The Capital of the Re-Estize Kingdom.
A room within Ro Lente Castle.
The chamber was as magnificent as one would expect for a princess.
Thin white curtains hung by the windows.
Sunlight filtered through the fabric, scattering into a soft golden hue.
Exquisite floral patterns were carved into the walls, and the floor was covered with a carpet imported from a distant land.
Silver candlesticks.
Porcelain vases.
A small birdcage.
Fragrant dried flowers.
Everything combined to lend the air in the room a sense of elegance.
At the center of it all sat the Golden Lana.
Lana Theiere Chardelon Ryle Vaiself.
The Princess of the Re-Estize Kingdom.
Her long blonde hair caught the sunlight, shimmering like actual gold.
Her light blue gown elegantly traced the slender lines of her body.
A small flower ornament was pinned to the right side of her hair.
Above it sat a delicate crown.
A beauty that could topple nations.
Even those words felt insufficient.
Her beauty did not lie solely in her face.
Every single movement.
The way her fingertips held the teacup.
The manner in which she lowered her gaze.
The angle of her smile.
Everything was as perfect as if it had been calculated.
The people of the Kingdom called her the Golden Lana.
She was beautiful.
She was brilliant.
And she was known as a princess who cared for her people.
Exempting road tolls.
Guaranteeing the status of adventurers.
Advocating for the abolition of slavery.
Relieving the poor and improving public safety.
The policies Lana pushed forward were inconvenient for the nobles.
However, to the commoners, they appeared as a saving grace.
Thus, the people sang her praises.
The Saintly Princess.
The Golden Princess.
The Conscience of the Re-Estize Kingdom.
But no one knew.
That beneath the mask of the saintly princess.
Deep within Lana’s heart, she was filled with an obsession directed toward only one person.
Climb.
Her puppy.
The moment she thought of that name.
A very faint smile touched the corners of Lana’s lips.
It was then.
Knock, knock.
A sound came from the door.
Lana set down her teacup and looked toward the entrance.
A maid’s voice could be heard.
“Princess, Lakyus-sama of Blue Rose has arrived to see you.”
Lakyus.
The leader of the Adamantite-ranked adventurer team, Blue Rose.
A priest-warrior who wielded 5th-tier divine magic.
The owner of the Demonic Sword, Kilineiram.
A woman from a prestigious noble family who had rejected an arranged marriage and left her house to become an adventurer.
To the public, she was Lana’s close friend.
Lana spoke softly.
“Tell her to come in.”
The door opened.
Lakyus stepped into the room.
Her blonde hair was neatly styled.
Over her usual sharp aura as an adventurer, there was a touch of elegance befitting her noble birth.
The equipment she wore was practical yet dignified.
The Demonic Sword Kilineiram at her waist made its presence known, like another shadow of hers.
Lakyus smiled brightly upon seeing Lana.
“Lana, it’s been a while!”
Lana smiled back.
“It has been a while, Lakyus.”
“How have you been?”
Lana tilted her head slightly.
“The political situation is chaotic... but I’m trying my best to stay well.”
Those words were enough to evoke concern.
Lakyus sat in the seat opposite Lana.
A maid quietly poured coffee.
A rich aroma filled the room.
Lakyus picked up the cup and took a sip.
“The atmosphere in the capital is certainly unusual.”
Lana nodded silently.
Lakyus continued.
“Between the demon appearing in the capital, this man named Caesar, and the Thousand Kingdom... these days, I don’t even know where to begin being surprised.”
Lana gently swirled her teacup with her fingertips.
“The demon that appeared in the capital was truly dangerous. The Royal Guard and the private armies of the noble houses couldn't respond properly.”
“And then this Caesar person appeared and defeated the demon?”
“Yes. That is how it’s being told.”
Lakyus furrowed her brows.
“‘How it’s being told,’ huh...”
Lana chuckled softly.
“Is something bothering you?”
“It’s just too dramatic.”
Lakyus set her cup down.
“An unidentified demon appears, an unidentified transcendent being appears to defeat it, and immediately a treaty is signed with the Kingdom. Then, a faction following that transcendent being starts forming within the Kingdom.”
Lakyus tapped the table lightly with her finger.
“It looks like a heroic epic, but from a political standpoint, it’s far too convenient.”
Lana’s eyes flashed for a brief second.
“I think so too.”
“You too?”
“Yes. The Thousand Kingdom isn't just a powerful faction. They seem to move with a full understanding of how they will be perceived.”
Lakyus nodded.
“That Commissioner named Gracchus entered the capital as well, right?”
“Yes. And Terriuss Assis is acting as the Deputy Commissioner.”
“I’ve heard that the Reformist nobles are making contact with them.”
Lana put on a slightly melancholy expression.
“They have many grievances. They feel pushed aside by both the Noble Faction and the Royal Faction.”
Lakyus sighed.
“It’s dangerous for such people to join hands with an outside power.”
“That’s why I’m worried.”
Lana said as she lowered her gaze.
Lakyus watched her for a moment.
Lana was worrying.
For the Kingdom.
For the people.
At least, that was how it appeared to Lakyus.
Lana spoke again.
“And have you heard the news from E-Rantel?”
Lakyus looked up.
“About Iel?”
“Yes.”
Lakyus’s expression became a mix of interest and wariness.
“The cult that appeared in E-Rantel, the Spiral of Death, and the mysterious mage who stopped it all. That person is Iel, right?”
“Correct. I heard she even suppressed the Zurrernorn remnants afterward and became an Adamantite-ranked adventurer.”
Lakyus gave a bitter laugh.
“I heard about that. The Adventurer Guild moved incredibly fast.”
Lana looked at her.
Lakyus spoke honestly.
“I understand that this newcomer, Iel, is strong. Saving E-Rantel is a great feat. Suppressing Zurrernorn even more so.”
She paused for a moment.
“But I think it’s a bit much for the Adventurer Guild to push someone to Adamantite based on a single achievement. There’s my team, Blue Rose, and my uncle’s team, Red Drop...”
Lakyus’s point was valid.
One didn't become an Adamantite-ranked adventurer simply by being strong.
Request completion records.
Guild trust.
Combat power.
Judgment.
Regional contribution.
Public symbolism.
Many factors were required.
A newcomer jumping straight to Adamantite was unprecedented.
Lana wore an unreadable smile.
“Lakyus.”
“Yeah?”
“The reason the Adventurer Guild is doing that is likely because they need a symbol of a new hero who isn't tied to any existing faction.”
Lakyus narrowed her eyes.
Lana explained calmly.
“You are close to me. Blue Rose can already be seen as being connected to the Royal Faction to some extent.”
Lakyus couldn't deny it.
“And Red Drop are nobles. On top of that, they have connections with the Argland Council State.”
Lana set her cup down.
“In a situation where a demon has appeared and a new power called the Thousand Kingdom exists, they need a new hero who isn't bound to the temples, the nobles, or the royalty.”
Her voice was soft.
Yet her logic was sharp.
“Iel’s origins are unknown. She isn't from any noble house, she isn't part of a temple, and she isn't connected to the royals. In that sense, she fits the criteria perfectly.”
Lakyus crossed her arms and said bluntly.
“I grant you that point... but it’s still a bit frustrating to see a newcomer rise so fast.”
Lana burst into laughter.
“Ahaha! Lakyus, are you actually jealous?”
Lakyus’s face turned slightly red.
“I’m not jealous!”
“Really?”
“I said I’m not!”
Lana smiled with her eyes.
“It’s cute when Lakyus reacts so honestly.”
“Lana!”
A harmonious atmosphere flowed between the two for a while.
Lakyus grumbled.
Lana laughed softly.
The maids stood back quietly, as if accustomed to this.
Just then, a voice came from outside the door.
“It’s Climb. Princess, may I enter?”
Lana’s gaze changed for a fleeting moment.
The change was so brief that it was almost impossible for anyone to notice.
However, Lakyus felt a minute shift in the air from somewhere.
Lana spoke brightly.
“Come in, Climb!”
The door opened, and Climb entered.
He was still in his armor.
He had a bit of dust on him, as if he had just returned from patrolling the castle.
His posture remained excessively upright.
He entered the room and stood by the table.
Lakyus noticed that he looked uncomfortable.
“Climb, you can sit comfortably. No need to stand there so stiffly.”
Climb replied with an unnecessarily loud voice.
“I am fine!”
Lana said in a gentle voice.
“Climb.”
She reached out and lightly stroked Climb’s hand.
“You may sit. You’ve been patrolling the castle all day. It hurts my heart to see you exhausted.”
Climb’s face turned bright red.
He didn't know what to do under Lana’s worried gaze and soft touch.
His heart raced.
Heat rose to his face.
She was too close.
Just the fact that the Princess was worrying about him like this made his mind go blank.
Lakyus watched the scene.
And for a very brief moment, a thought crossed her mind.
If that look on Lana’s face is an act...
The moment that thought occurred.
Lakyus shook her head slightly so no one would see.
No.
Lana’s actions over the years proved she wasn't that kind of person.
Policies for the people.
Abolition of slavery.
Guaranteeing adventurer status.
Exempting road tolls.
The time they had spent together since childhood.
Lana was a good person.
That was what Lakyus believed.
“Ahem.”
Lakyus cleared her throat pointedly.
At the hint, Lana quickly let go of Climb’s hand.
Climb also came to his senses and awkwardly took a seat.
Lakyus set her cup down as if to change the mood.
“So, what was your purpose in calling me?”
Lana looked at Lakyus.
Lakyus’s face became a bit more serious.
“With rumors circulating that Eight Fingers has been annihilated... we shouldn't have a reason to be attached to you anymore, right?”
It was true.
Princess Lana and Blue Rose had long worked together to dismantle Eight Fingers.
However, after the disturbance in the capital, Eight Fingers had almost completely vanished.
The fact that a powerful criminal organization had disappeared overnight was suspicious.
But the massive event of the Thousand Kingdom and Caesar’s appearance had overshadowed all other questions.
The people of the capital now talked about the Thousand Kingdom more than Eight Fingers.
The nobles were more worried about the Commissioner and the Reformists than the disappearance of a criminal organization.
Lana was silent for a moment.
Then, she got to the point.
“I called you because I have a favor to ask.”
Lakyus looked at her.
“I want you all to be employed by me.”
“...!”
Lakyus’s eyes widened.
Blue Rose had been cooperating with Lana for a long time.
But that had always been closer to an unofficial partnership.
They had acted like Lana’s vanguard in the war against Eight Fingers.
But formal employment was different.
Formal employment carried political significance.
It meant Blue Rose would be officially recognized as Princess Lana’s military force.
Lakyus’s expression turned solemn.
“Why?”
Lana spoke slowly, as if she had been waiting for the question.
“There are various reasons.”
She held up one finger.
“First, it’s because of the Thousand Kingdom, Caesar, and the armed factions within the Kingdom that follow them.”
Climb quietly listened to the conversation between the two.
Lana continued.
“The Thousand Kingdom and the Re-Estize Kingdom have signed a treaty. So, we don’t have to worry about the Thousand Kingdom invading us immediately.”
She lowered her eyes slightly.
“However, there is a possibility that the internal factions following them might act recklessly. The Reformist nobles, Terriuss Assis, and those making contact with the Commissioner.”
Lana’s voice dropped a pitch.
“If they cause trouble, I want you all to be my strength.”
Lakyus didn't answer.
Lana held up a second finger.
“Second, we need a counterweight to oppose Iel.”
Lakyus’s eyebrows twitched.
“Iel?”
“Yes. No one knows where Iel is from. There is only the information she has claimed.”
Lana said quietly.
“She says she is from Sylvania, but that name doesn't appear on the Kingdom’s maps, in the Empire’s records, or in reports from the demi-human nations.”
She looked at Lakyus.
“In such a situation, the Kingdom needs another hero who can rival Iel’s symbolism.”
Lakyus finished the thought.
“So... you want us to be that symbol?”
“Exactly.”
The room fell silent.
Lakyus rested her chin on her hand and thought.
Blue Rose were already heroes.
An Adamantite-ranked team known to the people of the Kingdom.
They had solved many requests.
They had saved countless people.
And Lana was a friend.
If Lana was in a crisis, it was only natural to help.
But something felt off.
The Thousand Kingdom.
Iel.
The Reformists.
Formal employment.
All of this was too political to be dismissed as a simple favor for a friend.
Lana saw Lakyus’s troubled face.
Inwardly, she scoffed.
But outwardly, she smiled with infinite tenderness.
“If it’s too difficult, you can refuse.”
Lana’s voice was soft and affectionate.
“Because you are my precious friend.”
At those words, Lakyus recalled the years she had spent with Lana.
The memory of walking in the garden together as children.
The memory of laughing while trying to catch butterflies together.
The memory of sharing tea and mocking the stuffiness of the nobles.
The memory of discussing policies and what they could do for the people.
They were all precious memories.
Lana was a friend to her.
And Lakyus was not the kind of person to abandon a friend.
She let out a long breath.
“Alright.”
Lana’s eyes shone softly.
Lakyus nodded.
“I will be your strength.”
Lana clasped her hands and smiled.
“Thank you, Lakyus.”
“However, I need to talk to my teammates. Blue Rose isn't my personal property.”
“Of course. I will respect everyone’s wishes.”
“And the terms of employment must be clear. Blue Rose isn't becoming the Princess’s private army; we are cooperating to prevent chaos in the Kingdom.”
Lana nodded.
“Yes. Let’s do that.”
Lakyus looked at Lana for a moment.
She looked like she wanted to ask something.
But in the end, she didn't.
Afterward, Lakyus rose from her seat.
“Then I’ll be going for today. I’ll come back after discussing it with my team.”
Lana also stood up.
“Thank you for coming.”
Lakyus hugged Lana.
“Don’t overwork yourself.”
Lana gave a small laugh.
“I won’t.”
Lakyus also turned to Climb.
“Climb, protect the Princess well.”
Climb immediately bowed his head.
“I will protect her with my life!”
Lakyus chuckled at his seriousness.
“Right. Just try not to die.”
With those words, Lakyus left the room.
The door closed.
A short while later.
Climb also took his leave after receiving Lana’s permission.
“Princess, I shall return to my patrol duties.”
Lana said, sounding regretful.
“Don’t push yourself too hard, Climb.”
“Yes!”
Climb left the room with a red face.
The door closed once more.
Only Lana remained in the room.
The warm smile she had worn until moments ago slowly faded away.
Lana walked to the window.
The capital was being dyed in the light of the evening.
From the high window of Ro Lente Castle, she could look down at the noble estates, the barracks, the squares, the markets, and the narrow alleys.
People were living their lives.
Merchants were closing their shops.
Carriages passed slowly through the capital.
Soldiers guarded the castle gates.
Children played in the alleys.
Lana looked down at the scenery and thought.
Hehe...
If Blue Rose becomes the counterweight to Iel.
The Adventurer Guild will be divided.
The new hero, Iel.
Origin unknown.
Identity unknown.
The mage who saved E-Rantel.
A variable with the potential to oppose the Thousand Kingdom.
It wasn't good for the symbol of a hero to be concentrated on her alone.
Symbols must be divided.
If Blue Rose stands by Lana’s side, the people of the Kingdom will see another hero.
The perception that Iel isn't the only savior will be created.
The Adventurer Guild won't be able to fully unite around Iel either.
And Blue Rose is Lana’s friend.
To be precise.
They were one of the most beautiful blades Lana could wield.
Lana smiled.
The smile was still beautiful.
However, it was entirely different from the warm smile she had shown Lakyus.
The sunset outside settled on her golden hair.
The Golden Lana looked down at the capital.
In the distance, beyond the castle walls, darkness was slowly descending.
The capital was still peaceful.
But beneath that peace, the calculations of the Thousand Kingdom, the Reformists, the Royal Faction, the Noble Faction, the Adventurer Guild, Blue Rose, Iel, and Lana were quietly intertwining.
The curtains swayed in the wind.
Tea that hadn't yet cooled remained in the cup.
Lana picked up the tea again.
One sip.
A sweet fragrance spread in her mouth.
She whispered very quietly.
“Climb...”
Only when she spoke that name was her voice sincere.
And because of that very sincerity.
The night in the capital was becoming more dangerous.
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