The marchioness tightly grasped my hand and expressed gratitude, saying that her husband shared the same thoughts. However, she burst into tears continuously, finding it difficult to escape from the overwhelming sadness.

The confession swallowed with a breath made the inside of my mouth feel bitter.

Like a small wildflower shaking root and all in the chilly north wind, the marchioness’s body, sobbing uncontrollably, swayed aimlessly.

“Sob… I’m really, really thankful…”

She seemed to have a lot to say but struggled to articulate it.

She was about to collapse on the spot. It seemed she needed someone to help her.

As I turned my head to find someone to help, my gaze met with Rejim. Rushing over, Rejim supported her, who was weakened by grief.

“Mother should take a break.”

Rejim’s complexion, which had not been sleeping well, was dark. Like a living, breathing skull, her eye sockets were deeply shadowed and sunken.

“Let her rest.”

As I nodded, Rejim supported the lady. At that moment, other family members rushed in and helped support her.

“Empress. Excuse us. … Rejim, I’ll take care of the lady. You stay here.”

“Yes, Father.”

Similarly, Rejim’s father, who had a face that spoke more than words, took the lady outside for a moment.

“Empress.”

After confirming that the marchioness safely left, Rejim approached.

“Don’t worry about what happened that day.”

“…That day?”

“…What Empress did to help Iana.”

Ah, she’s talking about when I used sacred power.

‘Come to think of it, they must have overheard us back then.’

I hadn’t even considered that they might have overheard.

“Father and Mother thoroughly monitored the servants’ conversations.”

“…I must have been absent-minded.”

“That’s right. In fact, I didn’t even think about it, but Father and Mother… they saw Empress bleeding and collapsing.”

“Ah… right.”

“Empress tried to save Iana at the risk of her own life. They clearly wanted to hide it, so they strongly emphasized keeping the secret.”

It wasn’t for me to tell them, but they all understood the situation just by observing the circumstances, which was impressive.

“My parents were thankful all along. I am too.”

“…”

“…Empress.”

Rejim clenched her fists tightly.

“You said you met Generba in the capital.”

In Rejim’s rigidly set face, a sense of determination was evident.

In the current situation, it was difficult to guess whether Generba had directly met Iana or if someone else was involved.

But ultimately, Iana was as good as dead at the hands of Generba.

In response to my silence, Clint, who was behind me, nodded his head.

“…I understand.”

Rejim did not ask any more questions. However, her eyes were burning with intense vengeance.

The actual last appearance of Iana that we witnessed. Just by seeing that, it was enough to figure out who made Iana like that.
It was the first time I had seen Rejim so angry. The ominous momentum that engulfed Rejim faded as soon as she seemed to realize where she was, tightly biting her lip and shaking her head.

Perhaps wanting to show only a good side to her younger sister, Rejim covered her eyes with her hand as anger welled up inside her.

“Rejim.”

I reached out and tapped Rejim’s shoulder. The always rational and composed demeanor was understandably clouded.

I lightly infused a sacred power on my palm and sent it to her, and the dark expression on her face brightened ever so slightly.

“I am behind you.”

Rejim bit her lip firmly.

“Do you remember our conversation before?”

I whispered softly, making sure Clint behind me couldn’t hear. After a moment of hesitation, Rejim nodded deliberately.

“I can pull out Generba. So don’t worry.”

Since such a delicious prey shouldn’t be left behind.

After nodding thoughtfully, Rejim distanced herself, saying we should talk later when the lady who went out returned.

“Terry.”

Watching Rejim’s retreating figure, Rebanfeld, who had finished exchanging greetings with Iana, came up beside me.

“Are you okay?”

Rebanfeld was looking at me with eyes similar to when she looked at Rejim. Very concerned.

“…Rebanfeld, are you okay?”

“Me?”

Rebanfeld had recently bid farewell to her mother. If she attended the funeral, she would naturally think about it.

I gently stroked Rebanfeld’s cheek and murmured softly.

“I’m Terry, so I’m okay as long as you’re here.”

“I’m the same, Terry. I’m okay as long as you’re here.”

“But you don’t look okay, so lean on me.”

As if my answer wasn’t needed in the first place, Rebanfeld made me lean on her strong shoulders without resistance. I didn’t refuse and briefly entrusted my exhausted body to her sturdy embrace.

“Rebanfeld.”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t want to feel these emotions again.”

“Yeah… me neither.”

As if she wouldn’t let me go, Rebanfeld embraced me tightly. Her fear and anxiety always stemmed from me.

“Rebanfeld.”

“Yeah.”

“We have to catch Generba.”