Chapter 32: Sapphire Agares
"Mi-m-m-my mother?" Katharina trembled at the news that her mother was coming. "N-n-no way... Sh-she wouldn't do that..."
"She... is already on her way," Novah confirmed, her voice now more serious. "And believe me, she doesn't seem happy."
Katharina felt the ground vanish beneath her feet. Her mother was an imposing woman, a force of nature, someone who rarely accepted disobedience or rebellion. The thought of facing her judgment made Katharina tremble.
"What are we going to do?" she whispered, her eyes filled with fear, seeking some comfort in his presence.
Vergil, still a bit frustrated by the interruption, sighed deeply. He approached her, taking her hands in his. His firm, warm touch gave Katharina a sense of security, despite the growing fear.
"We'll handle this together," he affirmed, the confidence in his voice calming her a bit. "If she knows everything, there's nothing more to hide. I'll face this with you."
Katharina tried to breathe slower, absorbing Vergil's words, but the fear still lingered in her chest.
"She can't just... accept this," Katharina murmured, anxiety bubbling up. "She's going to kill you."
Vergil looked at Katharina and smiled, "So what? I've already died once, two times doesn't make a difference." He smiled, stroking her hair.
'She's worse than I imagined... is her mother really that scary?' Vergil wondered as he tried to calm the woman he thought would never have such problems...
Novah, still at the door, sighed softly. "She's on her way, but she'll make a stop first. I suggest you prepare quickly. This meeting won't be easy, as she's not happy at all."
...
Current Location... Unknown...
A woman sat in a leather armchair within the luxurious interior of a private jet.
The environment was cozy, a blend of modernity and sophistication, with dark oak wood details, soft lighting, and large windows offering a panoramic view of the night sky.
The clouds below resembled seas of cotton, but to her, they were merely an irrelevant backdrop to the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in her mind.
She was not the type to get lost in idyllic contemplations; the sky and its stars no longer fascinated her.
To her, the world was an arena, and everything was part of a grand power game. However, this time... She was furious with the futile antics of two insignificant mortals who had dared to approach her daughter.
Despite this, she maintained her composure. Impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit with a white silk shirt underneath, the image she projected was that of a ruthless CEO.
Her long coat followed her curvaceous silhouette, and the high heels she wore were more a symbol of her authority than a style necessity.
Her powerful, well-toned legs formed the basis of her almost intimidating presence, while her long red hair cascaded in perfect waves down her back, almost touching her waist. Her face, with features similar to her daughter's, was a blend of aristocratic beauty and Spartan hardness. Her emerald-green eyes were like precious stones, cold and calculating, reflecting nothing but brutal determination.
In front of her was her loyal servant, Viola, a young woman with purple hair tied in a high bun. Viola was discreet but efficient, always anticipating her mistress's needs without needing instructions. She held a glass of red wine, served at precisely 16 degrees, her lady's preferred temperature. The glass was offered with the delicacy and precision of a devoted servant.
"Your wine, madam," Viola said, her voice low and soft, as she handed over the glass.
She took the glass without even looking at it, as if it were a natural, expected gesture. She swirled the wine, observing its deep, intoxicating color before bringing it to her lips. A silent sip, and her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were assessing something far deeper than the simple taste of the drink.
"They're more audacious than I anticipated," she said, breaking the silence with her gravelly, authoritative voice. "I trained her to be strong, to be ruthless, but she seems quite relaxed... Even though she could have likely killed them, it still enrages me that my daughter's name is being spoken by mere insignificant mortals trying to make an impression on a wretched little god."
Viola, with her hands crossed in front of her body and her head slightly bowed, listened in silence. She knew that when her mistress began speaking, any interruption could result in unpleasant consequences. She was ruthless with her daughter but concerned for her even more.
"Moreover, she allowed herself to be seduced by weakness," she continued, her long, slender fingers tapping lightly on the wine glass as she spoke. "A man, Viola. Katharina let some man distract her. That is something I cannot tolerate."
Viola lifted her gaze briefly but remained silent, knowing her mistress had not yet finished.
"What do you think of this, Viola?" she asked suddenly, turning her green eyes to the servant, who now felt the full weight of the question. It was rare for her to ask someone's opinion, but when she did, she expected a precise and intelligent response.
Viola took a deep breath before answering, carefully measuring her words. "I believe Miss Katharina might be going through... a moment of weakness. But with your guidance, madam, she will surely return to the right path."
She leaned slightly forward, a cruel smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Weakness is unacceptable. She was not raised to allow such lapses. I shaped her to be superior to all, to crush anyone who dared stand in her way."
She took another sip of her wine before continuing. "This... Vergil," she pronounced the name with disdain, as if it were something toxic in her mouth. "He needs to be removed from the equation. But not before I make Katharina understand the monumental mistake she has made."
"Understood, madam," Viola replied with a slight nod. "Should I make preparations for your arrival at the Vatican?"
She smiled faintly, the smile of a predator preparing to strike. "Yes, the Vatican..." She closed her eyes for a brief moment, recalling her past.
The Vatican, a place that had crossed her path countless times, especially in her youth during the endless wars. She had learned much there, and many of those lessons still shaped her view of the world.
"It seems the Inquisition has forgotten who really holds the power," she murmured. "It's time to remind them."
'Another Pope... my lady...' Viola bowed her head in obedience and discreetly withdrew to check the landing details. However, her mistress was not finished. She placed the wine glass on the table beside her and stood up, her nearly 6'3" height casting a shadow that dominated the space.
"Viola," she called, her voice cold and precise. The servant quickly returned, standing by the door of the main compartment.
Viola turned promptly, her violet eyes fixed on her imposing figure. She knew that any delay in responding to her mistress was unacceptable. The aura her mistress emitted filled the jet like a storm about to break. Each word she spoke was like thunder before lightning, laden with a silent yet powerful threat.
"Yes, madam?" Viola kept her head slightly bowed, a posture that demonstrated submission but also efficiency. It was her way of showing she was always ready to serve.
She stepped forward, her heels echoing on the marble floor of the private jet. "Do you think I am too lenient with Katharina, Viola?"
The servant hesitated for a fraction of a second, not out of fear but because she knew answering this question was walking a fine line. Her mistress did not tolerate weakness, either in herself or her daughter. "No, madam. I believe you have been exactly what she needs. Rigorously. Ruthlessly.
However..." She let the word hang in the air, waiting for her mistress's permission to continue.
"However?" She raised an eyebrow, a gesture indicating both curiosity and impatience. Her emerald eyes gleamed with a cold intensity.
"However, perhaps Miss Katharina needs to face her own battles to truly understand the strength you wish for her to possess. The presence of an obstacle such as love might be the final test to see if she measures up to your expectations."
She was silent for a moment, her lips forming a subtle, almost imperceptible smile. "Interesting... You suggest that I should let her face this weakness on her own?"
"By no means, madam. You are the foundation of her strength. I merely suggest that the presence of an 'enemy' could be used as a tool, a way to further shape her strength." Viola knew that being too direct might anger her mistress but also understood that the woman before her valued intelligence and strategy above all.
Her mistress walked slowly to one of the jet's windows, watching the clouds moving below. "You are right... he will be her test. But I will be there, in the shadows. Besides... I would love to meet a man who managed to interest my daughter...
something good must come of this, wouldn't it?"
Viola nodded. "Yes, madam. And regarding the Vatican? Would you like to handle them personally, or should I prepare something more... subtle?"
Her smile widened slightly, her white teeth gleaming like deadly fangs. "Ah, the Vatican. An outdated institution that forgets its place in the modern world. No, Viola. There will be no subtlety this time. They need a clear reminder of who truly holds the power.
I will handle it personally."
"Understood, madam. The jet will be landing soon. I will make the arrangements for your reception."
She waved her hand dismissively, sending her away for the moment. She resumed her seat in the leather armchair, picking up the wine glass again and observing the scarlet liquid with thoughtful eyes.
Power was something she understood perfectly. And, more than that, she understood the necessity of being feared.
At the Vatican, she would ensure they were reminded of that.
She took another sip of wine, and as she tasted the intoxicating liquid, her mind was already working on the strategies and next moves she would make. Viola was right. Katharina would need a test, something to strengthen her. But she would not be complacent. She would always be watching, ready to intervene if necessary.
Minutes passed, and the pilot's smooth voice echoed through the jet's communication system, announcing their approach to Rome. She smiled again, this time with an air of anticipation.
"Vatican..." she murmured, almost to herself. "It's time for a new era."
Viola returned to the cabin, ready to report that everything was prepared. "We are approaching, madam. You will be received as requested."
She looked at her servant with approval. "Excellent. And make sure that no one, absolutely no one, knows of our arrival until I choose to reveal it myself."
"Yes, madam. Everything will be as you planned."
As the jet descended, cutting through the clouds and preparing to land, the woman felt the familiar thrill of excitement growing in her chest. It was the kind of excitement she only felt before an imminent battle.
Upon landing, the jet made a smooth touchdown on a private runway, out of the public's curious gaze. An armored vehicle was already waiting for her by the runway, ready to take her directly to the heart of religious power, where she would make her next move.
"Let's go, Viola," she said as she stood up and adjusted her impeccable suit. "It's time to remind them who Sapphire Agares is."
-------
<Author's Note>
Hey, remember to use your Golden Tickets and Power Stones to help the work reach new heights!
THIS CHAPTER UPLOAD FIRST AT NOVELBIN.COM