Chapter 3 – Part 8 

Olivia handed John over to the accompanying knight and approached Harry.

“I hate the word ‘human rights.’ It clings to even the most despicable scum.”

“…”

“I told you, you’re in big trouble. You can’t expect others to become as stupid as you just because you hate smart people.”

Olivia raised her hand without taking her eyes off the trembling Harry.

“Judge! Deliver your verdict. What punishment does the defendant deserve?”

Although this trial was only for illegal surveillance, it was just the beginning. Illehan adjusted his robe and raised the gavel.

Olivia was certain of their victory.

“Haha.”

She would have been, if Harry hadn’t laughed. Olivia looked at him in disbelief.

“Olivia!”

“…?”

The ground shook, and a distant rumble echoed. If not for Marsden’s urgent shout, it would have been so. It was supposed to be a clean start.

“Olivia!”

Her head throbbed. The scream seemed to gather all the world’s fears into one. She had heard it before.

“Ah… Ah…”

Could a dying voice sound like a wail? Olivia clutched her head. Listening to it was so painful, she wanted to tell it to stop.

‘Stop. Stop… How can I leave if you do this…’

“Buddy!”

Olivia snapped her head up. Marsden was gripping her shoulders tightly, bringing her back to reality.

“What is…?”

Olivia blinked, and Marsden wiped the cold sweat from her forehead with his large hand. Behind him, Glenn approached quickly.

“Marchioness, there has been an explosion in the Roskal Demilitarized Zone. You need to go there immediately.”

“What?”

Olivia’s face contorted with frustration. The news jolted her back to full awareness. Information about the demilitarized zone flowed through her mind.

The Roskal Demilitarized Zone. The Empire, which had frequently clashed with the Katlan Kingdom, agreed with the kingdom to designate this area as a no-combat zone. At the very least, no lethal weapons were to be used in the villages there.

But now, that agreement has been shattered. The explosion’s tremors were felt even at the distant circuit court.

“You’re taking the Marchioness to the site of an explosion?”

Marsden’s voice was sharp, like a honed blade. If the kingdom wasn’t responsible, they would surely suspect the empire. It was only natural that the bordermaster would go.

“As the border master, I must go.”

“…”

Olivia pressed her forehead and took a deep breath. She wanted to reflect on her recent memories, but there was no time.

Marsden watched Olivia’s condition closely. He knew she was right, but he didn’t like it.

“Sir Miles, take Olivia out of the courthouse. I’ll follow shortly. Do not head to the border without me.”

He spoke as if he’d never forgive them if they left without him. Glenn nodded and escorted Olivia. Marsden’s gaze remained fixed on her.

After surviving for half a year and now hearing an explosion again, the shock was understandable. He couldn’t let Olivia go alone.

“Illehan.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

Illehan stood up with a crisp movement. Marsden quickly issued instructions to him.

“We’re heading to Roskal with the marchioness. Quell the commotion and ensure the trial is concluded. Harry Palmer cannot be allowed to roam freely.”

Marsden had heard it too. The small laugh from that lowly creature. It was a mockery and a sneer directed at Olivia. Marsden intended to ensure that Harry Palmer never breathed free air again.

Moreover, it was highly likely that Harry Palmer was involved in this incident. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have coincided with the trial date.

“Understood, Your Grace. Please return safely.”

Though Illehan looked strong in his judicial robes, he couldn’t hide his concern for Olivia. Marsden patted his shoulder once and hurried off.

He heard Illehan’s shout to take care from behind. Marsden clenched his fist. This trial was an important step for Olivia as the head of her house. Who dared to try and ruin it?

Marsden’s eyes darkened. If anyone tried to harm or hinder Olivia…

He would kill them.

“You didn’t have to come.”

Olivia stood at the words Glenn had prepared. Fortunately, her complexion had returned to normal.

“I can’t let you go to such a dangerous place alone, Buddy.”

Marsden suppressed his murderous intent and smiled.

“I won’t compromise on that.”

‘If you get hurt, a real war might break out.’

Marsden swallowed the rest of his words. Olivia let out an exasperated sigh.

“Mas, you know you’re incredibly stubborn despite acting like you give in.”

“Like master, like apprentice. I can’t help it.”

Isn’t it the other way around?

She thought of arguing but there was no time. Olivia mounted her horse with a graceful movement.

“Let’s go then. Katlan will be waiting eagerly.”

With Olivia’s command, the two men flanked her. Armed knights followed their masters.

***

Attacking the demilitarized zone was almost equivalent to a declaration of war. The Katlan Kingdom hadn’t invaded the empire solely because of the difference in national power.

If Katlan had possessed power equal to that of the Vanitas Empire, there would have been war immediately.

Olivia did suspect the Katlan Kingdom, but the likelihood was low. If they had been the first to point fingers, it suggested they believed it was the Empire’s doing. They needed to understand the reasons behind this suspicion.

‘What kind of madman…’

Olivia was angry and simultaneously felt a sense of self-blame. Even though she hadn’t been living as Olivia for long, she was still the Marchioness of the Borderlands. She felt a heavy responsibility for the incident that had occurred.

However, dwelling on it wouldn’t change anything. Instead of self-reproach, Olivia urged her horse onward, reaching Roskal.

Katlan was a proud kingdom. They were not a vassal state of the Empire, and they took pride in being stronger than other kingdoms. They should not be underestimated.

“Marchioness, over there, the tent.”

Near the entrance to Roskal, soldiers bearing different flags stood guard. Soldiers from both nations were on alert, eyeing each other warily.

“Marchioness, may I accompany you? Having me by your side will undoubtedly be of help to you.”

“Are you asking for permission now that we’ve come this far?”

Olivia looked up at Marsden, maintaining her composure.

“I gladly accept your company, Your Grace,”

The border Marchioness and the duke of the Empire. Two were better than one when dealing with the other side. Olivia and Marsden, along with their knights, entered the tent.

“Lady of Donau, you’ve arrived.”

A man who appeared to be the commander of the Katlan soldiers stood up with a stern expression. He didn’t call Olivia by her title, Marchioness of Charbert, but rather referred to her as the Lady of Donau, attaching the territory’s name. This indicated that they saw her more as the border Marchioness than a mere noble.

He was a burly man, almost as large as Marsden, with a long scar over his left eye. He looked like a soldier who had been through many battles.

“It’s unfortunate to meet again under these circumstances, Sir Cotton. Let’s discuss the details and clear up any misunderstandings.”

Even though they were under suspicion, there was no need to be intimidated. If there were accusations, they could suspect the other side as well.

Cotton of Katlan. He was one of the men to be wary of. It was said that he participated in every war, engaging in slaughter indiscriminately.

“Misunderstanding… well, is it really a misunderstanding?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Watch your words, Sir Cotton.”

A sharp voice cut through the conversation. Marsden stared at Cotton without blinking.

“In situations like this, we must maintain decorum. Provoking the other side won’t benefit anyone.”

The atmosphere was tense enough to make even allies uneasy. Olivia found it strangely fascinating to see this side of Marsden, even in such a situation. She was oddly impressed by seeing a new side of him.

“I misspoke. However, once you hear the details, you’ll understand why I reacted sensitively.”

Olivia swallowed hard. The distractions vanished as she faced the people of the kingdom, realizing the weight of her position.

She was someone who had to draw her sword and fight for her life at any moment. That was what it meant to be a border Marchioness.

‘Well, let’s give it a try.’

Olivia decided not to be intimidated. She would handle unexpected situations with composure, a belief she held throughout her life.

“Then go ahead. Explain why you suspect this incident to be our responsibility.”

Olivia didn’t avert her gaze from Cotton. Cotton met her eyes for a while, then ordered one of his soldiers.

“Bring it here.”

The soldier promptly left the tent and returned, holding something.

Marsden’s eyebrow twitched. Alarms went off in his head. He must protect Olivia from any harm.

“Is that a bomb?”