Chapter 132: All Warfare Is Based on Deception

“I don’t trust you.”

Blunt and decisive, Anasha left no room for argument.

“If it were someone sent by the Church or the Empire today, I wouldn’t object.”

“But instead, it’s the Forbidden School—a notoriously infamous organization.”

“Even though the Forbidden School is sanctioned and supported by the Empire, its members will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.”

“As long as the result is achieved, they don’t care what happens in the process or how much damage is caused. Arrogant, reckless—they treat everything else as beneath them.”

“That’s exactly why most nobles despise them.”

“But it’s also precisely why the Empire’s upper ranks tolerate them. When it comes to efficiency, those lunatics are terrifying.”

The black-robed woman let out a soft chuckle.

Anasha had arrived in a hurry and knew little about what had happened in Falisa.

“I understand that words alone cannot convince you, Miss Anasha. But if Miss Peretti’s true identity were to be revealed—”

“Miss Mephist!”

A hurried voice cut her off.

Josuna rushed forward, stepping between her and Peretti.

“I remember Mingtong saying you would arrive tomorrow. Why are you here so early?”

There was clear panic in Josuna’s expression.

Originally, her plan had been to first obtain a divine-origin weapon capable of killing Feiye from the Wrath-blessed Fakenna in Brest. But now that the Forbidden School had moved this quickly, she was completely unprepared for what came next.

“The situation is urgent, so I hastened my arrival.” Mephist spoke calmly. “Please rest assured, Miss Josuna… your sister has performed in a way that greatly satisfies the Empire’s upper ranks. As long as she behaves, I guarantee she will come to no harm.”

She emphasized the word “sister.”

To an opponent who could only use magic through theft, Peretti’s affinity for the light element was like an invaluable treasure.

After learning of Peretti’s identity as a Light Witch, the Empire had thoroughly investigated her entire past.

Naturally, that included her relationship with Josuna.

From rescuing Ailberna Isaacson from the encirclement of the Gluttony Church, to sparing the Regulation Squad during their confrontation—everything convinced Mephist that Peretti still retained her sense of self as a human.

And with Josuna as leverage, controlling her wouldn’t be difficult.

“‘Behaves’?” Peretti narrowed her eyes slightly. “How far does that definition go?”

“No resistance. And a bit of cooperation from you. That’s all.”

“And dying would be just as simple, right?”

“That depends on Miss Peretti’s performance.” Mephist answered vaguely.

If Peretti were in her prime, Mephist would never dare threaten her like this.

But now, Peretti couldn’t use magic.

A witch without magic was no different from a lamb awaiting slaughter.

Both Peretti and Josuna understood her meaning.

But Anasha was completely lost.

“Wait… are you hiding something from me?”

“That’s not what you should be worrying about.” Mephist’s voice turned cold. “What you should be thinking about is how to clean up the mess here.”

She then beckoned to Peretti and Josuna.

“Come. I believe we need some privacy.”

Anasha tried to follow, but Mingtong stepped in front of her, a chilling smile curling at her lips.

“Hehe~ big sister, you can’t go any further. It’s an order. Besides… this isn’t something you should interfere in.”

Anasha could only watch as the three of them left.

As Peretti stepped outside, she saw a group of armed figures standing at the entrance.

They wore masks that completely concealed their faces—not even a single strand of hair was visible.

Mephist stopped walking.

“Now that there are no outsiders, I’ll speak plainly, Miss Peretti.”

“Given your actions, we highly value your abilities. Think about it—if you go to that so-called tower, do you really believe those witches will treat you as one of their own? Not necessarily. In fact, they’re more likely to see you as an enemy.”

“I can guarantee that as long as you agree, not only will you remain unharmed, but the Empire will also ensure your safety. Any research related to the light element will not cause you any real harm or inconvenience.”

“And you expect me to believe that?” Peretti replied coldly. “I don’t even know what kind of organization you are—but judging from Anasha’s reaction, your reputation is terrible.”

“In truth, once you arrive at the imperial capital, even if I wanted to do anything to you, I wouldn’t be able to.” Mephist continued. “Do you remember what you did in Falisa? You rescued the youngest daughter of the Isaacson family and cured her poisoning.”

“With the protection of Duke Everi Isaacson, you won’t have to worry about unfair treatment.”

“So… your intention toward my sister is more about protection?” Josuna asked hesitantly.

“That’s correct. You may understand it that way.” Mephist nodded.

“In that case… could you give us some time?” Josuna said softly. “Once I finish handling matters here, I’d like to return to the capital together with my sister. Is that acceptable?”

Mephist turned to look at Peretti, clearly waiting for her answer.

Josuna also looked at her, eyes filled with expectation.

“I don’t mind,” Peretti replied calmly. “Staying here with my little sister for a while isn’t bad either.”

Josuna let out a sigh of relief.

Mephist raised her hand toward the distance.

“In that case, I have no objections. From this moment on, I will assist Miss Josuna to a certain extent and ensure this situation is resolved as quickly as possible. Do you have any objections?”

“That would be best.”

Josuna took Peretti’s hand, intending to leave—but the armed guards suddenly surrounded them.

“What is the meaning of this?”

Josuna’s expression darkened as she looked at Mephist.

“Just as I said—I will do everything necessary to protect Miss Peretti.” Mephist gestured toward one of the guards. “These are my most trusted attendants. They will obey any command unconditionally. With them, Miss Peretti will be perfectly safe.”

“Is that so?”

A cold laugh suddenly came from one of the guards.

Mephist’s heart tightened.

These guards were practically half-dead beings whose consciousness had been nearly erased.

There was no way they could laugh like that.

Before she could process it, the guard moved.

A blade flashed.

In a single stroke—

Mephist collapsed to the ground like a severed stalk of grass.

The surrounding guards did nothing. They simply stood still, motionless.

Everything had happened too fast.

Peretti and Josuna stared in shock, unable to even comprehend what had just occurred.

The guard sheathed the sword, then reached up and removed the mask from his face.

His voice carried a faint, mocking tone.

“Tch… this mask’s craftsmanship is terrible. Almost suffocated me.”

“…Fakenna?”