Political Marriage Coercion Explodes! Nicolas's Vicious Scheme Exposed-Survival Requires Tainting a Lifelong Faith!

"Save her?" Nicolas sneered. "You know her crimes better than I do. Harboring a Herrscher, massacring civilians, betraying Schicksal... Any one of those is enough to have her executed a hundred times."

"She did it to save people!" Otto's voice suddenly rose, carrying a trace of barely restrained fury. "Those villagers deserved it! They were ignorant and cruel—they drove Yae Sakura's sister to death! And Yae Sakura... she was only being controlled by the Herrscher! Kallen only did it to save her..."

"Enough!" Nicolas slammed his palm on the table, making even the cigar box jump. "Otto! Wake up! You are the heir to the Apocalypse Family! The future Bishop of Schicksal! Every word and action of yours represents the entire family! Do you know that what you said at the council just now has already made the Castle Council turn their sights on us?!"

"I don't care!" Otto's voice held a touch of hysteria. "I only want her to live! Father, you taught me from childhood that power, status, family honor... I can give all of it up! I only beg you, save her this once!"

Nicolas was silent for a long time.

He looked at the son in whom he had placed such high hopes, at the unprecedented, near-mad obsession in his eyes. At last, he slowly spoke.

"I can save her."

A glimmer of hope instantly lit up in Otto's eyes.

"But—"

Nicolas shifted his tone, his voice turning cold and merciless. "There is a condition."

"What condition?" Otto asked urgently. "Just say the word. I'll agree to anything!"

"Have her fulfill the marriage contract." Nicolas spoke one word at a time. "Have her formally marry into the Kaslana Family. Let her receive the Schicksal High Council's protection as the mistress of the Kaslana Family. Then, I