The interrogator stepped out of Xila’s interrogation room, her expression subtly shifted.

“Hah…” Belle tied back her raven-black hair, her cerulean eyes fixed on the Calamity Witch’s cell nearby. Her face was grave.

“Did that Demonfolk spy confess everything?” Tia approached just then, glancing at her. “Belle Friedrich—with your interrogation skills, prying open her mouth should be effortless.”

Though the Empire of Enpearl was vast, Tia rarely visited this prison.

But Belle Friedrich’s reputation preceded her—even Tia had heard the tales.

Rumors said Belle had joined the prison with top honors and field expertise. Starting as a rookie, she’d risen to Chief Interrogator in mere months.

No matter how tight-lipped or iron-willed the target, none lasted an hour under her. They’d break down sobbing, spilling every secret.

And not once had a prisoner under her watch met an “accident.”

Because Belle wasn’t just sharp-tongued—she wielded terrifying strength. She’d single-handedly quelled over a hundred prison riots, even repelling a small-scale Demonfolk invasion alone.

Tia had once remarked that such talent deserved a Holy Knight Commander’s medal, even without interrogation skills.

Her faith was equally unshakable!

Belle was a devoted believer. For Holy Light and the Divine, she’d sacrifice anything—which was why she’d chosen this prison.

To crush evil!

“Zero tolerance for wickedness” defined her perfectly.

From murderers to petty thieves, Belle dealt with criminals ruthlessly. Her interrogation record boasted a 0% recidivism rate.

Though some prisoners never walked again.

Others lost a “little” weight—from psychological terror and physical… encouragement.

Roughly five kilos, box and all.

In short, Belle was the prison’s most reliable interrogator—a Sword of Damocles hanging over every criminal’s head.

“Naturally, Commander Tia,” Belle replied respectfully. “The Demonfolk prisoner Xila has confessed everything… The Calamity Witch orchestrated it all.”

“So it is her!” Tia snapped, teeth clenched. “I knew she wasn’t that simple. She’s still scheming something!”

“Shall I interrogate the Calamity Witch next, Commander?” Belle asked.

“No. Absolutely not.” Tia waved her off urgently.

“Why?”

“The Calamity Witch is an exceptionally dangerous foe,” Tia admitted reluctantly. “I hate to say this, but… even you couldn’t subdue her.”

“How can you be certain?” Belle’s gaze sharpened. “Unless… Commander Tia, have you already—”

“Yes.” Tia nodded grimly. “I won’t hide it anymore. The Calamity Witch’s power has corrupted me. Standing before her floods my mind with indescribable visions… even imagining myself pinned beneath Xia Xin—uh… just the thought makes me shudder.”

“That’s why I won’t let anyone else fall to her influence!” Tia declared. “The Holy Maiden is en route. Once she arrives, the Calamity Witch will be dealt with.”

“…Understood. If that’s your order, Commander.” Belle bowed slightly. “I’ll leave the Calamity Witch to you and the Holy Maiden. However—”

“However?”

“Given her threat level, I recommend isolating her in a solitary cell,” Belle insisted firmly. “And that Demonfolk spy—keep her separated from other inmates. Prevent any incidents.”

“I’ll consider it,” Tia nodded. “After trial, the Calamity Witch will receive special handling.”

“No consideration needed, Commander.” Belle’s voice turned steely. “She won’t be captured so easily. Until we uncover her true goal, we must prepare for the worst! We cannot let her schemes succeed!”

Her unwavering righteousness stunned Tia.

For a fleeting moment, Tia felt deep shame over her own pessimism and chaotic thoughts about the Calamity Witch.

*I need to step up too!*

“Commander Tia, I propose this,” Belle continued. “In the prison’s deepest level lies a special cell for the most heinous criminals. It’s warded by a magic circle laid by a former Holy Maiden—sealing all magic, even the Calamity Witch’s. Its walls are unbreakable.”

“No magic for the Calamity Witch!” Tia’s eyes lit up.

If the witch couldn’t use magic, the curse on her body would fade too.

Then, facing a powerless, helpless Calamity Witch… heh…

Nothing to fear anymore!

A flicker of excitement even sparked in Tia’s chest.

“The Calamity Witch…” Belle clenched a fist over her heart. “Her existence has claimed countless lives. I absolutely… absolutely cannot allow such evil to walk this world freely. I will show her no mercy.”

Tia was awestruck by Belle’s gaze.

Her blazing sense of justice outshone her own!

“Then it’s settled!” Tia clapped Belle’s shoulder. “I’m entrusting the Calamity Witch entirely to you. I have high hopes!”

Tia even wanted to recruit her into the Holy Knights immediately—as her deputy… perhaps even her successor someday! The next Holy Knight Commander!

She could fully trust Belle with the Calamity Witch too.

Not even the witch’s magic or mind games could corrupt this righteous interrogator!

“My heart and actions are as clear as a mirror; all I do is justice,” Belle vowed solemnly. “Rest assured, Commander Tia—I won’t fail you.”