Looking at Ophelia, who was muttering incessantly as if she had fallen into a demonic trance, Luo Wei’s face showed clear concern.
“Are you alright? Have you not been resting well lately?”
Her complexion was unnaturally pale, her eyes bloodshot, as though she had been staying up night after night, utterly drained.
But Luo Wei knew that her current state was likely more due to “backlash.”
Creating a dreamscape so vivid it rivaled reality—such an ability must come at a great cost. Luo Wei sensed that she was gradually succumbing to the inevitable corruption and madness that plagued those who wielded supernatural powers.
She was too obsessive. Even as a descendant of the ancient gods, she shouldn’t overuse her powers like this.
Moreover, the source of the “dreamscape” power didn’t belong to her in the first place.
Just thinking about the horrifying, blood-soaked truth behind that dreamscape was enough to know that such eerie power from ancient deities should never be delved into too deeply...
“I’m fine, I’m fine...”
Hearing Luo Wei’s concern, Ophelia’s eyes finally settled for a moment.
But she still clutched his hand tightly, unwilling to let go even a little.
“Go back and rest,” Luo Wei advised patiently.
“Stop focusing on those official duties... Your health is the most important thing...”
“Let’s just end all this.”
Unexpectedly, after he said this, Ophelia suddenly raised her head.
“It can’t end! It won’t end!!”
“I’m going to succeed, I’m almost there!”
She began muttering to herself again, as if possessed.
She was so close!
She was almost there!!
But then...
When Ophelia thought of that icy corpse—Luo Wei’s corpse—her heart sank once more.
What was missing? Where had she gone wrong??
Her bloodshot eyes instinctively turned to Luo Wei’s face, but her gaze flickered uncertainly.
Ophelia didn’t dare to truly meet his eyes.
Whenever she looked into them, regret and guilt would surge within her.
And that haunting thought wouldn’t leave her.
The poor bird in the metal cage, battered and bloodied...
It was all because of her...
She was the one who killed Luo Wei, she was the one who killed him...
These thoughts tormented her relentlessly, driving her to the brink of madness.
Overwhelmed by her emotions, Ophelia felt the world spinning around her, her body swaying unsteadily.
“Your Highness!!”
Caroline, hearing the commotion, rushed into the room and hurriedly supported Ophelia.
“Are you alright?”
Ophelia seemed lost in her own world, completely oblivious to Caroline’s worried voice.
“I know! I know what’s wrong!!”
She suddenly became excited, muttering to herself in exhilaration.
“I’m not wrong, I’m not wrong...”
“It’s just...”
“Just a minor parameter issue, just a small adjustment needed!”
She immediately shook off Caroline’s support and stumbled toward the door, eager to leave.
Her figure staggered down the hallway until she disappeared into the distance.
The head maid watched Ophelia’s retreating figure with concern, and the room fell into silence.
Then, Caroline’s gaze slowly shifted to Luo Wei, her eyes now filled with hostility.
“Speak! Are you the one behind this?”
Luo Wei feigned confusion. “Behind what?”
“Don’t play dumb! It must be you!”
Caroline’s voice grew angrier.
“You! What have you done to our princess? What have you been up to?”
Luo Wei frowned slightly. “What are you talking about? What could I possibly do to Ophelia?”
Caroline clearly didn’t believe him.
She clenched her fists, her killing intent palpable as she stepped closer to Luo Wei.
“Don’t think I won’t lay a hand on you!”
“Killing you would be as easy as breathing!”
Facing Caroline’s threat, Luo Wei shrugged, his expression still calm.
“If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do.”
“It must be you!” Caroline glared at him. “She was fine just a few days ago! Ever since that day she burst into your room crying, she’s been like a different person! What did you do to her?”
It had to be Luo Wei’s doing! Otherwise, the princess would never have become like this.
Staring at the man before her, Caroline’s eyes were filled with undisguised murderous intent.
If only...
If only this man weren’t so important to the princess.
She would have killed him long ago, without wasting a single word on him!
Seeing her unbridled hostility, Luo Wei let out a cold laugh.
“Behind this?”
“You do realize I’ve been living under your watchful eyes every day, with every move monitored.”
“How could I possibly have done anything?”
He then smirked mockingly.
“If anything, I think you’re the one who should be under suspicion.”
“Me?” Caroline snapped. “What does this have to do with me?”
Luo Wei looked at her intently. “Ophelia told me that she had a nightmare and was frightened by what she saw in it.”
He narrowed his eyes, his gaze suspicious.
“Who here is most skilled in sleep and dreams? That would be you, wouldn’t it? I’d like to ask you something. Why is it that since I’ve been staying here, I’ve found it harder and harder to sleep? Sometimes I even need your help to fall asleep?”
Caroline froze.
Luo Wei suddenly turned the tables, pressing her with his questions.
“Miss Caroline, what exactly have you done to us? Why are both of us experiencing such similar symptoms?”
“I...” She opened her mouth, trying to explain. “That’s not the same thing... It’s not my fault... It’s because...”
But she quickly shut her mouth.
She couldn’t reveal the princess’s role in all this.
Yet, she realized with frustration that she had no way to explain herself, as both of them relied on her to fall asleep.
Not only did she have to forcibly hypnotize Luo Wei, but the princess... Due to her prolonged manipulation of the dreamscape, she could no longer sleep normally and often needed Caroline’s help to do so...
Seeing Caroline’s hesitation, Luo Wei’s smile deepened.
“What’s wrong? Caught red-handed and now you’re speechless?”
“How dare you!” Caroline snapped. “You’re the one twisting the truth and spreading lies!”
“Think what you want,” Luo Wei said, crossing his arms. “Now that I’ve exposed your true nature, if you continue your wicked schemes, don’t blame Ophelia and me for not being lenient.”
Caroline was so furious she couldn’t stand being in the room any longer.
She shot Luo Wei a cold glare and turned to leave.
After all these days together, it seemed she had finally realized...
Just what kind of despicable person Luo Wei truly was.
Luo Wei walked to the door, watching her retreating figure with a smile.
“Miss Caroline, even if you won’t admit it, I hope you’ll remember this.”
“Ophelia’s current predicament is partly your doing.”
“Perhaps you should reflect on the underhanded things you’ve done.”
Caroline’s figure trembled slightly at his words.
...