Tiffany's eyes widened, confusion flooding her at the sudden turn of events.
Her gaze was accusatory and brimming with questions, yet not a single word escaped her lips.
"Sorry, my Princess," Crow said, his voice laced with false sincerity, but his actions betrayed his words. "Please don't blame me."
He yanked his dagger free, aggravating the wound and causing blood to spray like a fountain.
"I'm just following orders from the Emperor."
It was a brief confession, but with those words, everything fell into place.
Crow had never been hers; he was merely a dog kept by their father, the Emperor! She had been deceived!
This revelation caused a momentary pause among the onlookers... until Arianne sprang into action, leaping forward.
"Fuck off!" she growled, swinging her sword with effortless grace. "I said face me in a duel, and you resort to underhanded tactics again?! Do you have no shame?!"
Crow, though panicked, managed to block her sword with his dagger.
