This BL Novel Is Ruined Now - Chapter 273
Chapter 273
Translator: Yonnee
—
—Paul, that child… The ancient spells and artifacts inscribed on him are truly dreadful.
Due to the mana reduction, most artifacts had turned into mere scraps of metal. However, tools crafted by Ethan or the dragonkin still functioned perfectly.
“Dreadful, you say…”
—They’ve practically turned him into a rag.
“……”
Reina knew the spells and magical devices were difficult to remove, but she hadn’t realized it was this bad. She felt a crushing weight on her chest.
“Was it difficult to completely remove them, Your Majesty?”
—Not at all.
Right. Despite the mana reduction phenomenon, Tria, the first of the dragonfolk, possessed unwavering power.
—But it will take a very long time for that child to recover his strength.
“And how long is ‘very long’…?”
—Well, I’d say at least nine years.
“What? Nine years…? That long…?”
—One of the spells on his body was a very dangerous ancient magic. If he had carried it any longer, he wouldn’t be recovering his strength in nine years. He’d be dead within nine years.
“……”
As Tria spoke, Reina clenched her fists tightly. Her short nails dug into her palms, but she didn’t even notice the pain.
All she could focus on was Paul’s situation.
“Grace Bohr…”
Because she was still Paul’s mother, her punishment was limited to confinement in Bohr Castle’s spire.
But now…
‘Compared to Paul’s suffering, it was an endlessly merciful punishment.’
The more she heard about her dear friend’s desperate state, the more her underlying sympathy began to wane.
And then, more words from beyond the communication crystal fueled her growing anger.
—Oh, and his mind is a bit unsteady. He remembers you and Ailee… but he goes back and forth on remembering everyone else.
Does that mean he essentially doesn’t remember anything since the time he first met Reina?
She felt like she couldn’t breathe.
“I see. Thank you for always taking care of him and informing me.”
—It’s no problem, dearie. But I must go now. It seems Paul is causing another commotion. Let’s talk again soon.
With that brief farewell, the communication ended.
But even long after the communication was cut off, Reina didn’t move.
“Grace Bohr…”
Her face, looking at the now-dark communication crystal, was cold and devoid of any smile.
“I… I can never forgive you.”
* * *
“You look better than I expected.”
Grace had thought that the mute maid would bring her meal again today. Surprised by the unexpected visitor, she quickly turned her head towards the door.
Her movements were like those of a wild animal, quick and sharp, completely unlike her usual demeanor.
Then again, even if the noble first emperor were confined in a room without windows, staring at the ceiling all day, she might become as sensitive and rodent-like as Grace was now.
“It’s been a while.”
Yet her voice remained dignified. Just from her tone, one wouldn’t guess she was a prisoner.
Without replying, Reina walked silently to the center of the room where Grace was sitting.
She noisily pulled a chair and sat down calmly in front of Grace.
“Why did you do it?”
“What are you talking about?”
It wasn’t a sarcastic remark. Grace genuinely didn’t know what Reina was referring to.
With the countless things she had done, there were hundreds of reasons for Reina to ask “why”.
Instead of answering, Reina stared at her, prompting her to speak again.
“Why did you do that to Paul? He’s your son.”
When the specific question was finally asked, Grace muttered, ‘Oh, that,’ and burst into laughter.
“Is that all you’re curious about?”
Not about why she was so wary of Resa or anything like that?
Reina’s expression twisted slightly.
Watching her opponent’s changing expression, Grace tilted her head and opened her mouth.
“I did what had to be done.”
“Is there really any ‘necessary’ reason to mutilate your own son like that?”
Reina’s slightly agitated tone indicated she wasn’t just asking out of curiosity.
Nevertheless, Grace answered sincerely.
“Maintaining my power is the most critical task.”
Researching divine power and monitoring heretics like Reina were essential to maintain her power, even if it meant sacrificing her own flesh and blood.
“Don’t you feel sorry for your son?”
Was she referring to the ‘training’ conducted at the townhouse in his childhood or the recent spells and artifacts inscribed on his body?
Grace tapped her lips thoughtfully before curling them into a smile, indicating it didn’t matter. Feeling ‘sorry’ was not a significant emotion.
“I did feel sorry.”
Grace exaggeratedly furrowed her brow and lowered her eyes.
“Seeing him begging for his life when he couldn’t even scream was indeed heartbreaking for a mother.”
As Grace continued her hypocritical words, Reina’s expression grew increasingly grim.
But Grace didn’t stop.
“But such things are not important.”
Grace firmly believed in her judgment. She was convinced she understood the world’s truth precisely.
“Reina, do you know the most certain and solid way to achieve happiness?”
Though there was no response from the saintess, Grace continued as if asked an enthusiastic question.
“Absolute power. The kind of power that ensures you’re not forced by others and can force others for your sake.”
Maternal love, affection, friendship, a sense of belonging—all are just means to feel ‘happiness’.
In the end, Reina burst into laughter and stood up, signaling she found no value in continuing the conversation.
“There’s no point in talking any further.”
With that, Reina walked away without hesitation. Just before opening the door to leave, she threw a meaningful remark.
“You scorned the things that make humans truly human. So now, I intend to treat you as less than human.”
Less than human?
“What do you mean? What will you do to me now?”
Grace asked, but Reina only smiled slightly and left without a word.
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