Chapter 151

Lin stared countless times at the crimson-haired knight with violet eyes.

That face… a face she could never, ever forget.

It was the face of someone who had once vowed to do everything for her…

And now, at this very moment, regarded Lin with an icy coldness.

Ein, with her frosty expression and piercing gaze, casually ignored Lin’s trembling stare as she turned to address a nearby soldier.

“To Lord Swoen: the envoy has arrived.”

“Yes, my lady.”

After the search party of soldiers returned, Ein turned her attention to the shocked envoy delegation, scanning them over with a dry tone.

“This way, please.”

Her voice was raspy, devoid of any emotion—like dried leaves crunching underfoot.

Emotions come in many forms: joy, sorrow, anger… But none of these were present in Ein’s voice. It was as if she’d completely detached herself from all feeling.

But…

To Lin, there wasn’t even a trace of anything.

“Hey…”

Before Lin could speak, Ein cut her off with a calm glance toward the rest of the group.

“You lot can wait here.”

“Aren’t we coming along?”

Parphale questioned, to which Ein simply nodded.

“When presenting oneself before another nation’s ruler, it is customary for only one envoy to enter.”

Though technically correct, Parphale couldn’t help but feel uneasy. They were here on behalf of their monarch, planning an alliance, expecting some level of courtesy—but nothing like this.

‘She knows how desperate our situation is.’

Parphale glanced at the warriors behind her, seeing clear signs of restrained anger.

‘I don’t care about this humiliation personally, but our leader and warriors…’

Realizing she needed to say something, Parphale opened her mouth—but just then—

“Hmm…”

“Parphale.”

Surprisingly, Lin interrupted her, her pale face reaching out weakly.

“I’ll… I’ll handle it myself. So… please, wait here… I’m… the ruler…”

“Master…”

Since Parphale had been reinstated, Lin often repeated this mantra: that she must personally take responsibility for everything. After all, the downfall of her territory was due to her own misjudgment. This became her last pride as a ruler—to bear the burden alone.

Knowing this, Parphale could only bow deeply.

“…Good luck.”

“Yeah…”

Lin responded softly before hesitantly addressing Ein…

The woman who had once pledged everything to her.

“Can you… guide me? Please, Ein…”

Ein replied without emotion.

“Lady Lin, while I acknowledge you as a ruler, speaking down to a foreign commander is improper. Please be mindful.”

“Oh, right…”

Lin could only nod mutely, but Ein didn’t seem bothered by it.

“Then… Ein, listen…”

“Follow me.”

Without hearing Lin out, Ein walked ahead briskly. Lin reached out briefly but decided against saying anything more, quietly trailing behind instead.

Previously, such behavior might have concerned her, but now she understood clearly:

This woman means nothing to me anymore.

All feelings of resentment, pity, or mixed emotions—none of it mattered anymore.

If anyone else had been here instead of Lin, it wouldn’t have made a difference.

Because now, there was someone else—Swoen—who truly cared for her survival. Someone who supported her unconditionally, making her stronger than ever before.

So when faced with Lin’s gaze, it felt suffocating.

Why did Ein choose Serpina’s army instead of Aishias?

Why side with such tyrants?

Lin remembered Ein’s past vow:

*”Lady Lin, only you can stop Serpina von Einhardt’s tyranny. I will follow you until my bones turn to dust. Use me whenever you need. If you command me to strike, I will cut down anyone without hesitation.”*

‘Didn’t you say that? Then why… why are you here?’

Even though Lin knew it was her fault for dismissing Ein, ignoring Swoen’s advice, sending her away despite knowing the risks…

Still, deep inside, she couldn’t help but resent Ein.

‘You’re not supposed to do this… Why abandon me? Why?!’

Lin realized asking such questions would get her nowhere.

‘No…’

She bowed her head, barely holding back tears.

‘I shouldn’t have done this…’

Following Ein felt like carrying the weight of guilt. The root cause of Brance’s decline lay in her attempt to unjustly kill Ein.

Apologizing seemed impossible given the circumstances.

All Lin could do was bite her lip and try to keep pace with Ein.

It was too late for regrets.

* * *

Walking through the royal palace, Lin tried hard to empty her mind of growing unease.

Suddenly, Ein’s familiar voice broke through her thoughts.

“My lord, I’ve brought Lady Lin Brance. We’ve just arrived.”

Ein knelt before a golden-haired figure adorned with intricate patterns etched into her armor.

The new absolute ruler of the northern continent, the tyrant Serpina von Einhardt, smiled seductively.

“Well done, Ein. You’ve worked hard.”

“It was merely my duty.”

Serpina approached Lin.

“Lady Lin, I am Serpina von Einhardt. It’s a pleasure meeting you.”

“I’m Lin Brance…”

“So, you wish to form an alliance with us?”

“Yes.”

“Interesting. Never thought we’d ally after clashing swords so recently. But in these chaotic times, alliances shift constantly. Your decision seems quite rational.”

Lin managed an awkward smile.

“Yes, let’s celebrate our newfound friendship together. Before the banquet, prepare refreshments for our guest.”

“Yes, my lady!”

‘How predictable, Serpina.’

Lin already suspected her intentions—using her fearsome reputation to isolate Brance diplomatically.

Yet with territories disappearing, she had no choice.

Ironically, Serpina’s obvious manipulation helped calm Lin down compared to her initial encounter with Ein.

Smiling as confidently as possible, Lin responded:

“Let’s ensure this alliance lasts forever.”

“Agreed. Follow me.”

As they walked, Lin tried to ignore the red-haired knight standing guard near Serpina.

* * *

At the banquet hall, meaningless chatter helped ease Lin’s tension.

‘Just finalize the alliance and leave. I need to focus on what I must do.’

While part of her wanted to talk to Ein, it seemed impossible now.

Better to fade from sight quickly.

Casually inquiring about the schedule, Serpina smiled and replied:

“Alliances require paperwork. Are you in a hurry?”

Lin chuckled lightly, determined not to let Serpina rattle her.

Turning to Ein, Serpina added:

“Bring the documents.”

“Yes, my lady.”

As Ein disappeared, Lin noticed her racing heart calming down.

‘Stay calm… finalize the alliance and return. Once the northern front is secured, we can hold off Hesna. With success, the commanders, my brother, and the border troops’ grievances will subside… As Parphale said, surely it’ll work out.’

Despite Ein’s allegiance to Serpina, Lin resolved to apologize and move forward for Brance’s sake.

Drinking wine offered by Serpina, Lin steadied herself.

‘I’ll repay this humiliation when I conquer the continent, Serpina.’

Just then…

Something was off about Serpina’s smile. She seemed expectant, as if waiting for something—or someone.

And then…

“Master.”

A male voice called out.

Familiar.

Too familiar.

‘No… it can’t be!’

The fundamental unease that haunted Lin since arriving surged forth.

If Ein was here, where was Swen?

The answer revealed itself cruelly.

“Here are the documents, my lord.”

Slowly turning, Lin saw him—the white-haired man who always gave sound advice, who told her to use him freely—

Now addressed as “my Swen” by Serpina.

“Ah, my dear Swen…how delightful!”