CH 152-165

Chapter 14: For Those Who Were Lost

After the urgent succession ceremony was over, Arandier led Ashiel and his party to a room in the Northern Palace.

In that room…

“…Your Majesty the Grand Duke!”

…Devon, the assistant of the previous grand duke, was waiting for them.

He was being treated for his injuries, and as soon as he saw Ashiel, he fell to his knees mournfully.

“I will pay for the sin of failing to protect your predecessor with death!”

“……”

“…It’s the Nacht family’s business, so take care of it. But not now. Don’t you have something to report?”

Arandier coldly cut in.

At first glance, one might wonder why she did so, but Sienna noticed.

That was, so that Ashiel’s heart, which had only been able to understand his father’s death with his head and took over as heir as he had been educated, would not be shaken in this unsafe place.

It was to block external factors that attacked emotionally in advance.

“…Yes, yes. Your Highness the Crown Princess. Thank you.”

Devon also noticed that fact and cleaned up his expression. He was supported to his seat. After sitting down, he opened his mouth.

“First of all, the Grand Duke Prior has completed the offshore barrier.”

Devon pulled something like a knot ornament from his arms.

His injured hand trembled, and as he dropped it on the table, there was a rattling and hollow sound.

Sienna recognized it at once.

‘That’s…’

It was the self-defense amulet that she gave to the grand duke.

“His Majesty the Grand Duke Prior had exhausted all his magical powers, but at the last moment… he completed the barrier by exploding the purification power contained in this self-defense amulet.”

“…Even then, he is a great man.”

Arandier mumbled, biting her tongue.

“It’s like a guy who doesn’t know how to die if he doesn’t do a little bit of duty.”

“Yes. But… even though the Grand Duke Prior did his best, the surrounding area was so polluted…”

In a place that used to be a battlefield, people and demons were entangled and died, creating a huge pool of blood.

“If the purification power contained in the amulet of self-defense had not been that of Lady Sienna’s, it probably would not have been possible to complete the barrier.”

It was a note of thanks, but Sienna didn’t respond. She just quietly shifted her eyes.

Everyone was silent for a moment. Soon Arandier murmured.

“…The barriers outside the area are unstable… So, the ominous energy that permeated the capital has not been purified yet.”

Arandier lost most of her Terraformer abilities, but was still sensitively able to detect fraud.

Sienna felt it too. Their party killed the beasts that had been hiding in the capital a while ago, and at a similar moment, the previous grand duke completed the offshore barrier with all his might, but the subdued fraud floating around the outskirts was still the same.

‘…It’s not resolved.’

In the Northern Palace, away from the Central Palace which was the center of the confrontation world, such a phenomenon could be felt more clearly.

“I sent someone a while ago to investigate, and they said that the slums are still infested with rats and that people are groaning from illness.”

“Then…”

“If it was a disease carried by the beast you killed, it should have started to slowly resolve as soon as the beast was extinguished. And if it was a problem in the confrontation world, it should have taken effect the moment the offshore barrier was completed…”

“It means there is a problem somewhere. We’re… we’re barking up the wrong tree.”

“I’m afraid so.”

Arandier asked Devon again.

“He completed the barrier?”

“Yes that’s right.”

“Hmm, then…”

Arandier was lost in thought, not even thinking about taking out a cigarette after a long time.

After a while.

“…Count Ysent, did you say that you were the one who made that amulet?”

“Yes, Your Highness. I made it.”

“The barrier has been completed. So, I think that the circuit was not working properly as the barrier is finally completed with your purification power.”

“I think so.”

“In this case, the solution is simple.”

Sienna nodded her head. It was something she had guessed too.

“I will go over and circle the barrier drawn by the Grand Duke Prior, and apply magical powers.”

What Sienna was about to do now was to refill the barrier’s magic by following the sketch drawn by the grand duke.

“It will be much easier than the first time.”

“Yes, but it’s too dangerous!”

Even if the job was easy, it would be a long business trip to the border area facing the outside world, and as it was the border area, attacks by magical beasts would be frequent.

“…I’ll go with you.”

“No, Brother!”

Ashiel, who knew he couldn’t stop Sienna, said so. Sienna also nodded her head.

“Then I’ll prepare right now…”

“No. There’s no need to go back so chaotically.”

“…Yes?”

Sienna and Ashiel were bewildered at Arrandier’s assertion.

Was it complicated to go back?

“Is there any other way?”

Arandier nodded her head in response to Ashiel’s question.

“There is a way.”

“Don’t tell me, Aunty.”

The sharp Michael looked a bit tired as if he had noticed something.

“It’s not what I thought, is it?”

“It’s probably what you’re thinking.”

“Ah, Aunty!”

“You’re noisy, you bastard. It hurts my ears.”

Arandier, having found some time to relax and tease her nephew, pulled out a cigarette. Then, as if she had suddenly remembered, she offered Sienna a cigarette of hers.

“…Your Highness?”

“Take it. Sooner or later, Count Ysent, there will come a moment when you need this too.”

Sienna was bewildered, but since it was given by the crown princess, she took it.

“Aunty, if that’s really what I think it is, it’s not going to work. Do you know how much they’ll be attacked?”

“…I’m against it.”

“I don’t understand. Why are you acting like you guys have the power to decide?”

Arandier laughed as she spit out smoke.

“The decision rests with Count Ysent. Isn’t that right?”

“No, but that’s…”

The two men, very sensitive to violations of Sienna’s rights and extremely careful not to make such a mistake, were forced to bite their tongues and keep their mouths shut.

Arandier looked straight at Sienna, breathing out smoke leisurely.

“Count Ysent.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

How difficult was it for Michael to react like that?

But Sienna didn’t mind if it was difficult.

To be honest, since she witnessed the death of the grand duke, she felt like she should do anything for the legacy he left behind…

“I think you should manage the confrontation world.”

“…Yes?”

What the hell was that?

Arandier began to explain to the dumbfounded Sienna in a simple way.

“The offshore barrier is something that interlocks with the confrontation world like the gears of a clock. If the circuit is blocked for some reason, it is enough to activate the confrontation world from the side by supplying magical power.”

“But, Your Highness the Crown Princess…”

Sienna couldn’t hide her stunned expression.

Even Sienna knew that principle. But it wasn’t the principle that mattered now.

“In order to activate the confrontation world, you must enter the room of the confrontation world where His Majesty the Emperor is now sleeping in.”

As Ashiel said, the room, the core of the barrier, was in fact called the ‘Room of Succession’ as only the immediate imperial family could enter.

Sienna hastily replied/

“It is a disgrace, Your Highness, I am not an heir, let alone an imperial family member. But how…”

“I know. But you are the only Terraformer powerful enough to activate the confrontation world. In our time, right now, here.”

“Aunty, no, Your Highness the Crown Princess. Even if she can enter the heir’s room… if that’s the case…”

Arandier had lost most of her purifying power as a Terraformer after the loss of her husband and son a long time ago.

And so far, that fact has been left unanswered.

But in order for Sienna to enter the room of the confrontation world, Arandier had to at least ‘officially’ admit that she couldn’t do it.

It was the imperial family that had powerful Terraformers from generation to generation, which was the core of legitimacy, and maintained the confrontation world with purification power.

Being broken as a Terraformer was such a big flaw that even if a rebellion occurred, there was nothing she could say.

“Michael, those rascals gathered in the Central Palace aren’t fools. They’re probably guessing.”

“Isn’t there a difference between just guessing secretly and admitting it officially?

“So, should we all die together now?”

Arandier spit out the cigarette she had been chewing, sharply questioning him.

“Are you going to preserve what your father, until his death, left behind in the Empire?”

“That’s… so…”

Alas, Michael clutched his hair while making an unidentifiable noise.

Arandier beckoned to Sienna again.

“Anyway, Count Ysent. This is the situation, but the decision rests with you. If you want to smoke one and decide, you can do so.”

“No. It’s fine, but I…”

Sienna looked down at the table with a complicated expression.

The day was too long. The various events that had taken place since morning and the peaceful sleeping face of the grand duke were mixed together — her heart was disturbed.

Although she did not speak, the shock that the self-defense amulet she was connected to was destroyed was also considerable. To the extent that she couldn’t fully understand the story Arandier and Michael were talking about right now.

“…Is it okay if I go outside for a moment to cool off and come back and talk to you?”

Arandier nodded her head in approval.

“Hey, where…”

“I’ll be going by myself, so please stay here. As my knight.”

When Michael, who was talking as if he would follow, was firmly separated, Ashiel gave a desperate look.

But Sienna just took a glimpse of it and walked out the door alone.

* * *

The Northern Palace was the emperor’s palace even though it was rarely used.

Cleanliness was perfect. However, there was a strong sense of melancholy particular to a space that had not been inhabited for a long time.

Sienna wandered aimlessly down the hallway and headed out into the garden towards the terrace.

The moment she saw a bench over there and sat there trying to organize her thoughts…

“I see you here, Lady of Spring.”

A voice she shouldn’t have heard came from behind her.

A soft voice, like writing a poem with a unique rhyme.

“…Duke Euros.”

Sienna slowly turned her back.

A handsome man with silver hair that glistened in the moonlight was smiling softly.

“You can call me Tesius.”

As if this moment was so fun.

Sienna pretended to be indifferent, and she took a step back from him and saluted politely. Then she asked,

“Is the meeting over?”

“No. Everyone seems to have a lot to say tonight.”

“Then why…”

“I came out saying I was going to the bathroom.”

He seemed to be sarcastically using Admiral Ferrato’s ridiculous excuse.

‘Besides, not only that…’

Sienna frowned slightly. Today, from the Duke of Euros, something like a dark presence was emanating, stingingly, unlike usual.

‘To put it bluntly, the same thing I met the beast before…’

‘…No way?’

Sienna instantly measured how far away she was from the group. Fortunately, she didn’t go very far.

And this place was close to the center of the confrontation world.

‘If he’s going to do something… I can dodge or counterattack well enough.’

…She thought it would be okay to continue this conversation for a while.

‘Until I get a clue as to the identity of this guy.’

With that determination, Sienna opened her mouth.

“…You wouldn’t have to come all the way to the Northern Palace from the Central Palace to use the bathroom.”

“Tonight’s Lady of Spring, excuse me. Have you become a goddess now?”

Duke Euros said with a smile.

“You seem to be in a bad mood. You’re pretending you don’t know that I came out with an excuse to meet you.”

Suddenly, Sienna realized why she hated being called the ‘Goddess of Spring’.

It wasn’t because she was uncomfortable with an excessive title.

It was because of this man.

“Actually, I was curious about the owner of the new Named. I wondered what kind of person it was…. You’re literally like a spring girl who came to the bottom of the earth.”

“Then I wish you good luck, Lady of Spring.”

Because Tesius Euros was the first to call her in association with spring.

‘What’s even worse is…’

It was the fact that Sienna was able to achieve the garden of spring as he said.

Was that really…

Was it a coincidence?

Sienna didn’t show her vigilance, and on the surface she simply stared blankly at the Duke of Euros.

It could have been a bit rude, but Duke Euros only faced Sienna like that, calmly and with a small smile like that of a doll.

[Sienna.]

Then, Hesaros opened his mouth.

[Be careful. Man, something is strange. I smell dead things.]

On Hesaros’ advice, Sienna also recalled something.

‘…Hesaros, didn’t you say before that through prophecy, one might know in advance that I will become the owner of Hesaros?’

[Hmm? That happened.]

It was said that there was little prophetic power left on the land of men.

But, what if there was prophetic power left in the land of magical beasts, so he knew in advance of the birth of Sienna Hesaros?

Siena looked into Duke Euros’ blue eyes. Initially, the eyes that sparkled like grains of glass looked friendly because of its smile.

However, the more she faced him, a still-life painting or a painting-like smile that did not change at all, the sense of incongruity became more pronounced.

“…To correct one thing first, I’m not the Lady of Spring or Goddess, I’m a ‘Master’.”

Besides, those twinkling blue eyes could be just grains of glass.

An empty glass grain shell, covered up to hide its identity.

“I understand that people are confused by deceiving their own existence, but don’t confuse other people’s honorable titles. This is the basic skill of a nobleman.”

“Oh my, is it?”

“If you don’t want to be found out that you came from the outside world, you should know now.”

I know you are from outside the world.

It was a statement that could have been shocking, but Duke Euros only asked back flatly with a soft, draining face.

“Since when did you know?”

Sienna stared at him instead of answering. Duke Euros said “Yes”, and burst out laughing.

“Well, that doesn’t really matter. It was the truth that I was going to confess to you here today anyway.”

“…….”

“Yeah, I’m from outside the world. And today, I’m here to make an offer to you.”

“I’m sorry, but I’ll refuse.”

Next to Sienna, the flames of Hesaros lit up. Flames enveloped Sienna, flickering threateningly towards Euros.

Whoosh!

At first glance, in the heat of the flames, an uncomfortable expression passed over Duke Euros’ face, even for a moment.

But it was really only a moment. He spoke softly again with a smooth smile on his face.

“I’m not going to hurt you. Why don’t you just listen?”

“…….”

“Let’s get this out of the way and we’ll continue the story. I’m sure it’ll be quite interesting for you as well.”

She wanted to say no at once, but now she needed information.

Reluctantly, Sienna had no choice but to raise her hand and extinguish the flames of Hesaros.

Duke Euros then raised a respectful greeting and said, as if to a partner before dancing.

“Well done. Now, the King of the Outside World asks the Lady of Spring. Would you like to rule the new world I’m going to create with me?”

“……!”

Outside world… king?

Sienna was silently startled.

She guessed that his true identity could be a beast or an Epic, but a king?

Tesius Euros was not a traitor. He was simply a being from the outside world.

That alone was surprising, the king.

As the surprise subsided, hatred and resentment slowly lifted their heads.

“You…”

Because of you?

“Listen to me for once. I’m not here to destroy the human world, I’m here to talk about coexistence.”

“…Coexistence?”

“Yes. And I found you. Someone I want to talk to.”

“….…”

Duke Euros extended his hand to Sienna.

“Now, why don’t we establish a new world order and rule it together?”

Duke Euros’ voice was sweet.

If she was a girl with a lot of dreams, she could forget about the circumstances behind it and be captivated by it even for a moment.

But Sienna didn’t let it slide easily.

“A new world order?”

“Yes. We don’t always have to be hostile to each other, right?”

Duke Euros laughed softly.

“Actually, even the beasts don’t intend to eat all the humans in the world. That’s how we, too, will only lose our prey and be annihilated.”

He no longer hid his identity. He seemed to have no doubts that he could seduce Sienna.

“It only takes a little bit. They don’t have to be high-status or beautiful people. There are a lot of people in this world who aren’t that important.”

“…so you caught orphans and let Loreina Minangsi absorb them?”

“To be precise, they were fed.”

“……”

“Don’t look at me like that, Master of Spring. Are you going to blame the lion for eating the rabbit? Rabbits also eat roadside grass. Life goes round and round that way. We are just the top predators of humans.”

“So you’re going to make the human world a farm?”

One step closer; Duke Euros approached Sienna.

“Humans have farms full of cows and chickens, don’t they?”

“I’m not thinking of putting all the cows in the world on my farm.”

Duke Euros shrugged his shoulders.

“Actually, not everyone needs to know that the new world has arrived. It’s just you and me who will rule the new world, that’s enough.”

“……”

“Isn’t it okay to use the peaceful word ‘coexistence’?”

“You must be mistaken, but I’m a human being.”

“You’re a very attractive, strong human… you.”

Duke Euros took another step closer to Sienna.

Glass bead-like eyes and Sienna’s green eyes met from a distance.

[Sienna! Be careful, you have to back off! This bastard is bewitching you!]

Hesaros exclaimed, but Sienna was still.

[Is it too late…?!]

Hesaros tried to do something, but Sienna refused to allow him to move, perhaps because she was already enchanted.

The blue eyes of Duke Euros that were fixed on Sienna, who looked up at him without any reaction, began to show wild emotions.

Laughing with his lips wide open, Duke Euros whispered as he looked into Sienna’s eyes that were also fixed on him.

“Now… be my queen in the new world.”

“……”

“Think. Our children born from your womb will rule this peaceful world from generation to generation.”

“……”

“In that world…”

Sienna’s lips parted slowly. Duke Euros’ smile became sweeter, but…

“…Do humans become livestock?”

Ah. She hasn’t been hooked yet?

The King of Demonic Beasts whispered again, unraveling his fascination more intensely.

“Is that a big deal?”

“It seems I forgot…”

Huk, suddenly Sienna grabbed Duke Euros by the collar. Then she pulled his neck, lowered his head, and whispered in his ear.

“…I am one of those cattle, whom you invite to be queen.”

Tak, Sienna pushed Euros away. Her eyes were as clear as usual.

“…Was it a failure from the beginning?”

“Huh.”

Instead of answering, Sienna pulled out the cigarette Arandier had given her out of her pocket. Duke Euros just stared.

Sienna said, following Arandier, magically lighting the tip of a cigarette.

“I’ve heard the proposal well. There is one thing I want to say to you…”

Sienna took one step closer to Duke Euros whose collar was still crumpled. And then, huuk, she spit the smoke she inhaled from the cigarette out onto his face.

And she whispered softly.

“Shut up.”

“Oh my God…”

Duke Euros started to giggle.

His figure, enveloped in the smoke that Sienna had spit out insultingly, began to fade away as if it was real smoke.

“…You will regret it.”

Sienna sucked the cigarette once more, pointing her middle finger at the blurring figure of Euros.

Duke Euros, who became translucent, muttered just that and disappeared as it was.

Then Hesaros protested.

[Sienna, you should have said something if you hadn’t been possessed in the first place!]

“I’m sorry. I thought I have to listen to all the disgusting things he says.”

Definitely, Duke Euros said so.

‘Queen’.

And Sienna had heard it somewhere before.

“Mom! That’s what Duke Tesius said. I’m a queen. He said it could happen if we bring down this empire. Right?”

Hesaros clicked his tongue at Sienna’s explanation.

[What a cliche. Did he think that if he calls a girl a goddess or a queen when he’s flirting with her then it’s all over?]

“I don’t think it was that simple.”

[…No way?]

Hesaros realized the same thing as Sienna, and his voice grew serious.

[No, how… It would be impossible here?]

“We have to find out. Whether the guess is correct, possible or impossible.”

Sienna threw out the cigarette that had more than half remaining without regrets and rubbed it out with her foot.

“Now let’s go back.”

There was no time.

* * *

“Count Ysent, you came back earlier than expected?”

With a raised eyebrow, Arandier asked as soon as Sienna returned to the group.

“I guess what I gave was useful?”

Sienna nodded her head. And she reported quickly.

“Tesius Euros is a beast. We need to hurry. I’ll activate the confrontation world.”

The bomb Sienna had released made everyone freeze as if they had turned to ice in an instant.

“What?!”

Michael was the first to shout.

“You met him?”

Sienna nodded at Ashiel’s question.

“It seemed to be an alter ego, but I did.”

“That…”

Ashiel could barely hold back the word ‘bastard’ from coming out.

“What else did he say to you?”

“That…”

While trying to explain in detail, Sienna paused.

She was so angry at Duke Euros’ disgusting words that she was not conscious of it until now…

‘…Hesaros, did you say that Euros tried to enchant me?’

[Yes, He did. Although it failed miserably.]

Yes, Duke Euros failed.

However, he tried to seduce Sienna, and she even pulled him by the neck and whispered in his ear.

‘…If I confess straight away…’

Sienna looked into Ashiel’s red eyes. And she remembered. Ashiel’s jealousy.

‘…I can’t.’

“Well, for now, that’s not important…”

“…What happened?”

The tails of his eyes were raised up, and his tone was almost certain, as if saying ‘Something happened.’

“Stop!”

Fortunately, Arandier saved Sienna from trouble.

“Now is not the time to listen to the details. If Tesius Euros is truly a beast, he cannot be left unattended in the Central Palace.”

“The Central Palace is the heart of the confrontation world, so no matter how great a magical beast he may be, he will not be able to make a move.”

“I know. Until now, he’s been locked up in his estate and hasn’t been around the Imperial Palace. The fact that he came all the way here, you can tell that he’s a really bad guy…”

Most beasts lose power just by entering an area of the confrontation world.

The fact that Sienna and the party easily defeated a Unique, who swallowed a set of Rares today, was not only because of their strength, but also because of the fact that they fought within the sphere of influence of the confrontation world, even if it was weakened.

“But we don’t know how long His Majesty will hold out.”

Arandier nodded her head at Sienna’s words.

“Yes, so if you’ve made up your mind, there’s no need to delay. Go to the Central Palace.”

Arandier got up first, and Sienna followed suit and said,

“Your Highness the Crown Princess, please secretly secure a warrant for Loreina Minangsi. I’m not sure yet…”

If Loreina would really be a ‘Queen’, if she was going to be a ‘Queen’… She shouldn’t miss it.

Arandier nodded her head without questioning. It was because she thought that it was something difficult for Sienna to explain here, or that it was something that would take time.

‘Besides, if it’s Loreina Minangsi, she’s the ward of Tesius Euros, and she should be arrested and questioned.’

“I’ll do as you said. Now, let’s all go first.”

Michael sighed as he muttered, “How knows what will happen.” He followed his aunt and got up from his seat.

The moment Sienna tried to follow them…

“…And what exactly happened with him…”

Ashiel bowed his head and whispered in Sienna’s ear.

“I’ll listen to it, after everything is over.”

“You, again…!”

Being respectful only in times like this!

Sienna was startled, rubbing against the goosebumps in her ear. What was it now?

“What are you two doing there?”

At Michael’s words, Ashiel spoke to Sienna with a brazen face.

“Let’s get going.”

Sienna looked at Ashiel warily, but there was nothing she could do. All she could do now was to follow everyone to the Central Palace.

While heading to the Central Palace, Arandier explained.

“It is commonly known that the condition for invoking the confrontation world is ‘Kainosia’s blood’, but that is wrong.”

Strictly speaking, the confrontation world could be operated as long as it was ‘a Terraformer as powerful as the Terraformers born from the blood of Kainosia’, Arandier explained.

“Of course, it is true that only direct blood relatives can enter the core of the barrier where the emperor resides, the chamber of succession, which is the source of the confrontation world. This is a difficult problem to set a precedent.”

“Then…”

“Perhaps it won’t be easy to convince those in that conference room.”

It was necessary to activate the confrontation world in order to operate the offshore barrier as scheduled.

However, it was impossible to tell the truth in a situation where it was unknown who was in the conference room and how much was passed over.

Because he would desperately try to obstruct the completion of the offshore barrier.

“Sienna Hesaros, the reason you have to activate the confrontation world is that the condition of His Majesty the Emperor is dangerous.”

“If you do that, all the people who oppose you in touching the barrier will be ‘disloyal to the emperor’. You can also say, ‘Are you going to suck your fingers until His Majesty dies?’ and accuse them of being a traitor.”

Arandier clicked her tongue at Michael’s words.

“It’s both a disadvantage and an advantage that your brain works fast.”

“What do you mean? Of course, it’s an advantage… Ack!”

Michael, who was kicked in the shin for the first time in a long time, jumped up and screamed.

Arandier pretended to not notice and continued.

“Anyway, this is our plan.”

“Uh, Your Highness.”

“Yes?”

“…Are you okay?”

It was already irreversible, it should be done as it is, and it would be fortunate if it could be done as it is.

Nevertheless, Sienna was worried about one thing.

“If this goes on, Your Highness must admit that you are no longer a Terraformer officially…”

In a country where the fact of being a Terraformer itself becomes the legitimacy of the successor, that fact would remain a major flaw for Arandier.

Fortunately, the current emperor has no other children, so her position as heir would not be threatened…

Perhaps Arandier would have to live her whole life after this, being attacked by the weaknesses she would reveal today.

At Sienna’s words, Arandier slowly stopped walking.

“Huh, that’s amazing. Count Ysent, are you worrying about me now?”

“I’m sorry… Yes.”

Maybe the people would call her this way, even later generations.

‘Half-baked’.

Arandier snorted at Sienna’s genuinely concerned gaze…

“Fah, haha, hahaha! This is so! How funny!”

She suddenly burst into laughter.

Then she came up to Sienna…

“Wow.”

“You worthy fellow!”

Her strong hand stroked Sienna’s hair, almost like it was going through the strands.

Sienna blinked in amazement at what had suddenly happened.

‘Ah… She’s angry, isn’t she?’

In front of her eyes, Arandier was grinning and saying,

“I think I can understand why the old man was so crazy about you.”

“It’s…”

“Only Sienna.”

Arandier looked at Sienna with a somewhat friendly gaze in a corner and said,

“That’s why we should not give up the lives of this empire and countless people.”

“That’s… but…”

“Okay, that’s the end of the story. We’re almost there, so before we go in!”

Arandier removed one of the medals from his chest. It was a medal made of platinum and diamonds, like a star cluster, but there was no merit or name engraved on it, so Sienna could not identify it.

“This…”

Swiftly, Arandier fastened it to Sienna’s chest.

“I’ll explain later. Come on, let’s get out of here.”

Arandi is booming! ‘ she patted Sienna on the shoulder. And without even checking to see if the other two were following, only Siena went into the conference room.

* * *

Inside the conference hall, there was a heated atmosphere around what was going on.

But when Arandier and Sienna entered, everyone was as quiet as a dead mouse.

There, Sienna knew.

‘…It’s the Crown Princess, but they were talking about something we shouldn’t have heard.’

Still, looking around, Admiral Ferrato and some nobles were sighing with a happy expression on their faces that the crown princess had arrived.

Among them was the Count of Gildinak.

“You’re late, Your Highness.”

One of the red-faced nobles said sarcastically.

“That’s what happened.”

Arandier nodded, went to the table and sat down.

Sienna and Ashiel tried to go back to their seats, but…

“By the way, the two of you seem like you’d come back, but you came back? Plus, even Michael the Second Prince…”

‘Well. This is a fight.’

As soon as she sorted it out in her mind, the soldier, Sienna’s, lips moved wildly.

“I changed my mind after going to the bathroom.”

“I beg your pardon…?!”

The face of the old noble, who was not accustomed to the blatant insults of the military, turned red in astonishment.

“Fu-ha! Hey, what are you talking about!”

At that time, Michael, who had the attendant bring him to his seat, burst into laughter.

At the same time…

“Gee, that’s right!”

“Awesome, Count Ysent!”

“You’re speaking coolly!”

“It reminds me of my son on the borders!”

Along with Michael, a few new warlord nobles laughed out loud, so the old noble couldn’t protest even though he was huffing.

“Then, did the Grand Prince go with you?”

It was the limit of a well-bred nobleman to say this.

“You had better keep your mouth shut, Count Ketton.”

Arandier leisurely advised.

“He’s no longer the Grand Prince, because he just became the Grand Duke.”

“What…?!”

“By the way, that guy over there, Michael, is here as the first heir in case of an emergency.”

The shocking news caused a stir in the venue.

“…Why?”

At that moment, Tesius Euros opened his mouth.

“Did the Adversary of Loraxar die?”

“Well.”

Arandier leaned crookedly from the chair and pressed her chin.

She looked as relaxed as a fat lion in the meadow.

“…If you are really loyal, shouldn’t you be more attentive to the safety of the Emperor than to the news of Grand Duke Nacht?”

“What is that…”

Arandier pushed the nobles leisurely as planned.

She revealed that the emperor’s condition was serious, and she declared that she could not handle the confrontation world.

“So… then, have you been deceiving us all this time, Your Highness?”

“If you take that into account here, Your Highness’ condition will continue to steadily deteriorate.”

These words of Arandier were as follows:

Do you want to be a traitor with a gun?

Marquis Mo, who did not have the courage to do so, naturally shut his mouth quietly like a shadow.

“But then, who…”

“Fortunately, our God has had mercy on this Empire, and he has sent a Terraformer who is unparalleled.”

“That means…!”

Everyone’s eyes turned to Sienna.

Soon after…

“It’s absurd, Your Highness!!”

“Oh my God, where is the law!”

“Only the immediate imperial family can enter the succession room!

“Then, are you saying we should sit back and let the Emperor die, Marquis Septima?”

“That…!

As set in advance, the shield called ‘His Majesty the Emperor’s condition’ boasted a powerful defense that no one could break, or even tap.

The old nobles began to lower their high voices.

“But it’s unprecedented, isn’t it?”

“If you are very knowledgeable about liturgy and etiquette, you will understand this.”

Ashiel, who had been silent, opened his mouth.

“It’s not easy for a Terraformer to build an imaginary world in general, but it’s even more difficult for that imaginary world to take the form of a garden. Count Ysent, your imaginary world certainly has the form of a garden. I must have seen it right, didn’t I?”

“…Yes that’s right.”

As a child, Sienna saw the imaginary world of the emperor, and colored it with her own colors.

That powerful and beautiful experience was permanently etched in Sienna’s mind.

So, without realizing it, she decided in her mind from the first time she opened her world.

Someday, she would grow this little world into a garden.

“It’s not easy to have life in your own world, or to make it grow enough to be called a garden. Usually, it’s not easy to do…”

“….…”

“In this world where the era of prosperity has come to an end, it’s about the level of direct blood relatives of Kainosia.”

“No…”

Even before the old nobles could refute that statement, they were confused as to whether or not they should really call Ashiel as ‘Grand Duke’, and thus they were speechless.

“Now then, does that mean that Count Ysent is no less than the imperial family?!”

“What an insult to the Crown Princess…”

“Oh, I’m fine. And perhaps His Majesty will be fine too.”

Arandier replied sarcastically.

Now, the complexion of the old nobles began to change from almost red to yellow.

“However…”

And yet, because of them who were about to make the last move…

“Ah man, everyone is talking a lot.”

Eventually, Michael’s mouth opened.

“Well, there’s only one person in the whole Empire who can operate the confrontation world. Is there any other way? Do you want to play the national anthem?”

(TL/N: aka, do you want the emperor to die?)

“Prince Michael!”

“What nonsense are you saying!”

“No, everyone’s talking about crazy things! I’m frustrated!!”

“Hm, it’s a bit harsh, but I agree.”

That time when Admiral Ferrato secretly applied his power.

It was then.

“I’m sorry, but if I’m going to state my opinion, I think it’s a principle that should not be broken.”

Smiling and pretending to be in trouble, Tesius Euros intervened.

“Yes, principle!”

“The principle, otherwise!”

“There could be another way!”

“The rules must be followed!”

Michael said as he watched the less creative people chant ‘principle’ and ‘principle’ like parrots.

“You’re saying all this, but you know that if His Majesty meets any trouble, the confrontation world will end as it is, right? This is a matter of His Majesty’s conditions, but how about the safety of this empire?”

“…as Grand Duke Nacht, I agree.”

Ashiel added a heavy weight to Michael’s infinitely light words.

People trembled at the oppression and murmured.

“But the principle is…”

“Then what, shall we all die together while considering the principles?!”

It was when Michael swore and yelled.

“Everyone, stop!”

It was a command that was raised from the depths of the hall.

Needless to say, it was Arandier.

“This person fully understands the positions of both sides.”

Michael groaned and tried to intervene.

“No, let’s all die together, each of us has a position… Ack, ugh!”

Ashiel covered his brother’s mouth with a hand like a pot lid.

“…Be quiet.”

Unfortunately, Michael, the lab ghost, couldn’t overcome his brother’s strength and struggled.

Arandier continued speaking, ignoring the mess.

“I’ve come up with a solution, so please listen.”

“You’re talking about a solution?”

Arandier nodded her head.

“Count Ysent, Sienna Hesaros. Rise.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The moment Sienna stood up from her seat, not knowing the princess’ intentions, answering politely…

“I am enlisting you as my foster daughter, as of this time.”

……?

……?

“…You didn’t hear me?”

Sienna heard something nonsensical.

It seemed that everyone, not just hers, had that thought.

But their reaction was far more intense than that of Sienna’s.

“How could that…! It’s absurd… ah!”

An old noble who was about to protest grabbed the back of his neck and fell backwards

“Marquis Septima!”

“Call the doctors! Call the doctors!”

“Marquis! Calm down! Marquis!!”

“Oh my gosh, tsk.”

Arandier clicked her tongue and called for a doctor.

“That’s why you should have taken good care of your health. When you get older, you have to change your eating habits.”

“Your Highness!!”

Marquis Septima had no health problems, and was shocked by Arandier’s shocking declaration, but she spoke blatantly despite the protests of others.

“There is no medicine for old age. Why don’t you stop pushing yourself and go home?”

“Your Highness!”

“How could this be!!”

“Where is this law!”

“Neither precedent nor principle!”

Protests poured in like an explosion in the hall. But Sienna could hardly hear the buzzing hostile voices.

She, becoming a foster daughter?

‘Of Her Highness’?’

‘…Why me?’

At that time, there was a person who came into Sienna’s confused gaze.

A blue-eyed man with fine silver hair. For the first time, he was looking at Sienna with an unnatural expression.

The monster hadn’t even blinked an eye.

At that moment, Sienna had a gut feeling that this wasn’t the time to be so mesmerized.

She had to take over the synchronization of the confrontation world from the emperor.

Only then would she be able to protect the world she loved from the male and female monsters that were invading this empire.

She had to protect the world where someone she had never forgiven died while protecting.

‘Okay. The talk of adoption is probably just a story of the process.’

It wasn’t something to be shocked about. No matter how the crown princess was like, she wouldn’t take her, an orphan, as her adopted daughter.

“Your Highness, what a difficult thing to say.”

At that moment, an elderly and gentle-looking old woman spoke up.

“To make someone a member of the imperial family is of course not something we can argue with, but there is still a process, isn’t it?”

Yes, that’s right. There was a process at work.

“If you want to adopt Count Ysent, who is sponsored by the former Grand Duke Nacht, it takes at least half a year to prepare the registration documents. You’re going to skip the whole process.”

Sienna felt the same way.

‘Yes, perhaps, if the Crown Princess shocks the other nobles in this way, everyone will say, ‘Let’s just allow, rather than her being adopted to be brought into the room of the confrontation world.’ Sienna was just expecting those words to come…

“Oh, don’t worry about that. All the documents are here.”

‘…What?’

Sienna’s soul, which had barely recovered, flew back to the sky.

“Here is an agreement with the former Grand Duke Nacht for the adoption of his guardian as my foster daughter, and also a certificate stating that His Majesty the Emperor recognizes Count Ysent as a blood relative of Cainosia… Count Ysent?”

Arandier sighed slightly as she looked at Sienna, who was completely dazed.

So the next moment, she took a deep breath and called out with a roaring force in her voice.

“Major Sienna Hesaros!”

“Yes! Did you call?”

“Come here.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Truly, a mechanical level of reaction speed!

‘Soldiers can’t help it. It’s a good tactic.’

Arandier nodded her head in satisfaction. And as she handed over all the paperwork to Sienna, she said.

“All that is lacking is your signature, Major.”

All of a sudden, the crown princess’ attendant approached, politely holding a silver tray with a pen and inkwell.

“No, what the hell…”

“Since when did these documents come…”

“Then, you mean that His Majesty the Emperor’s favor to Count Ysent was no joke at all?”

Sienna stared blankly at all of the documents she had received. It was a rare, high-quality paper, but the tips had a slightly faded yellow finish.

But after a quick glance, she realized the contents were perfect.

Even though she was looking at it roughly because she was so frantic, she could see that the documents were perfectly prepared so that she could become the foster daughter of the crown princess if she put her signature down as Arandier said.

‘Even the right of succession is recognized…’

According to the contents of the document, Sienna was able to be recognized as a legitimate heir as well as general inheritance rights such as Arandier’s property.

In other words, if Sienna accidentally rubs the tip of the pen on this document, she would become the imperial descendant of this empire, Feyenoord, from that moment on.

‘…Documents perfectly prepared to the point without gaps…’

The document had the signatures and seals of three people.

Crown Princess Arandier, the person directly involved.

The emperor, the chief decision maker of the imperial family.

And…

Grand Duke Roderick of Nacht.

Sienna knew who made this perfect document, which fully demonstrated its bureaucratic aptitude to the limit.

It was his skill in handling the work so thoroughly that he would face it again for the rest of his life, if possible.

The work of an unforgiven dead man.

‘Why…? Why…?’

Why did Grand Duke Nacht actively cooperate in bringing Sienna into the imperial family?

Sienna knew the answer.

‘Because I didn’t forgive him.’

Sienna would not have known before, but now she deeply knew a man named Ashiel. There was a peculiar intuition between them after they spent the night together.

And Ashiel was a son who resembled his father.

Perhaps the grand duke always recognized that Sienna did not forgive Nacht and felt uncomfortable and sorry for her.

So, he cooperated both physically and mentally in preparing these documents.

If he just broke off the sponsorship relationship to free Sienna, only the innocent Sienna would be stigmatized and damaged.

However, if she entered the imperial family, she would have a stronger protector who, as her guardian, could not and should not be able to influence her.

Perhaps in the process, Sienna would be able to sever the afflicted support relationship naturally.

The Grand Duke of Nacht, that is, the former Grand Duke Roderick of Nacht… He must have thought so and prepared for it.

Sienna didn’t want to be an imperial grandchild.

She didn’t want to do what the people who criticized her expected, that she was shameless or greedy.

‘But this is…’

It was Roderick’s last gift to Sienna.

It was not your duty to forgive us, so please help us be happy… A willful gift.

She couldn’t refuse the gift.

The gift left behind by a person who had died while being rejected could not be refused.

Sienna closed her eyes tightly.

“…I understand, Your Highness.”

And she grabbed the pen from the silver tray with swiftness like an eagle.

“I’ll sign it.”

“Count Ysent…!”

Before the roars of the people saying ‘no’ came out, even before anyone could rush in and take the documents.

“Oh my gosh…!”

Exclamation erupted from the people’s mouths all at once. But Sienna was just finishing her signature neatly.

<Count Ysent and owner of the Garden of Spring, Major Sienna Hesaros of the Imperial Army 1st Operations Command.>

‘…Finished.’

It was an irreversible decision.

As soon as she wrote Hesaros’ name and put a period, this document became a promise that could never be broken, both in public and in Sienna’s heart.

For Siena had no intention of profaning Hesaros’ name.

“Well, good!”

Arandier received the papers that the attendant had taken. And she declared leisurely among those who had their mouths wide open in astonishment.

“Well done, Major. With this you have become my foster daughter and I have become your mother. The sacred covenant is no longer broken.”

“…Yes, I understand.”

Belatedly, Sienna’s heart was pounding.

However, it seemed like it was done better than she expected for something that she almost did on a whim.

Above all else, if she was now adopted as a foster daughter and would be able to manage the confrontation world, she could save the emperor.

‘To be precise, His Majesty the Emperor will be able to put aside his duties in the confrontation world for a while and focus on recovery.’

Perhaps the opposing nobles would constantly protest against this adoption registration, which was nothing more than a snatch.

It was natural. A commoner orphan made a contribution and was incorporated into the imperial family!

It was the worst situation that could never be welcomed by the old nobles, who did not want their positions to be invaded, and had to stop even if they had to do it through their teeth.

“What a shameless girl!”

“How can an orphan like that, without hesitation, claim to become an imperial family member?”

“There is a nettle in this country, nettle!”

(TL/N: nettle — a herbaceous plant which has jagged leaves covered with stinging hairs, or in other words, an irritation/annoyance.)

The level of criticism was not frightening. She just thought it would be a little troublesome in the future.

However, Sienna had the heart to endure even that bothersome task for the emperor.

“Quiet!!”

At that moment, Arandier gave a command. Her voice echoed through the hall.

“If the thing hanging in your head worked, how about thinking that I, who’s in front of you, is the Crown Princess?”

“……”

“Don’t blame Count Ysent for this. She deserves it. How many of you could do the same?”

“That…”

Arandier stood up.

“Owners of a garden have the right to challenge the imperial family.”

“It’s long ago, it hasn’t been transferred—”

“Because there hasn’t been a Terraformer that great until now, it’s ‘obvious’ why it wasn’t transferred.”

Arandier warned the crowd as she stood in the center and stared intently at Tesius Euros, who seemed to be the most innocent-looking in the entire world.

“Kainosia has the authority of Kainosia. I must make it clear that it is not a matter for you to argue.”

The people still had an expression of wanting to protest, but for once, they became quiet. There didn’t seem to be any reason to win Arandier’s dipping and pressing.

Sienna thought.

‘No way. Just because I was given the right to succession, I will not blindly make myself a successor.’

It was more realistic for Ashiel, who was close by blood, to become emperor.

Sienna thought that this was probably a simple gift from the predecessor, Grand Duke Roderick Nacht, to her.

Giving her the opportunity and the right to escape from the shadows of the Nacht family.

In his plan, the emperor, who loved her, was thankfully willing to cooperate.

There was really no way to give the right of inheritance. Which emperor, without going crazy, would have a child who was not even his own blood as his successor?

No matter how dear she was, there was a limit. There would be.

Sienna didn’t dare wish that far either.

But…

Grand Duke Nacht, Roderick. How did he prepare this document?

Her chest ached as if she had been hit by a huge stone.

“Well then, Count Ysent.”

Arandier awakened Sienna from her thoughts.

“…Oh, yes. Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

“There is no time to delay. Follow me.”

Arandier stood up and said,

“From now on, it’s time to test your qualifications to see if you can really operate the confrontation world.”

At that moment, silence came among the people who once stood up and protested.

“……?”

“Aha…”

“Come to think of it.”

Something like a fire started to circulate among the people who were upset.

“……?”

“Aha…”

“Come to think of it.”

Something like a fire started to circulate among the people who were upset.

“Come to think of it, in order to operate the confrontation world, it’s only possible if one has the approval of ‘the Named’.”

“Heh heh, this is true. I forgot about it because I heard something so shocking.”

“Honestly, it is impossible for Count Ysent to pass the test that only the imperial family passed…”

“If it fails, wouldn’t there be nothing more to talk about regarding the adoption?”

Sienna could see that those who were on her side were about to retaliate at the pouring sneering voices as if they had turned their palms upside down.

A bigger fight here would make things even more annoying, so Sienna hurriedly lowered her head to Arandier.

“Okay, Your Grace. I will follow.”

While figures from the old nobles faction laughed at her, saying, “She doesn’t even need to go”, only Tesius Euros was looking at her with a subtle expression, as if smiling but yet not smiling.

* * *

“Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

“Hmm?”

The walk down the corridors of the Imperial Palace with the attendants and knights that followed was filled with a conversation between two people who had just become mother and daughter out of necessity.

“Is the place we’re going to the barrier room?”

“Yes.”

“What exactly am I supposed to do there?”

“Well…”

Arandier realized that Sienna needed an explanation, so she slowed her pace slightly. It was a completely uncharacteristic mistake.

“The confrontation room is actually a room in which the core of the power that maintains the confrontation world is sleeping.”

“Core?”

“Yes. Protector of our time, a shield for a thousand years, and a symbol of the imperial power that rules the system.”

Arandier stopped in front of a stone gate. Sienna stood one step behind her.

“Named Overlord Highsteer, Ruler’s Scepter.”

“…That’s beyond this gate… with His Majesty the Emperor?”

“Yes.”

Sienna looked at the stone gate again.

It was unbelievably small to be in the middle of an Imperial Palace corridor, with weathered corners and hinges and black spots of mold.

But what was engraved on it was…

‘It’s magic.’

It was also a complex formula of difficulty that she dare not understand at this time.

Sienna, who was also a wizard, was a little enchanted without realizing it, and began to look at the geometrically beautiful formulas engraved on the stone gates.

Arandier ordered.

“Sienna, put your hand on it. First, you have to go through that door.”

“Yes?”

How dare she do it to this precious thing?

“This is a place where you will be tested for qualifications to become a Kainosia. I can’t open that door.”

For some reason, it was more serious than she thought, but… Without any time to lose, Sienna put her hand on the door.

That moment.

“……!”

From the part Sienna touched, golden light began to spread and fill the magic engraved on the stone gate.

It was like pouring gold-melted liquid.

Eventually, all magic shone in gold…

Kwak…

The confrontation room was opened.

* * *

Following Arandier’s advice to go in alone, Sienna cautiously stepped into the room.

It was a space that should be called a ‘stone room’ rather than a room.

Except for the golden magic of Sienna’s flowing over the wall, it was an extremely ordinary space.

In the center of the space was an altar-like place, and the emperor was lying on it.

“Your Majesty……!”

Sienna hurriedly walked over to his side.

However, the emperor did not greet Sienna with his usual broad smile that was to the point of seeming a little naive.

Even his favorite monocle had been removed, leaving an expressionless, pale, unfamiliar face. The only lips in the word that called her ‘baby’, and his eyes, which became tender when he looked at her, were just shut tightly.

Sienna barely placed her hands on the emperor’s skinny, wrinkled hands, which were clasps together and rested on his stomach.

It was cold and stiff. She felt like her heart was breaking.

“Your Majesty…”

‘He will… He will get up soon…’

Sienna sniffed, swallowed her welling tears, and hurriedly looked around her. She was looking for the Named Highsteer.

Right then.

“……?!”

Something tumbled and fell from the clasped hands of the emperor, which Sienna was holding.

“This…”

It was a purifying stone that had so much energy that even Sienna could not measure it.

“Sienna Hesaros, did you find it?”

“…Yes, I found it!”

There was no need to search. This very thing was the Named, ‘Highsteer’.

Sienna left the sleeping emperor and went out with steady steps.

Arandier nodded her head as Sienna showed what was in her hand.

“Indeed, if it was you, I thought that the old man would let go of what he had in his hand.”

“Yes? But His Majesty was asleep…”

“Consciousness has been assimilated into the barrier, only the body is sleeping. I guarantee that if the old man didn’t want to give it to us, Highsteer’s jewel would not have come into your hands.”

“….…”

“Uh-huh, don’t cry.”

“…Yes, I’m sorry.”

Sienna sighed and swallowed the tears once again.

Arandier sighed and raised her hand.

“High Steer’s jewel has been taken out. Now go and take care of His Majesty.”

“Yes, I understand!”

The chief servant entered the confrontation room with the other servants. Arandier then turned to Sienna.

“I would like to say good job… but it’s too early to say that yet. Let’s go with the jewel. The last test is left.”

Sienna nodded.

The jewel in her hand, Highsteer’s jewel, was exuding tremendous purifying power from her hand.

Even though this was already great, Arandier said that this jewel was definitely the Named. So maybe…

‘The last test is…’

Sienna inhaled slowly. And she looked around the stone chamber where the emperor was lying, and then she started following Arandier again.

* * *

Sienna Hesaros would be tested in public to see if she was truly worthy to enter the imperial family.

But everyone was watching her, and what bothered her more than how so many of them were hostile…

[No way.]

It was the reaction of her Named Hesaros.

[You waking up another Named? I hate it.]

‘Hesaros…’

Despite Sienna’s awkward call, Hesaros only snorted, [Hmph!]

[Never! I really hate it!]

‘But Hesaros, if I don’t, His Majesty the Emperor will be in danger.’

When Sienna brought up the story of the emperor who allowed ‘Hesaros’ to be her last name, Hesaros showed a remarkably softened attitude, saying, [T-That…]

It must be so, for Hesaros at that time was very happy and said, [I will repay that decent human emperor someday.]

‘Now is the time to repay it.’

[Uh…]

Hesaros was good after all! He surrendered.

[But you can’t prioritize Highsteer over me!]

‘Yes, yes.’

[Never forget that I am your first Named.]

‘Don’t worry. I’m a Sienna Hesaros, not a Sienna Highsteer.’

[Kek, keukek. I’m happy to hear that.]

That was then.

“Sienna Hesaros! Come up to the podium.”

“! Ah, yes.”

Sienna hurried to the podium.

There was no sign of tension on the face of Sienna who managed to convince Hesaros, nor was there the look of fear that she might fail the test.

“What’s with that easygoingness?”

“Isn’t she crazy, at this moment?”

But the crowd’s whispers were not loud.

Ashiel and Michael were guarding the sides of the balcony; Michael, especially, with a glint in his eyes, was trying to find the people who were talking nonsense.

On the way, Sienna also made eye contact with Duke Euros. He had a smiling face like the very picture of courtesy.

After taking a glance at him, Sienna stood on the podium. Then, the gigantic tapestry hanging behind it, engraved with the achievements of the first emperor and three guardians, was slowly lifted.

At the same time, a huge balcony that overlooked the entire island appeared.

Under the name of ‘Emperor’s Balcony’, this was the place where the confrontation world was operated in case of emergency.

Sienna stood on the balcony with a soldierly gait.

In the midst of darkness, the system, which was gradually lit up, spread out under her feet. The wind blew around and through Sienna’s hair.

Arandier said,

“Qualified contender, owner of the Spring Garden. You will have to awaken the Ruler’s Scepter with your own power. It is customary to show it to the public.”

“…All right.”

Sienna took out Highsteer’s Jewel. It was a golden jewel the size of a child’s fist.

It was an unusually sparkling gem, as if it would shoot a prism in all directions if there was enough light.

‘Well, actually…’

She secretly injected purification power on her way here earlier, but there was no response.

But there was no choice. Sienna stretched out her hands to the sky. Then, Highsteer’s jewel floated into the air.

“Oh, oh…!”

“Wait, will she succeed?”

“No way!”

“But you succeeded in getting the jewel out!”

“That’s it, Her Highness, Crown Princess Arandier must have helped her. There’s no way she’s going to succeed.”

“That’s right. isn’t the noble piranha an orphan that doesn’t mix this much? Isn’t that right, Sir?”

To Count Mo’s question, Duke Euros responded with a bright smile.

‘Uh…’

His face showed little interest in the sufferings of those who had gathered, as little as a fingernail.

Count Mo thought.

‘Come to think of it…’

This person, as usual, had a bit of a non-human side, but… Wasn’t it a little more inhumane today…?

But the thought did not last any longer.

It was because there was a spark of purification from Sienna.

“I-It’s starting!”

The flame of purification enveloped Highsteer’s jewel!

People swallowed their saliva.

‘Today, will we finally see the Ruler’s Scepter…!’

The fire of purification was quickly absorbed into Highsteer’s Jewel.

However…

Tuk, degururu.

“Uh.”

The jewel fell into Sienna’s palm without any reaction.

‘What…’

There was silence for a moment.

And…

“Ahaha, oh my! God!”

“What’s going on with this!”

“You tried to pretend to be great and failed!”

“So much for coveting a place?”

Those who were hostile to Sienna raised their voices enthusiastically.

On this night, it was as if the people didn’t care that the emperor might die if Sienna didn’t operate the confrontation world.

Sienna knew.

‘…They’re infected with fraud.’

She didn’t know when, but it wouldn’t be so strange that Tesius Euros was in the center of it.

But that wasn’t urgent for Sienna.

‘High Steer’s jewel’

It didn’t react. Why?

“…Count Ysent.”

At that time, Ashiel softly called for Sienna.

“…Yes?”

“Highsteer’s jewel is a kind of essential jewel that is full of purifying power. In other words, pouring purifying power on it is likely similar to an act of pouring water on the sea.”

Sienna’s eyes widened. No, that…

“…How?”

Ashiel smiled bitterly and pointed at Sienna’s neck.

His signet ring, a link that was proof of his contract with the Millennium Box.

“The Millennium Box doesn’t give me a hint, but sometimes I feel like I have a sense about Named. I don’t know if it’ll be a hint…”

“…You don’t know if it’ll be a hint?”

Sienna was dumbfounded.

“If you had said that from the beginning, I wouldn’t have made a mistake.”

“I’m sorry about that…”

Sienna quickly waved her hand at Ashiel’s apology.

“No, I didn’t mean to say that, I’m sorry. I meant that it was helpful.”

“I see. But…”

Ashiel spoke as he glanced at those who booed.

“…If they get in the way, I’ll make them quiet.”

“No.”

Sienna smiled brightly. It was a very confident smile that Hesaros loved the most, but he didn’t show it very well.

“I prefer suffering and adversity, because…”

In the midst of boos and accusations, Sienna again turned towards the windswept landscape of the island.

“…Because I can show them a twist.”

She meant that soon she would shut their mouths.

“Brother, she has a really bad personality.”

She pretended to not hear what Michael was saying, and once again made Highsteer’s jewel float on her palm.

Now, it was everyone’s turn to be disappointed.

Sienna focused her power on one point of the jewel. And she asked with her heart.

‘I’ll open a territory, so please help me.’

It was not about injecting purification power, it was about opening a territory with the purification power of the Highsteer jewel.

Sienna did not use her magical powers at all. Instead, she created a formula to develop a huge territory.

It was a dangerous action that could conversely suck all the magic of the core and cause the time-axis to collapse again…

“L-Light from the jewel?!”

The reverse idea was correct.

As if it was the correct answer, Highsteer began to emit a brilliant light everywhere.

[The one who woke me up…]

“……”

[…That’s correct.]

“…….!”

At the same time, territory began to surge.

Sienna’s territory was by no means small. It was enough to declare the entire central palace as her domain.

But now beyond the central palace, Sienna’s territory was expanding.

It wasn’t hard at all because Highsteer was supplying her power.

The jewel was barely visible because of the bright light that surrounded it.

As the shape of the light grew longer, it began to form another shape.

“Oh, oh…”

“Oh my gosh, that’s…!”

People were astonished. Michael also muttered in a shocked voice.

“The Named Highsteer is…”

Highsteer’s nickname is Overlord’s Scepter.

A form worthy of that nickname was emerging.

The long, golden body seemed to have a head larger than Sienna’s.

Above it was a semicircle-shaped base that looked like the dark moon, and small jewels that seemed to depict the falling stars poured down, making a clear sound.

At the top, Highsteer’s jewel was proudly emitting golden light.

It was Highsteer, a scepter that symbolized the emperor’s power in Kainosia.

The Named said,

[Catch me, you are a duly qualified owner.]

Sienna gulped, swallowing her saliva, and turned to Arandier. Arandier then nodded her head.

Sienna slowly groped Highsteer’s body.

She felt that it was overflowing with much stronger purification power than it had been condensed.

Perhaps if it was anyone other than Sienna, the moment they took hold of Highsteer, they would not be able to stand it, and would have been pressured to death.

As Sienna raised Highsteer and looked down at the island, she saw it.

The golden magic that enveloped the whole island, and the existence of offshore barrier connected to it from afar.

Those magics stopped working like a machine with parts that didn’t fit together.

‘Then…’

It had to supply purifying magic like oiling a machine; but to do that, it required a very large area.

Sienna finally realized.

‘Actually, the confrontation world is the Emperor’s territory based on a magic circle.’

[Don’t worry, Sienna. Highsteer is very good at amplifying areas.]

Hesaros explained in a grunt of dissatisfaction.

[You can do it if you want.]

“You mean I can do what I learned from Hesaros?”

Hesaros’ voice softened as if he liked the words.

[…Yes.]

Sienna hit the floor with Highsteer, nervous, yet slightly anticipating.

At the same time… A golden wind rose and swept the venue around Sienna and Highsteer!

“Ahh!”

People screamed, but Highsteer merely announced calmly.

[Computation and amplification have been completed. The confrontation world has won a new crown.]

At Highsteer’s words, Sienna nodded her head.

It was not a metaphorical expression. In a way, Grand Duke Roderick sacrificed his life to crown the confrontation world – which became Sienna’s territory.

The brightest…

A splendid crown that would not fall even after he had completely died.

[Are you going to activate the barrier wearing the crown?]

Sienna nodded her head without hesitation.

“Yes.”

Kugugung!

Simultaneously with the answer, as if firing a flame from the high steer, a brilliant golden light containing huge purification power was shot toward the sky.

“Wow…”

A few people on the island, awakened by the pillar of light, marveled at the incredible sight.

Even those who mocked Sienna were momentarily speechless.

[I’m spreading it out.]

Paah!

A pillar of light that reached somewhere in the sky drew a parabola like a meteor, and made a line toward the ground.

Like a cage, Sienna’s power overtook the terrace.

It didn’t matter who was her helper or her adversary, or who knew or didn’t know her.

An equal barrier for the people who just breathe on this land, and protecting all people.

“The imperial power of Kainosia…!”

…It was the birth of a new confrontation world with a shining crown.

A golden veil shimmering like a star fluttered like a very thin curtain over the islands.

Sienna slowly walked out of the terrace holding the Overlord Highsteer, the Ruler’s Scepter.

At that moment, Ashiel, who was the closest to her, went down on his knees and cried.

“Attention! Welcome to the new Kainosia!”

“Ashiel!”

Sienna was startled, but before she could stop him, Michael followed his quick brother and he, too, went down on his knees, exclaiming “Allegiance to the new Kainosia!”

Admiral Ferrato also knelt down and cried.

“The Oceans too, pay allegiance to the new Kainosia!”

Then the people who were mixed up started to shout one by one.

“Wow, wow…!”

“Glory to the new Kainosia!”

“Long live the Kainosia Imperial Family!”

“Loyalty to Sienna Kainosia!!”

“Glory…!!”

In addition to that, many other words such as ‘Hurray’ and ‘Noble one’ burst out among loud cheers.

Sienna looked down at the bottom of the podium, bewildered and a little scared.

It was like thunder, and it’s like a downpour of rain. She couldn’t even hear what each of them were saying.

It was because people who had not been able to stand up to face Sienna due to the pressure were stomping their feet and cheering loudly as soon as an opportunity appeared.

Among them, only those who criticized and mocked Sienna so passionately that they couldn’t get along with the new situation looked around with anxious eyes, searching for a person who could not be found.

Sienna noticed that too.

“…The Duke of Euros?”

“What? Oh, you mean? He…”

Michael, who looked around the cheering crowd, frowned and muttered.

“…Damn it, isn’t it?”

“He wouldn’t have gotten that far.”

Sienna nodded her head. And she looked at Arandier.

“Loreina Minangsi has been kept in custody.”

“I’ll go and see her.”

“Well.”

Sienna, who was rushing to move with Arandier’s permission, suddenly paused, “Oh.”

“Your Highness, for the time being, the confrontation world will be connected to me through Highsteer. His Majesty needs to recover…”

“Gosh, what kind of daughter calls her mother ‘Her Highness’?”

“…What?”

Arandier laughed a little.

Judging by the stunned expression, Sienna seemed to have completely forgotten that she had been enlisted as a foster daughter; she had been preoccupied with waking up Highsteer and synchronizing with the confrontation world.

“Ah.”

Seeing that face that showed that thought hadn’t come to mind until now, Arandier was certain. So she waved her hand.

“No, no. We’ll do it when we get used to it.”

“That… yes.”

‘Is it something I have to adapt to?’

It felt like things were getting bigger. It seemed ominous, but Arandier ignored Sienna and spoke to Ashiel.

“For now, Ashiel, you and this child should go to Loreina and the other members of Minangsi.”

“All right.”

“In the meantime, me, Michael, and Duke Ferrato will find out which land the Tesius Euros went to.”

* * *

On the way to the detained Loreina.

When Sienna said she felt the need to keep Loreina Minangsi in custody, Ashiel demanded an explanation.

“That…”

Inevitably, Sienna hurried her steps and confessed — When she went out to cool her heart, she met the Duke of Euros. That was how she found out he was a magical beast.

“Well, as to why. When we left earlier… what Loreina said when she showed up.”

As Ashiel leisurely caught up with Sienna’s stride, he nodded his head.

“She said she would be queen.”

“At first, I understood that it meant bringing in outside forces to start a rebellion, but…”

Ashiel sighed as if he understood.

“…Tesius Euros was the beast.”

“Yes.”

Sienna admitted gravely.

“Loreina Minangsi may be turning into a host for demonic beasts.”

“…That makes sense.”

Ashiel, who was in agreement, suddenly asked.

“Did he say anything else?”

“That… What?”

Sienna shuddered as she recalled how Duke Euros had tried to charm her, suggesting that she become his queen and rule the world together.

Seeing that, Ashiel was convinced.

‘Something happened…’

He didn’t have the right to ask or pry openly.

However…

Ashiel slipped a whisper into the ear of Sienna.

“…Don’t worry. If you’re reluctant, I won’t ask.”

“…Ashiel!”

Sienna was startled, but Ashiel just made a sullen expression as if he was asking her what he did wrong.

Fortunately, around that time, they arrived in the hallway near the room where Loreina was detained.

No matter how suspicious she was, Loreina’s official identity was the lady of the Count of Minangsi. Even if she was detained, they had no choice but to keep her in a gorgeous room and place a couple of knights.

By the way…

“That’s…”

There were no knights who should be guarding Loreina’s room.

No, to be precise…

“…What is this?”

Only their uniforms remained where they were supposed to stand.

Sienna quickly went to the door.

With a clatter of keys turning, and a ‘thump!’ the door barely opened.

“This…”

There was no sign of activity in the room as expected.

But…

“…What?”

“The bedroom smells like blood.”

Bang! Ashiel kicked the open bedroom door.

With one strong kick from a trained soldier, the hard iron hinge broke. Clang! The door went backwards.

And in it…

“…A dead body…”

“…The Countess of Minangsi.”

In the armchair by the bed, laid the slumped Countess Minangsi, her complexion pale enough to look blue.

“I don’t think it’s been long since she died.”

Ashiel looked at the corpse and nodded.

“The postmortem stiffness hasn’t started yet.”

“Come here.”

Sienna, anxious, purified Asiel’s hand by bringing out the flames of purification.

“Did Duke Euros kill Countess Minangsi and take Loreina?”

There was no answer. Sienna turned to Ashiel and saw him looking down at his hand with a slight blush on his cheeks.

“Ashiel!”

Sienna was stunned. He’s being like this?

“I’m sorry.”

Ashiel also acknowledged that he was not looking for anything; his face was red and he was ashamed.

How could he blush over holding hands even when a person was dead. Wasn’t he really crazy?

What was absurd was that this kind of attitude from Ashiel didn’t provoke a disgusting or disliked reaction from Sienna.

‘No, rather than that…’

No, no. Sienna shook her head to dispel any blasphemous thoughts in front of a corpse.

At this point, Ashiel had also recovered.

“There is a possibility that Loreina Minangsi was kidnapped, but there is another possible inference.”

“…What is it?”

“…The possibility that Loreina Minangsi, who became the Queen, killed the Countess and ran away.”

It would be disastrous, but it was impossible to say that it was impossible.

Ashiel and Sienna witnessed a clearly insane Loreina, and Countess Minangsi was trying to crack down on her…

There was a good chance that tragic friction would occur.

“For now, it would be better to set a barrier.”

Sienna nodded her head.

The two put a barrier to prevent anyone from moving the body or ruining the site, and then went out the door again.

It was to find the traces of the knights who had disappeared leaving only their clothes.

Looking at it again, it was still a strange sight. There was no context either.

“They wouldn’t have taken off their clothes and run away if they were their informants.”

“Yes. And if they’re dead, there’s no way that their clothes will be left so clean.”

Besides, the way the clothes were laid on the floor was very strange.

It was as if someone just stood there and left the clothes behind, rather than taking off the clothes voluntarily and throwing it away.

“…Huh? Wait. What is this? It looks like fur…”

Sienna found a speck of grayish-brown hair, which was hardly recognized as human hair, on the inside of a uniform shirt.

Ashiel also frowned and bowed his back slowly. And he murmured.

“…It’s a rat’s.”

“A rat?”

Ashiel nodded his head.

“There are always a lot of rats on the battlefield with the outside world. You can roughly tell by looking.”

Rat hair in clothes? It was incomprehensible. Did the knights carry pets?

…No, wait.

At that moment, a shocking hunch struck Sienna’s brain like a thunderbolt.

“Sienna?”

The shock of that hunch made her unable to hear Ashiel’s call.

In her shock, Sienna recalled another, very embarrassing fact.

“Ashiel…”

The memory that popped out of the drawer buried deep in her mind was a very unfamiliar and embarrassing memory for her.

“What’s wrong?”

“Well…”

Whether to trust this intuition or not… Feeling torn, Sienna spoke.

“I think we should go to the Nacht Castle’s library.”

* * *

Even when suddenly asked if they could go to the Nacht Castle, Arandier lightly accepted without saying anything.

“The confrontation system is safe, and the offshore barrier is operating stably. I’ll give you permission to use the portal. You can go in about ten minutes?”

“Thank you.”

“But…”

Arandier said she could not find any traces of Tesius Euros within the Imperial Palace.

“He disappeared like a dream. A large-scale search was conducted to see if any secret passages in the Imperial Palace were discovered…”

“No.”

Sienna shook her head.

“Maybe… it won’t work.”

“? What do you mean?”

Arandier frowned and asked.

Sienna repeated what she had confided to Ashiel.

“It was an alter ego of Tesius Euros?”

Sienna nodded.

“It’s likely that the person who was in the meeting room all this time was also an alter ego.”

“Then the sudden disappearance could be an explanation.”

Duke Euros was a beast, but he was able to enter the Imperial Palace, the center of the great barrier. Up until now, Arandier was worried that he might be that strong of a beast, a beast that transcended Epic…

‘Well, it’s an alter ego. It’s understandable that he hasn’t been discovered that he’s a beast.’

However, this did not completely resolve the question.

“But is such magic possible? The alter ego, of course, is a magical beast, so it probably has a different way than us, but even if it could do it, it would be impossible without a medium.”

Tesius Euros left nothing in his place as a medium.

Sienna nodded her head in agreement.

“I’m going to go to Nacht Castle to find out some facts related to him. In the meantime, just in case, could you track down Loreina Minangsi’s whereabouts?”

“Loreina Minangsi?”

Ashiel nodded.

“If Tesius Euros had disappeared from the conference hall as an alter ego, it’s possible that Loreina Minangsi was not taken.”

“I think so.”

Michael intervened.

“I don’t know what an alter ego is, but if it’s the magic of a beast, I think it’s because of her that Duke Euros suddenly disappeared?”

It likely was so.

Duke Euros disappeared twice in moments involving Sienna.

The first was when he came into contact with Sienna.

The second was when Sienna opened up a new confrontation world.

Perhaps, no, it was clear that the alter ego did not have the strength to withstand Sienna, who had strong purification power, and the ability to navigate in the activated confrontation world.

“I don’t think he would be able to take care of Loreina Minangsi in the meantime.”

“Right.”

Nodding her head, Arandier entrusted Michael with the search for Loreina. Sienna asked Michael for Lou and Isabelle.

“Work with them and search together.”

“Will it be possible?”

Michael replied with a snort.

“What can I do? I’ll try to avoid war.”

Then Sienna laughed a little.

“Anyway, Sienna and Ashiel, go quickly. The political situation is grave.”

“Yes, I understand.”

With the special permission of the crown princess, Sienna and Ashiel arrived at Nacht Castle right away through the portal.

It had been a long time since she had been here, but there was no time to admire it.

“…Don’t let people know that we’re here.”

“We should do that.”

Ashiel once again cast the magic that hid one’s presence. Once again, the two’s movements and appearance were only visible to each other.

The two hurriedly headed towards the library.

“What are you trying to find in the library?”

“I have a guess… but I’m not sure, so I’m going to check it out.”

Ashiel and Sienna put the gatekeepers to sleep for a while. And passing under the angel with golden wings, they entered the library.

At this time, the library was empty.

The majestic sight of the three-story circular space was still surrounded by books.

“You know how to use the ladder of wisdom?”

“Yes.”

With a slightly impatient step, Sienna stood at the place to call the ladder, as the old librarian had taught her when she was a child.

Then, from a high place, the ladder pulled out a book and came down to Sienna.

That book was…

“『Nail-Eating Rat』?”

Ashiel was now reading over Sienna’s shoulder. Sienna opened the book.

The contents and appearance of the book were no different from her memories or anything special.

A simple fairy tale that taught a lesson through fear that a rat that ate nails transformed into the owner of the nails, taking the place of the original owner.

Sienna first saw the book when she was twelve.

(TL/N: fun fact, it’s in chapter 6, and probably episode 70.)

[Hmm, perhaps this castle was built in ancient times and has excellent preservation through the succession of blood relatives. That’s why there is very little power of prophecy left in this library.]

Hesaros murmured in a complicated voice.

“What about this book?”

Sienna nodded.

“This is the method Duke Euros used.”

“You mean he’s using rats as a medium?”

Ashiel crossed his arms and thought.

‘In that case, it is understandable that he disappeared and ran away without leaving a trace in the garden or in the crowd…’

But Sienna shook her head.

“I don’t think the library gave me this book just because of that.”

“Then…”

Sienna pointed to the passage that the rat ate someone’s nails.

“Ashiel, in this story, the rat ate the nails and became a human.”

“Help my stupidity understand. I still don’t know what this means.”

“I understand. I read this book a long time ago, but I only realized it a little while ago.”

A fact predicted by the library a long time ago.

“Ashiel, I’ll ask you one question. You said there were a lot of rats in the wars against the outside world?”

Ashiel nodded his head.

“It’s not unusual, because rats like dirty, polluted environments where fraud occurs.”

“I think so too. Then…”

Sienna asked Ashiel with a pale face and exceptionally large green eyes.

“…Where is Loraxar’s heart?”

Ah.

Due to the shock of putting all the puzzle pieces together, Ashiel was unable to speak for a moment.

“What do you mean…”

“What if one or more rats ate Loraxar’s heart and corpse?”

Ashiel answered calmly.

“…In most cases it would have died right away, but if it was really lucky…”

“The magical beast must have progressed. Even more than Epic.”

“He didn’t use a rat as a medium.”

Sienna nodded. This one fairy tale she had read as a child, covering the truth that could not be seen and known at that time, affirmed it.

“Duke Euros, he himself was a rat.”

* * *

…Found the ‘nail-eating rat’.

“Now Loreina… ugh!”

Ashiel quickly caught Sienna as she grabbed her chest and her knees bent.

“Sienna, maybe again…”

“Mi, Michael, I gave him an amulet, but… it’s not like that.”

Sienna spluttered, trying to control her rough breathing.

“Reverse, the outer barrier… attack, ….”

To be precise, as the offshore barrier that was synchronized with Siena was attacked, and her magical power suddenly drained out like an ebb.

The amount she lost was not unbearably large.

However, the problem was that the time-axis of Sienna, which was barely set, was skewed when the magical power drained out at a rapid rate without being completely acclimatized to synchronization.

“Hak…”

Sienna closed her eyes for a moment and endured the pain. Ashiel didn’t know what to do, and then placed his hand on Sienna’s back.

On her back, his hands.

That alone lifted her up a little. Sienna then looked up at Ashiel.

Restlessly, he asked,

“Are you okay?”

It seemed to be a question with a double meaning.

Is it okay if I touch you first?

Is your body okay when I put my hand like this?

At that moment…

‘I’m burning up.’

Sienna was angry.

‘How many times does she have to teach this stupid man so that he will accept the fact that she doesn’t hate him?’

‘No, no…’

Blurred by pain, Sienna took a slightly extreme view.

‘Teaching might not have been enough.’

If she thought about it, though she mostly started it, it was mostly Ashiel who led the contact.

‘Then…’

There wouldn’t be much time, Sienna crumbled down with a sharp twist.

“Sienna…!”

“Ah, uh…”

At the sound of her painful moan, Ashiel hurriedly hugged Sienna before she could lose consciousness.

“Hold on a little bit, just be patient.”

He thought that fortunately, his room was not far from this library.

Ashiel hurriedly took Sienna to his room and laid her on the bed, unaware that she was half intentionally twisting her body.

Then he got up and tried to get some water…

“…Uh!”

That attempt was unsuccessful.

“Uh…”

Sienna, lying on the bed, grabbed him by the neck and began to kiss him frantically.

The tongues were mixed much more skillfully than the first time. Sienna’s tongue brushed against the sensitive roof of Ashiel’s mouth, and Ashiel barely pulled away from Sienna with a growling moan beneath her neck.

Wet lips, shortness of breath.

“….…”

“…Why?”

Sienna asked.

“You didn’t like it?”

“….…”

Ashiel, who didn’t know how to express with his lips so violently and densely to Sienna, was red-hot up to his collarbone, unable to speak, and merely shook his head.

“Then come here.”

Sienna snapped her finger.

Ashiel groaned in disbelief as he was dragged along without being able to refuse.

“Sienna…”

Still feeling pathetic and suffering from guilt…

‘What a cute guy,’ Sienna thought.

‘If I play a little more, I will see an interesting sight.’

The problem was, there wasn’t time now.

“Ashiel, if the Queen is born while we’re wasting time, it’s over. If you don’t like me, tell me now.”

Ah.

Ashiel nearly collapsed, moaning as when Sienna conquered his lips.

“No way…”

It couldn’t be.

Sienna lowered her arms as she embraced the stone man with patience, and stroked his back with feather-like touches.

“You are now… now you are doing something you will regret. If I become more greedy, then I will…”

“That’s possible.”

Sienna laughed. Even if he was greedy, she thought that it would be cute if a man who wanted to be jealous became more greedy.

Was that so?

Sienna made the mistake of denigrating the size of the heart that Ashiel had in her mind, even though he had lost the reins.

“But Ashiel…”

So Sienna whispered,

“…I forgive you.”

This time, patience did not help him.

Ashiel couldn’t take it any longer and ran to his beloved one.

Sienna gladly welcomed him.

And after a while…

“Ah, Ashiel? Wait, wait, you!”

“Shh, that’s fine. It’s just a little strange, so you’ll get used to it soon.”

“Ah, wait! Getting used to it, that kind of nonsense…!”

Sienna immediately regretted her own recklessness.

…It took a little longer than expected for Ashiel and Sienna to return to the Imperial Palace in the same shape they were when they left.

* * *

“Brother, what have you been doing? We’re in a hurry.”

“That…”

“What is it, he’s treating me like a glass?”

Ashiel was generally sober, but he wasn’t in a position to deal with those purely nail-biting questions now.

Reluctantly, Sienna stepped out.

“The offshore barrier was attacked. So I was in a bad mood for a while.”

“Wait, the offshore barrier has been attacked? It’s not a place affected by synchronization.”

“I was attacked not long after the barrier was activated, so my magical power drained out a bit. In the meantime, I was a little surprised. That’s all.”

Sienna only avoided talking about her time-axis. In fact, except for that, everything was true.

Now it was as good as ever. Of course, there were some other reasons for the clean recovery…

Arandier nodded her head.

“I’m glad it’s okay. Then, how about taking a break from the confrontation world for a while?”

The golden curtain, the shield of the confrontation world, which Sienna had summoned, was floating in the air above the empire.

“It wouldn’t be easy to maintain it.”

“? Yes? No, that’s fine. It’s not particularly difficult.”

Since Sienna had now recovered to her best condition through intimate contact with Ashiel.

Moreover, the conditions under which the time-axis collapsed were delicate; it does not collapse simply because she used magical powers continuously.

Compared to receiving a shock from a careless state like before, it was okay to say that a certain amount of magical power was escaping like it was now.

People looked at Sienna, who casually said ‘it’s okay’, with strange eyes.

“…What’s wrong?”

“No, no.”

“It’s true, I’ve never heard of anyone saying she’s not good enough while growing up.”

“Geniuses are just like that.”

“The word exists only for the sake of the Master.”

[Ahem! Right! My Master is not just a genius, but a rare genius!]

Instead of Sienna, Hesaros raised his nose in triumph.

[If she hadn’t, she wouldn’t have been the owner of Hesaros!]

‘Yes, yes. Do you want to be difficult?’

Anyway, now there was a more important question than whether Sienna Hesaros was a genius or not.

“Your Highness the Crown Princess, on the confrontation system issue… I think it will be difficult to settle the barrier for the time being.”

“Hmm?”

Sienna recalled the character of Duke Euros that she had seen so far.

First, he was a rat that ate Loraxar’s heart and became a magical beast.

Second, she did not know what method he used, but he succeeded in infiltrating the Euros family and becoming the head.

“…Yes, I suppose so.”

Arandier wiped her face with a complicated expression.

“Your Highness.”

“No, that’s fine. Go ahead.”

Sienna went on to explain.

Duke Euros, who swallowed Loraxar’s heart, targeted the Nachts and Sienna.

Of course, it was to prevent the birth of a powerful Terraformer seen through the powers of prophecy…

In the first place, why did Duke Euros try to plant a judicial law in Nacht Castle and erase Sienna from the world?

“I think it’s because he’s Loraxar’s heir. Just like in the fairy tale, a rat that ate a nail took on the form of its owner.”

“…That’s reasonable reasoning. Loraxar was one with a strong ambition to rule this world.”

“Yes.”

Sienna nodded and thought to herself.

Maybe it wasn’t just Loraxar’s ambition for Tesius Euros.

‘Loraxar lost its life at the hands of the Grand Duke.’

There was no way he didn’t want revenge against the Nacht family and Grand Duke Roderick.

Such hatred continued…

‘In such a cruel way… It ruined us all.’

If Ashiel had not been able to turn back time, Nacht would have met a tragic end together with this world — shattered and broken.

After that, the situation would have turned into hell with nothing changed.

Sienna spoke in a more sober voice as she hid her boiling anger.

“These rats have been with us for many years, holding their breath. These beasts excel at infiltrating and destroying their enemies from within, and they never attack on a large scale.”

It was something she could say from her own experience of being trampled on.

“Is it?”

The rest seemed to be listening to speculation, but Nachts also expressed their agreement in silence.

“It must be urgent that such a beast attacked the offshore barrier recklessly…”

Or.

“It must mean that it’s very angry.”

“Angry…”

Arandier muttered, crossing her arms. She had a bitter smile until she couldn’t hold back any longer and burst into laughter.

It wasn’t a pleasant laugh.

“Fuhahahaha. That’s so funny. Is it angry?”

After shaking her head for a moment and smiling, Arandier motioned for Sienna to be relieved.

“You don’t have to worry about me, so keep explaining. So, the beast is angry?”

“Yes, yes…”

“Hmm. Why?”

“Because it lost its Queen.”

“It’s Queen…”

“As you know, monsters can be classified into three types according to the creation process.”

First, what happened in stagnant magic.

Second, what happened in the nest.

“And the third is to haunt with the power of the Queen, who is occasionally born in an old nest.”

“By the way, I heard you said you were a professor of magical biology at the military academy.”

“In general, the Queen is… yes?”

That’s right, but… How did the princess know it?

Moreover, for a moment, Arandier’s eyes staring at her were those of delight, and Sienna almost forgot what she had to say.

“Well, let me continue to explain…”

“Well.”

Arandier nodded her head as if it was very pleasant to hear.

“…Important point is that Queens only occur in nests.”

For a moment, Sienna felt as if she had become a little kid who memorized and presented a children’s song for the first time in front of her.

But the princess didn’t look awkward at all.

“Yes, well, Ashiel, the two guys you recommended came back with the results of their investigation into Euros’ orphanage a while ago.”

To the crown princess who was looking for someone she could trust for the orphanage investigation suggested by Grand Duke Roderick, Ashiel recommended his friend Dehan from the north.

As for Jonas… He didn’t even recommend him, and Dehan didn’t seem to want it at all, but he followed along, saying, ‘What are good friends for?’

“Has it been successful?”

“The results… well. I don’t know. Should I call it an achievement to find out that the empire’s children keep disappearing year after year in the land controlled by Euros?”

“They’re raising a Queen.”

Sienna was determined.

“It must have been because of the preparations that actually made them stay put for seven years. Those children…”

“….…”

“…They were a sacrifice. Artificially creating a Queen in a place without a nest.”

Without realizing it, Sienna clenched her teeth. How could she not be angry?

For such a worthless thing, precious young ones had lost their lives.

“He must have been very angry because he lost what he had put so much effort into.”

“If we don’t find the runaway Queen before him, it’ll be trouble.”

A Queen, who has become the host, has more magic than the beasts that three giant nests generate.

That was then.

“Your Highness! Your Highness the Crown Princess!!”

A group of knights hastily found Arandier.

“What’s going on?”

“Well, it’s an emergency. There’s a mischief of rats in the system..”

“What?”

Sienna had a hunch.

“A mischief of rats. From where and how much?”

“In severe cases, there are so many rats that the entrance of the road is covered with rats. And it is said that they eat each other and even attack people…!”

The Queen began to act.

“We have no time, Your Highness.”

Sienna promptly suggested.

“The Queen, we must find Loreina Minangsi.”

* * *

Crown Princess Arandier and Admiral Ferrato led the knights and army to the front line to eradicate the rat swarms in the capital.

And Sienna, Ashiel, Michael, Isabelle, and Lou moved as separate units to find Loreina, who became the Queen.

“Ugh…”

When they went over in person, the situation was more serious than they had heard.

There was no rat-free place at the entrance of the streets. In particular, in alleys with vomit, rats gathered, and when viewed from a distance, they were moving like waves.

And then the sight of them eating each other…

“…It’s grotesque.”

Even Isabelle was muttering like this.

Sienna sighed. Finding Loreina was really important, but she couldn’t let it go after seeing this.

“Hesaros.”

[Okay.]

At the same time as Hesaros manifested in Sienna’s hand, flames engulfed the mischief of rats.

However…

Kiiiiieeehh!!

The rats started screaming and flailing in the fire.

“Hey! What’s wrong?”

“It’s not what I meant.”

What Sienna used was purifying fire. It was not that it was still not purified.

However, the rats, which should have become dust at the same time as they were purified, did not turn to dust, but were on fire, presenting a terrible sight and smell!

Finally, Ashiel raised his hand. Then numerous arrows appeared from the air behind his back.

“…Go away.”

With a single gesture of Ashiel, the arrows aimed precisely at each rat and hit them.

Kiiiek!

The burning rats were hit by arrows, and they collapsed and died.

“Ugh…”

Michael looked like he really wanted to vomit now. Lou looked at Michael as though he found him a little pathetic, but he, too, was equally horrified by the sight.

“Even if you purify it doesn’t disappear, why is that?”

“I think… these rats aren’t perfect yet.”

“It’s not a perfect beast? Don’t tell me…”

“Yes. Maybe the things that should have been connected with Duke Euros… I think it’s because Duke Euros’ alter ego disappeared and the confrontation world was activated and the connection was cut off…”

“Then there’s really no other way but to get rid of it physically.”

At Isabelle’s cold judgment of reality, Michael groaned as if he was about to die.

Lou alerted them.

“…Another mischief of mice is coming from over there.”

It was just as he said.

Could it be because of the smell of the corpses of their kind who had been burned? Mischiefs of rats were coming from all directions.

In the darkness that still covered the alley, the sight of a thousand black eyes twinkling and narrowing their distance…

Michael said as he unknowingly grabbed Isabelle’s arm.

“Let’s get out of here for now!”

Sienna was also of the same thought.

But the moment she nodded…

Thud!

“……?!”

“Sienna!”

Suddenly Sienna stumbled and Lou and Ashiel came to her like lightning. Sienna involuntarily placed her hand on Ashiel’s arm and leaned on him.

“It’s okay, it’s okay. Another trick on the offshore barrier…”

“Look over there!”

Michael pointed at the sky.

They all raised their heads…

“…Drakes?”

Euros’ drakes could be seen flying over the golden veil of the confrontation world.

‘Finally…’

Duke Euros, not only as a magical beast, but also using the power of the Heaven family, seemed to be trying to commit a ‘rebellion’.

“…For the time being, there is the confrontation world, so the drakes won’t be able to enter.”

“However…”

“That’s proof that the rat has become that desperate.”

“But, Master…”

“Our task has not changed. We leave this situation to the Crown Princess. We must first find the Queen.”

Sienna cut Isabelle off adamantly.

“That’s how we win.”

* * *

Fortunately, by working with Hesaros, Sienna, who was running the confrontation world, was able to capture a position where Loreina was likely to be at some extent faster than before.

The unfortunate thing was that all over the area, a mischief of rats with similar energy to Loreina were roaming around.

Efforts to trace the flow of rats suggested by Michael to find the source were also to no avail. Because there were so many mice.

After the third blow, Sienna looked up at the sky involuntarily.

The edge of the sky was dimly lit.

Dawn was about to come.

‘Shit…’

‘Where do I start?’

“Sienna.”

“I don’t have time, Ashiel.”

After this night, the country would be in chaos.

Even now, a state of emergency had been declared and soldiers were cracking down on residents who sensed abnormalities and were trying to run away, but when the day comes, they would no longer be able to contain the chaos.

“…What should we do?”

“Well…”

Ashiel carefully opened his mouth.

“Isn’t Loreina Minangsi’s condition strange earlier?”

“That…”

“Besides, think about the places we’ve been to so far.”

Sienna directed her confused eyes at him. Ashiel nodded his head calmly.

“It was a place that had nothing to do with Loreina or Minangsi.”

“……!”

It was a part Sienna hadn’t even thought of because she was in a hurry from the thought that she didn’t have time.

‘Right…’

Loreina Minangsi was insane.

“It makes sense. Maybe she’s not hiding in a place where she can hide, but in a place where she’s most human…”

“The problem that we should be concerned about is ‘where’…”

“There is.”

Siena just cut it off and said.

“Let’s go to Nacht’s castle.”

“Eh?”

Michael reacted as if it was absurd, but Sienna was convinced.

“Right now, it’s almost empty because the entire family is at the Imperial Palace because of the sad news of Grand Duke Nacht.”

“But—”

Hardly recalling the past, Michael spoke in a low voice.

“I don’t think Loreina Minangsi will have any memories there.”

It was only Sienna and Nacht blood relatives who found memories of the past.

But Sienna shook her head.

“This time as well, Loreina Minangsi was obsessed with being a child of the Nacht family.”

However, she never crossed the threshold of the Nacht family in this life.

“I’m sure. I’m sure she’ll be there.”

“If you are…”

“I’ll open the garden. We’re in a hurry.”

As Sienna beckoned, embers appeared in the air and rose up in a big way, enveloping the party like flower petals.

The next moment, they arrived at the Nacht castle.

The castle was quiet because most people were away. Strangely, there was no sign of activity and only a few rats were seen on the surface.

Ashiel recited a spell and the gate opened. The group cautiously entered the quiet castle. By the way…

As they were about to go around the corner that was covered by garden trees and go to the front door, a body that had fallen to the floor appeared.

He was a private of the Nacht family.

“…At least it’s certain that something went wrong.”

Ashiel said after checking the corpse that was skinny like a mummy.

“I guess I should say it’s fortunate…”

Michael sighed. There were not many victims because almost everyone was away because of Ashiel’s succession ceremony

“…Anyway, let’s go in.”

The party moved into the castle without disturbing the scene by touching the corpse.

“Eww…”

At the same time, a terrible smell and fraud attacked the party.

“Hesaros!”

Sienna quickly set up a shield with purifying fire.

“I- I think I’ll live.”

“Here… it seems that Master’s guess is correct.”

Sienna stood on the porch and looked around. The majestic castle was engulfed in deep darkness, as if it was midnight, even when dawn was coming.

…Just like Nacht Castle when Sienna first came.

Sienna asked, whispering.

“Ashiel, you’re not connected to the mansion, are you?”

“I’m not…”

Ashiel shook his head in embarrassment. Seeing that, Sienna also relaxed to some extent.

‘I’m sure Loreina is here…’

And now, it was her time to face her.

…Right at that moment.

“…A guest… is here…?”

Staggering footsteps.

The hem of her once pretty dress was torn and fluttering. What’s in her hand…

‘…Esperanza?’

The long magic wand with blue jewels seemed to have lost a lot of light compared to what was seen in Elbara.

Overall, it was not normal.

But Loreina’s long blonde hair was still flowing in a dreamy, seductive way, and her pale face and green eyes were just beautiful.

The moment she looked at Sienna with her dazed eyes, she sparkled and shone.

Loreina said,

“It’s… an… unwelcome guest.”

“If you look from this side, you’re the unwelcome guest.”

The expression on Loreina’s face disappeared.

“Sienna.”

“Shh.”

Sienna shook off the party and took a step towards Loreina, who was standing on the stairs.

Loreina spoke in an angry voice.

“Do not come!”

“….…”

“This used to be my place. It’s not for a lowly orphan like you…!!”

Slowly, something like a black liquid or a cloud appeared behind Loreina’s back.

“That’s…!”

That energy reconciled into a rat-like shape and began to circle around Loreina.

“Ahhh…”

Loreina moaned as she covered her face in pain.

The black energy that appeared behind her disappeared only after there were enough rats to haunt her.

“Terrible things, please go away!”

Loreina gasped and swung Esperanza, but it was to no avail. The figures slowly transforming into rats hovered around her feet.

“Please, Esperanza! Ahh!”

The moment they saw that scene, everyone thought.

‘The Last Hope, Esperanza…’

How terrible was it to have hope in such a situation?

Besides, Esperanza didn’t seem to be listening to Loreina.

It appeared that the effect of casting some kind of magic was almost exhausted.

Sienna called out Hesaros as she looked at Loreina, who was groaning in pain.

It was to be prepared to use the fire of purification as quickly as possible.

Clink.

Eventually, Loreina dropped the wand, Esperanza, which had been completely turned off.

A group of rats dispersed away from Esperanza, which was on the floor. But that was it, it was only for a while. The dark energy did not disappear; though the rats were running away, they kept looking back.

They would come to suck on Loreina’s fraud whenever they see a chance again.

Desperate, Loreina slumped onto the floor. She shuddered, as if in disbelief, and suddenly raised her head toward Sienna.

And she muttered.

“You ruined everything.”

“No.”

Sienna responded immediately with an equally expressionless face.

“Your ‘choice’ ruined everything.”

“No, no, no, no, ah, ah, ah…”

As Loreina’s words began to slur, dark energy clumped up again and grew in size.

It must be painful, for Loreina groaned and twisted her body.

“Please, please, stop, don’t squeeze me! It hurts, it hurts…!”

The darkness grew bigger, and this time it covered Loreina’s ankles.

It seemed that Loreina was going to disappear.

‘I can’t help it.’

Sienna lit up the flames of purification.

As the flames climbed up the stairs, the rats started screaming at Loreina.

But the flames were unconcerned and wrapped around Loreina and the darkness like a ring.

“Hey, don’t…!”

Trapped in the circle of purification with the growing and escaping rats, Loreina gasped in extreme fear, but Sienna refused to let them go.

She took one step up the stairs.

“Maybe I ruined your greed, I don’t know.”

“Ah, ah, ah, don’t come! Stay away! Terrible! Ahhhh!”

“However…”

Sienna climbed up the stairs and stood in front of Loreina, who collapsed, sobbing and screaming. She picked up Esperanza that was lying on the floor…

“Well.”

…And handed it to Lou, like she was going to leave it to him for a while.

Then she responded to Loreina.

“…Think about it, Loreina Minangsi. Who the hell made you look like this now.”

“…What?”

Loreina stopped screaming. Green eyes gleamed eerily between the fingers that gripped her hair, fixed on Sienna.

“…What do you mean?”

Fortunately, perhaps due to the effect of the fire of purification, the rats that were not fully formed yet disappeared. Also, the darkness behind Loreina stopped increasing, although it didn’t disappear.

In addition, even in Loreina’s voice, there was a slight return of normality.

Sienna asked again.

“Who made you so non-human?”

“…….”

“The person who made you eat your mother. His name.”

“…Tesius…”

Tuk, Loreina’s hands slipped from her face.

Loreina muttered in a stupor.

“Tesius Euros.”

“You don’t resent him?”

“He… I…!”

Loreina shivered and trembled. She shouted, shaking her head as if exasperated.

“He made me a queen!”

“Then is this what you think of a queen?”

“…….”

“To be used secretly in this uninhabited castle as a host for fraud and supply to rats…”

Sienna became angry as she spoke. With strength in her jaw, she asked.

“…Is that what you think of a queen?”

Loreina looked up at Sienna with incredulous eyes. Focus was coming back into her eyes.

“No.”

She answered clearly.

“That bastard cheated me.”

“He’s a rat that can’t even be a dog.”

“That bastard… deceived me!”

Sienna looked down at Loreina, who was grinding her teeth coldly. She was still blaming others, but…

‘It’s not important.’

Sienna snapped her fingers. Then, the fire of purification burned fiercely and enveloped Loreina.

“Ahhhhhhh!!”

Loreina screamed at her, but Sienna maintained the roaring flames for a while.

“What are you doing!!”

As soon as the flames went out, Loreina shrieked. But Sienna only replied calmly.

“I temporarily sealed the nest you made.”

“What?”

“You can’t function as queen for the time being.”

A sense of relief that could not be hidden crossed Loreina’s face at those words.

She was a very talkative queen. Until now, Loreina was suffering from constant devouring by the beasts that were born after she became a host alive.

So Duke Euros put a mental lock on her to subdue her.

Worse still, Loreina’s mother, the Countess of Minangsi, had tolerated it.

Loreina bit her lips.

It was miserable.

“…Don’t tell me you’re helping me.”

Even at this point, Sienna smiled blandly at Loreina’s hostility. No way.

“Don’t worry. It’s not like that at all.”

“…….”

“I will use you.”

“What?”

As if in disbelief, Loreina’s eyes widened. Sienna ordered with a still blank expression.

“Kill him.”

“If that’s possible, I…”

Loreina gritted her teeth and tried to refute it, but Sienna only asked:

“What if I could make it possible?”

“…What?”

With shock, Loreina’s eyes became even wider, but Sienna didn’t wait for her answer.

She thought as she went down the stairs.

‘The rats that were born in Loreina’s darkness are the clones of Duke Euros.’

The birth of clones has been sealed, and those already born were being annihilated by Crown Princess Arandier and Duke Ferrato, so the power and influence of Tesius Euros would also be weakening.

“Sienna. What are you going to do?”

“Ashiel.”

Sienna gestured with her fingers. Then Ashiel lowered his head nearer to Sienna’s.

Sienna whispered.

“…I need your help.”

* * *

After a while.

Sienna and the party took Loreina, who seemed to be asleep, into the air by magic. And they immediately joined Arandier’s group.

“Count Ysent! You’ve captured the Queen!”

Admiral Ferrato, whose appearance had just been messed up by what he had been doing, greeted them cheerfully with his still very much handsome face.

“Almost all the rats in the capital have been eradicated. So…”

The moment he spoke, Admiral Ferrato stepped on the rat that jumped out without notice, and smiled haphazardly.

“…I clear everything I could see in front of my eyes, that’s what I meant.”

That was then.

Kwang!

At the sound of a loud noise from the air, everyone looked up at the air.

“Ugh…”

A flying drake came crashing into the battlefield.

However, there was no way that the confrontation world would be shaken to any extent from a single drake without any magic.

The flying drake bled and died as it was. And the corpse rolled on top of the confrontational world, leaving bloodstains.

People were at a loss for words as they looked at the bloody confrontation world.

It was a horrendous declaration of war.

…To give the Queen back.

Sienna blinked at Lou.

After she had finished conspiring with Ashiel, she had also exchanged a few words with Lou.

Lou nodded with a slightly pale face. It meant that he was ready to do as Sienna said.

Sienna first asked Hesaros for his understanding. She was going to call Highsteer.

[It must be true that the Emperor will transfer ownership again when he wakes up.]

“Yes, yes.”

Sienna couldn’t hold the scepter that symbolized the imperial power forever, so even if she didn’t want to, she had to.

‘Besides, now…’

Sienna glanced at Lou, then she called Highsteer.

With a brilliant golden light, the Ruler’s Scepter, Highsteer, appeared from Sienna’s hand.

“Oh my gosh…!”

“That is…”

A golden body, a crescent-like base, and jewels like the tears of the moon that fall with a clear sound.

[The confrontation world is dirty.]

“I’m going to do some cleaning.”

[A person who wears the crown must have a neat appearance and a clean attitude.]

As Sienna manifested purification magic, the golden jewel began to reflect brilliantly on the prism.

[I’ll help you.]

At the same time, the confrontation world reacted with gloom and a rumble, and the corpse and blood disappeared in a golden glow.

“Oh oh……!!”

But that didn’t end there.

Thump, thump— The flying drakes began to hit their bodies against the confrontation world all at once. In spite of the cleaning, the confrontation world became even bloodier than before.

“Sienna…!”

“It’s okay, I was expecting it.”

Tak, Ashiel snapped his fingers. Then Loreina, who looked as though she had drooped and died, appeared from behind.

“Loreina Minangsi?!”

People were astonished. Arandier asked,

“Sienna, did you kill the Queen by any chance?”

“Kind of, but it’s a little different. That’s why…”

Just as Sienna quietly tried to convey her plan to Arandier…

“Wowww—!”

“The Queen, the Queen is dead!”

“The witch of the magical beast is dead!!”

“Long live Her Highness the Crown Princess!!”

At first, Sienna thought that the cheers were for Arandier.

But…

“Glory to Sienna Hesaros Kainosia!!”

“Long live Her Highness, Crown Princess Sienna!!”

“……?!”

No way?

‘His Majesty the Emperor is still…’

Ashiel, Michael, Isabelle and Lou, who knew what the emperor meant to Sienna, looked at her anxiously, but she didn’t even notice.

[TL/N: the people cheered as though the emperor had already died, as they called Sienna ‘crown princess’ (which she kind of would be if Arandier had risen to the throne).]

Sienna’s heart clenched. She shifted her eyes, turning to Arandier. But Arandier shook her head.

“This situation isn’t the time to explain. For now, just explain your plans.”

Sienna had the military’s characteristic coolness to take care of things once and for all.

“…I accept your command.”

And Sienna quietly relayed her plans.

“So what you’re saying is…”

Arandier, who had heard the whole story, muttered as if it was unexpected.

“You mean you’re going to have a showdown?”

Those words also had this meaning .

—Now, in this situation?

In the meantime, the needless deaths of the drakes and the phenomenon of the corposes turning to gold continued.

Among them, there was a non-moving drake.

The person riding on it…

No, the figure that looked like a human was just looking at the suicide and fall of the drakes without any emotion.

It was Tesius Euros.

No more human impersonation.

Sienna spoke while looking at the King of the Outside World, who clearly seemed to be angry just by the disappearance of his smile.

“That is to stop telling obvious lies. It’s a forceful demonstration asking to give up the Queen. Therefore, unless we win in a showdown, the general offensive will continue.”

“An offensive… So, did you say you were going to protect the land, not the sky, with the confrontation world?”

“To be precise, it is to put a small barrier on every house of this land, every single life.”

“That’s how you’re going to fight this war, protecting the country and life.”

“Yes that’s right.”

“Is it possible?”

No other words were needed for the soldier.

“Yes, it’s possible.”

“Then let’s get started.”

“Sienna.”

As Sienna nodded and called out Highsteer again, Ashiel called her in a slightly stiff voice.

Sienna moved the corners of her lips slightly, giving him an expression that resembled a smile.

“It’s okay, please stay by my side.”

“…However much.”

After which…

Sienna, holding Highsteer, stood in the center of the space that used to be a plaza.

When she glanced up, Tesius Euros was still looking down at her.

‘…You bastard.’

Grand Duke Nacht died because of that bastard.

Even to His Majesty the Emperor, that bastard caused trouble.

‘Crown Princess Sienna Hesaros?’

Sienna clenched her teeth.

“Highsteer!”

[I’m waiting, child.]

“I’m going to move the confrontation.”

Sienna concentrated her purification power on Highsteer.

“Please protect the people.”

[I’ll keep it in mind, kind child.]

The great barrier which had spread like meteors into a halo gathered again like a group of lights towards Highsteer.

And…!

“Come!”

An army of flying drakes had begun to rush!

“Highsteer, now!”

The golden barrier spreaded at a low eye level. And it went like a net to houses and people.

“Hey, this is…!”

“Calm down!”

Arandier gave a fierce command, stomping the ground and swinging her bayonet.

Kwaaa—ck! Kwaaaa— Kwagak!

At once, the heads of the drakes fell off and they collapsed to the floor.

Right then.

“Named Esperanza!”

The boy’s hoarse voice called out.

“I command you with reasonable qualifications as your master.”

“Kiyakkk!!”

Drakes began to rush in.

At the moment when they were all about to launch an attack…

“…Drakes, stop!”

That moment.

“W-What?”

The drakes that were rushing towards the ground suddenly halted on the spot.

Suddenly, the whole place became quiet; only the sound of the flying dragons flapping their wings could be heard.

“I-Is that… Esperanza?”

“Why that boy?”

“Wait, look at that boy’s eyes. It’s blue!”

“You…”

Among the surprised people, Arandier was especially surprised to the point of being unable to speak.

Esperanza was often known as a magic amplification tool, but only an owner with true qualifications recognized by this Named had the power to command the drakes.

A qualified owner…

“Is it the other blood of Euros!”

…He must be one who had inherited the blood of the Heavens.

While everyone was surprised, Sienna stabilized the barrier of Highsteer that had spread all over the ground. At that time.

“…I can’t.”

The man riding on the flying drake cut off the head of any creature that no longer obeyed his orders.

“Keeek…!”

A fountain of blood spattered, but the man didn’t care and jumped into the center of the square, covered in blood.

Bam, bam!

The decapitated drake’s body also fell behind him.

It was terrifying, but the smiling face of the man was the same pretty face they had always seen.

…It was Tesius Euros. No, he was just wearing a shell like that…

“Rat, you’re finally here.”

“Give me my Queen.”

Sienna replied without changing her expression.

“Unfortunately, I’ve already killed her.”

“…If you thought I was going to be deceived, I’m so disappointed.”

Kwaaak!

At that moment, Ashiel’s arrows rushed towards Tesius.

Tesius simply avoided them.

That was then.

“H-Hey…!”

“Rats, rats again!”

A mischief of rats, thought to have been almost completely eradicated, climbed up from the sewer and began to cover the streets in black.

Tesius Euros stood at the center of it.

His eyes were no longer blue.

Even the whites were stained black.

Like the eyes of a rat looking up from under the sewer, black and shiny eyes.

“I told you, Sienna Hesaros. I’ll make you regret it.”

“Well, who knows who will regret it?”

The barrier was stabilized at the right time. Sienna returned Highsteer and summoned Hesaros.

[I’ve been waiting, Owner!]

Whoosh!

Fierce flames shot towards Tesius like a flamethrower!

Along which, Michael recited a spell. Then, a magic circle appeared at Tesius’ feet, and ice sprung up like a spear.

Lou exclaimed.

“The drakes of the Heavens!”

“Kieeeyik!”

As Tesius lightly evaded the drake’s breath and Michael’s attack, the arrow that Ashiel had shot went towards the spot he dodged to.

“……!”

This time, it was not completely avoided. The arrow brushed Tesius’ shoulder.

“Brother! Did you succeed?”

“No.”

Ashiel lowered Thanatos.

And he made countless small pieces of arrows and shot them at the rats.

Kwak, Kwak, Kwak!

“Hiiieeeyik!”

Sienna also controlled the flames, sweeping the floor. The rats were screaming and dying…

“…It’s no use.”

The rats stormed the ground again in black. Not only that…

“Hiiieee—hek!”

They were bulging; the bones of the rats seemed to move at will, and the rats began to grow to the size of a dog!

Everyone was astonished at the disgusting sight. Sienna drew a boundary with flames, pulling herself back.

Tesius was wiping the blood from his mouth.

It was a startling sight, but Ashiel said.

“I think it’s almost done.”

“I think so.”

To stop dealing with the fight by quantity and to grow in size meant that there was a limit to the number of rats Tesius could mobilize.

However, once Sienna saw the dog-sized rats that rushed at her, she couldn’t easily say that it was the limit.

Sienna and Ashiel stepped out of the boundary to help those struggling.

And at that moment…

“No…!”

Tesius rushed towards Loreina like lightning.

Admiral Ferrato quickly swung Wind Locker, and Lou swiftly climbed into the sky on a flying drake and used lightning magic.

Isabelle also wielded a saber and shot shards of ice, while Arandier hurled a giant bayonet.

But nothing reached.

Tesius…

“…I found you.”

He got Loreina.

“Hey, damn it…!”

“Don’t let him take the Queen!!”

“It’s useless, you idiots.”

Black veins began to spread from Tesius’ dark eyes.

The shape of his face was not the usual handsome and neat one.

Whiskers were growing out of his nose, and his hair had turned to a rough grayish-brown color.

“That rat…”

Just then, Loreina opened her eyes.

“…Sir Euros?!”

“Loreina.”

She managed to recognize Tesius, Sienna thought.

Tesius spoke, with a voice that was still as sweet as usual.

“Loreina, help me, like usual. Can you?”

A smile spread across Loreina’s lips.

“Yes, I am your queen. I can do anything.”

“I’m proud of you. Now, then….”

Tesius’ lips were long, arcing and torn to the sides of his face.

Inside his wide lips, his sharp teeth were so dense that the roof of his mouth was barely recognizable.

“No more, please be my food.”

A cry of astonishment erupted from among the people. But Loreina smiled softly and said, “Anything.”

Gwak!

Tesius’ teeth bit Loreina’s pale neck.

“Crazy…!

Profanity broke out among the people. However, Tesius was preoccupied with sucking blood from Loreina’s neck, with the giant rats standing as a shield.

‘Uh…?’

Blood came in, and strength returned.

And Tesius, this monster suddenly realized.

It was too quiet,

There was no way the humans who had been bothering him all this time would just let this sacrament moment go.

Loreina wrapped her quivering hands around the neck of the eerie, creepy monster.

“Don’t think about it, just eat me.”

…The moment he heard those words, the King of Demonic Beasts knew.

Something was wrong.

“You, you……!”

“Ahahaha!” Loreina laughed despite her neck being half ripped off.

“Y-You’re, notice, slow to notice…”

As Loreina died, she recalled Sienna’s proposal.

“I won’t let you die a purposeless death.”

Yes, it was just avoiding a dog’s death.

That was the only way left for Loreina at that moment.

When she realized it, she wanted to die at that instance, but…

If she had to die like that, she would rather kill someone.

That someone…

This time it wasn’t Sienna Hesaros.

‘It should have been like this from the beginning.’

But Loreina had no one who would dedicate his heart for her.

In the end, Loreina’s head completely bent.

The monster left alone was stunned.

Something was wrong, but he definitely felt it, that as intended, the body that ate Loreina was overflowing with strength.

‘What kind of trick…’

As soon as he thought so, Loreina’s dead body slipped forward and collapsed.

The moment he saw her back, the eyes of the King of Demonic Beasts widened.

“This, this is…”

An arrow of magical power that was invisible to his eyes was stuck in her back.

He hurriedly lifted his eyes, and saw Ashiel in the distance with an empty bow pointing this way.

The name of that bow was Thanatos, which shoots pieces of death that are invisible and cannot be felt before being hit.

Loreina’s body, her body was sentenced to ‘death’.

‘And I, who ate her body…’

“Did you notice now?”

Sienna stepped forward in front of Tesius, trampling a rat that was shrinking in size.

“You, Lady of Spring…! You’re so…!”

“What you swallowed is the poison of death, heir of Loraxar.”

Death. The monster that swallowed Loreina’s flesh and blood let out a piercing screech.

At the same time, Sienna exclaimed.

“Ashiel!”

Immediately, Asiel pointed his golden bow towards Tesius.

“You two, what are you looking…!”

Tesius’ body began to grow.

It was as if the human shell had burst, and the shape of a magical beast swelled out of it.

Before long, a giant rat appeared.

“You hateful Lady of Spring, I will kill you too…!”

Bang! Tesius’ tail swept through the square.

There was nothing wrong with the buildings and people surrounded by the confrontation world, but the damage was delivered to Sienna.

Part of the barrier was broken and people screamed.

‘No…’

This was the city of the emperor.

This was His Majesty’s city.

‘…I will protect it…!!’

Sienna clenched her teeth and cried.

“Elbara!”

Thanatos glowed with a golden light.

It was because Ashiel was aiming with an arrowhead made of a heart jewel — Elbara’s heart.

…Pre-purified by Sienna.

Kwaaack— Kwang!

Ashiel’s arrow popped and hit the monster.

“Ughhhhh…!”

The moment Tesius screamed helplessly!

“Come, you, Unclean King!”

Centering on the arrow of Ashiel that was lodged in Tesius, Sienna’s territory began to explode!

1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987, 1597—

A golden wind blew in all directions. Michael, who was watching, was astonished.

“This… how…!”

Her territory quickly took control of the islands.

But it didn’t stop there, and it started to stretch out.

4181, 6765, 10,946—

At an astonishing rate, her territory was amplifying and amplifying.

No, it wasn’t at the level that it was already cutely called a territory.

Michael muttered like a moan.

“Terra…”

Terra.

The environment itself in which living things can survive and live.

She declared towards the King of Demonic Beasts writhing in the center.

“Mortals, this is my garden.”

It was the largest garden in the world, generating life and embracing death.

“N-No, no…!”

A war that has been going on for a long time, fighting for a year and returning in another year.

Now was the time to end that war.

For those who were lost.

Sienna came to this end.

“Face your death!”

“Kuuuuaaaah!”

The flames that rose like petals, and the petals that swept the swirled around Tesius like arrowheads.

It was as if the flames were quickly corroding him.

People had no choice but to stare at the wondrous and absurd sight, speechless.

“Keuk, you, spring, spring, goddess, as it’s predicted…!”

“I said.”

Mercilessly, Sienna ignited a flame, which began to eat Tesius’ mouth and vocal cords.

“Shut up.”

“……!!!!!”

Tesius could not even scream and was engulfed in flames.

After a while, the storm of flames subsided…

The rat that ate the heart of Loraxar, the King of Demonic Beasts, was gone.

It was black, and only a little ashes flew into the air.

‘The end… Is it?’

A very overwhelming victory.

In front of the marvelous result, people said nothing.

In the silence where neither cheers nor joy were expressed for a while…

Ah…

Sighing, Sienna knelt down on the spot.

“The end…….”

Finished.

Everything.

It felt like all the strength in her body had drained away, and she had become an empty shell with nothing left.

Sienna flopped over, lying on her back.

‘This… really… the end?’

Even though she did it, she couldn’t believe it.

“Sienna!”

At that moment, Ashiel immediately approached Sienna as if in shock.

Sienna looked at the man’s face as he peered at her anxiously. The golden sunlight that had suddenly risen made the beautiful man’s face dazzled.

The sight was astonishing…

It was okay. Everything was fine.

It was peaceful.

“…Sienna, are you okay?”

“Ashiel…”

Sienna reached her hand out as if she wanted it to be held. Without hesitation, Ashiel took her hand and helped her get up.

And then…

“……?”

Sienna pulled her weight into their gripped hands, then she bounced back in recoil and hugged Ashiel’s neck.

“…Sienna!!”

It was unbearably fun.

“Why, what’s the problem?”

“If you do this, you…”

“There’s peace now, we’re done.”

She could feel people staring at her from all directions, but it didn’t matter.

Sienna stared at Ashiel with a smile on her face. Now that she saw carefully, the man’s face was also scratched and bruised, it was a real mess.

Still talkative and timid, but he loves her.

“In a place like this, your honor…”

“It’s none of their business.”

And she was the one he loved.

“…I will decide where I will be worshiped.”

Borrowing the power of adrenaline, Sienna tightened her arms around Ashiel’s neck and pulled it.

Naturally, their lips met each other’s.

Ashiel and Sienna could feel astonishment spreading silently among the people around them, but it didn’t matter.

After a short kiss, Sienna looked into Ashiel’s eyes.

Eyes that contained only her.

Eyes that gleamed like a flash of light, and the one and only love that made them blind for a long time.

“… Ashiel, look.”

Sienna’s whispers tickled his lips.

“Dawn is over.”

It was fully dawning.

A morning like yesterday’s came, when the whole world shone in golden light.

But unlike yesterday, it was a morning that would be peaceful for a long time from now on.

Next chapter will be the last, and it’ll be out in two weeks (1st November) rather than the usual one month. Do join us for the finale!

Ame: MY HEART!!! If this chapter isn’t epic, then idk what is. My heart was just going badump, badump, badump this whole time! From Grand Duke Roderick Nacht’s death (yes, I’m still not over it), to Tesius Euros’ true identity being a rat (an actual rat, go figure! Bet none of us guessed that!), then to Sienna entering the imperial family (she’s really legitimately grandpa emperor’s baby now!), and the final showdown!!

IMAGINE! If this was a manhwa, the fight will be so… bloody and gruesome? Lol x) Speaking of manhwa, one year ago when I first took over the translations for this novel, I heard that there’ll be a manhwa adaptation? What happened to it? Does anyone know something?

ZZZZ: Wow, it’s almost the end. It doesn’t feel real. This chapter’s definitely a rollercoaster. A noble sacrifice from the Grand Duke, rats and nails which made me sick to my stomach, yet another Named, the truth of what happened to Loreina (and his offer to Sienna to become his queen.. Ugh, gross!), Sienna’s readoption, and more relationship development between her and Ashiel. Also, I wonder what’ll happen to Michael?

To the end, the Grand Duke was absolutely considerate of Sienna and honestly, I don’t think it was his fault that she died in her first life. The external factors which influenced their family was the cause of all this. Despite this stemming from the Grand Duke slaying of Loraxar, each side was fighting for their own reasons and I suppose what I’m trying to say is that, it’s almost and unavoidable event especially since there was still prophetic power still remaining on the magical beast’s side which led to them wanting to deal with Sienna either way.