Two weeks ago.
Shinta was forcefully taken from Utopia City. When she woke up, she found herself inside a Serpent faction warship. As a princess of the Ouroboros faction, she was given one of the best quarters on the ship, complete with a proper bed, food, and the companionship of Magus Annara, who was allowed to stay with her.
"To think they even sent a brigade to take me… maybe I should feel honored," Shinta said with a slight chuckle.
Annara, however, was far from amused. Despite their relative comfort and the freedom to move within certain confines, the last few days had been frustrating for her. She had tried every means at her disposal to contact the queen—through diplomacy, trickery, and even considering force—but she knew better than to confront the grand magus figure leading the brigade.
"There's no need to try anymore, Auntie. I'm sure everyone already knows what happened," Shinta said, her voice tinged with resignation.