Amaya PoV
Vadim's breathing and shaking intensified.
"Stop twisting his words, Setsugen!" Amelia interjected, stepping forward, her voice firm and unwavering. "Vadim fights to protect our kingdom, to prevent further bloodshed. His intentions are far from vile; he fights with honor and courage. You're free to mock, but you will not tear down a good man when his heart is pure and his aim is peace."
Setsugen smirked. "Oh? Says the puppeteer. If anything, it's your fault for using the poor man as a pawn in your schemes, Amelia. You aim to reunite your kingdom, yet you force him to carry out your ambitions."
Amelia gritted her teeth. "Maybe that's what you do with your wife over there, but Vadim is more than a knight for me!"
Lady Kuroyuki frowned, Amelia's accusation of projection planting a seed of doubt in her. Was she as much a puppet of Setsugen as he claimed Vadim to be for Amelia?
