Caden had the scene deeply etched in her mind.
The crumbling walls of Arleard Castle, the seemingly indestructible Abyssal King, and the relentless hordes of undead. The Abyssal King tried to advance, but Zion Laird stood in its way once more. In the end, the Abyssal King couldn’t overcome Zion Laird, was pushed back, and eventually, was completely annihilated.
“What do you mean by that?”
“If Your Majesty intends to eradicate the monsters, it would be best to put Zion Laird at the forefront. He has already dealt with the Shadow Dragon and the Abyssal King.”
“Are you suggesting I entrust everything to Zion Laird?”
“If Your Majesty spares no support, Zion Laird will accomplish it.”
“……”
Brandish didn’t even notice her tea cooling. A member of the Setinos Quasar was advising her to trust Zion Laird. Indeed, the White Apostle had also held Zion Laird in high regard, and the Violet Archer had sent a letter praising his abilities. Considering Hanette Adelaira and Oz Ternein, the outlook seemed positive.
“Zion Laird lacks experience in commanding troops. If we give him too much, other knights might harbor resentment. Should we still empower Zion Laird?”
“Yes, we can delegate troop command to experienced commanders. To prevent other knights from resenting him, we could assign a member of the Setinos Quasar or a seasoned knight to accompany him.”
“…How much do you trust Zion Laird?”
Brandish set aside her complex thoughts and focused on one thing. It wasn’t just about Zion Laird’s remarkable skills or his numerous contributions. She wanted to understand what kind of knight Zion Laird was.
“Zion Laird understands what it means to be romantic. That’s why he risked his life to protect his fiancée and many others. With such romanticism, I can’t help but have faith in him.”
“Then tell me, should I trust Zion Laird as you do?”
“I speak not as the Silver Sentinel, but as Caden Asthlor. Please recognize this distinction.”
Brandish regarded Caden in the profound silence that followed. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Caden was willing to trust Zion Laird. If she were speaking as the Silver Sentinel, she would likely maintain an objective stance, unable to offer such personal trust.
“…So I should accept this not as the queen, but as Brandish.”
Brandish smiled as she lifted her teacup. Caden was momentarily taken aback, speechless. She hadn’t expected Brandish to refer to herself as “Brandish.”
“As the queen, I must govern this nation. Therefore, I cannot accept the advice of Caden Asthlor.”
The position of queen was singular, revered by countless subjects. Even minor mistakes were intolerable, and until she passed on the crown, Brandish had to bear its weight. She might never step down from the throne until her death, but that was a ruler’s fate.
“However, since you and the White Apostle trust Zion Laird, and if the Violet Archer also believes in him, I, as the queen, am willing to consider your advice.”
Brandish’s gaze was solemn as she emptied her cup. The White Apostle, Silver Sentinel, and Violet Archer had fought alongside Zion Laird against the Abyssal King. If all three vouched for Zion Laird’s worth, it was worth considering.
“Still, you seem to be favoring Caden Asthlor, Brandish.”
Caden grinned, exuding confidence. Brandish was slowly warming up to her. For now, she had to address her as the queen, but perhaps one day she could call her “Brandish” more personally.
“Your antics are intriguing.”
“…I merely drew my sword as Caden Asthlor.”
“Wasn’t it Zion Laird who moved your heart?”
“Perhaps. Zion Laird fights for Your Majesty and this kingdom, while I am still entangled in the past.”
Caden's gaze grew sorrowful, burdened by memories. She had exceptional talent in swordsmanship but had once made a grave mistake, leading to tragic consequences. Unable to forgive herself for taking the lives of her family, she vowed never to wield a sword again.
“I won’t tell you to forget the past. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how you overcome them, isn’t it?”
“……”
“Zion Laird likely risked his life for his fiancée. Even if he had to die, he wanted to protect her. Don’t you have something worth protecting too?”
“I thought there would come a day when I could wield my sword for Brandish. But years passed, and I still couldn’t bring myself to do it. I was still trapped in the past.”
“How about now? Have you overcome it?”
“I need to try harder. It seems it’s difficult to wield my sword for Brandish.”
“Then what do you intend to wield your sword for?”
“I intend to wield it for myself. I can no longer forgive my weak, complacent self.”
Caden knew she needed to move on from her past, yet she found solace in the present. She wanted to bury her painful memories deep and never look back. But Zion Laird’s actions had shaken her, stirring up regrets and introspection about her past life.
“While Zion Laird was facing the Abyssal King, I was running away. Even as my allies fell and monsters overran the castle, I did nothing. I felt so ashamed of myself.”
“So you mean to wield your sword for yourself?”
“Yes. I apologize, but I must wield my sword for myself. I cannot continue like this.”
Caden spoke frankly, then regretted it. She should have said she would wield her sword for Brandish. But she couldn’t bring herself to say it, knowing it might disappoint Brandish.
“Hahaha! You finally say something like that.”
Brandish smiled broadly, satisfied. She had wondered when she might hear such words from Caden, fearing it might never come. But she was glad to hear it before her death.
“Now you’re finally saying something I like. Yes, you shouldn’t waste your talent.”
Caden was too surprised to speak. Brandish’s reaction was unexpected. Why was she happy about such selfishness?
“You’ve been passive, trying to win my favor. It looked foolish. Are you finally coming to your senses?”
“…It seems my actions have bothered you.”
“Did you think I’d like someone who fears the past? I’m too busy living in the present to dwell on it.”
Brandish had seen Caden’s potential from their first encounter. She had intended to pardon her crimes and make her part of the Setinos Quasar. But learning of her past, she couldn’t deploy her in battles and had to assign her to reconnaissance and intelligence missions.
“You’re right. You should wield your sword not for me, but for yourself. How can someone who can’t protect themselves follow my orders?”
“……”
“Now that you’re trying to change, I’ll give you a chance. Prove your worth with your sword. If I’m satisfied, I’ll give you a day of my time.”
“……?”
Caden didn’t understand at first. Brandish wouldn’t set such conditions. Even if her feelings for Caden had changed, she wouldn’t erase her sentiments for her old companion.
“Did you not understand? If you achieve merits as a knight, I’ll spend a day with you. Or does that condition not appeal to you?”
“What? No, I accept your command.”
“It’s not a command. Consider it a favor from Brandish.”
“……”
Caden tried to read Brandish’s thoughts with a serious expression. Brandish stifled a laugh, watching Caden intently.
‘Zion Laird… You’re changing many things.’
Duke Adelaira’s estate, Hanette’s room.
Night had fallen, casting a dusky veil over the land. Moonlight and starlight intertwined, painting the night sky, while a cool, melancholic breeze flitted through the window.
Zion lay beside Hanette on the bed, gazing out the window.
“What are you looking at?”
“The night sky.”
“Can you see it from here?”
“Just a little.”
“Why do you get to look?”
“We can look together.”
Zion reached out and naturally pulled Hanette close, resting his arm around her shoulder. Hanette, initially startled, allowed herself to be drawn in by his touch.
“You’ve grown bold, haven’t you?”
“Isn’t this okay? If it makes you uncomfortable…”
“It’s not that. We’re more than just ordinary friends.”
Hanette reached out and wrapped her arm around Zion’s waist. Zion, feeling the strange atmosphere, didn’t say anything.
“You were fine before. Why are you tense now?”
“It’s different now.”
“What’s different?”
“Before, there was an enemy in front of us. Now it’s just you.”
“Do you feel uncomfortable with me?”
“Not uncomfortable… just a bit embarrassed, I suppose.”
“So it’s fine when you hug me, but when I hug you, it’s embarrassing?”
“Um… pretty much?”
Hanette frowned and hugged Zion tighter. Zion flinched and unconsciously pulled her closer by the shoulder.
“Ha! How ridiculous. Do you like me?”
“Who else would I like?”
“That’s not what I want to hear. I want to know how you feel.”
Hanette slowly released him and returned to her original position. Zion followed suit and spoke hesitantly.
“I’m not sure. I think I like you, but sometimes I’m not sure.”
“At least you don’t say you dislike me?”
“I don’t dislike you. As long as you don’t act unreasonably.”
“Really? Then I should act more reasonably!”
Hanette raised her voice, clearly dissatisfied. Zion chuckled, accepting her behavior with a calm demeanor.
“At least you listen to me more than before. That means you trust me more, right?”
“I wonder about that. You tried to die before me, didn’t you?”
“Almost dying made me realize how precious you are.”
“…You’re terrible at talking.”
Hanette responded gruffly, but a faint smile crept onto her face. Zion finally turned his gaze from the window and looked at Hanette.
“But I’m certain of one thing. I think I’m ready to marry you now.”