At the same time, on the outskirts of the capital.

Frea was reading someone’s reply in a shabby inn room. The sender was “Kalek,” a survivor of the northern barbarians. One who survived only for revenge after losing his tribe to Theodore. His tribe was annihilated by Theodore, and he craved only vengeance. Frea had sent him a letter that read:

This is your chance to take revenge on Theodore. K*ll the woman called the Bride of God.

And Frea had just received their reply.

We have already infiltrated the capital. Soon we will spill the blood of revenge.

Frea slowly read the letter and smiled wickedly.

“People who don’t believe in God are exactly the kind I need right now.”

Frea quietly tucked the letter into her bosom with eyes full of madness.

“Now the real war will begin.”

※※※

Meanwhile, Theodore was personally patrolling the capital, leading the Black Knight Order.

“This way, Your Highness.”

Ian pointed to a rope hanging on one side of the wall. Rough fibers, unfamiliar knots. It wasn’t something typically seen in the capital.

“Have you seen this before?”

Theodore asked Ian.

“It’s the type of knot used by the northern barbarians.”

“Then the intruders must be them. What about the guards?”

“… They were found dead.”

“D*mn it…”

Theodore’s eyes instantly turned cold.

“I should have followed those who fled and eliminated them all back then. I showed unnecessary mercy.”

“The problem is… we can’t confirm how many have entered the capital.”

Ian said in a heavy voice. Theodore thought about his words for a moment, then spoke.

“Deploy more guards to investigate residences throughout the capital. Arrest anyone suspicious.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Theodore’s fist struck the wall forcefully. Even the Black Knight Order held their breath at his anger.

“I need to meet Marcel again, to find Frea’s whereabouts.”

“He won’t talk.”

“… Then I’ll make him talk.”

Ian swallowed hard. It was the first time he had seen him lose his composure like this. Ian instinctively knew what kind of bloodshed this would bring. Nothing could stop him anymore.

※※※

Theodore headed straight to the imperial palace and sought an audience with the Emperor.

“What urgent matter brings you here, Theo?”

The Emperor asked, observing his dark expression.

“Your Majesty, please entrust Marcel’s punishment to me.”

“… Marcel?”

The Emperor frowned.

“Yes, I’ll make him talk today. Frea’s whereabouts are important.”

“Hasn’t Lady Frea already lost her power?”

“… Traces of intruders have been found in the capital.”

“What?!”

The Emperor jumped to his feet.

“I’m going to deploy soldiers immediately to search residences. There’s a possibility that Frea is behind them.”

The Emperor’s hand trembled slightly at Theodore’s grave voice.

“… Very well, I grant permission. Make sure you find out.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will obey your command.”

As Theodore turned to leave after finishing his words, his expression was colder than ever. The Emperor felt a chilling sensation from his retreating figure and slumped back in his seat. Theodore headed straight to the underground prison of the imperial palace. Marcel, who was nearly dying, barely opened his eyes at the sound of footsteps.

“… Your… High…ness…”

The tip of Theodore’s sword grazed his face.

“Where is Frea?”

“… Heh.”

Marcel sneered at his words. Theodore mercilessly stabbed his sword down on the man’s foot.

“Ughhhk…!”

“No more mercy. Where is Frea?”

“……”

Marcel remained silent. Soon the smell of blood filled the prison. He could barely even moan, and the guards on duty were trembling with fear. Theodore then grabbed Marcel by the collar.

“Frea abandoned you. Will you still protect her?”

Marcel couldn’t see properly due to his swollen eyes. However, Frea’s smile flickered in his vision.

“… She would have left by now…”

“Where was she staying?”

“……”

Marcel refused to speak till the end. Theodore released his collar and said in a low voice.

“We’re going to search residences. When Frea is caught, I’ll kill her in front of you.”

Marcel flinched at his words.

“If you tell me Frea’s whereabouts now, I’ll spare her life at least. I promise.”

“… Really…?”

“Yes.”

Marcel bit his lip tightly. A stream of blood trickled between his lips.

“Keep… your promise…”

“I don’t speak twice.”

Marcel’s eyes wavered at Theodore’s resolute words.

“… On the outskirts of the capital… there should be an inn… move there… I told you in advance…”

Theodore turned away, wiping his blood-stained hand with a handkerchief.

“You will remain in custody until Frea’s whereabouts are confirmed.”

Then he turned and coldly instructed the guard.

“Keep him alive, just barely.”

“… Y-yes, sir!”

Theodore’s pursuit of Frea had already begun. And the shadows of darkness were approaching Kayla. A hunt that wouldn’t stop until someone died had started.

The next day, Frea was waiting for a man in front of a campfire in a shabby inn. The northern barbarian survivor, Kalek. His crimson eyes emerged from the darkness.

“Frea Rosehill.”

“I’ve been waiting, Kalek.”

With a height exceeding 2 meters and a beast-like massive build, his appearance was threatening even in the darkness. Veins bulged prominently on Kalek’s hand gripping his sword. She too was merely an enemy to him; they had temporarily joined hands only for revenge.

“You’re not betraying us, are you?”

“No, I’m giving you an opportunity. The chance to kill Grand Duke Theodore and his bride with your own hands.”

“The Bride of God, you said?”

“That’s right, she’s a holy power wielder. If you can’t kill her, that child will become more dangerous than the Emperor.”

As Kalek continued to eye her warily, Frea quietly smiled. She tossed him an envelope. Inside was a detailed map of the grand ducal territory.

“The grand ducal territory is vulnerable right now. Everyone’s out trying to stop you. The defense will be weak until the wedding day.”

At her words, Kalek said with a cruel smile.

“I promise. On that day, I will wash away our tribe’s grudge with the blood of your imperial nobles.”

Frea slowly nodded. Her eyes were already filled with the certainty of victory. Kalek left the room and gave instructions to one of the remnants waiting outside the inn.

“We begin tonight.”

※※※

At that time, Theodore arrived at the inn, following her trail. But it was already too late. The room was empty. Ash was scattering over the disarrayed table near the still-warm campfire.

“Too late…”

As he scanned the remaining traces, his eyes caught a northern-style knot, a scabbard, and a wax seal stamped with the Rosehill family crest.

“Frea and barbarian remnants. This is…”

Theodore clenched his fist tightly. This wasn’t a simple assassination. They were preparing an “attack.” The moment he reached the conclusion that Kalek had infiltrated the capital, Theodore’s gaze sharpened. Several footprints entered his line of sight.

“It’s not just one person.”

Theodore turned around hurriedly. There was no more time.

※※※

Upon returning to the imperial palace, Theodore immediately sought an audience with the Emperor.

“Frea has joined hands with the northern barbarian remnants. The wedding day will be critical.”

The Emperor’s face hardened.

“We must postpone the ceremony until they are captured.”

After a silence, the Emperor said.

“We cannot postpone a state event.”

“Your Majesty, it’s dangerous.”

Theodore spoke with an urgent heart, but the Emperor shook his head.

“That’s precisely why we cannot delay. If we postpone a state event, the anti-imperial faction will seize the opportunity. The wedding and holy ritual will proceed as scheduled. Instead, double the defense line.”

The Emperor’s decision was firm. In the end, Theodore could only bow his head.

“I… will obey your command.”

※※※

At the same time, at the grand ducal residence filled with night fog.

Kayla was enjoying tea time with Martha in Theodore’s room. Martha spent time with Kayla every day to cheer up her low spirits.

“Will Theo be late today too?”

Kayla asked in a sad voice.

“He seems to have a lot of work these days. He’ll be back soon.”

“……”

Kayla felt that happy times with him were a distant memory. Recently, their conversations had been full of sensitive topics.

“After the wedding, you’ll be able to go out again. Then let’s visit the street vendors again!”

Martha said with a bright smile.

“Yes, let’s do that…”

Kayla forced a smile, but her heart wouldn’t ease. And at that moment,

CRASH—!

Kalek’s remnants burst in, breaking the window. Sensing the beast-like presence, Martha shielded Kayla and shouted.

“Your Highness, get away!”

The blade flew in, and Martha was slashed by the sword. When Kayla opened her eyes after closing them, red blood was dripping from the blue blade.

“Martha!”

Kayla’s scream echoed through the room. Chaos, who arrived just in time, rushed in, but the intruder escaped through the window. When Theodore, who had just returned home, reached the room, Martha was already covered in blood, cradled in Kayla’s arms.

“What is this…!”

Kayla sobbed as she pressed Martha’s wound with trembling hands.

“Martha… Martha, please…!”

Kayla’s hands were already stained with Martha’s blood.