He looks somewhat surprised hearing my explanation. Seeing that, the end of my lips rises a bit. I guess Vision Of Ardiane was true.

"…!" Abruptly, he redraws his sword at my neck. Not even a single minute had yet passed!

"What you said just now was true. I have no choice, but to eliminate your existence within the empire."

"W-What?! I told you I'm not the one who sent the assassins!" I yell in panic. This guy really isn't aware of my identity!

The sharp blade is getting closer and closer to cutting my neck veins. I can't die here. I can't die now!

"I don't want any bloodshed to happen, but you asked for it."

His chilling voice is like a curse in my ears. My body is slightly shivering. I'm aware he's heartless towards his enemies, but this is absolute madness! In this life-death situation, I try to come out with a plan, but nothing pops up. My body can't stop shivering no matter how hard I try. It can't end here. I've prepared everything for this moment!

"I know who sent the assassins!" I shout, risking by putting my life on the line. Thankfully, he pulls back his sword wearing a satisfied smirk. "It's not hard to speak the truth, isn't it?"

Because of the petrified tension, my legs become wiggly as I can't stand straight anymore and get down on my knees. My trembling grows worse and I can't stop panting. It's hard to breathe. My throat feels so tight. It's suffocating. The balcony rails look like they're spinning. No, the whole area is. Everything around me feels blurry. Somewhere in close distance, I think I hear Azher's panicked voice.

"H-Hey! What's wrong with you?!"

I can barely hear his words, but long after, I can no longer tell what he's saying. His face becomes hazier. All of a sudden, an excruciating pain attacks my head. I have never experienced any pain as painful as this. I try my best to bear it but fail. My vision turns black as I start to lose consciousness.