodite family is her brother, Lucius. She didn’t know how, but he had already fallen into Johann’s clutches.
With Lucius compromised, they had no way to resist.
Their participation in the rebellion was nearly forced, with her parents thrown into frantic preparation.
…Then, she made a decision.
To repay the Frodite family for taking her in, Nina began to act.
Using her heightened physical abilities granted by magic, she evaded the watchful eyes of the archbishop, who focused only on her brother and parents.
She sought a way to undermine his control, probing his surroundings and uncovering a certain building he visited suspiciously often.
She infiltrated it and──
That’s where she found it.
An artifact displayed on the altar.
If she had to describe its design succinctly, it was a “winged book with a bookmark”.
But that wasn’t the point.
From that artifact emanated──an overwhelming torrent of sacred magical energy.
A simple object, yet its violent aura made her fall to her knees instinctively.
The entire building was suffused with this oppressive force, radiating from the altar.
Undeniably, it was terrifying.
But at the same time, she intuitively understood: This was the source of Johann’s enigmatic power.
Summoning her courage, she took a step forward, fighting her urge to flee. She reached for the book-shaped artifact atop the altar and touched it──
The influx of information overwhelmed her. She understood.
The name of the book was Skaldrogia,
an extraordinary artifact that granted its wielder the unprecedented power of “future sight”.
“……What… is this?”
She was horrified.
Even as a low-ranking noble, Nina possessed some knowledge of Bloodline Magic.
She understood the properties and limits of such magic. And precisely because she knew them, she couldn’t believe it──
The artifact’s ability to predict the future was beyond the realm of even Bloodline Magic.
This aura, this power. Without a doubt, it was an ancient artifact──no, something even more.
She didn’t know much about artifacts, but… could this even be classified as an ancient artifact──?
“──Impressive. To think you’d track this place down.”
A voice.
Fatal, from behind her.
“I didn’t ‘foresee’ this. Well, if I didn’t, it means it’s not much of an issue, I suppose.”
Normally, Nina would have noticed.
But now, shaken by the artifact’s overwhelming aura and disturbed by the unknown, she failed to sense him.
That’s why she didn’t notice Archbishop Johann entering from the doorway behind her.
Nina tensed, but Johann, in stark contrast, wore an expression of thoughtfulness.
It was clear he was surprised, but he also considered this insignificant, evident from his composed demeanor.
“…Hmm. Ordinarily, I would eliminate you for discovering this…”
“!”
The ominous words made her brace herself, but Johann lifted his face.
“However, your position and your Bloodline Magic are exceptionally valuable. Eliminating you might affect Lucius in unforeseen ways──yes, I think that’s reason enough.”
With a faintly sinister smile and copper eyes brimming with malice,
Archbishop Johann made his proposal to Nina, who had uncovered his source of power.
“──How about a deal, Nina von Frodite?”
◆
“…Well done.”
Thus, Nina began acting under the archbishop’s orders.
Not just during the Northern Rebellion, but even before that.
She operated in compliance with the “deal,” carrying out missions to destabilize the Northern Harvist domain and the Third Princess’s faction.
Shortly before Hermes’s group reconciled, Johann, with a mocking smirk, remarked:
“──You’re rather obedient. Have you finally decided to serve under God?”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
Her cold reply was laced with contempt.
Of course. It was Johann who had forced her into this position.
“In addition to obeying your orders, I can’t leak information about the artifact. In return, you can’t harm me or my family──”
She stated the terms of their “deal,” or rather…
“──this ‘contract gear.’ Isn’t that right?”
As she spoke, she pointed to her neck.
Faintly visible there was a mark resembling black chains.
A similar mark was likely etched onto Johann’s neck as well.
It was yet another artifact. As a high-ranking church official, Johann had access to many rare artifacts gathered from across the kingdom.
Using one, he bound Nina to a contract, enforceable with a death penalty for violation. The contract could only be dissolved by mutual agreement.
There were no deceptions in the magic. Nina’s keen perception would have detected flaws if any existed.
It seemed that even Johann found the prospect of the artifact’s exposure troublesome enough to concede to some extent.
Still, she could not rest easy.
In fact, Johann’s apparent nonchalance, despite conceding certain freedoms, was unsettling. Without a doubt, he was scheming something within the confines of this contract.
But that suited her just fine.
Both sides sought to outwit the other, fully aware of the stakes.
Nina was determined to find a loophole within the contract.
Meeting her gaze, Johann’s mocking smile deepened.
“To clarify, you also cannot harm me physically. Though… for instance, using your Bloodline Magic on me might work. Perhaps you should try?”
“…Heh. Don’t worry.”
She scoffed. Johann likely already knew the answer.
“My magic──it absolutely won’t work on you.”
Nina’s Bloodline Magic, [Il Ferlina].
Its effect was charm. Its power varied based on the target’s affection for her.
In other words, the more they liked her, the stronger the charm.
Conversely──it had no effect on those who disliked her.
It was, in a way, an incredibly troublesome ability.
Her words were a sarcastic declaration of disdain, yet naturally, Johann remained unperturbed.
Having said all that needed to be said, Nina left his office, his enigmatic smile following her as she departed.
…How to outmaneuver Johann.
That was one of the things Nina had been pondering ever since this ordeal began.
The first plan she devised, only to discard immediately, was precisely what Johann mentioned:
Testing [Il Ferlina] on him.
The reasons were simple:
She could never bring herself to like the archbishop.
That is—Johann’s own Bloodline Magic.
His magic’s effect is brainwashing: manipulating a target’s thoughts… in broad terms, it’s a magic similar to Nina’s.
And the first trait of mind-control magic:
—it “doesn’t work on others with similar abilities.”
Presumably, those with this type of magic unconsciously erect mental defenses.
Because of this, even if the conditions for activation are met, it’s extremely difficult to entrap someone who possesses the same type of magic unless under extraordinary circumstances.
This is reassuring in that she doesn’t need to fear the worst-case scenario—”being brainwashed herself”—but it also means one less avenue to outmaneuver him.
Next, she considered breaking Lucius’s brainwashing.
…But that’s also no easy task.
Because the second trait of mind-control magic is.
—the “first caster has an overwhelming advantage”.
In short, “overwriting” someone else’s control is exceedingly difficult.
Unless there’s a massive disparity in skill, it’s nearly impossible to overturn the first magic cast—and as a bloodline mage, Johann far outclasses Nina.
If their roles were reversed, perhaps it’d be possible, but overriding Johann’s influence on Lucius, her own family, is simply out of the question.
…And thus, the stalemate persists.
Lost in thought as she walks through the fortress, she suddenly notices something.
(…Ah, it’s happening again.)
Her senses pick up on whispers from the shadows.
Hushed words—literal shadowy mutterings—reach her ears.
“Look over there, the demon with the cursed bloodline. It’s the Frodite girl.”
“It really is. How can someone so evil walk around so brazenly?”
“Disgusting. Let’s make sure none of us end up like her.”
…One of the reasons Nina is being kept alive is precisely this.
To be hated. A scapegoat. A wicked example.
By creating clear “enemies” both outside and within, Johann provides an outlet for internal discontent—a sacrificial lamb to unify the group.
Nina, with her infamously distasteful Bloodline Magic of “charm,” makes the perfect target.
The words of malice, the glares of hatred, the auras of scorn aimed at her.
She knows it’s futile to engage…
(…Still, being the one targeted feels so much worse than I’d imagined…)
—But there’s no time to wallow in self-pity.
Ignoring it is her only option. She steels herself and continues walking, but today seems to be different.
“—Hey there, succubus.”
This time, it’s not whispers.
One of the Northern Alliance soldiers steps out in front of her, addressing her directly.
“…What do you want?”
From the fact he opens with an insult, it’s clear this isn’t a civil matter.
Judging by the sneers of the soldier and the two flanking him, their expressions a mix of irritation and mockery, she grows certain of their intent.
“Heh, same arrogant tone as always, huh?”
“Yeah, you think you can act high and mighty just ‘cause you’re under the archbishop?”
“You do realize you’re at the very bottom of the totem pole here, don’t you?”
…Judging from the scars on their bodies.
They were likely part of the ongoing operation to seize the Harvist Territory—and failed spectacularly, earning their superior’s wrath. Now they’re here, looking to vent that frustration.
She neither feels anger nor fear.
These men are too petty to warrant such emotions… and not even remotely threatening. Nina could incapacitate all three of them in an instant if she chose to.
—But she cannot.
Because Johann’s orders were clear: “Do not harm the soldiers.”
Perhaps provoked by her impassive expression, one of them steps forward, anger rising.
“…Seems like you don’t get it. In that case—guess we’ll have to teach you directly!”
Their postures shift toward action, aggression mixed with something far more sinister in their gazes as they look her up and down.
None of the onlookers intervene. Some even seem eager to watch, finding satisfaction in the scene.
Because—though unspoken—it’s been decided by Johann.
The frustrations and grievances she’s meant to endure include “that kind of treatment.”
…It hits her anew, the cruel reality that she has no allies here.
Feeling the cold weight of isolation once more, her heart aches, and she resigns herself to fleeing. She can’t harm them, after all, so there’s little choice but to escape—when suddenly:
“—Gah!?”
With a firm grip.
The soldier, who had been closing in on Nina, had his head grabbed with one hand.
In one swift motion, the man lifted the soldier into the air with overwhelming strength.
Amidst the astonished gazes of those around, the man displayed such unbelievable physical power.
“──What do you think you’re doing to my family?”
Lucius von Frodite spoke coldly.
“Ca-Captain!”
Confronted by the appearance of Lucius—the Northern Alliance’s Knight Captain—the three soldiers crowding Nina voiced their shock.
…But.
What followed on their faces wasn’t fear—it was dissatisfaction.
“──Why are you defending her?!”
“Yeah, she’s nothing but an evil succubus! A being that should know its place!”
“…And yet, she’s still my sister.”
Even so, Lucius remained unfazed.
“Evil or despicable though she may be, she is still my family. Do I need any other reason to protect her?”
He stated it calmly. For a moment, the soldiers faltered—
but soon shouted again, as if justifying themselves with their own righteousness.
“B-but!──The Archbishop himself decreed it!”
“Exactly, the Archbishop himself said she’s to be despised, scorned, and used as a reminder for us to never become like her! Are you defying even his will now?!”
Using the absolute authority of the Archbishop to make their case.
──And yet, even so.
“Indeed.”
Lucius von Frodite.
The man supposedly under Johann’s mind-control spell.
“──Even if it’s the Archbishop’s decree, my priority remains protecting my sister, my family. I’ll guide her toward repentance and reform, according to my own judgment. Do you have a problem with that?”
He declared it, unflinchingly and truthfully.
“────”
A third characteristic of thought-manipulation magic:
──It cannot fundamentally alter a subject’s inherent nature or personality.
For Lucius, protecting his family was—
even under magical manipulation—a principle so deeply ingrained that not even Johann’s power could change it.
“……I see? Still have complaints, judging by your faces. In that case, direct them at me. I’ll overlook insubordination to a superior just this once. Come, say your piece—
including whether you think it right for knights to gleefully torment someone who cannot resist.”
The soldiers, and even the surrounding onlookers, were cowed by the unwavering resolve in Lucius’s tone.
Left with no retort to his parting words, the soldiers slinked away, dispersing with the crowd.
“……Brother.”
Finally recovering from her shock, Nina managed to utter only that.
As a wielder of thought-manipulation magic, she could sense it.
The strength of will and unshakeable resolve behind her brother’s words—how truly rare and remarkable it was.
“U-uh…thank you.”
For now, she felt compelled to at least say that much. With those words, Lucius turned, smiling.
“Think nothing of it, sister. It’s only natural──besides…”
He continued, his tone shifting to something more spirited, closer to his usual self.
“Personally, I have no desire to be distracted by petty nonsense right now. …I’ve found something to look forward to.”
“………Huh?”
Nina gasped in surprise.
From what she’d seen, Lucius hadn’t shown much enthusiasm for the Northern Rebellion. He’d simply followed orders, carrying out the Archbishop’s commands without question.
Sensing her curiosity, Lucius explained.
“Oh, don’t misunderstand. I won’t slack off in the Harvist Dominion campaign. If we can make them surrender without a fight, all the better.──But…”
With a newfound energy, he revealed an entirely different expression.
“──On a personal note, I’d like to cross swords with that boy again.”
…She didn’t need him to clarify who he meant.
As Nina stood, speechless, Lucius seemed to realize something and added:
“…Ah. I’ve already said more than I should’ve. Well then, Nina.──And if this happens again, come straight to me!”
Even under mind control, his face reflected genuine concern for his family.
With those words, Lucius quickly departed.
“………………”
After watching him go, Nina placed a hand over her chest.
…The cold, dark weight in her heart felt a little lighter.
“…Thank you, big brother.”
She truly admired him from the depths of her heart.
The man who took her in when she had nowhere else to go who welcomed her into the Frodite family without hesitation, and who stood by her now—he was, in every way, an extraordinary person.
With a slightly lighter step than before, Nina began walking.
Not just because of what had just happened, but because…
“…Ah. This won’t do.”
Until she could break free of her current situation, she had planned to keep certain feelings locked away.
But now, with a glimmer of hope—realizing the Archbishop’s cage wasn’t impenetrable, that light could shine through—
and with the very person on her mind being mentioned, her emotions overflowed.
“…I want to see you, Herm.”
From the moment they met, she felt an unusual connection with him.
As their bond deepened, she admired his beliefs, his resolve—qualities she lacked—and fell for him.
And yet, in this current trajectory, he was destined to die.
She couldn’t fathom or accept the idea of him falling.
Still──she knew. Against the Archbishop, it wasn’t about strength alone. Their compatibility was fatally mismatched.
…Like hell I’ll let it happen.
The thought of him meeting such a fate was utterly intolerable.
A future like that──could never, must never, come to pass.
“…This time, I’ll be the one to save you.”
And so, more determined than ever, she resolved herself.
Even as someone powerless, or perhaps because of her powerlessness, she believed there were things she alone could do.
No matter the dire circumstances or oppressive environment, she would keep moving forward, searching for the one move that could shatter this nightmare.