He had personally verified Evenel’s abilities and acknowledged her necessity. However, he had no intention of forcing this on Renel.

“Count, you may continue as you have been doing. How you think about it is your freedom.”

In Renel’s eyes, distrust was still abundant. He was certain she could do nothing of consequence.

“Other families will likely have a similar reaction to me. Ah, maybe not there, since we’re the only ones who agreed.”

“Agreed, yes, but it doesn’t mean we’ve fully accepted it.”

“Shouldn’t we arrange a meeting with everyone at some point? It’s been too long; I hardly remember faces.”

Shuher nodded as if agreeing. After Aodin’s betrayal, the bonds between empowered families had naturally grown stronger.

Guided by the maids, Evenel rested for a moment in her room before stepping outside to look around the mansion. The scenery was distinctly different from the capital.

Perhaps a bit more serene. It was hard to imagine demons existing here.

“It’s quieter than I thought.”

Curiosity led her around until she reached the training ground.

‘This must be where the Count’s knights train.’

Several knights gathered there were conversing. Their voices clearly reached Evenel.

“Hey, did you see that? The embarrassment in front of all those people.”

“I couldn’t have stayed there, my pride would be hurt.”

From what she heard, she knew they were talking about her. Ever since arriving in Cariel, she’d heard so much of such talk that it would feel strange not to hear it.

Soon the topic naturally shifted.

“It’s truly fortunate that His Majesty came. I was genuinely worried because the Count got injured.”

“To be honest, young master is…”

‘Young master? Definitely.’

Evenel recalled Hibru’s face as she had exchanged greetings with Shuher, and inadvertently overheard the conversation about him.

“Admittedly, compared to the Count, his abilities are woefully lacking. Both in swordsmanship and handling power.”

“He even seems scared to face the demons. He will eventually have to follow in the Count’s footsteps.”

“The Count would be worried even if he didn’t say it out loud.”
Listening to that story, it made sense why Hivru seemed so downcast in front of people. He couldn’t not know about such an atmosphere.

‘Still, going as far as saying that.’

She knew she was saying it out of concern for him, but it felt like her approach was somehow wrong. This would only add to his burden.

Evenel was about to leave, feeling she shouldn’t hear anymore, when she spotted Hivru standing a short distance away.

‘Of all times.’

But Hivru looked resigned rather than angry, as if this were a familiar situation. Just then, his eyes met with Evenel’s.

Startled, he hastily left the area.

Evenel could only watch him go.

Soon, she also left the training grounds, but the conversations among the knights continued to bother her. The sight of Hivru, who had left without a word, also weighed on her mind.

“What are you doing there?”

Lost in thought and looking at the ground, she raised her head at the sound of a voice calling her. Shuher was standing there, looking at her.

“Your Highness?”

Evenel approached him first.

“Have you finished your conversation?”

Shuher found his own behavior amusing; he had approached her as soon as he spotted her from afar, and she looked no different than usual.

“You look surprisingly fine.”

Recognizing that he was referring to her interaction with Renel, Evenel shrugged her shoulders.

“To be honest, I was angry, but I’ve been so focused on the campaign that I didn’t consider that part. It’s natural for powerful families who’ve received strength to dislike me.”

With that thought, she didn’t feel particularly wronged.

As they talked, they naturally began to walk together.

She recalled the scene she’d just witnessed at the training grounds and cautiously asked him about Hivru.

“By the way, does Hivru also have the same power as you?”

“Essentially, yes. Just like Count Renel, it’s a power that passes down through the bloodline.”

“Then do they handle it the same way? Like you, with a sword?”

“No, the weapon one uses can vary. How freely one can wield it would depend on one’s own abilities.”

Hearing Shuher’s explanation, she began to understand why the knights had spoken with mixed concern when comparing him to Renel.

“So, Hivru must also use a sword like you. I can’t quite imagine what that would feel like.”

“But why are you suddenly asking about Hivru?”

“Just because.”
Listening to those words, Evenel Istella felt as though she was seeing herself as she quietly left the scene. Though she couldn’t offer consolation beyond her boundaries.

“A little concerned, that’s all.”

At that moment, Shuher’s steps abruptly halted. Evenel Istella also stopped and looked at him.

“Rather than worrying about such nonsense, better prepare properly for the subjugation happening tomorrow.”

He said tersely and walked away, leaving her alone.

“Why is he suddenly angry?”

Picking up on a subtle discomfort in his words, Evenel Istella watched Shuher’s retreating figure with a bewildered expression. Wondering why he was acting this way when they were having a good conversation just moments before.