Chapter 68

Inside the carriage bound for Montella, Lancelot was reading a book.

The road was bumpy, and the carriage shook, but he didn’t get motion sick.

His loyal secretary spoke to him:

“Your Grace, are you experiencing any strange symptoms?”

After a long and uncertain journey, Lancelot had finally obtained what he wanted—
a medicine that let him retain his human mind during Beast Peak.

“I’m worried the side effects might harm your health.”

“I’m fine.”

Lancelot cut off his secretary with a firm voice.

Some medicines barely work, some work well, and some work too well.

The drug he received from Katrin had caused noticeable side effects.

The main effect was that it let him stay sane during Beast Peak, but…

“….”

Lancelot suddenly clenched his fist.
In response, it began to morph into a large, furry paw.
Frowning, he relaxed—and it returned to his normal, muscular hand.

Yes. He had gained control over his Beast Peak.
Not only could he manage its cycle, but now he could transform into a dog at will.

It was technically a side effect—but for Lancelot, it was more than he ever hoped for.

“Elma Pharmaceuticals’ medicine is incredible.”

He turned to look out the window.

“…And so is Katrin Elemore.”

Soon, the carriage reached the border of Oswell.

He remembered her pink hair blowing in the wind.
With his free hand, he gently brushed the area of his head where she had touched him.

His lips parted slightly.

“…Lady Katrin.”

If she were to visit Montella—

“….”

His lips twitched faintly.

Montella, known only for its scenic beauty, might become a place worth enjoying.

At the archery range inside the grand greenhouse where Piyo was born…

I petted Piyo, which opened my inventory, and picked up my now-familiar bow.
I also pulled out an arrow.

“This is great. I don’t even need to carry gear around anymore.”

I did feel a little bad for treating Piyo like a storage bag—but still, it was useful.

“If I can pull out a bow and shoot anywhere like this…”

I drew the string and aimed at a far-off target.

Heros stood a few steps behind, watching, but in that moment it felt like the world only had me and the target.

Ting—

I released the string. The arrow flew in a clean arc and struck the center of the target.

A smile formed on my lips.

“Perfectly accurate. I can defend myself just fine.”

I felt more skilled than during the Dobelten raid or even the royal hunting festival.

“I don’t have to worry about protecting myself anymore.”

“You’re amazing, my lady,” Heros praised as I put the bow and arrows back into Piyo’s inventory.

There were also backup weapons like a crossbow and a dagger inside, just in case.

“Even the Empire’s best archer wouldn’t match your precision.”

I shrugged and placed Piyo on my shoulder.

“Piyoo~”

He chirped adorably, tilting his head as if he’d never opened his mouth wide.

We left the greenhouse and walked through the Elemore estate garden.
The weather was perfect, and the rustling leaves felt unusually sentimental.

“Surprised you never asked where I learned archery.”

I smiled slightly. Heros smiled faintly too and replied:

“Even if you told me, I doubt I’d understand. That’s just how it feels.”

“Sharp as ever.”

Since I told him that my fate was linked to Etias, it seemed he had chosen not to question the mystery of who I really was.

“No matter who you are, I will follow you.”

Even the secret of how I awakened a divine beast—something only a hero could do—he didn’t ask.

“But, my lady, you’re welcome to ask me anything.”

The breeze stirred the leaves, casting shifting shadows across his face.

“You may reach into my chest—”

His lips moved slowly.

“And pull out my heart if you wish.”

His gaze carried a hint of longing, as if he hoped I’d ask.

He really was dangerously handsome.

“To see what’s inside it.”

His soft words reached me, but I clicked my tongue and looked away.

“Forget it. I’m just the Elemore lady, and you’re my butler. That’s enough.”

Why dig into each other’s secrets when we’ll be parting soon anyway?

“…It’s not enough for me.”

I thought I heard him sigh softly, but I kept walking.

The maids, who were hanging laundry, spotted me and greeted me brightly.

“My lady!”
“Did you eat today?”

They definitely looked more polished than when I first got here.
It seemed they were enjoying life here too.

I waved at them and returned to my room.

I collapsed onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling.

And immediately, a truly ridiculously handsome face came to mind.

I wondered what Etias was doing now.

Had Lancelot arrived at the border yet?

He had said in a letter that he’d wait for me there.

I had a lot to wrap up before heading over—
starting with collecting money from the emperor tomorrow.

As my thoughts drifted, my eyes slowly closed.

Before Montella’s carriage crossed the border, it stopped.

Dozens of men in black emerged from the bushes.

Lancelot’s secretary immediately jumped out and drew his long sword, and Montella’s guards followed suit, taking defensive stances.

Lancelot closed his book and calmly stood.

One of the men—likely the leader—was approaching the carriage.

“….”

Lancelot narrowed his eyes.

The man wore a mask, but something about his presence felt off.

Lancelot opened the carriage door and barked at his secretary:

“Something’s not right. Stand back.”

“Your Grace, please remain behind. We will handle this—”

He didn’t finish.

A wave of shadow wrapped around his body and lifted him into the air.

“Ugh!”
“Gah!”

The other soldiers were also overwhelmed.
Shadows crawled up their bodies, binding them with terrifying strength.

At the root of the shadow stood the masked man.

A “special ability”—power beyond human.

Lancelot reached for his sword, then stopped and looked at the man.
There was no point in fighting someone with that kind of power.

“I wish to negotiate with Duke Lancelot Ovier of Montella.”

His piercing blue eyes glowed coldly.

Slowly, he raised his hand and removed his mask.

Lancelot saw the sharply defined features and instantly knew who it was.

The “Fallen Star” of Oswell—now burning like a blue dwarf in front of him.

“You are… the Imperial Prince.”

Lancelot spoke, voice calm and chilling.

The man answered:

“Correct. I am Etias von Clyde.”

Then the shadows released his men and collapsed at Etias’s feet.

“I am the one who will take back the throne stolen from me.”

Lancelot’s expression flickered.

Anyone other than the emperor claiming the throne—was committing treason.
For a foreigner who had just met the emperor to say such a thing…

It meant this “negotiation” came with a threat to Lancelot’s life.

“Tch… what a mess I’ve gotten into.”

Still, after witnessing Etias’s power, Lancelot asked:

“What do you want from me?”