Chapter 63: Blood-Colored Wings “Cage”
Coward…
Hearing Isana’s assessment, Erika recalled her last meeting with Otilia. That refined face, and the way she spoke and acted, didn’t seem like someone who was cowardly…
“Erika.”
Suddenly calling out, Isana raised her head and fixed her gaze on Erika. Her expression was extremely serious and earnest.
Seeing her sudden shift in demeanor, Erika paused, then quickly stuffed a piece of meat into her mouth to ease the tension.
“What is it?”
“You… don’t know a girl named Viviana, right?”
“You mean, that one who looks super much like me?”
“Yes, the only daughter of the Duke of Night.”
Swallowing the meat, Erika blinked. “Nope, don’t know her. I only just arrived in the Imperial Capital, how could I know her? Probably just a coincidence we look alike.”
“But Otilia doesn’t think so!”
Isana furrowed her brows. “Erika, Otilia thinks you’re connected to Viviana. She said the resemblance is too strong. Aside from age, there’s almost no difference.”
“It’s fine, really.”
Waving her hand, Erika said cheerfully, “I have a family, you know. I don’t know any Viviana. And I clearly remember the moment I was born.”
“That’s just it! Otilia doesn’t believe it!”
As she spoke, Isana’s eyes locked tightly on Erika, her expression growing even more serious.
“Erika, when you were in her room, did she say anything to you?”
“Ah… sh-she did.”
Not hiding anything, Erika was a little confused by Isana’s intent.
“Don’t listen to her!”
Isana suddenly shouted, then said seriously, “Erika, whatever you do, don’t listen to that woman. She’s definitely up to no good!”
“Why…”
“Because you’re my Erika! Not some Viviana!”
“……”
Smiling awkwardly, Erika tried to change the awkward topic. “Isana, your relationship with your sister… is worse than I thought.”
At those words, Isana subdued her emotions and picked up her cup with a small hand. Without using the straw, she took a hard gulp of fruit tea.
“Hoo~”
Calming down, the intense expression on Isana’s face finally relaxed.
“Actually… it’s not that bad. Otilia used to be pretty nice. But after that incident with our mother, she changed completely.”
“What happened to your mom?”
“She died. Killed by an organization called ‘Cage’.”
“Ah… I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Erika.”
Isana forced a smile. “I’m not as cowardly as Otilia. I already moved on from that shadow.”
“That ‘Cage’ organization… Are they bad people?”
“Rumor has it they’re a very mysterious organization. They act with no discernible rules and often commit atrocious deeds. That’s why they’re wanted by the Holy Church and also considered one of the most dangerous groups in the Aarlan Empire.”
As she spoke, Isana’s expression visibly darkened.
“My mother died at their hands. Since then, Otilia has locked herself in her room and never came out again.
Even this trip to the Imperial Capital—father had to drag her here. On the way, she stayed in the carriage the entire time, not even daring to show her face or breathe fresh air. That’s why I hate her. I hate how cowardly she is.”
Hearing Isana’s explanation, Erika thought again of Otilia’s face.
“Maybe Otilia… just hasn’t gotten over losing her loved one… You can’t really blame her for that.”
“Everyone says that!”
Isana flared up again, indignant.
“But she used to be the ‘Queen of Snow’! Our mom died—she shouldn’t have turned into this!
Anyway, I’m not like her. I won’t keep running from reality. I will find the killer who took my mother and bring them to justice!
For that, I’ve been investigating the organization called ‘Cage’. It’s said most of their members are non-human species.”
Non-human species?
Erika suddenly froze, recalling the scene from when she first arrived in the Imperial Capital, where a non-human female elf was burned at the stake.
Actually, being a dragon herself, she probably counted as a non-human species too…
“Isana, do you… hate non-human species?”
For some reason, Erika suddenly asked this question.
Isana understood well. She knew what Erika was thinking, so she put on a gentle expression.
“I could never hate you, Erika. I don’t have that much prejudice against non-human species. The ones I hate are the people from the organization called ‘Cage’.
From what I’ve found out, this organization has a symbolic emblem that represents their belief—something similar to the Four-leaf Clover of the Aarlan Empire.”
“What kind of symbol?”
“Wings.”
“And that is…”
“A pair of blood-red wings. Members of ‘Cage’ have this emblem on their shoulders.”
Blood-red wings!?
Erika suddenly thought of something, and her face changed dramatically.
Yes—Jocelyn!
The one who stole her Dragon Core Crystal right after she was born. When she bit Erika, she had clearly seen those blood-colored wings on her shoulder!
She was from ‘Cage’!?
And Meladin had mentioned before that her Dragon Core Crystal was in the Imperial Capital. Could the organization ‘Cage’ be based here!?
“Erika?”
Seeing Erika’s face turn pale, Isana asked with concern, “What’s wrong? You look awful.”
“N-Nothing.”
Shaking her head, Erika tried to calm her expression. She felt she shouldn’t tell Isana about this.
Though she fully understood Isana’s desire to avenge her mother, she also knew how stubborn Isana was. If she told her that someone from ‘Cage’ might be in the Imperial Capital, she’d definitely risk everything to investigate.
Since this group was wanted by both the Holy Church and the Empire and still operated actively, it meant ‘Cage’ was absolutely not to be underestimated.
She tried to steer the topic away.
“Isana, I’m sure Otilia feels the same way you do. You don’t have to be on such bad terms. After all, you’re family—sisters.”
“I know…”
Isana said softly, “Actually, I do understand her… Mom died… saving her… She must feel so guilty…
But… I’m sad too… I wanted comfort too… Otilia is so unfair… She used to be so kind…”
As she spoke, Isana’s voice carried a hint of sobbing.
Her originally sparkling black eyes glistened faintly with tears.
“Ah… it’s okay now, Isana, you don’t have to say any more. I’m sorry.”
Seeing this, Erika suddenly interrupted her. She hadn’t expected this strong-willed girl to shed tears.
“It’s okay, Erika.”
Gently wiping her eyes, Isana forced an awkward smile. “I’m not like Otilia. I made a vow to myself—I won’t cry anymore.”
But you were just about to cry just now…