Original subtitles

Poison her!

Without their precious princess, this kingdom will be on its knees begging for

mercy by tomorrow!

Protect her highness!

Let go!

Little princess, that sword of yours can't even break my skin.

Then I'll carve out your eye.

Once the venom crawls into your heart, you'll learn that a sharp tongue won't

save you.

She said let go.

Who the hell are you?

Didn't hear her?

Then rot in the mud and listen.

A silver serpent.

You should be dead.

The salamanders really do get the dumbest intel.

Who are you?

The woman who's about to kill you doesn't need a name.

Who are you?

You owe me a life, little princess.

No, don't go. Stay alive.

Don't let that bite go to waste.

Your Highness, salamanders have entered the city.

How many?

Officially, three young women.

They claim they're here for your First Lady and waiter selection.

Off the books, each brought at least twenty Salamander guards.

Any one of them worth a hundred men.

They're not here for an interview.

They're here for the kingdom's throat.

Royal blades can kill men, but the Salamanders use venom and leech sorcery.

Ordinary soldiers can't stop that.

I've spent three months looking for the woman who can shut down Salamander

venom. If they're delivering themselves to my door, let them try.

Then are you still holding the first lady in wait a selection?

Yes, but they'll use the selection to infiltrate the palace and plot your

murder If you never let the dogs in how do you find out who they answer to

What's

that noise next door the pre banquet something happened be specific it's

Serena from House Bailey She came out of Captain Caleb's room in the Royal Guard

barracks wearing his coat, and on her foot, Caleb's underwear.

The whole banquet hall is laughing.

Her again?

That woman does nothing but drink and seduce men.

House Valley has bragged about Silver Serpent blood for years, and this is

what they raised.

Letting her into the palace would stain Your Highness's eyes.

That woman?

You think she pulled off this disgrace all by herself?

Where is the useless idiot of a man I trained with my own hands?

Captain Caleb says Serena came on to him.

He hopes you won't remove him from command over it.

He's very good at passing blame.

You're going over, Your Highness?

Of course.

I want to see just how rotten my royal guard really is.

Your Highness came all the way here just to laugh at me too?

Your Highness came all the way here just to laugh at me, too?

I'm not as bored as you are.

Your Highness, she came on to me. I was drunk. I don't even know how she got in.

A woman stripped off your pants by herself and shoved your face into a wine

glass?

Caleb, do you want to be my royal guard or the kingdom's biggest fool?

Your Highness, I... Go easy on him.

He was already useless enough last night.

Standing this close, your highness?

Here to interrogate me?

Or just to catch a whiff?

Don't touch me with those filthy hands of yours.

Ow! Are you crazy? I was just taking back my coat! Take the coat.

Just don't put your hands where they don't belong.

It's just some cheap pendant. Why are you acting like it's treasure?

You can take my life.

You don't get to touch this.

A cheap pendant is worth getting that worked up over. If your highness wants

to touch it, you can come try yourself.

I'd rather not get dirty than stop staring.

The Salamanders are inside the city, and you're all here making fools of

yourselves. If the kingdom has to rely on trash like you...

I might as well throw the crown into the fire now.

Your Highness, please calm down. I won't.

The selection goes on.

I want to see how many salamander dogs are hiding among the women trying to get

close to me.

Your Highness, please.

Caleb is just young and foolish.

Women like Serena are born to seduce men.

So when a man is stupid, that's a woman's fault too.

That isn't what I meant.

I don't need a guard who trips over a skirt.

And I don't need a man who blames women the second he screws up.

Your Highness, Serena's pendant is strange.

I saw it.

She's a Vale.

House Vale's been claiming Silver Serpent blood for years, but they

haven't produced one truly awakened Silver Serpent woman.

All the more reason to dig.

The Salamanders must have planted a spy near me.

Every suspicious person, incident, and object gets checked until there's

nowhere left to hide.

Your Highness, something happened in the East Market. A Salamander envoy is

snatching people in the street. The patrols can't stop him.

Saddle the horses.

No!

Let me go!

Keep quiet.

The kingdom's trash won't save you.

You can't do this!

Anyone who opens their mouth gets dragged into the gutter with her.

Kingdom trash thinks it gets to talk rules with the salamanders?

Shit! Who the hell wants to die in front of me? Me.

Let her go.

The future queen in person.

For some low-blood woman.

Is she worth it?

Your Highness, salamander runes eat ordinary antidote magic. I can't

suppress him. Your sword is fast, but it can't stop those leeches from draining

her dry.

Then I'll keep him busy with the sword.

Cut me.

Lay a hand on me, and the salamanders will breach your gates tomorrow and

slaughter every last one of you.

Try it.

Fine. Let's try.

I'll start with her.

Help me.

See that?

Your sword skills don't matter. All you can do is stand there and watch.

You'll regret this very soon.

I swear.

Ha! A kingdom threat sounds like a child throwing a tantrum.

Help me!

Miss Serena, leaving already

tonight? Depends if you've got anything worth making me stay.

What do you want?

Secrets. The dirtier, the better.

Help me!

Well, that's annoying.

Where are you going? To save someone who's actually worth something.

Who is it?

Power like that?

It's a blessing from the gods!

A god has answered us!

Your highness, this isn't ordinary venom magic.

You did that. This looks like a true silver serpent woman, but the kingdom

hasn't seen this level of awakening in years. Who was here just now?

Only Serena, and a royal guard.

Her again?

East City turned into that and you're still in the mood to drink? When I'm not

in the mood, that's when I need a drink most.

Serena, how many men can you charm in one night? Depends what they're worth.

You? I'd lose money even if you were free.

She's hopeless.

Lauda, how else will I know who to sleep with tonight to get back at you?

Don't push it. Captain Caleb, you already lost your pants. Why worry about

losing face?

Your Highness, those silver serpent shadows couldn't have come from an

ordinary venom magick. Even the salamander's regeneration was suppressed

it. Could the salamanders have staged it themselves?

No. That salamander's wound was pinched up by silver serpent venom. It felt like

a true silver serpent woman struck him.

A true silver serpent woman.

I've searched for years, and tonight she just happens to show herself.

You mean Serena? Your Highness, Serena's reputation is filthy. If you involve

her, I'm afraid it may damage your name.

A pack of royal guards sleep around. No one calls them filthy. But a woman who

doesn't guard herself enough is dirty.

Besides, she may not be as simple as we think.

You suspect Serena, Your Highness? I suspect everyone who was conveniently

there. Especially someone whose acting is that bad.

Your Highness, you want Serena on the First Lady and Waiter list? The First

Lady and Waiter isn't here to pour tea.

She needs skill and loyalty that can survive scrutiny.

I don't need a pretty woman. I need someone who can shield this kingdom from

Salamander venom magic.

Yes. Serena has a sister.

By custom, all daughters of the same family should be entered together.

What do you think? Then enter every daughter they have.

Whoever becomes First Lady and Waker earns supreme honor for her family.

House Vale keeps bragging about Silver Serpent blood. Let's see if they're

hiding the real thing or just cheating the kingdom out of money and face. As

you command, your highness.

If it's really you, don't let me down.

Father? Why aren't you dead yet?

My lord, Serena only had too much to drink last night. Please, calm down.

Too much to drink?

She came out of Caleb's room, then turned up at an East City tavern after

midnight. The whole capital's laughing at House Vale for raising a shameless

sluff who only knows how to crawl into men's beds!

Father, the First Lady-in-Waiting selection is about to start.

I don't know what Her Highness Adriana is thinking, letting Serena enter too.

Looking like this, she'll only make Her Highness look down on us.

Look at Isla.

Poised, smart, already showing noble silver serpent blood.

And you?

House Vale carried the silver serpent name for years, waiting for a true

awakened woman.

Not a useless waste who does nothing but drink and seduce men.

Little sister, during the formal test, stay away from me. I don't want anyone

thinking I'm as dirty as you. Once you're in the palace, shut up, keep your

head down and keep your hands off men. Disgrace House Vale again and I'll break

your legs myself.

It's all right, Serena.

Don't take it to heart. You were never meant for great things anyway.

Playing the good mother all these years, Marina.

Must be tiring.

Mom!

Don't make a sound.

Don't let them know you can command serpents. Your Majesty, the kingdom

doesn't need a true silver serpent woman anymore. The human royals will give

House Vele money and honor. The salamanders will give me power.

You and your child are just in the way. We have the power.

What about the child? Just a useless little thing. Ruining her is safer than

killing her. Don't forget, a truly awakened Silver Serpent woman can

suppress Salina Venom and keep our wounds from ever healing right.

That's why I need everyone to believe she'll spend her whole life rotting in

men's beds.

Mom, wake up.

Don't leave me.

Stop crying.

From today on, I'm your mother. Come to House Valet with me. I don't want you. I

want my mom. Good girl.

Only the living get to have what they want.

Mother, Serena's still wearing the Serpent Queen's pendant.

Aren't you going to take it back?

Let her wear it. When everyone despises a useless girl, even that pendant

becomes a joke. Then when do I get to wear it?

Once everyone believes you have Silver Serpent blood. The pendant, resources,

and House Vele's honor will all be yours.

I'll look more like a Silver Serpent woman than she ever will.

Then keep the bracelet hidden.

Don't let anyone know where your Snirkent Light really comes from.

I have to wait.

Wait for Marina to show her own tale.

These noble daughters get worse with every generation.

Who are you? How dare you break into the Bluescale family's trial hall?

With serpent magic that weak, you think you can be Her Highness's first lady and

waiter? My father won't let you get away with this. Tell your father to learn

when to shut up first.

Next.

With that pathetic little talent, you dare claim you can stand beside Her

Highness? Who exactly are you testing?

Next. House Valet's eldest daughter, Isla.

Good. 10,000 times stronger than that useless Serena. Don't worry, Father.

I'll win First Lady and Waiter. Her Highness is looking for a true Silver

Serpent woman, but the kingdom hasn't seen one in years. As long as you look

more like one than the others, she'll believe it.

Serena belongs below the stage, watching me win.

Mother, will the Royal Examiner really come test me? What if he sees something

wrong with the bracelet?

First, let Serena completely disgrace House Vale. When everyone's staring at

her, no one will look too closely at your bracelet. Once I become First Lady

and waiter, the pendant and royal glory will both be mine.

Remember, all you have to do is look more like a true Silver Serpent woman

than the other candidates.

Who's there?

Shallow snake markings.

Fairly acceptable.

Who are you?

The one testing you.

Borderline A-rank.

Not trash, but not a true Silver Serpent woman either.

How dare you judge a daughter of House Vale like that?

I judge everyone who wants to stand beside Her Highness.

Pour a little more. My knees are sore from kneeling too long last night.

Miss, the Clan Head said you're not allowed to drink today.

Then are you listening to the clan head, or to the woman who's paying for your

silence? I'm listening to you, miss.

Smart. More useful than Caleb.

That spoiled little brat from House Vale?

Test her?

Fine. It won't take long.

Keep pressing.

Yes.

Not bad with your hands. She really hasn't noticed a thing.

The Silver Serpent Pendant?

Something like this on a useless waste who only crawls into men's beds. What a

disgrace. Keep it down.

Let me teach you a lesson.

Things you don't deserve will get taken sooner or later.

You steal from me, then try to teach me manners?

Didn't expect a filthy little slut like you to actually keep up with me.

Leave what you took, and you can walk away alive.

This pendant is wasted in your hands. Whether it's wasted isn't for a thief to

decide. Leave it, or die.

So you chose death?

Those silver serpents in East City, you released them?

Give me back my pendant, and I'll pretend tonight never happened.

Impossible.

You're the trash the whole capital knows is rotten.

How could you have this kind of power?

I've heard trash so many times it's getting boring.

Try a new word.

Then show me exactly how much you've been hiding.

Get inside!

What is that?

Your Highness, that's top-label Silver Serpent power.

The woman I've been searching for is there.

Should we send people?

Seal every exit around House Valet.

I want to know who she is.

Who are you?

A slut you can't afford to mess with.

Her Highness has been looking for you.

Then tell her she's looking at the wrong person.

Your Highness, cornering me in the middle of the night, here to watch me

change or to keep interrogating me. The person on the roof just now was you.

It was windy up there. Maybe Your Highness saw wrong.

Your hair's still wet, your silver serpent pendant just lit up, and you

don't even have shoes on.

Serena, your acting is so bad, it's laughable.

Then smile for me, Your Highness.

Are you trying to die?

Didn't Your Highness say I was dirty?

Why didn't you move away just now? Use that routine you use on men with me

again and I'll cut off your hand.

But the person I touched just now wasn't a man.

Who are you?

Someone who's going to make trouble for your highness.

Then don't let me catch your tail.

Little princess, if I really had a tail, you couldn't catch it.

Your highness, that power tonight can overwhelm the Salamanders. It was even

stronger than what we saw in East City. Did you see her face?

No. She hid her error on purpose.

But she appeared at House Valley. Yes.

Serena Vey was there too.

Could it be her? I cornered her myself.

She was full of holes, but somehow the most important part was hidden

completely. Your Highness, she's dangerous.

Dangerous is useful.

Your Highness, are you sure you want Serena tested in public?

Tonight, she just kissed me or just lied to me.

Your Highness, we'll settle both debts together.

Send word tomorrow.

Everyone who's been assessed enters the royal trial ground. Both veiled

daughters. No absences.

As you command, Your Highness.

Let's see whether she's mud or a blade buried in it.

By order of Her Highness Adriana, tomorrow the royal trial ground opens

the First Lady and Wadix selection.

Ila and Serena of House Vale are both entered. My Lord Messenger, Ila's

selection is an honor for House Vale, but Serena has no snake markings, no

talent. Sending her will only shame us. Her Highness said House Vale has always

claimed Silver Serpent blood. Then let everyone see whether House Vale has

anything real. Father, I'll win back House Vale's honor. My Lord, Her

Highness gave the order. Let Serena go. If she embarrasses herself, so be it. As

long as Ila wins, everyone will know who House Vale's real hope is. Are you done

discussing me? Can I go back to sleep?

Shut up!

Tomorrow at the trial ground, if you say one reckless word, I'll sew that mouth

of yours shut!

Hear that?

Don't bring me anything too strong tomorrow.

I'm afraid I'll throw up while he's sewing my mouth.

Miss.

Filthy thing.

The order has been delivered.

Anyone absent tomorrow will be treated as defying a royal command.

Miss, are you really going to the trial ground?

With a royal order hanging over my head?

If I don't go, should I wait around to be executed?

But they all say you'll be killed the moment you step in. Then bet on me

losing tomorrow.

If you win, split the money with me.

Mist, don't be scared.

I won't die.

Today's trial chooses the one truly worthy to stand beside me.

The royal family has swords and armies, but swords can't cut through poison,

Mist, and armies can't stop leech sorcery. Long live Her Highness Adriana!

I need someone who can save this kingdom.

Not a vase.

Not trash.

All First Lady and waiter candidates will undergo the same tests.

Anyone who retreats fifth its family honour.

Long live the Queen!

Long live the Queen!

Long live the Queen!

Serena, you think you belong here?

I wonder that too.

Maybe Her Highness can't bear to let me go.

I think she'll kneel and beg the moment she steps in. Forget begging. She'll

probably ask whether the guard barracks has a bed first.

A public disgrace.

My lord, don't be angry.

At least Isla will bring honor to Ausville.

Can I surrender now?

Shut up!

Haven't you embarrassed House Valey enough?

Wouldn't it be more embarrassing if I went up there and got beaten to death?

I was a top swordsman of the kingdom in my day. How did I raise useless trash

like you? My lord, don't scold her. Serena's always been like this. Forcing

her won't help. At least Isla is here so House Valey isn't completely ruined.

Little sister, if you're scared, stand far away.

Don't let people think House Bailey blood is as dirty as you.

Don't worry, sister.

Since you're so clean, try not to fall into the mud later.

She's still got the nerve to talk.

Once the trial starts, she won't even be able to cry.

Isla Vale. Shallow silver serpent blood. Borderline A-rank. House Valley finally

has talent!

Good! That's my daughter. Isla hasn't disappointed me. She lasted three

breaths. Not enough for the Salamanders, but better than that pack of useless

fools. Your Highness, should Serena go next?

Not yet.

Let her keep pretending.

Long live the Queen!

See?

That's what bloodline looks like.

That broken pendant of yours won't save you.

Isla, your bloodline really does shine.

Just a little...

Old, don't you think? What do you mean?

I'm saying you take good care of things. You can make old junk look new. Stop

acting crazy.

In the next round, if you kneel and beg me, I can have them go easier on you.

You didn't satisfy me last night, and now you want me to beg?

Captain Caleb, don't get greedy.

I thought this trial would give me a real opponent.

Instead, I get the dirtiest woman in the capital.

Then stay away from me. Wouldn't want to dirty your ancestors.

Sharp mouth.

Too bad the trial ground doesn't run on talk.

First round, venom resistance test.

Begin.

She really can't command surface.

Did House Valet send this trash up because they had too much dignity lying

around? Get up!

Don't lie there like a dead snake.

My lord, stop shouting.

If she raises the white scarf now, at least she'll keep her life.

Little sister, the white scarf is right in your hand.

Wraith, your Prenus, why isn't she fighting back?

She can.

She just won't. But if she keeps this up, she'll be dragged into the poison

pool. I know.

Should we stop it?

No.

I want to see how long she keeps this act up.

Scared now?

You're a step up from Caleb.

At least you can make it hurt.

You filthy bitch!

Down that white scarf!

House Vale can't afford this shame!

My lord, she can't hold on.

If this continues, she'll really die. Little sister, surrender.

Don't let the poison pool choose for you. Your highness, it seems House

Vale's first lady and waiter candidate can't even take 10% of my serpent magic.

The test isn't over.

She's about to die.

Then let's see whether she wants to live.

Surrender! Stop embarrassing yourself!

Trash like her lasting this long is already a joke.

Your Highness, she's about to surrender.

She's not that simple.

Don't you dare!

I serve... Surrender?

Too late.

A true silver serpent woman belongs dead in the poison pool.

Your Highness, it's... The Salamanders! They infiltrated the First Lady and

waiter selection!

Steal the ground!

Take her!

Serena!

Your Highness, this time I wasn't trying to seduce you.

Look at me with your highness holding me this tight. It's hard to look only at

your face What was that just now the venom is making you see things I'm

not blind Then don't stare at my legs in front of all these people

Silver

serpent so you're still

alive

The First Lady and waiter selection isn't over.

How could your Prenus leave us out?

Salamanders think they can enter the palace too?

Get out!

The order says any capable woman may enter.

It never says they can't be from the Marsh.

Your Highness, they came on purpose.

That secret amboy just now was only a probe.

I know.

If your kingdom can't find anyone useful, give us the First Lady and

waiter position.

From now on, the palace gates, the royal troops, and the place beside Her

Highness belong to the Saramanders.

Insolent! That useless thing who nearly drowned in venom just now was your

veiled daughter?

Snake blood like that thinks it can compete with us?

You talk so much.

Worried you won't get a word in once you're in the arena?

You'd better stay alive long enough to talk to me. The selection continues.

Your Highness!

They dared come in.

I'll show them the palace gates aren't theirs to walk through.

And once they're inside, they may not leave alive.

Your Highness, the three Marsh tribes have allied.

They force their way in through the selection to see if we still have anyone

who can stop them.

The capital's land, granaries, and military harbor will be divided fairly

among our three tribes. As for Your Highness, whoever wins takes her.

Get out!

What good is shouting?

Send down someone who can fight.

Fine. If you want a test, I'll give you one.

Whoever kneels first today leaves her life here.

Any higher, Your Highness, and this stops being a wound check.

Don't move.

Your hand is so hot, it's hard not to.

Silver scales.

How do you plan to explain that?

Your Highness, tell me first.

When you saw the silver scales...

Did you think of your savior?

Or that kiss in the alley?

I thought about tying you up and questioning you.

On your bed?

Your Highness, the next match is starting.

This isn't your marsh!

You call that serpent magic?

Next, who wants to die?

Show her House Vale is bloodline!

Kneel!

Why isn't my poison working?

That little fake peasant of yours is barely good enough to scratch an itch.

Let her go!

Didn't you say you were clean, Isla?

Now look at you, face full of mud.

Your Highness.

Her skin absorbs poison and her wounds can grow back.

Ordinary snirk magic can't hurt her. This is the kingdom's strongest woman?

You can't even make me bleed.

Even Isla lost.

Who's left?

Serena.

Serena Vale.

What are you calling me for?

You love watching the show, right?

Go down there for a better view.

Your highness can bear to watch me fall into the poison pool again.

Very satisfied.

You're not going up there.

Even Isla lost.

You'll only shame House Vale again.

Serena, listen to your father. You just came out of the poison pool. Don't be

reckless.

Reckless? She can't even summon a serpent shadow.

Her highness gave her a chance, and she doesn't even have the guts to take it.

First lady and waiter already sounds exhausting.

Why should I trade my life for it? Then what do you want?

Can your highness afford it?

So this is the kingdom's so-called snake bloodline.

Once we're in the palace, the first thing we'll do is skin every useless

snake.

Shut up!

Your Highness doesn't have a single useful person beside her. Why not

surrender now?

We'll save you a pretty bed.

You'd better remember what you just said.

What? Is Your Highness coming down herself?

I don't need anyone else to kill you. But this selection isn't mine to steal

from them.

Your Highness, if this continues, the Salamanders will only make a joke of us.

Should we pause the selection?

If we pause, they'll say the kingdom is afraid. She can suppress this poison,

but she isn't interested in the First Lady in waiter position.

It's not that she isn't interested, she just doesn't want an empty title.

Your Highness means... She snuck into the guard camp, stole patrol schedules,

and took a Salamander copper token. What she's investigating matters more to her

than standing beside me.

You asked whether I could afford it. Say it now.

I want access to the Royal Archives.

Serena! Do you know what you're saying?

And I want authority to investigate the Royal Guard.

Rooms, wine cellars, ledgers, I go wherever I want. Your Highness, she's

just trying to use this as an excuse to fool around.

How long were you planning to keep that salamander copper token hidden under

your bed?

What else?

I want every record on the Serpent Queen's death in the Royal Forbidden

Ground 17 years ago.

Starting now, First Lady in Wheat is more than a title.

Today's winner may command the Royal Guard, enter the Royal Archives, and

directly investigate Salamander spies in the palace.

Your Highness, that's too much power. Anyone who can shield the kingdom from

the Salamanders deserves it.

Offer whatever you want.

No one's going to take it.

My terms are on the table.

Where's your courage?

Your Highness keeps her word?

My word is the law.

Then I think it's my turn to play.

Your Highness just walks into a woman's dressing room without knocking?

After what happened in the poison pool, what part of you haven't I seen?

Then did Your Highness get a good look?

I don't care what you're trying to investigate. Once you're out there, come

back alive.

Is your sanity worried about her first lady and waiter?

Or the woman who kissed her in the alley?

Say one more word and I'll strangle you.

Then be gentle.

I'm scared of pain.

She's really going up.

She almost drowned in the poison pool.

Serena, come back!

Don't be stupid!

Don't worry, Mother.

I value my life more than anyone.

Kneel and surrender, and I'll only bite off one of your legs.

Come here first.

Let me see if that mouth of yours deserves to bite me.

Are you insane?

Even Isla lost.

What makes you think you can go up there? Father, are you afraid I'll die

now, or afraid I'll shame Lansvale again?

I don't want to bury you!

Serena, come back.

Isla can try again after she rests. You don't have real stirpent magic. Why

force this?

She's just trying to steal my chance.

Don't worry, sister.

You didn't kneel enough just now.

I'll make up for it. Let her go.

You asked for this power.

Don't go up there and raise the white scarf.

If your Highnessy can't bear to watch, you can stop me yourself.

I only stop the dead.

She dodged?

Is running all you can do?

Can you afford to pay for that?

I'll pay you with a coffin.

She's testing her speed and looking for where regeneration is slowest.

Let's see where you can run now.

Your Highness, watch closely.

A silver serpent?

Finally recognize one, do you?

Your Highness, her silver venom can block regeneration.

Do you see that?

That's my daughter!

A daughter of House Vale!

Impossible.

She never knew how to command serpents.

Shut up. It's not that she can't.

She just never wanted to show you.

Why isn't my wound healing?

Because you touched someone you shouldn't have.

Who are you?

The piece of crap you almost dragged into the poison pool.

Satisfied, your highness?

Barely. Then we can do a make-up exam tonight.

I knew she couldn't really be useless!

That's House Vale blood!

Mother, how does she have silver serpents?

I clearly... She just came out of the poison pool, using so much power all at

once.

I only hope she doesn't hurt herself.

When she was in my room before, she could barely hold a wine glass.

She was pretending all along.

He did it on purpose to make us look stupid.

Move!

Didn't your highness say she wouldn't steal my chance?

It crossed onto my side.

Standing so close to me.

Which side counts as yours?

Shut up.

Talk after the fight.

Who said we lost?

Let me show you what the salamanders truly reign.

Your Highness, that thing will drain everyone's blood.

You had my back just now.

Now it's my turn.

Don't show off.

If your primacy says that, I might think you'd hate to lose me.

Focus!

Don't let them touch you.

Let go.

Saving you.

Your hand is in the wrong place.

Emergency situation.

Bear with it, your highness.

That's it?

Serena! Serena!

Good! That's my daughter!

A blood leech blade.

It drains the blood and power of whoever it cuts and feeds it back into the

wielder. Stop the match!

Scared?

Your highness just offered me power.

Taking it back before I even get it?

That blade isn't a trial weapon.

If she's done pretending to have shame, why should I pretend there are rules?

Your silver venom is mine now.

That blade has drunk many people's blood. Every time it drinks more, the

user's regenerating gets faster.

Can Serena still win?

Call her back!

She's already won a round for the kingdom!

My lord, she was so powerful just now. How could she lose?

I hope that blade cuts her down dead.

What did you just say?

I... I was worried about her.

Kneel in front of me, and I'll leave you that pretty face.

Seriously?

What did you say?

You're too dirty to be my pet, and you want me to kneel?

Your Highness, don't call me back to bed when I'm about to win.

Who told you to come back to bed?

Then I'll ask after the fight.

You're the one who should kneel.

Sister, stop holding back!

I'll make all of you kneel to me!

Give me all their blood!

She's gonna feed the whole arena to that blade!

Royal Guards, secure the exits! Everyone down!

Who told you to come over?

My people are my concern.

When did I become your person?

The moment you agreed to fight the First Lady in Waiton.

Your Highness is quick to claim people.

Survive first, argue with me after.

Silver Serpent? That huge?

Impossible! The Silver Serpent Queen's blood lined out long ago!

It really is you.

None of you get out alive!

Then you die first.

Your blood, your power, all of it will be mine!

Want it?

Then drink your fill.

She let the blood leech blade take in Silver Serpent Venom.

She was waiting for this from the start.

Kneel.

Not a chance.

Then I'll break your legs.

You'll kneel either way.

This isn't a trial anymore.

Assault on royalty, blood leeches, attacks on the people of the capital.

Lock them all in the dungeon.

Seal their weapons and travel writs.

Question them one by one.

If you detain us, the Marsh will remember this day. Then make sure they

remember it clearly.

Next time you come, I won't leave anyone alive.

Serena!

Serena! You see?

That's a true daughter of House Vale!

Mother, how does she have that kind of power?

Serena shouldn't have healed this fast.

Your Highness, I came back alive.

How do we settle the debt?

Stand up first.

How am I supposed to stand when you're holding me?

One more word and I'll throw you back into the poison pool.

Could you bear to?

The First Lady and Waiter trial is over.

The winner is Serena Vale.

At tomorrow's Royal Council, I'll formally confer her title.

She'll have authority to mobilize the Royal Guard, inspect restricted palace

areas, and review old case files.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Serena will never disappoint you.

Father sure answers for me so quickly.

You've already won.

Stop causing trouble.

From now on, drop those loose habits of yours.

Don't embarrass Her Highness.

That's not what you said when I was about to die.

She knew how to command serpents all along. She made me embarrass myself in

front of everyone on purpose.

What good is crying?

She hasn't been formally appointed yet. Her Highness Adrena announced it

herself. Can she still give the position to me?

Serena's reputation has been rotten for years.

If everyone believes she'll dirty the royal family, she won't hold that

position long.

But Her Highness is clearly protecting her. The more obvious the protection,

the easier it is to use against them.

Before tomorrow, I'll take back everything she just won.

Mom, today is the day you died. I finally earned the right to enter the

palace archives.

Wait for me a little longer.

Miss Serena, a few new guards are outside.

They all want to celebrate with you. Captain Caleb also asked if tonight...

No.

None of them?

I don't want to deal with idiots today. Out.

Your Highness, dressed like that. Here to investigate me or keep me company?

How did you recognize me?

You're the only person in the capital who enters a tavern like she's about to

arrest everyone in it. I heard you skipped the celebration banquet.

Is your highnessy here to punish me?

What day is today?

The anniversary of my mother's death.

The Serpent Queen?

In House Valet, she's just a woman who died of illness.

You entered the First Lady and Waiter's selection to get into the archives.

What else?

Pour tea for you?

You could have told me.

Three months ago, I wouldn't even tell you my name.

Why would I trust you with my life now?

Because I just took a blade for you.

And I saved you.

We're even.

What about the alley kiss?

Is that what your highness came to settle tonight?

You owe me an explanation.

I was only trying to suppress the serpent scales.

I'm asking why you didn't stop right away.

Your highness' questions are stronger than the wine tonight.

Answer me.

On my mother's death day, you're really going to force me to say this?

You don't have to.

Then give me back my cup.

No.

If your highness is this bossy, who would dare be your first lady and

waiter?

Once you have the authority tomorrow, whatever you want to look into, I'll

look into it with you.

Then tonight, have this drink with me.

All right.

I didn't sneak into the guard camp for Caleb's face.

His face isn't worth it.

Your Highness finally said something I like.

What did you find through him?

The patrol schedule was altered.

Every time the Salamanders enters the capital, the East Gate loses a squad,

and someone's been moving blood out through the palace wine cellar.

Who signed off on it?

The quartermaster.

But someone is above him.

After tomorrow's appointment, the Royal Guard's rooms, ledgers, and wine cellar

are yours to search.

Giving me that much?

Are you using me, or keeping me?

Prove you can be kept first.

A snake like me bites its owner.

You can try.

Where is she?

At the Royal Guard tavern.

She skipped the celebration banquet, but she's drinking in a private room with

some woman.

She just won First Lady and Waiter and already went back to a place like that.

She doesn't care about embarrassing Her Highness.

My lord.

Tomorrow she's supposed to enter the palace for House Vale.

If Her Highness hears she's fooling around tonight with some unknown

woman... She's trying to drag all of House Vale down with her!

Before, when she made trouble, we could cover it up.

But now she has royal power.

Someone like that beside Her Highness is dangerous.

Take men to the tavern.

I'll drag her back myself.

Anyone who repeats a single word of what they see tonight loses his tongue.

Your Highness, your wine isn't finished.

Your father brought men.

He was always more eager to catch me than the Salamans.

Your Highness said she'd protect me.

Still time to back out.

When have I ever regretted anything?

My father has a temper.

And my stepmother cries better than anyone.

If you don't want the trouble, you can leave through the back window.

There is no one in the capital I can't protect.

Even if the sky falls?

Even if the sky falls, they still don't get to touch you.

So from now on, Your Highness has my back?

Yes. You said that fast.

I might read into it.

Think less.

The capital would be much quieter.

Your Highness.

House Vale has sealed the tavern. The clan head says he's taking Serena back,

and the woman drinking with her insulted the royal family.

Hear that?

Your highness is now some wild woman insulting the royal family.

I'll go inside.

You're really hiding?

I want to hear how they talk to you when I'm not there.

Nothing worth hearing.

I'll decide that.

Serena.

Don't let them touch you.

Got it.

You little bastard.

You're supposed to enter the palace tomorrow and you're still out hearing

around tonight.

You got here fast, father.

Where is the person drinking with you?

Gone.

Was it a man or a woman?

Little sister's appetite keeps getting messier.

Still fresher than that old bracelet of yours.

Tie her up!

Serena, you just won First Lady and Waker, and you're still in a place like

this. If Her Highness hears you were drinking with someone no one knows, what

will she think of Hounsvale?

What Her Highness thinks isn't yours to think for her.

You think one win means you can really stand beside Her Highness?

Underneath it all, you're still the same rotten slut who only knows how to seduce

people. I've been too soft on you.

Tonight I'll break your legs myself.

Let's see how you make it to the palace tomorrow.

You always say my mother died too early to raise me

properly.

Do you know what day today is?

What are you trying to start now?

It's the day she died.

She's been dead for 17 years.

How long are you going to keep using her as an excuse?

You say you loved her.

You don't even remember the day she died?

She died of illness!

What was I supposed to do?

Three days before she died, her silver scales went black, her mouth was full of

blood.

That wasn't a sickness.

Enough.

What are you afraid of?

Serena, when your mother was gravely ill, I stayed by her every day.

Even the palace poison physician said it was an old illness.

Now you're using the dead just to dodge your own mistakes?

Mother has cared for you all these years, and you're still throwing filth

on her name.

Cared for me?

She taught me to drink.

Sent men to my room.

Paid my gambling debts and made the whole capital think every word I said

was a lie. Shut up!

Marina has treated you better than her own daughter.

So you never investigated?

Investigated what?

What poison killed my mother?

My lord, stop hitting her.

Serena just won the trial and she's still hurt.

Tomorrow we'll enter the palace and ask her highness to give Isla the first lady

and waiter position.

There it is. Little sister, I'm not trying to steal it.

But with your reputation, standing beside her madness will only make the

royal family a joke.

I won that position with my life.

But you already have such strong power.

Why won't you even leave me one chance to enter the palace?

Because it's mine.

Shut up!

Everything House Vale has must serve the family.

Tomorrow I'll explain to Her Majesty myself and have Isla replace you.

You'd better not touch me.

What?

You win one match and think no one can control you?

Someone said she's got my back.

Not even the royal family will let you touch me.

That wild woman hiding back there?

She drinks a few cups with you and you really think she's your shield? A drunk

who dares use the royal family to brag is a liability.

My lord, find her.

Handle her, too.

Search!

I want to see who dares say that in this capital!

I said don't touch her.

Serena, for some woman you picked up from nowhere, you won't even listen to

your father.

It seems she's more than just someone drinking with you. Put the sword down.

She dared insult the royal family.

She dies tonight.

Move!

Come out.

I'm out.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, I didn't know it was you.

If it wasn't me, you could just take someone's head.

I was only afraid someone was using Serena to insult the royal family.

And calling me a drunk, a wild woman, and gutter trash just now was for the

royal family too?

Clan Heed Valet, weren't you looking for that bragging shield?

I was blind, Your Highness.

Please spare me.

I was the one who said no one in the capital could touch Serena.

I was the one who said if the sky falls, I'll hold it up for her.

Your Highness, Serena must not have told you how many shameful things she's done.

Drinking with guards, entering men's rooms, stealing from the palace.

I know those things better than you do.

Your Highness, she lied to everyone.

She clearly knows serpent magic, but she pretended to be useless for years.

You know exactly why she had to pretend, don't you?

Serena, come here.

Your Highness wants to interrogate me in front of my family? Come here.

Your Highness, she's always been like this.

Plain pitiful.

Serena is the first lady in waiting I personally chose. And tomorrow you plan

to enter the palace and hand her position to Isla? I was only worried

Serena's conduct would damage the royal family's name. She's always in taverns

and guard camps. The whole capital knows.

She entered Caleb's room to find a salamander copper token.

She went to the quartermaster's winedela for the altered patrol schedules.

Today, in the poison pool, she saved everyone in that arena.

Which of these things did you know as her father?

I... All you know is calling her dirty.

Calling her useless, then handing what she won to another daughter. Your

Highness, I never wanted to take what belongs to Serena. I was only afraid she

didn't know palace rules and would drag you down. She's still a daughter of Laos

Vale. This is a family matter. When you beat her, did you remember she was your

daughter? Your Highness, I also have snake blood. I understand palace rules

better than Serena. I only wanted to share my sister's burden. Hear that?

She's thinking of me.

You've shut up too.

You're holding me, and I'm not allowed to talk?

Lose any more blood.

You really won't be talking.

No manners even in front of Herminus!

Who gave you permission to touch her?

Your Highness!

She's only your maid!

What she is, is for me to decide.

Your Highness, is this protection or possession?

Shut up.

Then let go first.

No.

Starting tonight, Serena stays in my chambers.

Anyone who touches her again answers to my sword first.

Marina threatened the royal heir with a sword. Lock her in the dungeon.

Clanheed Vey let family soldiers surround a royal guard tavern.

House Vey's military authority is suspended.

Isla tried to seize a royal appointment. Her candidacy is revoked.

Your Highness! I did it for Hauswahl. I never meant to hurt you.

Your Highness, it was all my fault. Marina was only following my orders.

Please spare her life. She pointed a sword at me.

You're still pleading for her?

Don't kill her yet.

You're pleading for her too?

If she dies, the evidence from 17 years ago may die with her.

I need her alive enough to talk.

Lock her up for now.

No one sees her without my order.

You're really letting me sleep here?

Didn't you say someone had your back?

I thought that meant keeping me alive. Didn't know it came with room and board.

Turn around.

When your majesty does that, it's hard not to get ideas.

One more word and I call Mira.

Then you do it, your highness.

How much more are you hiding?

Where would your highness like to start searching?

Your highness is being rough.

Is this revenge for that alley kiss? If I wanted revenge, I wouldn't only touch

your wound.

Then where would Your Highness like to touch?

Your Highnesses, House Valy's military authority and Marina have been

transferred. Please verify the orders.

The palace doors really have terrible timing.

Go to sleep.

Not joining me, Your Highness?

Serena.

Fine. Shutting up.

Marina threatened the royal heir. Thirty ratios first, then the palace cublin.

She is not to be released until the old case is cleared. Your Highness, I'm Lady

Vale! You can't just listen to Serena!

Everyone saw that sword last night.

House Vale's military authority is suspended and transferred to the royal

guard. From now on, you have no right to punish Serena under family law. I accept

your order.

Isla attempted to take the First Lady and Rita position.

All royal candidacy privileges are revoked. Your Highness, I only wanted to

help carry the family's burden. Don't worry, sister. All that heavy family

stuff, I can carry it alone.

Serena Valley defeated the Salamander Challenger and protected the royal

family and the people of the capital.

From this day forward, she is appointed first lady-in-waiting to the future

queen. Serena may mobilize the royal guard, inspect palace-restricted areas,

military supply ledgers, and patrol records, and freely access royal case

files from 17 years ago to the present.

Your Highness, don't let your hand shake.

Everyone's watching.

I'm wondering if I should have had your mouth sewn shut last night, too.

Then where would Your Highness kiss me later?

Rise. Thank you, your highness.

Someone was here.

Salamander poison.

Old, but there's no mistaking it.

The most important page was torn out.

Marina knows where it hit.

Your Highness, the council has received 11 joint accusations.

They claim Serena seduced royal guards, stole military supply records, and

colluded with the Salamanders.

They demand a public review of her conduct.

They move fast.

Seducing guards, stealing supply records, colluding with Salamanders.

Serena's been calling me names for years. She finally learned to write

something new. This isn't a joke.

The council is demanding your investigative authority be suspended.

I just got it today. The chair isn't even warm. Eleven letters, jointly

signed by six noble families. If there is no public review, the council will

say your highness is shielding you. Is your highness throwing me out?

I'm throwing out the liars.

Notify the council.

Public review tomorrow.

Everyone who signed must appear. Anyone who leaves out a single word can finish

it in the dungeon.

Tomorrow, just say Serena came into your room on her own and stole from the Royal

Guard. But Her Highness already knows the copper token was under my bed. Then

say Serena planted it. She has slept with so many men, who will believe she

was investigating a case?

What if Her Highness checks the patrol records?

The records have already been switched.

All you have to do is throw Theon Serena.

She's First Lady and waiter now. Exactly. That's why we need to pull her

down. Once Serena falls, no one keeps digging into what you did.

The quartermaster, the tavern owner, the old physician.

Not one can be missing.

Your Highness, Serena's conduct affects the royal family's reputation.

Until the review is complete, she shouldn't keep examining old cases.

Her authority came from me. Without evidence, no one takes it back. Your

Highness, I don't ask you to believe me, but Serena's been a liar since she was a

child. I can't watch her ruin you.

Thirty lapses and your mouth still works that well.

Little sister, mother is already in the dungeon because of you.

Must you humiliate her like this too?

Why didn't you cry when she pointed a sword at Her Highness?

Public review tomorrow at noon.

Every witness will repeat their words in front of the capital's nobles.

Anyone who changes their story proves tonight's statement was a lie.

Anyone who keeps lying loses their tongue.

Your Highness is reviewing my wine now, too?

Tomorrow, every eye's on you.

Tonight, stay sober.

I'm smarter drunk than Celeb is sober. Why didn't you tell me earlier there was

a problem with the Quartermaster? And then what?

You storm in with the Royal Guard and scare them all off? At least you

wouldn't have gone into a man's room alone.

Is Your Highness investigating a case, or getting jealous?

I'm asking why you keep using yourself as bait. Because nobody believes the

scandalous waste everyone laughs at. When men see me walk in, they think

about taking advantage, not hiding evidence. So you let them touch you?

A touch doesn't take a piece off me. I don't like it.

You don't like them touching me, or you don't like me hiding things from you?

Both.

Your Highness is getting more and more controlling.

You're living in my chambers, holding my token and investigating my guards.

Sounds a lot like keeping me. I'm protecting you.

What's the difference?

Protecting you does not mean letting you gamble with your life. Do you trust me,

Your Highness?

I do.

Then why all the questions?

Trusting that you're not a traitor doesn't mean trusting that you've told

me everything.

A lot of things.

Where does Your Highness want to start? With how much longer you plan to carry

everything alone.

Your Highness, we found the old patrol records for tomorrow's review, but three

pages were recopied.

This is House Vale Bookkeeping Inc. Marina handed me the fake evidence

herself. Then tomorrow we'll let her watch it hit back.

Caleb, tell us everything you know.

Serena entered my room many times.

She stripped off my clothes, took things from the guard unit, and forced me to

cover for her. I took off your clothes to search under the bed.

As for covering for you, I was never interested in saving your face.

She also said she'd spend the night with me if I gave her the patrol schedule.

Did you say yes?

I...

Sounds like Captain Caleb knows very well his face isn't worth a patrol

schedule. This is how she seduces men!

We found this copper token under Caleb's bed.

On the patrol schedule, the East Gate was short one squad the night the

Salamanders entered.

Caleb signed it.

You planted the token. You stole the patrol schedule, too. The East Gate had

been empty for three hours before she entered your room.

Can she go back in time and sign for you?

I was only following the Quartermaster's deployment order.

In your testimony last night, you never mentioned the Quartermaster.

I... forgot.

If you're scared to die, just say so.

Don't act like you lost your mind, too.

Caleb is suspended from Captainate.

Until the review is over, he stays here.

The quartermaster told me to sign it. The real person dealing with the

salamanders isn't me.

You're lying!

Serena went into your wine cellar too. She took the copper token out of your

arms. You two were already... Speak before you talk.

Today you're losing your post. Keep going and it may be your life.

Since Serena also entered your wine cellar, tell us clearly what happened

that night.

Your Highness.

Serena wasn't investigating spies.

She was selling palace patrol routes.

Here is the fingerprint she pressed herself.

Serena promised to sell the Eastgate patrol route to the Salamanders. She

took the copper token to prove she had received the deposit.

The fingerprint and contents are both here. What else can she argue?

Nice paper.

House Vale only uses this gold thread paper for formal family letters.

House Vale sends plenty of paper into the palace every year.

That doesn't mean I wrote it.

I didn't say it was you yet.

Why so nervous?

This is Marina's golden perfume powder.

In all of House Valey, she's the only one who thinks ordinary perfume isn't

expensive enough.

Mother's perfume could have gotten on your clothes and fallen onto the letter!

Then let's keep looking.

The serpent-shaped wax seal on this secret letter is a fake carved by a

capital craftsman.

Samaranda de Copper tokens have three claw marks.

This one has two.

Look at the date.

The letter is from the day before I entered the wine cellar.

That day, Father's whip had torn up my right hand.

I couldn't press a fingerprint.

Where did the fingerprint come from?

I don't know.

Someone stuffed the letter into the ledger.

Last night, you said I handed it to you myself.

Today, you don't know?

You hid the blood for the salamanders in wine barrels, sent it out, then filled

in the books afterwards.

You couldn't even copy the time right.

Your master is still here. Where are you running?

It's not mine!

Lock him up.

Search his room, his family, and every ledger.

Afraid I'll run, your highness.

Afraid they'll get too close to you.

With this many people watching, you're still protecting me this openly?

I said you were mine.

Since Serena wants to investigate what happened 17 years ago, let someone who

truly witnessed the Serpent Queen's death speak.

Seventeen years ago, I cared for the Serpent Queen.

She wasn't poisoned.

Her bloodline went out of control, her silver scales turned black, and she died

after biting herself.

You saw her bite herself with your own eyes?

Yes.

With which fang?

What?

The Serpent Queen's right venom fang broke years before.

If she bit herself, the wound would have one puncture. How many did the death

record list?

Serena, you were young when your mother died.

It's normal to remember wrong.

I remember every mouthful of blood she coughed up.

The Serpent Queen's power was unstable from the start.

Serena may have inherited that madness.

If she's getting close to her minus, it may not be to protect the royal family.

If she loses control, no one in the palace could stop her.

I never dared say it.

When my sister was little, she talked to snakes all the time and came home in the

middle of the night covered in blood.

I came back covered in blood because Marina set dogs on me.

You watched from behind the window and enjoyed it.

You're lying!

Could you really lose control like your mother?

Whatever they say, you believe.

Seventeen years, and you haven't changed at all.

I simply can't gamble with the royal family.

The royal family's risks are mine to judge.

You don't get to convict her with a could.

You said you were there.

What were my mother's last words before she died?

She couldn't speak anymore.

Wrong.

She told me not to make a sound.

Only you heard that. Who can prove it? You can't look at me because you never

entered the Forbidden Grounds.

You were only responsible for writing a fake death record.

I wasn't.

Before tomorrow, retrieve all royal paper records, physician seals, and old

case accounts from 17 years ago.

Your Highness, this paper is not from 17 years ago.

The death record uses paper that didn't supply the palace until eight years ago,

and the royal physician's seal wasn't stamped. It was cut from an old document

and pasted on.

Someone remade the entire record.

Still want to say you saw it yourself?

I only wrote what I was ordered to write.

Whose order?

Lady Marina's.

She gave me a chest of gold and told me to write that the Serpent Queen died of

an old illness. He's lying!

A dying old man will say anything to save himself.

The gold bears House Vale's serpent mark. It's hidden under the floorboards

of my old house.

Marina, why did you alter the death record?

Because the real cause of death would have cost House Vale the royal family's

trust. I did it for the family. What poison was she given? I don't know.

You don't know, but you knew to write black and silver scales as an old

illness.

Everyone said it was bloodline loss of control.

Everyone?

Or everyone you paid?

Salamander poison.

Whoever forged the record touched the real poison.

That's why traces stayed on the paper.

Still saying you don't know?

A piece of paper doesn't prove who poisoned her.

Your Highness, the palace gate is covered in snakes.

Serena mentioned them. She wants to kill people.

Was it you? No.

The snakes are protecting her. It's the Silver Serpent Pendant. She's using it

to control them. Yes.

The pendant belonged to the Serpent Queen.

Anyone who wears it can... They don't like it when you lie.

Where did these snakes come from? East City, the trial ground, and the old

Serpent Clan Cemetery. It's as if they've been waiting for today.

Your Highness, that night in East City, Miss Serena secretly released Silver

Serpents and saved me. We only saw serpent shadows.

Serena was pretending to be drunk at the wine cellar door.

The night of the capital poison disaster, I stole the Silver Serpent

pendant to test her.

Serena was the one who blocked the leeches over the entire capital.

She bought all of you! She nearly killed me. If she wanted to buy me, she should

at least apologize first.

Dream on.

By royal order, I searched for three months for the Silver Serpent woman who

saved Her Highness. Now I confirm it was her.

The person who saved me three months ago was you.

Your Highness already has the answer.

You saved East City.

You protected the capital from the poison disaster.

And in the trial ground, you were the one pretending you couldn't command

serpents. Not very convincing, was I?

Terrible.

And you were the one who lied to me in the alley.

Serena, how much else have you not told me?

Talk. Which part do you want to hear?

Start with when you knew I was looking for you. After you woke up three months

ago, you investigated every woman in the capital with silver scales. It was hard

not to know. So you showed up in front of me. I need the First Lady and Waiter

Authority. You needed someone who could suppress the Salamancas. We each got

what we needed.

You could have told me directly, and let you storm House Valley with soldiers.

My mother's evidence would have been burned clean before you got through the

door. You never thought about trusting me. I survived this long by trusting no

one. Including me? At first, yes.

And the alley kiss.

Was that calculated too?

At first, just to keep the scales from showing. And after that? After that, you

didn't push me away.

I'm asking about you.

You're smart, Your Highness. Do you really need me to say it? Yes.

Then, I didn't want to stop.

No glowing scales.

No one's chasing you. Still gonna lie to me? You want the truth?

Say it. I want to kiss you.

Your Highness, we found the original duty register for the palace underground

passage from 17 years ago.

Mira always has perfect timing.

We'll settle that debt later. Don't forget, Your Highness.

The door opened once before the Serpent Queen entered the palace, and again half

an hour after her death. Who had keys to the underground gate?

At the time, only the Royal Guard Commander and invited navels could

receive temporary keys.

There's half of an old house veil seal here.

The current Quatermica's family has been opening doors for the Salamanders since

17 years ago.

Marina didn't find them temporarily.

She set this up long ago.

The pendant purifies Salamander poison.

If you keep wearing it, it will destroy the remaining evidence.

Can't you examine it with the box? Give it to me.

Guard it well, Your Highness.

If anyone touches it, I bite. If anyone touches it, I cut off the hand first.

Both hands?

Depends which one she used.

Hiding it that close to your body, aren't you afraid I'll come take it

myself?

You can try.

Don't move, you're minus.

You're the one pinning me down.

Shut up. I haven't even said anything.

The missing death record was sent back to House Valley's serpent tights 17

years ago.

The recipient was Marina.

Scott, take.

Serena has traced it to the serpent altar. The old box is already empty.

What do we do? The more she finds. The snakes already acknowledged her in

public.

Where did this come from?

What her mother left after she died. Put this scale with the silver serpent

pendant, and the snakes will approach you first.

The pendant is on Serena.

Not tonight.

When do I get my pendant back?

The venom inspection isn't finished. You can't go near it tonight, at least.

It's safer in my iron box than on your body.

Your Highness locked up my things and won't let me touch them.

Sounds familiar.

Keep talking nonsense, and I'll lock you up too.

In your chambers?

In the dungeon.

Then I'll behave.

If her mightiness finds out, I'll die. After Serena falls, I'll get you into

House Vale. Hurry.

A necklace thinks it can choose a master?

Snakes! Mother was right.

They recognize the scent.

Lock down the palace.

No one who entered my chambers last night leaves. Just a missing necklace.

The thing you guard with your life is just a necklace?

Your Highness remembers that very clearly.

Whoever touched it loses a hand. Both hands?

Depends which one she used.

This is the pale silver uniform thread House Vale often uses.

The maid from last night was originally sent into the palace by House Vale.

Isla. Isla claims Serena took the Serpent Queen's relic years ago and

concealed the Queen's true chosen heir. She requests that the inheritance be

verified again today at the House Vale altar.

She broke into my chambers last night.

And now she dares petition me? Your Highness, I only took back what the

Queen originally the Serpent Queen left behind, and an old scale as proof.

Your hands didn't shake when you stole it. Funny how fast you cry now.

Snakes recognize blood, and they recognize the Queen's relics. If Isla

can summon silver snurpents at the altar, the Serpent Clown must

acknowledge her.

Marina is still in the dungeon.

She was the only person who safeguarded the Serpent Queen's relics back then.

The ritual requires her presence.

Bring her in.

I want to hear how she plans to hand my throne to Isla.

How is the pendant on Ila? Because before the Serpent Queen died, she'd

already chosen Ila to inherit the throne.

Little sister, you've occupied my inheritance position long enough.

Give it back now.

Silver serpents really are approaching her.

Serena, you stole the throne Isla was meant to inherit.

Now it's time to return it.

You steal from me and still say I owe her?

See? They recognize me.

Wearing my things feels comfortable.

This was mine to begin with.

Then hold on tight. If it falls, I'm afraid the snakes will bite you first.

The elders have seen it.

The true heir chosen by the Serpent Queen is Isla.

Serena only fooled everyone with a stolen pendant.

The snakes were indeed drawn by her. Drawn over doesn't mean they recognize

her as master.

How long does your majesty intend to stall for Serena? When I'm speaking, you

don't interrupt.

The Silver Serpents have acknowledged me.

Serena has occupied my inheritance position for years.

If Isla is the heir the Queen chose, you must hand over the First Lady in waiter

position. The snakes haven't bowed, but you're already kneeling. I'm preserving

House Vale's honor!

Every time you say that, I'm the one who suffers.

This is the inheritance record from that year.

Before she died, the Serpent Queen wrote that the heir will have a half-moon

silver mark at the back of the neck.

Ela was born with one.

Serena wasn't.

Before the final bloodline trial, Serena's right to inherit the Serpent

Queen's throne must be temporarily frozen.

She should also hand over the First Lady and waiter token.

Until the final trial ends, no one touches her things.

With Your Highness showing such bias, what will the Council think? Tell the

Council to open its eyes and watch.

The outer paper is 17 years old, but the inner page is at most three. Someone

stitched a new record into an old file. Palace archives have been repaired many

times. That proves nothing. It proves you fake things and still hate paying

for good paper. Little sister, the snakes already came to me. Why won't you

admit it? Because the snakes came to my mother's scale, not you.

You're just afraid to lose. I'm afraid you'll cry when you get bitten and the

noise will give me a headache.

This silver serpent was personally raised by the former serpent queen.

Tomorrow's final trial will verify identity using both women's blood and

the queen's relics.

Before the result comes out, what happens to the First Lady in waiting

position? Serena's identity is in doubt. She should not continue accessing palace

secrets.

Her investigative authority is temporarily withdrawn.

Her title as First Lady in waiting remains.

I'm done speaking.

Didn't you withdraw it? I withdrawed it outside so they'd stop barking.

Does your highness want to see if I'm real or fake too? I want everyone else

to shut up forever.

Including you? I never doubted you.

Then why make me take the trial?

Because I can't shut up the whole kingdom for you. They need to see it

with their own eyes.

What if the snakes don't recognize me tomorrow?

Then I'll lock up the snakes too.

Where does your highness plan to lock them?

In the same room as you.

Then I wouldn't mind losing.

I'll get the pendant back.

I know.

What makes you so sure?

Because your highness holds grudges even worse than I do.

Place the silver serpent pendant beside the blood bowl.

It chose Isla.

I knew my daughter wouldn't disappoint me.

Don't cry yet.

The snake just smelled something dead.

You lost, and you're still insulting me?

I meant that old scale.

Why are you so guilty?

It didn't recognize her blood.

Perhaps there are too many people.

It was frightened.

A snake that's lived over a hundred years is afraid of you?

Don't let it go over there! She stole the Serpent Clan's power!

Attack her!

Let go.

It won't bite me.

The queen's silver serpent bowed its head.

Impossible! They clearly recognized me just now!

They smelled my mother's scale.

Now they smell me.

Give it back!

You wore it for one night and really thought you were its master?

Serena is using the pendant to control the snakes.

This doesn't count as bloodline!

That isn't what you said when the pendant was on Isla.

Your Highness is bewitched by her. Of course you defend her!

Say that again.

Blood of the Silver Serpent Queen!

Serena.

You recognize me now?

There's something hidden under the altar.

What you hid for 17 years.

The snakes found it for me.

The royal seal, birth officer's seal, and the Serpent Queen's personal seal

are all real.

Serena is the Serpent Queen's only daughter, and the only heir she named in

her own hand.

What about the inheritance record with the half-moon silver mark?

Don't listen to their nonsense.

There's also a handwritten note by the Queen on the back of the file.

She never named Isla or any other infant girl as heir, and the half-moon silver

mark was never proof of succession.

Mother. You always knew she never chose me? If you sit on the throne, what

difference does true or false make?

Then the scale on my wrist was cut from my mother's body.

Serena, I didn't know.

You didn't know because you never wanted to know.

I'm your father.

Not when you were beating me.

You altered the inheritance record, and you altered the death record.

Now tell me how my mother really died. I don't know anything!

Then go back to the dungeon and think slowly.

Back away!

There's a leech array underneath!

Mother!

Protect the elders!

Seal the hidden door.

Leeches are pouring in through the underground passage.

Marina isn't the only one behind that door.

Why did you save me?

Don't get me wrong. I don't want you dying that cheaply.

Your Highness, the East City underground passage has been opened. The salamanders

are inside the city. What about the gates?

The outer city is still holding, but leeches have parasitized many patrol

guards. Someone is opening the gates for them from the inside.

Marina.

Mother, wait for me!

What are you doing here?

I'm your daughter.

Take me with you.

You're useless now.

What? If you can't even fool a pack of snakes, why would I keep you?

The Salamanders entered through three underground passages.

We don't have enough troops in the outer city.

Send fire, oil and iron nets to the east gate.

Salamanders regenerate, so burn the wounds and give them no time to grow

back. The leeches in the underground passages are still multiplying.

I'll go below.

Marina is down there too, which is why I have to go. Save people first.

I'm afraid once you chase her in, you'll forget to come back.

When I'm back, what reward does your highness plan to give me? Come back

first, then we'll talk.

That's an order.

Yes, your highness.

Go!

Without Silver Serpent venom, you can't kill us!

I don't need to kill you twice.

Her Highness has held the east door!

Your Highness, the leeches are already in your blood.

The east gate held, but the palace is empty.

If you got in, you won't get out alive.

Mama!

Mama!

You finally came back.

Did you poison my mother?

Yes. And you changed the death record?

Yes. The pendant and the old scale, you took those from her too?

She was dead.

Keeping them would have been a waste.

Why didn't you kill me?

Letting you live and rot was safer than letting you die.

I've waited years to hear that. But you still lost.

For a human princess, you delivered yourself into the palace. You're the one

who let the salamanders in.

I only took back the power that should have been mine.

Let her go.

The Serpent Queen finally arrives.

Don't come closer.

Haven't you always wanted to know who killed your mother?

I already know.

I gave her the poison.

I changed the death record.

When she died, she was still begging me to spare you.

Hand over the pendant and the serpent throne, or I'll snap her neck first.

Don't give it to him.

One is the enemy you've waited more than ten years to kill.

One is the woman you just fell in love with.

Serena, who do you choose?

I choose...

I choose her.

For her, you're giving up your mother's revenge?

My mother taught me to survive, not to watch the person I love die.

What did you just say?

Stay alive first.

If you want to hear it again, I'll say it slowly when we get back.

One snake thinks it can stop me.

it just bit you you should talk less and save time growing flesh

he's using leeches to force regeneration

then we burn the leeches too don't block me you're poisoned

you just admitted you love me and now you're trying to die alone your highness

remembers fast shut up and fight

Your venom works.

Your highness's sword isn't rusty either.

Still making jokes. Guess you're not dying.

Does it hurt?

Maybe a kiss from your highness would help.

After the fight.

You promised.

You dare stop me.

You just said I was useless now.

I raised you all these years. You raised something to help you lie.

Don't misunderstand.

I haven't forgiven you.

I know.

Serena!

The leech core is in his chest!

Break it and you can't regenerate!

Together.

This time, I'll listen to you.

You can't kill me!

You've said that too many times.

Can you die now?

She's dead.

Your turn.

My regeneration.

A parting gift from Serena.

The Salamander leader is dead!

Serena, open your eyes.

Your Highness is holding me so tight I can barely breathe. Shut up.

I almost died, and you're still yelling at me? If you ever leave me like that

again, I'll lock you in my chambers. As your First Lady and waiter.

As my future queen.

Then this counts as Your Highness proposing first.

Do you accept?

Kiss me first, Your Highness. Then I'll think about it.

Marina murdered the former Serpent Queen.

forged royal records colluded with the salamanders and opened the capital's

underground passages effective immediately all titles and property are

stripped she is sentenced to life imprisonment in the palace dungeon with

no pardon you won't dare keep me locked up forever you're soft-hearted just like

your mother you're wrong my mother gave you chances i won't

isla took part in falsifying bloodline records and stole property from the

royal chambers

All inheritance rights are revoked. She will be placed under the supervision of

the Serpent Elders pending trial. I blocked that blade.

That's why you're still alive.

I know.

Serena, I'll give everything in House Vale back to you.

It belonged to my mother in the first place.

What else can I do?

Stop calling yourself my father.

First lady in waiting, you're late again.

Watch the title.

The woman standing in front of you is a queen now, too.

How does Her Majesty the Serpent Queen plan to make amends? What does Your

Majesty want?

What you promised to make up to me when you came back.

So you've been remembering that.

As you command, Your Majesty.