“Erin? Is that really you? Am I seeing things?”

“I’m speechless. You actually passed the western promotion test and returned.”

Erin watched as Amon smacked Derek on the back after his comment. Derek complained that it hurt, snapping irritably at Amon.

This was the everyday scene she was accustomed to seeing among the knights. The familiar sight filled Erin with relief. If Ferdin had been seriously injured, she would never have witnessed such normalcy.

Still, she couldn’t feel completely at ease until she confirmed his safety with her own eyes. Just then, Hellix addressed them.

“Amon Hedor, where is His Highness Ferdin?”

“Ferdin is in his office.”

The moment Amon finished speaking, Erin and Hellix hurriedly turned to leave.

* * *

True to Amon’s word, Ferdin was in his office. Derek, who had accompanied Erin and Hellix to the dormitory, entered the office first and gestured for them to come in.

Ferdin, who had been gazing out the window, turned his head at the sound of the door opening. When he saw Erin entering, he jumped to his feet.

For a long moment, he stared at her, unable to believe his eyes.

“Lady Erin?”

“I’ve returned, Lord Ferdin.”

Ferdin slowly approached her. His expression hardened as he took in her appearance, noticing her injuries.

Seeing his darkened face, Hellix asked, “Your Highness, have you been injured?”

Ferdin looked at Hellix before responding. “The fact that you’re asking means you already know I was attacked.”

“…”

“Yes, I was attacked. If not for Amon, it could have been disastrous.”

“Was the culprit captured?”

“No, they committed suicide on the spot.”

Hellix’s expression darkened. This wasn’t the first time Ferdin had been targeted.

While in the imperial palace, he had constantly lived under threat to his life. But such incidents had ceased since he entered Atenz Academy. For them to resume now…

Even the Emperor’s influence had limits within the neutral territory of Atenz Academy. There must be a reason for this sudden movement.

“I’ll receive your report later, Hellix. I need to speak with Lady Erin alone. We’ll talk later.”

As soon as Ferdin finished speaking, Hellix nodded grimly and left. Derek followed him out, leaving only Erin and Ferdin in the office.

Ferdin felt indescribable emotions as he looked at Erin.

“Are you alright, Lady Erin? Was it difficult for you?”

Concern was evident on his face.

Erin considered her physical condition. Despite recovering at the temple, her wounds hadn’t completely healed yet.

“May I come closer, Lady Erin?”

Erin nodded slightly.

Ferdin examined her from head to toe.

“You’re injured.”

Erin looked surprised at Ferdin’s words but couldn’t find a response and kept silent.

Ferdin led her to the sofa and had her sit down.

“May I take a look?”

Erin nodded slightly again.

The moment she gave permission, Ferdin examined her wounds. Beyond the visible injuries, there were numerous bandages wrapped around her body.

Erin’s body was in tatters. Ferdin squeezed his eyes shut.

He had only wished for her safe return. But seeing Erin back with such injuries filled his chest with heat.

It was anger—anger at himself for being unable to do anything while Erin was getting hurt, and anger at those who had reduced her to this state.

Looking at him, Erin whispered softly, “I’m fine, Lord Ferdin.”

Ferdin felt a maddening emotion. Erin didn’t look fine at all.

“I wish… you would take better care of yourself.”

“…”

“I’m not blaming you, Lady Erin. But seeing you in pain makes my heart…”

Erin couldn’t respond to Ferdin’s words. She knew she would make the same choices again if faced with similar circumstances.

“Lady Erin, would you forgive me if I were to commit an impropriety right now?”

“Lord Ferdin?”

Ferdin recalled a memory—words Erin would have said to him if he had returned alive after seeing the truth with his eyes.

He carefully embraced her. She froze, her eyes wide open.

“I missed you, Lady Erin.”

“…”

“I’m glad you returned safely.”

* * *

Hellix reported everything that had happened in the west to Ferdin. As the story progressed, Ferdin’s expression grew increasingly grave.

He detailed all the atrocities committed by monsters wearing human disguises and everything Erin had done for those who had become monsters.

Finishing his report, Hellix handed Ferdin the journal.

“This journal contains detailed accounts of the horrific events, Your Highness. Perhaps it would be better if you didn’t read it.”

“No, I must read it. That’s my duty.”

Just then, Ferdin felt his ability activate with a brief headache. His face contorted.

For a brief moment, he glimpsed the past of those who had written the journal. Anguish, regret, pain, longing.

These weren’t the emotions of just one person. The flood of various emotions hitting him all at once was enough to make him dizzy.

What they had endured… were acts impossible to believe humans could commit.

He felt nauseated by what those who had died had experienced.

Ferdin’s face turned pale. He had seen a familiar face among the researchers in their memories.

Ditrion was among them.

“We’ve discovered little about the person who appears to be behind this, but it seems related to the Marchioness. If Your Highness gives the order, we are always ready to fight.”

“…”

“I can’t imagine what might have happened had we discovered this a few years later. Perhaps similar atrocities are occurring elsewhere in the Empire.”

“This is unacceptable.”

“Duke Asili would cooperate if he knew the whole story. He cares deeply for knights, after all.”

As Hellix finished speaking, Ferdin recalled the past he had seen through his ability.

Himself departing for the west.

Erin waiting for him.

And ultimately, his failure to return.

If Erin hadn’t gone to the west, who knows how the monsters there would have evolved.

The west would have been devastated, and he himself would have met his death a few years later.

“Much blood would have been shed.”

For the sake of his people, Ferdin realized it was time to make a decision.

* * *

Ditrion burst into laughter, clearly amused, “So, all those knights were really defeated?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Erin Liserth killed them all? Are you certain Hellix Igzart wasn’t involved?”

The knight before Ditrion nodded in response.

“Lady Erin Liserth handled everything herself, Your Highness. Her level of skill appears to differ from what’s known.”

Ditrion smiled with interest. He had suspected Erin was hiding something.

But this completely exceeded his expectations.

Few had succeeded in the western promotion test. The most famous among them was Duke Asili.

Even he had gone to the west for the promotion test to become an official knight upon graduating from the academy.

Yet Erin, who was still in the beginner class, had succeeded in such a test.

“Succeeding in the promotion test is plausible. Despite learning swordsmanship late, she possesses God-given talent.”

“…”

“But in your opinion, was it possible for Erin Liserth to defeat those knights?”

“No, Your Highness. It’s impossible.”

“…”

“That cannot be explained away as mere talent.”

“I agree.”

Ditrion’s eyes gleamed. There was an almost manic quality to his gaze.

“Others will think the same. Such strength is abnormal. But there is a way to explain it.”

The knight couldn’t understand what Ditrion was thinking. However, he knew the methods by which humans could gain strength in a short time.

“It’s as His Majesty the Emperor said. Erin Liserth used forbidden methods.”

“But Your Highness, that would turn the entire Marquis family against us.”

“Everything is already proceeding according to plan.”

The knight felt a faint terror at Ditrion’s words.

Forbidden methods. Becoming stronger through mana stones enhanced by black magic.

Using black magic was such a grave offense that it warranted immediate execution.