I Helped The Imprisoned Male Lead And He Became Obsessed - Chapter 73

Early in the morning, Serena was summoned by the High Priest and headed to the temple.

As usual, the High Priest would likely assign her some tedious task, like assisting with scripture interpretation—work that made her stifle yawns. Reluctantly, she trudged along, knowing that skipping the summons would only earn her an earful later.

Since the worship service hadn’t started yet, the temple was cloaked in serene silence. Light filtered through the stained glass, casting beautiful shadows of color on the floor. The High Priest, robed in ceremonial attire, stood with his back to the altar. But he wasn’t alone.

He was speaking to someone Serena recognized.

“Emilian?”

What was he doing here? Curious and surprised, she took a step closer.

“So, you’re saying my holy power is needed to locate Miss Anise?”

Serena froze at those words.

Did Emilian already know that she had disappeared?

Instinctively, Serena stepped back and concealed herself behind a statue of the goddess.

“I don’t know the details of why Miss Anise disappeared,” the High Priest said. “But if the duke is this concerned, it’s only right to help.”

With that, he infused divine power into the tracking artifact Emilian had handed him.

“However, Duke, you’ll need to hurry. The holy power within that necklace has likely grown faint with time. It wouldn’t be surprising if the trail cuts off midway.”

Serena’s heart pounded anxiously.

“A necklace… So, there was a way to track her?”

Anise hadn’t told anyone her destination when she vanished. Serena had assumed not even Emilian would be able to find her easily.

But a tracking necklace? This was something she hadn’t anticipated. A sense of dread and unease coiled tightly around her chest.

While the High Priest completed his blessing, Serena carefully slipped out of the temple. Almost running, she left the temple grounds entirely.

The conversation she had overheard replayed in her mind like a persistent echo.

Emilian was going to search for Anise—using the tracking artifact.

How could this happen? Anise had even left the palace of her own accord, clearing the way for Serena.

If the trail disappeared and Emilian failed to find her, that would be fine.

But if he succeeded?

If he tracked Anise down?

“Then I’ll have no chance left.”

As long as Anise was around, Emilian would never look at Serena.

She bit her lip in frustration.

“I have to stop him somehow. But how…?”

Desperately searching for a solution, a certain voice from her memory resurfaced.

“I won’t forget this favor, Saintess.”

“So, if you ever need my help, just say the word.”

Dietrich, the transcendent from the Kingdom of Malta.

“Yes, him… He might be able to buy me some time.”

Serena couldn’t just stand by and let Emilian go. Betting on the only option she could think of, she made up her mind.

With her resolve firm, Serena hurried toward the imperial palace’s underground prison.

When she arrived, a guard was stationed in front of Dietrich’s cell. Concealing her unease, she approached with a calm smile.

“You’re working hard, as always.”

The guard recognized her instantly.

“Ah, Saintess. What brings you here?”

“I’m here by order of His Majesty to check on Dietrich’s condition.”

Serena had treated Dietrich before, and the entry permit she had received then was still valid.

When she presented the imperial seal-stamped permit, the guard allowed her in without much suspicion.

“Well, Saintess? Didn’t you say you’d never come back?”

Dietrich looked genuinely surprised at her unexpected visit.

Instead of answering his question, Serena leaned closer, lowering her voice.

“You said before, didn’t you? That you wouldn’t forget the favor I did for you by saving your life.”

“Of course, I remember,” Dietrich replied.

Serena paused to steady her breath, then spoke firmly.

“Then get out of here right now and stop Emilian.”

Dietrich’s eyes widened slightly, the usual playful glint disappearing from his gaze.

“That’s quite the request, Saintess.”

“Can you do it or not?” she pressed, her voice filled with urgency.

Dietrich’s expression shifted into one of amusement, his lips curling into a sly smile.

“I told you, didn’t I? I keep my promises.”

His words signaled his agreement. In truth, Dietrich had been itching for an opportunity to escape this accursed prison. Serena’s visit was perfectly timed.

“But are you sure about this? If I break out, it’ll cause trouble for you too, Saintess.”

“I know…”

She hadn’t overlooked the consequences of his escape. Dietrich wasn’t just any prisoner—he was a transcendent and a highly valuable war captive. The emperor had kept him alive for his potential usefulness. If he disappeared, it would undoubtedly send the palace into chaos.

But Serena couldn’t bear the thought of standing by idly while Emilian left to find Anise.

This was the only option she had left. Even if it was just a slim chance, she wanted to take it. If it meant stopping Emilian from going to that woman…

Even if this was the worst decision she could make. Even if it dragged her into ruin.

“I’ve already prepared myself for that.”

Serena lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Dietrich. In her golden eyes, he saw the resolve burning within her. Dietrich grinned broadly.

“Alright then… Let’s start with this.”

He raised his arms, causing the restraints binding them to clink faintly.

“Got any ideas for getting these off?”

At her hushed inquiry, Dietrich nodded.

“But I’ll need your help, Saintess.”

“What do I need to do?”

“Pour all the holy power you’ve got into the magic restraints. I’ll release my magic at the same time.”

“Are you sure this will work?”

“Probably. The last time you treated me, I tried breaking the restraints after my wounds healed. I noticed the collision of holy and magical energy caused a subtle effect on them.”

Though he hadn’t had another chance to test it since Serena hadn’t returned, fate had brought her back now.

After hearing his explanation, Serena nodded. She approached him under the guise of treating his injuries.

Her hands glowed with radiant white light, while Dietrich unleashed his magic simultaneously.

As the two forces clashed, tiny cracks formed in the restraints. Dietrich didn’t miss his chance.

His arms, now infused with magically enhanced strength, swelled with power, veins bulging as he strained.

A brilliant flash of light erupted, and with a deafening crack, the restraints shattered.

***

Emilian left the temple, the High Priest’s holy power infused into the tracking artifact.

When he activated it, a white light streamed out like unraveling threads. Emilian followed the light, which extended beyond the Golden Gates at the edge of the plaza and out of the palace grounds.

The tracking artifact was working perfectly, but time was of the essence—any delay could cost him. Strengthening his body with magic, Emilian moved swiftly across the plaza.

Suddenly, something pierced the air with a sound close to the speed of sound, rushing directly at him.

Emilian instinctively evaded the attack, which struck the ground like a bolt of light.

BOOM!

The ground erupted with a deafening roar, scattering debris and dust in all directions.

A long spear was embedded in the earth where the attack landed, creating a crater as if a meteor had struck.

A man descended, his red hair whipping in the wind, and pulled the spear from the ground. With a casual wave, he greeted Emilian.

“Well, Emilian. Long time no see.”

“…”

Dietrich. What was he doing here?

Emilian stared at him silently.

Dietrich wasn’t supposed to be here—not before the Emperor had inscribed the binding spell of absolute obedience.

Had he escaped?

Of all times, why now?

When Emilian offered no response, his expression cold and unreadable, Dietrich twirled his spear lightly and spoke again.

“What’s with the silence? Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten my face?”

“Why aren’t you in the underground prison where you belong?”

“As you can see, I escaped. Did you think I’d sit around in that boring place forever?”

Emilian didn’t care how Dietrich had managed to escape. He couldn’t afford to waste time dealing with him now.

“Step aside. I don’t have time for you.”

“Don’t be like that. Stay and play for a bit. After all, I owe you for what you did to me during the war—”

Dietrich’s playful tone cut off abruptly as a flash of dark red light erupted from Emilian’s fingertips.

A bullet of magical energy had torn through his left arm before he could react, blood spraying like a fountain.

Dietrich quickly poured his own magic into healing the grievous wound, his left arm rapidly regenerating. Gritting his teeth, he snarled,

“You bastard… Attacking while I’m talking? That’s low.”

“Your right arm is next,” Emilian replied coldly, drawing the sword at his hip.

The blade ignited with crimson magic, glowing like molten steel.

With a powerful leap, Emilian launched himself forward, the burning sword slicing through the air toward Dietrich.

It didn’t matter who stood in his way—be it Dietrich or anyone else.

Even if it were the Emperor himself, Emilian wouldn’t hesitate to cut them down.