Chapter 113 Chapter 113 End of the text. ...

"I was wondering when you were going to come clean." Isabel looked at her. "This negotiation is pointless because you'll both compromise sooner or later. Your real purpose was to ask that question just now."

Seraphina chuckled. "Did you think I would set a trap and threaten you to reveal the secret of 'God'?"

"Don't you?" Isabel smiled, her eyes seemed to see through the other person's thoughts.

Seraphina was silent for a few seconds, then laughed to herself, "You guessed right."

"I considered using low-level means to coerce you. Perhaps that way I could gamble on a glimmer of hope and have the 'God' choose me. But now..." Seraphina shook her head helplessly, pulled out the firearm hidden at her waist, and dismantled the bullets one by one. "I'm glad I gave up the idea."

"Your answer tells me that there really is a Creator in this world. Even if humans try their best throughout their lives, they cannot defeat His frivolous decisions." Seraphina listened to the crisp sound of bullets hitting the table. The fire in her eyes gradually died down, and finally only loneliness remained.

Isabel caught a bullet that had slid across the table and suddenly asked, "Because the Creator didn't choose you, have you decided to give up?"

Seraphina raised her eyes and smiled calmly, "It's not giving up, it's accepting your fate."

"When I first learned Cyril was the chosen Beyonder, I felt not only envy but also resentment. Perhaps it was because I was young, I always felt I could overcome fate." Seraphina took a deep breath, her eyes flickering, as if transported back to a distant past. "You should know that the Ceylon royal family's past was not glorious."

Isabel agreed with this statement.

The previous king was extremely licentious and extravagant. In his later years, he was unable to control his many illegitimate children, which eventually led to chaos in the palace and the royal family killing each other for the right of succession.

The winner was the eldest daughter, Seraphina.

"A hundred years from now, history books may embellish my image, portraying me as a pure and innocent lucky man who simply won the inheritance when my brothers and sisters died." Seraphina smiled, "So no one will know that on the eve of my coronation, the palace floor tiles were stained red with the blood of my brothers and sisters, and it has never been cleaned."

"I've killed many along the way, but I have nothing to feel guilty about. The road to the top is always like this. Either they die, or I die," Serafina said calmly. "They never consider unmarried princesses as competitors. It seems that in their eyes, without the support of their husband's family, even royal blood can't pose a threat."

The pride of her youth flashed across her face, as if she were recalling a glorious past. "They've forgotten how I defeated everyone on the racetrack. I won once, and I can win again. I can trample them all under my feet. I will stand at the pinnacle of power. I will replace those fools and become the king of this country. And I... did it all."

She finished her words in one breath, panting softly at the end, her eyes glittering with a strange look.

From pride to satisfaction, it gradually turned into an indescribable confusion.

"But what's the use? I'm not God's chosen one." She chuckled bitterly, "I struggled to climb to the top of the mountain, only to witness the kingdom's twilight."

"When I was young, I secretly competed with Cyril in my heart," said Serafina. "At that time, I couldn't understand why he was so special. Even Georgiana was attracted to him, but in my eyes, he was just a stupid and arrogant man."

"You saw through Cyril's true nature, but you didn't tell Georgiana." Isabel looked up. "You knew perfectly well that a younger sister would listen to the advice of her respected elder sister."

"Yes, I didn't remind her." Seraphina was silent, her eyes far away. "Because I found that the deeper their emotional bond, the more I could benefit from it."

"I need to build a bridge to the church, and Georgiana is my biggest bargaining chip. Who knows better than me how naive and foolish this girl is? I was the hostage chosen by the church, but she foolishly took my place just to repay a few loaves of bread."

Seraphina said these words calmly, but paused for a long time, as if she needed to suppress a great deal of emotion.

"A silly girl like that is easily devoted, easily deceived, and very likable. I knew the day she went to the Temple of the Holy Land that everyone disliked her. Cyril was like that, and so was Ludwig." Seraphina forced a tired smile. "I saw all their emotional ups and downs, but I said nothing."

"Cyril knew that this foolish girl only obeyed my orders. So he decided to help me ascend the throne, at the cost of facilitating Georgiana's marriage to the Duke's family," Seraphina said calmly. "From that day on, I guessed that Cyril would regret it. But what does that have to do with me?"

"All his rage will be directed solely at Ludwig. The Spencer family is too glorious. The bill Ludwig proposed is similar to the one you're advocating for today. If implemented, the consequences would be brought forward decades." Seraphina took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "At that time, I had only just ascended the throne. I couldn't accept such an outcome. So it was better to follow Cyril's wishes and slowly erode the Spencer family."

"You didn't expect that Georgiana and Ludwig had developed feelings for each other," said Isabel.

Seraphina paused and smiled bitterly. "It's unexpected, but also reasonable. Honestly, if fate had chosen Ludwig, I wouldn't be so unwilling. He's ahead of his time, just like you, and I have to admit it. So, Georgiana falling in love with him is at least more natural than falling in love with Cyril."

"The first time I knew Georgiana was interested was the day Hein was born. She sounded me out, saying she wanted to live a peaceful life with Ludwig and was willing to take the initiative to ask for reconciliation with Cyril." Seraphina paused, her eyes calm. "That was the only time I considered helping them."

"But Cyril has already set his trap and even divided up the profits. Countless people are waiting for the Spencer family to fall." Seraphina lowered her eyes and sneered, "I can't help, and I can't help."

"So you watched helplessly as the two pillars of the empire perished, watched the Spencer family strife, and even instructed Eleanor to assist Sophia in poisoning Hein and controlling his rise." Isabel enunciated each word, her eyes sharp. "You acted as Cyril's accomplice behind the scenes, monitoring everything about the Spencer family. You even used Belle to gain access to information about the Galan Temple. So... how could you not know that Georgiana survived the explosion five years ago?"

Seraphina lowered her eyes and chuckled after a long moment.

"Yes, I know she's not dead. In that bloody scene, I recognized the person Cyril couldn't recognize."

"Why didn't you tell Cyril?"

Seraphina laughed self-deprecatingly and said, "Of course, it's because I'm a complete profit-seeker. I told you, I don't feel guilty towards anyone, and I certainly don't have any unnecessary compassion."

"I didn't tell Cyril because I knew Georgiana would be the hidden enemy. Do you think my alliance with the Church is that strong? Twenty years ago, we were able to unite against the Duke's Palace. Twenty years later, I can use you to deal with the Church. You see, things are indeed developing in the direction I expected. The divine tower that weighed down the empire has finally fallen..."

Seraphina stared out the window in a trance.

"But the sacred tower fell and the sun set."

She asked softly, "Back to what I said at the beginning, I'm actually very glad that you confirmed the existence of 'God'."

"At least this makes me feel relieved. It's not that I didn't try my best to climb, but that 'God' wrote my failure."

On the windowsill, a butterfly landed outside the glass window, flapping its wings and trying to get inside, but it couldn't get through the transparent wall.

Is it also wondering, having tried its best to stand at the highest peak, why can't it break through the limitations of fate?

The butterfly could not see through the transparent window, just as she could not escape from the chessboard of the Creator.

The butterfly was reflected in Seraphina's eyes, and she smiled softly, "God has chosen you, and I no longer have the strength to challenge fate. This life ends here."

She slowly raised the firearm. There was one last bullet left in it, which was for herself.

Just as he was about to pull the trigger, Isabel's voice rang out.

"You have one last choice."

She forcefully pried open Seraphina's wrist, handed her a document, and said slowly, "You've been fighting the world with all your might, but you decided to leave so hastily?"

Seraphina was stunned. She looked at the document and signed her name, her face expressionless. "The peace talks have concluded. Are you satisfied now?"

"You've clearly witnessed a higher power, capable of changing everything with a wave of your hand. Do you still find these trivialities of the mortal world meaningful? Or are you, like Cyril, enjoying the worship of lesser creatures, who deem you a true god?" Seraphina stared at Isabel. "I really want to know what the so-called gods think."

Isabel calmly put away the negotiation documents and suddenly said, "001, come out."

Fat Book, emitting golden light, appeared with wings flapping. "Host, what can I do for you?"

Seraphina could not see the existence of the system, and could only see Isabel talking to the air.

But she soon realized that the other party was summoning that god!

Isabel observed the appearance of 001 and casually drew its outline on a piece of paper - a book with wings, no nose or eyes, and very solid.

"This is what the god you admire looks like." Isabel held the painting in front of Serafina. "Do you still think it's majestic?"

Seraphina thought of many appearances, even tried to imagine Cyril, but she could never imagine it was a book.

She was dumbfounded, and after a long pause, she said, "Gods may look different from us, but their power is enough."

Isabel sneered, grabbed 001 with her bare hands, and squeezed it until it squeaked.

"Host! Ugh! Let me go! Please don't bully the system!"

Isabel pretended not to hear. She looked at Seraphina and said calmly, "I don't want to deny your faith, nor do I deny that fate has its own predetermined trajectory, because there is no answer to this question."

"Yes, the 001 system you saw, the 'Creator' who bestowed Cyril with divine power, is indeed a higher-dimensional species. It seems to control the fate of all of us and can elevate Cyril to a deity. In your perception, it is also it that allowed me to defeat you."

"But have you ever considered whether there's another, higher-dimensional Creator above 001? 001, which controls our fate, is also manipulated by Him at will," Isabel said calmly. "You asked me why I, despite possessing 'divine power', still focus on trivialities. Of course, it's because these trivialities are my life."

Seraphina was slightly startled.

"We can't fathom the profound concept of fate, let alone whether there's life beyond it." Isabel looked at the surprisingly silent 001, flipping through its pages and raising an eyebrow. "Look, perhaps our world is a book, and your so-called thoughts are just a gift from 'fate.' Are you going to give up just because of that?"

Seraphina was lost for a moment. She laughed blankly. "If I don't give up, what else can I do? Just go with the flow? Isn't that the same as fate pushing me to the end?"

"Yes, fate will determine your ending, but you will know nothing about it until you reach the end. If you don't believe me, try it now."

"You have two choices. One, end your life with a firearm, becoming a queen who shines briefly in history, dying on the eve of a great change." Isabel took out the document again and turned a page. The content surprised Seraphina. "Two, sign another document and pass a special bill—"

Following the voice, Seraphina's eyes quickly scanned the text.

The above content was brief, but it was enough to make her heart explode.

That act was - declaring that every female citizen had the right to vote.

Isabelle looked down at Seraphina, gazing into her eyes.

"Seraphina, I do not judge your personal virtues. Judging solely by your achievements, you are a rare female monarch in Ceylon, and indeed in the world. You fought fiercely in a man's game and ultimately prevailed. Therefore, your value is in no way diminished simply because the so-called 'God' did not choose you."

"You have reached the highest position, making you the most suitable person to pass this bill, especially since you still hold the final say. Therefore, if you wish, your alternative fate is to become a king remembered by countless people."

"Do you still think that your fate is predetermined?" Isabel said calmly, "You are standing at a crossroads. It all depends on your choice."

Seraphina was silent for a long time, staring at the documents without saying a word.

"Why give me this achievement? As you said, isn't the meaning of life to leave a mark on this world?" Seraphina's voice was dry. "Give you a little more time, and you can replace me as queen, or rule another system."

"My life's meaning isn't this." Isabel straightened up, her expression indifferent. "Have you thought about it?"

To be honest, faced with this document, Seraphina had no reason to refuse.

Even if she is destined to end with the times, before the monarchy leaves the stage, Seraphina will leave behind a history that belongs to her.

She had hoped to stay at the pinnacle of power for a little longer.

She thought that this way her footprints would be deeper and farther, proving her glory in this world.

But it was not until she saw this document that Seraphina suddenly realized that remaining in the hearts of future generations might be more meaningful than existing in the rigid historical notes.

She raised her hand and signed her name neatly.

By the window, a butterfly gave up trying to break through the transparent window and danced in the sunlight. It could never cross the chasm, but it could bloom the brilliance of life in the sunset.

Isabel walked away with the documents in her hand. When she reached the door, she suddenly turned around.

"Oh, I forgot to mention it." Her eyes were calm. "Eleanor was brought to trial, and she identified you as the mastermind behind this."

Seraphina's expression was calm. "My merits are my merits, and my faults are my faults. Once the bill is finalized, I will actively accept the ruling."

Isabel said no more, but did not leave immediately.

She thought of something and suddenly took something out of her arms and threw it to Seraphina.

The latter took it unexpectedly, looked down, and was stunned - it was an ancient lily of the valley hair ornament.

Isabel's voice rang in my ears, "After being judged by the law, you should also be tortured by your conscience. Although I don't know if this will make you sad."

Seraphina was still in a daze, unconsciously stroking the hair ornament in her hand - the familiar lily of the valley pattern was the same as the other one in her arms, gently pieced together, a perfect pair.

This was a token given to Georgiana by her elder sister Seraphina before she went to the Temple of the Holy Sepulchre. The two sisters each got half.

"Georgina never said a bad word about you until her death." Isabel's eyes were mocking. "Do you really think she's stupid? Do you think she can't see that you're using her? Do you think she can't see what you and Cyril are up to? Do you think..."

She took a deep breath and said slowly, "She can't see the sincerity behind your pretense? Because of this sincerity that even you are unwilling to admit, she is willing to treat you as a sister until her death."

Seraphina clenched her fingers as hard as she could and closed her eyes, but her eyelids trembled slightly.

The sincerity in the pretense...

Yes, in her world of power, where exploitation was the only thing to be exploited, what did the little sincerity born of their mutual dependence mean? Even she herself was deliberately forgetting, at least forgetting her original intention of climbing, which was to rebel against her brothers and sisters and to lead a more comfortable life with this little girl.

But as we walked, everything changed.

——If only we could take advantage of it.

She could sink into hell calmly without being tormented by guilt.

The sun had completely set, and in the dim light, Seraphina raised her head and looked at the sky sadly.

-

In the corridor of the Council Chamber, Isabel looked into the distance, at the horizon.

System 001 suddenly appeared, flapping its wings. "Host, you can gain a lot of points by becoming the Queen. It would be a shame to give it up."

Isabel tugged at the system's wings and said calmly, "Why is it a pity?"

"Points can grant any wish." The system paused, pages rustling and flickering, and light flashed. "According to the test, you come from another world. The wish includes helping you return to your original world."

"I don't want to go back." Isabel said lightly.

The system was silent for two seconds, then said, "So you want to become the savior of this world like Cyril or Seraphina? Then I can do that too..."

"001." Isabel suddenly interrupted him and said calmly, "Have you ever thought about where you come from?"

"001 comes from the main system world, shouldering a rescue mission, and needs to be bound..."

"Where does your main world come from?" Isabel interrupted again.

001's pages flipped, and then fell silent again: "I'm sorry, host, this question is beyond my understanding."

Isabel chuckled: "You don't know where your main system comes from, nor do you know why you want to save the world, so why are you so obsessed with binding me to become the savior?"

The system froze.

"Savior, what an arrogant title." Isabel looked calmly into the distance. The machines in Haddonfield's factory roared, and workers were leaving their shifts in groups.

"You see, this world was not changed by me or by Cyril, but by them, by everyone living on this land."

"But if you don't promote institutional change, the times won't progress," the system retorted.

Isabel sneered: "My role is not that big. Even if I am not there, there will be others."

She looked into the distance. "If I'm not mistaken, in Cyril's ever-repeating cycle, although the process is different, the times have still reached this point, right?"

System 001 was stunned again. "Yes."

Isabel lowered her eyes, remembering the dream she had when she first arrived in Chalvez—in it, Heinrich had returned Audrey to the Norman estate. She imagined the outcome would be similar: he'd still break into the Temple of the Holy Land, or die on the way. While Seraphina held power, new capitalists like Hermann were also rising, a tide that was unstoppable...

And in this cycle, the new "Isabelle" was pulled into this world by another force, starting a different story.

As the new Isabel, she couldn't tell if the characters in those previous storylines were actually herself, just as she couldn't predict where her own destiny would lead.

The system seemed to be lost in thought about the ultimate nature of the universe, and it took a long time for it to speak.

"Host, what if we were all created by another higher-dimensional creator? Wouldn't you feel hopeless?" Fat Book drooped his head, unable to turn the pages, and said dejectedly, "I'm a little tired of going to work."

Isabel laughed out loud and helped 001 close the book, her eyes calm.

"You can despair, but you can't stop working." Her gaze wandered in mid-air, suddenly locking onto a certain spot, and she smiled: "After all, maybe... there's a group of higher-dimensional creators watching our fate right now."

The system was horrified and the pages of the book exploded.

“Ahhhh!”

Isabel chuckled and slowly walked away.

"So what? Who knows if there are other beings from even higher dimensions behind the higher-dimensional Creator?"

"The meaning of life lies in experience," she said. "Even if my fate is truly just a string of words, as long as I have felt and experienced it, then that is a real and vivid life."

The system suddenly became quiet and fell into thought.

Isabel ignored it and just walked forward.

In the clear yellow sky, at the end of the sight, Audrey was calling out "Sister," Heinrich waved his hand unwillingly, and Hermann stared at them in silence. Behind them stood the Norman family and the Chengzhi Society.

Her family, lovers and friends are all waiting for her return.

With a smile in her ice-blue eyes, Isabel walked towards her whole world.

The main text is over.

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The author has something to say: The main text ends here!

The main plot is over, and the extra chapter begins with sweet daily life.

Collect your thoughts in the comments~

In addition, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the readers who have always been with me and supported me. I had a lot of words in mind before the end, but now I can't think of anything. All I can say is thank you. I am well aware of my shortcomings, so I sincerely thank everyone for your tolerance and for allowing me to persist in finishing this story. The plot designed in the outline has been fully presented. Of course, there must be many problems, such as not enough emotional scenes and too many plots. Or the pacing is slow, etc. I can realize this myself, but based on my current writing ability, I have indeed tried my best, hahahaha. Anyway, the goal of achieving each book is "no regrets"! I strive to make each book better and better. [Haha laugh][Haha laugh]

Okay! I haven't said goodbye yet! See you in the sequel! I'm going to take a two-day break. You guys can order food while I write.