CHAPTER 93:…………………………….
A Relationship That Could Become Family
“From now on, we must offer prayers for the glory of the Haren Empire. Clear everyone from the Great Temple.”
Once the emperor and his guards vanished, Shine, who had transformed to look exactly like me, dismissed all the remaining servants.
When the Great Temple fell silent, I quietly rose from beneath the altar.
“Princess Shine, what’s going on? What about Sir Freddy?”
“Freddy and Julmon are hiding in the bell tower of the Side Temple, waiting. I was going to hide somewhere too, but the emperor’s condition seemed strange, so I came back.”
“Didn’t anyone get suspicious?”
“They didn’t, since I was in Lady Rea’s form.”
So even if I, appearing exactly like myself, wandered outside the Great Temple, no one suspected a thing. I suppose the emperor’s guards aren’t as competent as they appear.
Feeling somewhat relieved, I shared my assessment of the emperor’s condition.
“The emperor seems poisoned and not fully in his right mind. It’s fortunate for the Pritan army, but Mili, we need to be especially careful when he’s nearby.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“The urgent danger is handled, so Princess Shine, you should leave quickly as well.”
Shine didn’t answer right away but gazed at me for a moment.
“I can’t bear it. I’ll stay with you.”
“Huh??”
“It’s only for a day, maybe two at most. We can pretend to be temple maidens and hold out for that long.”
“Why are you going this far?”
Her concern for me was touching, but I also found it puzzling. I honestly couldn’t understand someone risking so much to help me.
Shine then smiled strangely.
“Because we could become family.”
“What do you mean…?”
I tilted my head in confusion at the word family, thinking she might be referring to the time she almost became Mik’s concubine. I was slightly flustered.
She was about to marry Julmon soon, yet she said we could become family—her words made no sense.
Still, the earnest look in Shine’s eyes made it impossible for me to question her further.
In the Haren Imperial Palace’s grand council chamber, the emperor’s younger brother, Grand Duke Jake, and all the key ministers had gathered. Behind the emperor, the Blind High Priest waited silently.
Everyone was terrified by the news that the Pritan king’s army was pushing right up to Haren’s capital. Only the emperor himself looked around the room with an annoyed expression.
“The report is strange. The report that the Pritan army crossed the border came four days ago. And yet, they’ve already reached the capital?”
“It’s possible because the Pritan cavalry is excellent.”
“Nonsense! Even at full gallop, that’s impossible. The Empire’s soldiers wouldn’t just watch!”
“Well…”
Grand Duke Jake trailed off.
The Haren Empire’s resistance was fiercest at the border, but after that, the Pritan army pushed forward relentlessly.
The Pritan king spared no one who tried to block him, but if the path was opened willingly, he advanced forward without pause, causing minimal unnecessary destruction or looting. Thus, opening the way was the best way to minimize Haren’s losses.
“Even now, wouldn’t it be better to return the Pritan queen and explain the misunderstanding?”
Grand Duke Jake advised the emperor. The emperor, however, flung the cup in front of him at Jake’s amputated arm.
“Jake! You’ve become a coward after losing an arm to the Pritan king!”
The emperor ordered a new tea to be served. Thirsty, he drank it hastily and soon regained his composure.
“I intentionally let the beast taste human flesh to bind the Pritan king… and now the plan failed. Unbelievable.”
“The Pritan army’s destructive power exceeds imagination. This failed method can never be attempted again.”
“Silence!”
The emperor yelled at Grand Duke Jake. The nobles realized the emperor could no longer make rational decisions but dared not speak out of fear.
“The High Priest prophesied it. No matter how strong Pritan’s forces are, they are destined to perish in their frenzy. We only need to defend the capital well.”
“But, Your Majesty…”
“Shut up, Jake! Unless you’re coveting my throne!”
The emperor openly mocked Jake’s missing arm.
“An emperor with one arm—what would neighboring nations say of Haren Empire?”
Jake’s face burned with shame.
“Why did I lose my arm? Only for the glory of Haren…”
“But in the end, you returned without the Golden Pine, just the arm. If that hadn’t happened, Rea wouldn’t have been sent to Pritan, and this whole mess wouldn’t have occurred!”
The emperor waved his arm dismissively, tired of everything, and stood up.
“Focus on defending the capital and palace. Don’t bother me with trivial matters.”
The emperor hurried out, restless and driven by strange urges, needing to vent on someone.
Left behind, the nobles gathered around Grand Duke Jake.
“What shall we do now?”
At that moment, the previously inconspicuous High Priest spoke.
“Open the capital willingly.”
“What?”
“Though they are destined to perish soon, Pritan’s current momentum is fierce. There’s no need to stand in their way unnecessarily.”
Grand Duke Jake and the nobles pondered.
“If we don’t resist, will they leave on their own?”
“He’s coming for his wife. Better to let them settle it themselves.”
Jake soon made a decision.
“Very well. Our imperial army will not confront the Pritan army. When the time comes, we will devise a new strategy.”
A new fire flickered in Grand Duke Jake’s eyes.
“Your Majesty, the emperor’s guards have arrived at the Side Temple.”
“What? At this early hour?”
The arrival of the emperor’s guards at dawn was unwelcome news.
“Three groups of patients have come from the southern continent carrying enormous sums of money. We must hurry.”
I dressed Mili, Shine, and the two devout priestesses recommended by the High Priest in robes similar to mine. All except platinum-haired Shine wore identical wigs.
Standing in a line, it was difficult to tell us apart from a distance.
“Today we must stick together for safety. But if anything happens, your own safety comes first. Understood?”
Mili flinched as if to protest, but pressed her lips together. Shine responded cheerfully.
“Of course. I have to marry Julmon, so I can’t die here. And Mili, you feel the same, right?”
“Yes, but…”
“We will survive and prove the glory of Goddess Hestia.”
Encouraged by the priestesses, Mili finally nodded firmly.
“Shall we head to the Great Temple?”
We bravely headed to the Great Temple, the snow-white hem of our robes fluttering. The emperor’s guards seemed slightly confused by our unusual appearance.
“High Priest Haris’ secret techniques are almost complete. With the priestesses’ prayers enhancing healing, greater power can be manifested.”
I handed a bag of money to the guards.
“I haven’t properly rewarded your efforts. You may share it.”
The commander’s expression was peculiar—more startled than happy, as if something was unsettling him.
“Then, let the patients in. We should be able to heal several at once today.”
“…My apologies.”
“Excuse me?”
At that moment, strong hands grabbed me from both sides, restraining me.
Five days after passing Haren’s border, Miklock’s Pritan army advanced relentlessly toward the capital.
“They’re opening the way too easily, aren’t they?”
Before advancing into the capital, William glanced suspiciously around.
“It doesn’t matter. Whether they’re frightened or it’s a trap, if the path is open, we go.”
They stood on a hill overlooking the imperial palace and Side Temple, planning their final assault.
“Any changes in Freddy’s report?”
“No, Your Majesty. Until last night, the queen is staying with Mili at the Side Temple.”
Then Joseph, who had been watching the sky, raised his arm. A sleek white eagle lightly landed on it. Checking the note tied to the eagle, Joseph called to Miklock.
“Your Majesty, a message from Vice Commander Ralph. In one hour, the Dark Dragon will arrive over Haren Palace.”
“Good. The Dark Dragon will handle the palace chaos. We’ll head to the Side Temple.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
William’s face flushed with excitement at the thought of meeting Mili.
“Move out!”
The Bloodwind leading Miklock surged ahead, followed closely by William and the Pritan army.
Seeing the massive, fierce black-clad Pritan army approaching, the Haren capital guards were terrified.
“Are we really supposed to let them through the gates?”
“We must avoid unnecessary casualties. Follow orders.”
“Yes, sir.”
As the Pritan army reached the gates, the gatekeeper shut his eyes and opened the capital’s gates wide. The Pritan forces surged through like a tide. The guards could only watch in shock.
“What is the meaning of this!!”
A royal knight yelled at the guards. Normally guarding the palace, he had been stationed at the gates to reinforce defenses. Seeing the guards open the gates themselves, he was outraged.
“We will report to the emperor and hold them accountable!”
“We only followed palace orders. We were told to open the gates willingly.”
“Shut up.”
The royal knights readied themselves for battle. Though few in number, their combat prowess was among the strongest in the empire, so they were unafraid of the Pritan army.
But then!! As they chased the Pritan army, an overwhelming killing intent came from behind. Startled, they looked back to see an unfamiliar army pursuing them fiercely.
Unlike the black-armored Pritan army, this new force wore silver armor and helmets, their silver hair flowing.
Taking advantage of the royal knights’ distraction, the Malau army swiftly defeated them.
“Do not block the Pritan army. Then it is safe. But anyone trying to stop them will face the Malau army first.”
As the Malau army ruthlessly cut down the royal knights and followed the Pritan army, the capital guards sent an urgent report to the palace.
They prayed that their decision to open the gates would indeed safeguard the Haren Empire.
