As they approached Count Perti’s mansion, Ibnel could feel the atmosphere becoming increasingly heavy.
Every path was surrounded by high castle walls, guarded by the count’s knights at each gate.

“The security is extremely tight.”

“Well, there’s a forest where monsters live just beyond. They’re guarding the frontline.”

“That’s impressive. It can’t be easy, even with their bestowed power.”

“There are things to be gained from it too. Like fame and authority.”

“Hmm… why do people think of what they can gain first?”

Ibnel’s expression suggested she didn’t quite agree with that. Noticing her unexpected perspective, Shuher looked down at her.

“Of course, as Your Majesty says, there’s much to gain. But don’t you think they lose even more? They live each day in constant tension, never knowing when monsters might attack.”

It was suffocating just being here briefly; what must it feel like to live in such a place every day?

“So I hope their sacrifices aren’t taken for granted.”

Shuher let out a small laugh, recalling the faces in the council chamber who only spoke of their own profits.

To think he’d hear such words from Ibnel.

Hearing the low laughter behind her, she glanced at his face. He didn’t seem particularly upset.

As they conversed, the group safely arrived at their destination. Those waiting in front of the mansion bowed respectfully as Shuher approached.

Dismounting from her horse, Ibnel’s gaze fell on the person standing at the forefront of the gathered crowd.

With white hair, green eyes, and the imposing physique of a knight, it was Count Renel Perti, the head of the Perti family.

Her eyes then moved to the crutch supporting his body.

‘That’s right, he was injured fighting monsters.’

She knew that was why he had reluctantly requested help from the imperial court.

“We’ve been waiting, Your Majesty. Thank you so much for coming all this way.”

“Greetings to His Imperial Majesty. I am Hiber Perti.”

Next to Renel stood a young man with similar green eyes. However, he seemed somewhat withdrawn overall.

Perhaps he was nervous in Shuher’s presence.

“Let’s discuss tomorrow’s subjugation mission.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Please, come inside.”

“If it’s alright, may I join as well?”

Belatedly, Renel’s gaze fell on Ibnel. Recognizing her identity from her mismatched eyes, his expression immediately hardened.

Ibnel noticed the change but calmly introduced herself.

“Pardon my late introduction. I am Ibnel Istella, who will be joining the subjugation mission.”

“I heard you would be accompanying His Majesty.”

“I’d like to know how the subjugation will proceed…”

“I cannot allow it.”

At Renel’s cold words, everyone present held their breath. Shuher’s gaze also turned to Ibnel.

“May I ask why?”

She inquired calmly, without showing any sign of being flustered.

“You may have come feeling like a hero, young lady, but we are going prepared to die. If not for His Majesty’s wishes, you wouldn’t have even been allowed into Perti territory.”

In short, it meant he absolutely couldn’t accept her and she shouldn’t presume to interfere based on her ability. It seemed he wanted to make this clear in front of so many people.

‘Even if I try to argue, he won’t listen anyway.’

Through numerous experiences, Ibnel knew that showing through actions was faster than speaking a hundred words. So she decided to take a step back for now.

“I understand your words, Count. However…”

Contrary to those around who might have expected her to get angry or burst into tears, she looked directly at Renel with eyes not much different from before, unwavering.

“I will participate in the subjugation as planned.”

To Renel, she appeared to be merely putting on airs, so he turned away coldly without responding.

“Shall we go, Your Majesty.”

Shuher looked at Ibnel before walking away with Renel. Watching the two of them, she instead felt her determination ignite.

If she were going to back down from just this much, she wouldn’t have come in the first place.

‘Alright, let’s see. Who will win.’

After discussing tomorrow’s subjugation with the knights, Shuher and Renel moved to the reception room.

A heavy silence fell between the two before Renel carefully broke it.

“Though I said I’d follow Your Majesty’s decision, honestly, I don’t understand. Haven’t we managed well without Aodin’s help until now?”

“Still, you can’t deny that Lady Ibnel’s abilities are needed.”

Renel wasn’t unaware of Shuher’s intentions. But facing Ibnel directly brought back memories of past hardships, making it difficult to control his emotions.

He absolutely did not want to receive her help.

“This is an unlike reaction for you, Count. You were always the one most concerned about this place’s safety.”

“This is different, isn’t it? She’s from Aodin. Frankly, I’m not sure if she’s worth that much.”

Shuher fully understood his reaction. The families granted power had fought monsters on the frontlines, so their hostility towards Aodin was much stronger.

He acknowledged the necessity of Ibnel’s presence after witnessing her abilities firsthand. But he had no intention of forcing this on Renel.

“The Count should continue as you have until now. How you think about it is your freedom.”

Strong distrust still filled Renel’s eyes. He was certain she wouldn’t be able to do anything anyway.

“Other families will likely have similar reactions to mine. Ah, but that place might be different. They were the only ones who agreed, after all.”

“They agreed, but that doesn’t mean they’ve fully accepted it.”

“Shouldn’t we arrange a gathering for everyone to meet? It’s been so long, I can barely remember their faces.”

Shuher nodded in agreement. After Aodin’s betrayal, the bonds between the empowered families had naturally grown stronger.

After resting briefly in her assigned room guided by maids, Ibnel stepped outside the mansion to look around. The scenery was clearly different from the capital.

It had a more serene atmosphere. It was hard to imagine this was a place with monsters nearby.

“It’s quieter than I expected.”

Wandering here and there out of curiosity, she eventually reached the training grounds.

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

There, she saw a few knights gathered in conversation. Their voices carried clearly to Ibnel.

“Did you see? Getting humiliated in front of all those people.”

“If it were me, I’d be too hurt to stay there.”

Just from that much, she could tell they were talking about her. She’d heard such things so often since coming to Caries that it would feel strange not to hear them now.

Soon, the topic of conversation naturally shifted to something else.

“It’s such a relief that His Majesty came. I was worried since the Count was injured.”

“To be honest, about the young master…”

‘The young master, surely…’

Ibnel recalled Hiber’s face as he greeted Shuher. And unintentionally, she ended up overhearing their conversation about him.

“He’s certainly still far inferior to the Count in skill. Both in swordsmanship and in handling his power.”

“Plus, he’s very afraid of facing monsters. Yet someday he’ll have to succeed the Count.”

“The Count must be worried deep down, even if he doesn’t say it.”

Hearing this, she could somewhat understand Hiber’s intimidated appearance in front of others. He must be aware of this atmosphere.

‘Even so, this is going too far.’

She knew they were speaking out of concern for him, but their approach seemed somewhat misguided. This would only make him feel more pressured.

Feeling she shouldn’t listen anymore, Ibnel was about to leave when she spotted Hiber standing a short distance away.

‘Of all times.’

Yet Hiber’s expression was one of resignation rather than anger, as if this were a familiar occurrence. At that moment, his eyes met directly with Ibnel’s as she watched him.

He startled with surprise and hurriedly left the scene.

Ibnel could only watch him go.

She too soon left the training grounds, but the knights’ conversation continued to trouble her mind. Hiber’s silent departure weighed on her heart as well.

“What are you doing there?”

Lost in thought and looking at the ground as she walked, she raised her head at the voice calling her. There stood Shuher, watching her.

“Your Majesty?”

Ibnel approached him first.

“Did your conversation go well?”

Seeing her behave no differently than usual, Shuher found his own actions – approaching her as soon as he spotted her from afar – rather amusing.

“You seem surprisingly fine.”

Realizing he was referring to the incident with Renel, Ibnel shrugged her shoulders.

“Honestly, I was frustrated, but I was so focused on the subjugation that I hadn’t considered that aspect. It’s natural for empowered families to dislike me, isn’t it?”

Thinking of it that way, she didn’t feel particularly wronged.

The two fell into conversation as they naturally began walking together.

Recalling the scene she’d just witnessed at the training grounds, she carefully inquired about Hiber.

“By the way, does Hiber have the same power as Your Majesty?”

“Essentially, yes. Both Count Renel and the power passed down through the family bloodline for generations.”

“Then is the way of using it the same? Using a sword like Your Majesty?”

“No, it can be used in various ways depending on the weapon one uses. How freely one can wield it depends on their own capabilities, of course.”

Hearing Shuher’s explanation, she could somewhat understand the knights’ concerned comments comparing him to Renel.

“Then Hiber must use a sword like Your Majesty. I can’t quite imagine what that would be like.”

“Why are you suddenly asking about the young master?”

“Just curious.”

Ibnel felt that Hiber’s silent departure after hearing such words was just like looking at herself. Yet she wasn’t in a position to offer words of comfort presumptuously.

“I’m a bit concerned, that’s all.”

At that moment, Shuher’s steps came to an abrupt halt. Ibnel also stopped and looked at him.

“Instead of worrying about such useless things, focus on properly preparing for tomorrow’s subjugation.”

He spoke in an irritated voice, saying only what he wanted to say before walking away, leaving her alone.

“Why is he suddenly getting angry?”

Noticing the strange displeasure in his words, Ibnel watched Shuher’s retreating figure with a bewildered expression. They had been conversing just fine until a moment ago; what reason did he have to act like this?