TVIOWM 68

~Chapter 68~

At Killian’s words—“I will not join hands with the Emperor either”—Grand Duke Valtrich and Baron Hayden looked shocked.

But Aisha was not.

In the original story too, Killian and Belmore were never on good terms.

On the surface, Belmore seemed to shield Roselia, but in truth, he was only using this opportunity to check his mother’s power.

And besides…

How many years did I spend in the political department? This much is obvious to me at a glance.

The one who truly held the greatest power in Draxion wasn’t Emperor Belmore—it was Empress Dowager Roselia. Aisha could still clearly remember Belmore being openly ignored and dismissed by Roselia at the Emerald Palace.

Killian wanted Roselia to fall. Belmore wanted the same. Even so, Belmore made this choice now because he wanted to use the opportunity to bind Killian to his side.

Killian surely knew that.

So of course, he wouldn’t want to ally with Belmore.

“I don’t know how my words will sound to you, but His Majesty the Emperor is not someone I can trust either.”

“But…”

“And most of all, I have no intention of becoming anyone’s chess piece. Whether that’s Roselia—or His Majesty.”

“Duke…”

“The Emperor’s true intention is to use ‘the war hero Killian Winters’ to restrain Roselia, who has abused power until now. That has no meaning for me.”

When Killian said exactly what she had been thinking, Grand Duke Valtrich faltered, then asked slowly:

“…Then, Duke, what do you believe in?”

He looked genuinely curious.

“If you can’t even trust His Majesty, who also opposes the Dowager, then who do you trust? To be honest, it makes me doubtful. Baron Hayden and I, sitting here now…”

“Forgive me, Grand Duke. But I trust no one.”

Killian’s answer was firm.

“Because no one trusts me. Because no one is on my side.”

“….”

“So I am no one’s ally either.”

No trust. No allies.

Aisha stared at Killian’s face, deep in thought, while the reception room sank into cold silence.

“Still, we can trade.”

It was Killian who broke the silence.

“I am not naïve enough to think trust is the most important thing in a deal. There is something far more reliable than trust.”

“And what is that?”

“The profit both sides will gain.”

Yes. Killian knew politics. Aisha’s thoughts were no different. As a political journalist, she had seen countless people destroyed because they foolishly staked everything on that fragile thing called “trust.”

And yet—her mind still drifted.

Why do you torment me so much? Why do you never love me? Why are you always, always so cruel to me?

Why did her conversation with Killian in the hut suddenly come to mind now?

“What Sunday’s Exposé wrote about me—it was true. At least, about my family. When I came of age, I killed them. With my own hands. I’ve wondered countless times if it was wrong.”

“That’s…”

“People may judge me as they will, but my conclusion has always been the same. To survive, I had no choice. It was inevitable.”

“Grand Duke Valtrich. Baron Hayden. If what you want from me is trust, I cannot give it. But if you are sure we share the same goal—if you too are resolved to bring Roselia down—then that alone is enough to make a deal.”

If your guiding star is justice, then mine has been vengeance. That’s why I never wanted people close. I hated attention. Everything always felt too dangerous.

“When Baron Hayden turned against Roselia in front of everyone, and when you, Grand Duke, came here with me—at that moment, we boarded the same ship.”

I understand. I once felt that too—the desire to never be tied to anyone in this world. I think I know how that feels.

“If we each stay true to our goal, the ship will reach its destination. But if someone changes their purpose, it will shatter and sink. And everyone aboard will die. All three of us.”

You don’t understand, Aisha Ashton. I’ve faced such crises many times before.

“What stronger bond could there be than this?”

Yes. Killian was right.

He had survived countless dangers because he had given his heart and trust to no one.

It’s the best decision someone like Killian, who lives in politics, could make.

But still… why did it taste so bitter to her?

Why did she suddenly feel so hurt and upset?

And why did Killian—calm and cold as always—suddenly look… pitiful?

For him, this was the natural way of life. Yet Aisha couldn’t understand her own heart.

And then—

“…I still have something left to do. So I cannot die like this.”

What was that “something”?

What was so important that Killian would speak of it like that?

“…I understand well, Duke Killian,” Valtrich finally said, his mind settled.

“Though I cannot agree with everything, I cannot call your words false either. And since I have no intention of betraying you, our ship will reach its destination safely. Baron Hayden—what of you?”

“M-me too. I’ve already turned against the Dowager in front of everyone. Do I have any other choice?” Hayden added hastily.

“If I had sided with Roselia, I’d have lost all my lands by now. I too have things I must protect. I want none of that to be taken.”

“Then our discussion is finished.”

Killian stood.

“Please return safely. Today has been far too long for all of us. Rest well.”

Valtrich and Hayden both nodded and rose. Soon after, Cien arrived to escort Aisha away, on Killian’s orders.

But Aisha’s steps back to her room were far from light.