“And what about you, Marquis? Why did you make this choice?” Rohana asked.

Franz Soyez, a southern lord. Though not as wealthy as Hanover, who could throw money around like water, he had a vast, historically significant estate and was deeply respected in the south.

Had he really thrown all of that away?

“I simply believe it’s the right thing to do. I always have,” Franz replied.

Rohana blinked slowly.

“You think it’s the right thing to do?”

“Would it be more convincing if I told you I saw this side as the future of history?” he said with a smirk.

“I see,” she responded.

“Kaiden Delcliff is too upright, so what’s been delayed is finally starting now. This is the correct direction. If I may add, I’d like for you to join us as well. I’m sorry about your grievances with R.D., but perhaps you could set that aside for now.”

Franz took another drag from his cigarette.

“By the way, it’s surprising that you were the catalyst for Kaiden’s movement after all. Love is truly the most terrifying thing in this world,” he remarked as the smoke swirled into the violet sky.

Rohana felt a fleeting urge to ask for a cigarette herself, but instead, she folded her arms and sighed.

“And your reason, Marquis?”

“That’s not something I can explain so briefly…”

The tip of his cigarette glowed red as he took another puff.

“Shall we discuss it gradually in Nopthal?”

“Are you coming to Nopthal?”

“Ah, I assumed Duke Delcliff would naturally invite us. If he hasn’t yet, may I ask the Duchess to extend the invitation?”

Whether he was joking, planning, or simply stating something already decided, Rohana wasn’t sure. She gave a faint smile and nodded. If she had to keep him close, whether as an enemy or an ally, the closer, the better.

***

“Your Grace!” Serin’s green eyes lit up as she saw Kaiden. He smiled as he crossed the heavy door and approached the princess lying on the bed.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” Serin said, fidgeting with the blanket to cover her nightgown, which was more like indoor attire with its bright yellow frills.

“I’m sorry I was late.”

“No, it’s fine.”

Serin’s memory was hazy. After hearing someone knock on the window and looking up, she remembered nothing. When she regained consciousness, she was inside an ornate carriage, clearly from the capital, with a man who looked strikingly similar to the Duchess. He had kept offering her food she didn’t want.

After drinking water—or was it juice?—she had fainted again.

“I shouldn’t have eaten what he gave me.”

“Princess Serin,” Kaiden’s low voice came closer, his clear face near hers.

“You did nothing wrong here.”

His serious tone reverberated, and Serene bit her lip, trying to hold back tears.

“Don’t hold back if you feel like crying,” he said.

She was still a young princess. Kaiden worried she might lose her former carefree and cheerful nature.

“Don’t worry,” she said, her expression unexpectedly strong. Her face had flushed with color.

“Now I understand how cowardly the Emperor is. That’s enough for me.”

Kaiden, proud of her, gently patted her hair. Serin’s momentary joy gave way to a somber look as she turned her eyes back to him.

“Please tell the Duchess she can come see me anytime.”

Kaiden smiled.

“You don’t have to push yourself so soon.”

“It’s not her fault.”

Her bright, resolute eyes and firmly set chin left no room for argument.

“Understood.”

She was a brave princess. Kaiden, unsure whether he felt proud or saddened, rose from his seat.

As he stepped out of the room, Galad appeared, carrying a pile of reports. His expression was serious, and Kaiden’s face immediately hardened.

“Speak.”

“As you know, there’s a lot of talk about the hostages right now.”

So, it was that matter again.

Both armies had suffered significant losses. The kingdom was demanding revenge.

Along with the royal soldiers Kaiden had rescued from the cliff and taken as prisoners.

“They’re demanding the execution of Brandt Hanover.”

Kaiden lowered his gaze.

“The prisoners’ lives are mine to decide.”

Ten years ago, Kaiden had been ruthless and efficient in such matters.

Brandt Hanover, too, would make for a suitable example this time.

However, things had changed. There was now someone he needed to prioritize.

“Tomorrow morning, we’ll return to Nopthal. Hanover will come with us.”

Just then, Rohana appeared, walking toward them.

***

Kaiden and Galad were descending the central staircase toward the entrance.

Judging from Galad’s expression, they were having a difficult conversation, but Kaiden’s deep eyes held a faint smile as he looked directly at Rohana.

“I went to see Aurelia,” Rohana said without preamble. Kaiden nodded slightly, as if he had expected as much.

“I haven’t had the chance to see her myself. I should have gone with you,” he replied.

Rohana opened her mouth to respond but then turned her head to the side. The scent of gunpowder filled the air. Even though she had only walked to the entrance of the central palace, the remnants of battle hung heavily in the atmosphere.

Rohana continued speaking.

“I’m still not sure if Lazar shares all of Aurelia’s thoughts. It doesn’t seem like Aurelia is acting on her own.”

“Rohana.”

“It’s my choice to care about it,” she said.

Kaiden seemed slightly surprised, but since he had somewhat expected it, he slowly nodded.

“Oh, and I told Franz Soyez and Aurelia to come to Nopthal as well,” Rohana added with a bitter smile, which made Kaiden furrow his brow.

“That’s something I should handle. You don’t need to go that far and get upset with me. Leave it to me,” Kaiden said as they walked, his broad shoulders casting a shadow.

“To this extent,” she replied.

Since it was unavoidable, it was better to face it head-on.

“Speaking of which, I have something uncomfortable to tell you,” Kaiden said, his tone shifting.

Rohana stopped walking.

“What is it…?” she asked, her eyes darkening.

Kaiden, realizing it wasn’t something he could delay any longer, spoke.

“It’s about Brandt Hanover.”

Rohana lowered her long lashes, and her once-quick steps slowed, as if walking through water.

“I see,” she said, looking up at Kaiden. His silver hair seemed especially bright today.

“What do you plan to do?” she asked.

Kaiden swallowed hard.

“Ordinarily, he might be executed, right?” he said.

The battle had already begun, and the war was underway.

“But he’s a valuable hostage,” Kaiden coldly stated the truth. Rohana swallowed the lump rising in her throat.

“There’s no proof that Brandt was involved,” she said.

Though she had been the one angry at Brandt, she couldn’t just stand by and watch them execute her brother.

The image of her younger brother, crying after taking a punishment from their father on her behalf when they were children, flashed through her mind.

It was a memory she didn’t even realize she had.

She wasn’t sure how much to believe, but in a way, her brother was still…

Rohana shook her head slightly to clear the memory.

In a sense, Brandt was also a victim. He may have only been caught up in this situation.

“I can’t afford to act ambiguously just because he’s your brother. You understand that, don’t you?” Kaiden said.

Rohana bit her lip, recalling the words of Marquis Soyez. You need a clear reason to choose a side.

If it’s just because of Kaiden, the pain will only grow.

As her mind processed this, her chest grew cold.

“Rohana.”

Suddenly, Kaiden’s face was much closer. He had closed the distance between them until their bodies were nearly touching. Despite the summer approaching, his presence brought the scent of a winter storm.

“Still, don’t worry too much. I always treat hostages with basic decency.”

“…”

“If you want to meet him, I can arrange that. He’s being treated well, so there’s no need for concern,” Kaiden said softly.

Rohana shook her head.

“Not now.”

She needed time to think, and Brandt would probably need time as well.

“We’ll talk about it when we get to Nopthal,” she said.

Before that, there was something she needed to do.

“There’s someone I want to meet first,” Rohana added.

She needed to hear out the Marquis of Soyez’s words more carefully.

When Kaiden asked who it was, Rohana smiled slightly.

“Emily, Jody’s sister.”

There was something she needed to confirm with her.

But Kaiden’s response was unexpected.

“No.”

Rohana raised an eyebrow.

“What do you mean, no?”

“You can’t.”

What…?

“It’s wartime now,” Kaiden explained.

“I can’t allow you to go anywhere alone.”

“Allow me?” Rohana asked, surprised.

“Instead, I’ll bring her to you. I’ll send someone to get her, and that should be enough, right?” Kaiden added coldly, as if managing a task.

Rohana felt an inexplicable unease.

“It’s my order, so of course she’ll come,” Kaiden added, noticing Rohana’s tense expression and softening his tone slightly.

Feeling she might have been too sensitive, Rohana slowly replied.

“Yes, then that will do.”

She suddenly wanted to return home. An anxious feeling crept into her chest. Kaiden’s sharp reaction made her realize it anew.

“Is the war really starting?”

That evening, she found herself thinking she needed to sneak out and see the situation for herself.