The battle for the castle concluded with Roland's demise.

Melannis, on his behalf, announced their surrender, leading to the legal dissolution of the independent barony of Minhausen, which then became a territory under the StarGazers.

Egilina, adhering to noble etiquette, placed Roland and Melannis under house arrest in their bedroom.

As for Granni, who had inflicted severe injuries on her, she was "furious" and had her thrown into the dungeon, while also sending people to pursue the fleeing Lana and Julie.

She didn't consult Roland on how to handle these two maids.

They had to die; they knew too much. They were familiar with Roland's moods, interests and habits. These two threats could lead to potential dangers.

Egilina was indifferent to the fate of two maids, but Roland was an investment she valued, and she didn't want it to go to waste. She could handle such trivial matters without troubling Roland. She would inform Roland of their deaths after executing the maids.

Egilina hoped Roland would understand that betrayal is betrayal. It should never be forgiven.

Exiting the castle hall, a Special Operations member approached hurriedly and reported to Egilina:

"Miss Xaki, that barbarian girl refuses to eat anything. She overturned the food pail no matter how we persuade her to."

"Did you tell her we don't plan to kill her master?"

"Yes, but she doesn't believe it. She insists on seeing Baron of Minhausen before she'll eat."

"Such a stubborn girl. Roland can't have visitors. Are all barbarians this inflexible?"

Egilina laughed at her own remark.

When it comes to talking about Granni, Egilina felt a twinge of pain in her shoulder. During the battle, a moment's distraction led to her being injured by a simple charge from barbarian maid. Without intervention, she might have been killed on the spot. Granni's ferocity still frightened her.

Master Stevenson had often said, specialization is the key; no one can master all combat techniques. As a caster, she shouldn't engage in melee with warriors, yet she had been careless.

Dueling Roland was scripted and safe, but Granni didn't indulge her weaknesses.

Egilina felt a surge of resentment. She waved the Special Operations member away, aware that imprisoning Granni in the dungeon was partly for show but also largely personal vendetta.

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After a moment's hesitation, she headed towards the dungeon. The neglected Minhausen dungeon reeked of mold upon which Egilina frowned.

The guards saluted as she approached. She nodded and returned the salute.

"How is the prisoner?"

"She hasn't eaten in two days."

Under her commands, soldiers hurriedly brought the bread and cooked meat and opened the dungeon door.

The stench was even worse inside. Several large rats scurried out, startling Egilina, who instinctively cast Star Magic: Annihilation. The rats, fortunate in a past life, received the same treatment as Roland Galaxia and died instantly. The vast power gap made the success rate of instant death nearly 100%.

The rats didn't even squeak before dying.

Women's aversion to rats is deep-seated; after exterminating them with a fourth-tier spell, Egilina breathed easier, her heart calming. She cleared her throat, tidied her hair, and approached Granni's cell.

Granni sat quietly in a corner, expressionless. Egilina stood at the cell door and mocked:

"Granni, how have you been these days?"

Granni glanced at Egilina, then turned away, continuing to ignore her presence.

"How did you suddenly become so much stronger on the battlefield?"

Granni remained silent.

"What a pity. You have great power, yet you are dumb."

Such words would hurt others, but not Granni. She could calmly retort.

"I am indeed not intelligent. If I were smarter, I would've warned my master against you, a malicious woman."

Egilina got angry. She did everything for Roland's benefit; how was she malicious? Even the script was Roland's idea.

"Never mind. Just to let you know, I won't harm your master; I even see a bright future for him."

Granni's eyes brightened slightly. She looked at Egilina wearily, "Then let him go. I injured you, not my master."

"Don't you want to leave?"

"I do, but I know it's impossible. Since I injured you in front of many, you won't let me go."

Granni accepted her fate.

"Egilina, for my master's sake, grant me a quick death."

"Of course, you're different from those fools. Loyalty and bravery deserve respect."

Egilina passed in black bread and food, along with a potion.

"Eat first, then take the poison."

Granni looked at Egilina without hesitation, started eating the bread.

"Meat for my last meal, thank you."

Egilina was amused by Granni's simplicity. Granni didn't speak but kept eating. For a barbarian, hearty meat was the best food. Although cold, the chef's skills made it delicious. Granni quickly finished the dish, licked the plate, savored the moment, then opened the potion and drank it.

After downing the poison, she closed her eyes, quietly awaiting death. Watching Granni's calm demeanor, Egilina suddenly thought she wasn't dumb. She lived simply and did not overthink.

On the battlefield, she fought fearlessly to protect her master. In the dungeon, she calmly embraced death.

A dignified death. Not many can embrace death like Granni.

Egilina felt a newfound respect for the simple-minded yet strong and loyal barbarian girl.

After a while, Granni opened her eyes, surprised, touching her full belly.

"Does your poison work? Why am I not dead yet?"

"Are you that eager to die?"

"Not really. Though I honor death, staying alive is better."

Granni was honest as always.

"If you're not in a hurry to die, come with me. There's a spectacle to witness."

Granni was puzzled but, seeing the cell door open, finally believed she wouldn't die soon.

"How will you deal with my master?"

"That's for Master Stevenson to decide, but it'll likely be a good outcome. If all goes well, he'll become a Star Mage."

"What's that?" Granni was confused.

"Roughly equivalent to a viscount. Simply put, your master is being promoted."

Titles were complex for Granni, but she understood promotions.

She jumped excitedly, looking at Egilina, smiling.

"Egilina, you better not be lying to me."

"What benefit would lying to you bring? Come with me; I have two people to execute. They are your acquitances."