Stop Hypnotizing Me, Villainous Princess!

Chapter 177: Digging a Trap for the Hero

"Death is the least I can offer for you."

When this sentence reached Tiya's ears, she stood frozen in place, her hands subconsciously releasing the hem of her gown.

There were no grandiose words, no vows of eternal devotion—just the simplest of promises.

Spoken by the boy, it carried the casual tone of asking, "Have you eaten yet?"

Under normal circumstances, Tiya would have found such words from a man revolting. Even her admired Brother Xiya was the kind who acted more than he spoke. Actions speak louder than words was practically his motto, and he rarely indulged in anything remotely romantic.

Tiya had always thought herself immune to flowery words, scoffing at sentimental confessions and unable to fathom why some women would fall for sweet nothings.

Yet, at this moment, she realized how wrong she was.

Though the boy's words were not romantic, and their relationship was far from intimate, her heart skipped a beat the instant she heard them.

To say she wasn’t moved would be a lie.

The reason was simple.

At this very moment, the boy was under hypnosis. His words came from his subconscious—his truest thoughts.

He was willing to give his life for her without hesitation.

Tiya couldn’t help but think of the countless married couples in this world who, despite their vows, harbored hidden agendas and rarely shared true life-or-death solidarity.

And yet, here was someone she had deeply hurt, willing to give her his all.

He had done what so many others couldn’t: align his heart and actions as one.

A wave of unprecedented regret surged within her.

Why had she asked such a question?

She wished she could go back one minute and silence the impulsive part of herself. Deep down, she vaguely understood why she hadn’t pressed him about the past—her heart was tied to Brother Xiya, leaving no room for anything else.

If something had indeed happened between them during the twelve years she couldn't remember, how was she supposed to face him?

Perhaps this hypnosis had been a mistake from the start.

Closing her eyes in pain, Tiya tried to steady herself.

Whether it was Brother Xiya’s harsh interrogation or Lynn’s seamless mental maneuvers, everything had gone far beyond her expectations.

Her thoughts, tangled and chaotic, urged her to flee.

But the hypnosis wasn’t over yet. She still had questions to ask.

"…What else did Brother Xiya say during the interrogation?"

After a long silence, Tiya finally asked in a strained voice, her tone laden with complexity. She wanted to know every detail of what had transpired.

Without hesitation, Lynn, still in his Lie Eater state, replied:

"He said he would ensure I didn’t leave the prison alive. That it was the price for daring to lay a hand on you."

His voice was flat, devoid of emotion.

Not leaving the prison alive? Did that mean hiring assassins to kill him in his cell?

Tiya’s heart sank, and she instinctively denied it.

"You’re lying! He… he’s not that kind of person!"

She was right—Lynn was lying.

But so what? Digging traps for the hero was second nature to him.

Leaning casually against the wall, Lynn chuckled inwardly.

Of course, Xiya wouldn’t stoop to such stupidity. His pride would compel him to act directly rather than resort to underhanded schemes.

But in the reality of the interrogation room, silence reigned.

Tiya’s panicked denial echoed in the emptiness, only to remind her that no one could confirm or refute her words.

Lynn was hypnotized.

Realizing this again, Tiya felt her composure crumble.

Everything that had unfolded today had relentlessly shaken her fragile emotions.

The thought of her proud and righteous Brother Xiya orchestrating a murder for personal vendetta was shattering.

Just because he hated Lynn? Just because Lynn had gotten too close to her?

Other women might find Xiya’s behavior romantic—like the possessive gestures of a domineering lover—but as the Silent Saintess, Tiya felt no such sentiment.

Instead, she was faintly annoyed.

Perhaps she was overthinking it. Sometimes, death threats were uttered in anger, meaningless without action.

Maybe Xiya had simply been too furious and had spoken impulsively.

In any case, Lynn wouldn’t remain imprisoned for long. By tomorrow morning, he’d walk free, proving Brother Xiya’s innocence.

Tiya bit her lip, forcing herself to believe this. She couldn’t bear to think that the Brother Xiya she had trusted for years was a hypocrite.

Taking a deep breath, Tiya silently resolved to leave.

In less than fifteen minutes, her mental state had been shaken to its core.

If she stayed longer, who knew how much worse things could get?

Yes. She… was afraid.

Driven by fear, she wanted to escape immediately.

"When the hypnosis ends, you will forget everything that just happened."

With that thought, Tiya lifted the hem of her robe, revealing the Eye of the Mind Sigil etched on her thigh.

When Lynn finally regained consciousness, she hastily dropped her robe, letting its edge sway lightly above her boots.

"Veya? You just…"

Feigning confusion, Lynn spoke in a tone of surprise and concern.

But Tiya refused to engage further. Or perhaps she couldn’t bring herself to. Casting him a cold glance, she turned and left the interrogation room.

Throughout the exchange, she hadn’t asked about The Grafting Butcher, Borchumann.

She believed Lynn was innocent.

Bang!

The door shut firmly behind her.

Lynn exhaled a barely audible sigh.

He’d hoped to increase the storyline deviation more, but it had only climbed by 5%. Still, it was easier progress than with Her Highness or the Witch.

Glancing at his bloodstained clothes from Xiya’s interrogation, Lynn grimaced. Feeling uncomfortable, he instinctively began removing his outerwear.

Lynn’s lean yet toned musculature was fully revealed, his scars gone thanks to the Moonlight Elixir, save for the one over his chest—a reminder of Tiya.

He absentmindedly traced the scar, pondering how he might explain it to Yveste when the previously shut door unexpectedly opened.

"You…"

It was Tiya, returning unexpectedly.

She hadn't anticipated seeing Lynn bare-chested, gently brushing the scar as if savoring a memory.

The Silent Saintess’s face flushed crimson, her gaze conflicted.

He had healed every wound on his body—except the one she had inflicted. That scar would remain forever, a silent reminder to both of them.

"Sorry, I didn’t realize you hadn’t left yet," Lynn quickly said, his tone apologetic as he hurriedly put on his clothes.

Why are you apologizing?!

A flicker of unexplainable irritation rose in Tiya’s heart at his overly cautious demeanor. But she suppressed her thoughts.

After all, she’d seen men’s bodies before—though she found it distasteful. Working with Brother Xiya in the Saint Pharos Fortress often exposed her to rowdy soldiers drinking shirtless, feigning bravado.

Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself, appearing unfazed.

"Before you leave, there’s something I must remind you," she said, her tone steady.

"What is it?"

"With that carefree attitude of yours, you don’t even realize the trouble looming over your head."

Tiya’s voice turned cold as she stared at the wall behind him, avoiding his gaze.

Lynn looked appropriately puzzled.

"The Imperial Council’s current actions are targeting you and the Third Princess—that much you should already know," Tiya continued. "But if you think proving you aren’t the serial killer will let you rest easy, you’re sorely mistaken."

"Veya, could you be clearer? You know I’ve always struggled to keep up with your train of thought. Remember that ti—"

"Shut up!"

Tiya’s raised voice cut him off, her emotions slipping before she took a deep breath to compose herself.

"In short, the nobles in the Imperial Council won’t actually charge you with murder. Instead, they’ll exploit technicalities."

She paused, her tone measured.

"As I understand, His Majesty has placed the Night Sentinels under the Third Princess’s jurisdiction. This means investigating the Grafting Butcher case is officially your responsibility."

"But as the newly appointed leader of the Night Sentinels, instead of consolidating your authority, you’re attending banquets and allowing the 36th murder in this series to happen under your watch."

"This is your greatest vulnerability, and the Council will latch onto it without mercy."

"In tomorrow’s public trial, they won’t accuse you of murder but of dereliction of duty to discredit you."

For the first time, Tiya spoke at length. The Decreers had informed her she had three minutes left after leaving the interrogation room. For reasons she couldn’t explain, she had returned—perhaps to settle a debt she felt she owed.

Hearing this, Lynn’s brows furrowed as realization dawned.

Seeing his seriousness, Tiya continued in a faint tone, "But that’s not the end of it."

"To make their accusations appear reasonable, they may assign you tasks that are nearly impossible to achieve."

"For instance, they might demand you solve this year-and-a-half-old unsolved case in three days."

"Or…"

She hesitated, as if wary of saying too much.

Taking another deep breath, she concluded, "In short, tomorrow’s public trial will determine your fate. You must prepare to face their tricks."

"I hope you… take care of yourself."

...

Meanwhile, at the Mosgra Estate.

"Father, we’ve coordinated with the Decreers. They’ll act tonight."

In the study, a middle-aged man reported respectfully to Marquis Mosgra.

"Are you sure there won’t be any mistakes?" the marquis asked, his tone indifferent.

"Of course," the man replied with a strained smile. "In a place where Extraordinary powers are suppressed, faced with dozens of prisoners, how could a mere 17-row youth possibly survive?"

"Don’t be careless," the marquis said coldly. "If you’ve defied Irina’s wishes by acting now, you must ensure there are no loose ends."

"That boy is unnaturally cunning. He must not leave the prison alive."

"Understood, Father."