As Jenny and Machi made their way towards the cafeteria, their steps synchronized in determination, a sudden disturbance shattered their unity. Guards materialized, their presence a stark reminder of the prison's unforgiving grip.
In an instant, Machi was forcibly separated from Jenny, his form swallowed by the sea of uniforms. Panic gripped Machi's heart, his eyes desperately searching for her familiar face amidst the chaos.
But fate had a different plan for him. The guards led him down a labyrinthine corridor, their grip unyielding until they arrived at a circular room adorned with intricate murals. And there, standing before him, was none other than Lady Lily Hemlock herself.
Machi's gaze hardened as he confronted the enigmatic figure before him. Lady Lily, her demeanor as mysterious as ever, spoke with an air of calculated certainty.
"Machi, my dear General, I must warn you," she began, her voice laced with a twisted blend of amusement and malice. "Your friend Jenny, she will betray you."
Machi's brows furrowed in disbelief, his loyalty to Jenny unwavering. "You speak lies, Lady Lily. Jenny would never betray me."
A wicked smile tugged at the corners of Lady Lily's lips. "Oh, Machi, you underestimate the allure of family ties. Jenny will be offered a deal, an opportunity to see her long-lost sister. In exchange, she will be tasked with sabotaging your progress."
Machi's fists clenched, a mixture of anger and disbelief surging through him. "I refuse to believe such deceit. Jenny is true to her heart, and her loyalty lies with our cause."
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Lady Lily's eyes gleamed with a twisted pleasure as she stepped closer. "Ah, Machi, you may be right. Perhaps she will resist the temptation. But mark my words, the day you see my face unmasked, that's when chaos will descend upon your world."
The weight of Lady Lily's words lingered in the air, etching themselves into Machi's mind. Doubt crept into his thoughts, mingling with his unwavering trust in Jenny. The tantalizing possibility of treachery danced on the periphery of his consciousness.
With a final smug smile, Lady Lily retreated into the shadows, leaving Machi to grapple with the seed of doubt she had planted. He vowed to remain vigilant, to trust in Jenny's unwavering loyalty, even in the face of Lady Lily's unsettling warnings.
As Machi was escorted back to the entrance of the cafeteria, his mind raced with conflicting thoughts. What if Lady Lily's words held a grain of truth? What if the allure of reuniting with her sister proved too powerful for Jenny to resist?
As Machi stood at the entrance of the cafeteria, his heart still heavy with Lady Lily's haunting words, Jenny emerged from the crowd of returning prisoners. Concern etched across her face, she approached Machi with a sense of urgency.
"Machi, are you alright?" Jenny's voice carried a hint of worry, her eyes searching his face for any signs of distress.
Machi mustered a reassuring smile, masking the turmoil within. "I'm fine, Jenny. The guards just wanted to flex their power. Nothing to worry about."
Jenny's brows furrowed, her concern lingering. "Are you sure? They didn't do anything to you?"
Machi shook his head, his voice filled with conviction. "No, they didn't lay a finger on me. We shouldn't let their intimidation get to us. Let's just go in and grab something to eat."
Sensing his resolve, Jenny nodded, her expression softening. "You're right, Machi. We can't let them shake us. Let's focus on refueling ourselves. We have a long journey ahead."
With a shared understanding, Machi and Jenny entered the bustling cafeteria, the noise and clatter a temporary distraction from the weight of their current predicament. As they found a table and settled into their seats, the aroma of the food filled the air, momentarily easing their troubled minds.