[Somewhere in the Eastern Nation]
“Ha—hahahaha... He went through with it, and the result blew past anything we imagined!” King Segi smiled, the envelope gleaming like a silver fish in his hand.
“Your Majesty, this man will stir the continent into a storm of blood.”
“I fear his aim is to unite it as the sole Emperor.”
“His scheming runs so deep the star‑sea would blush.”
“His talent is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime blade.”
“Even Starshaker Hipo, who guarded Eunomia with all his heart, bowed to him.”
“His temper is flawed and his ambition vast, yet his loyalty to Eunomia is spotless.”
“If he can make Hipo submit, he’s no ordinary soul.”
“I advise we win him over with all we have.”
“If need be, we could even become his vassal.”
Manto knelt on one knee, his voice ringing through the bright hall like a bronze bell.
King Segi didn’t grow angry at such humility; his thoughts sank like a stone into deep water.
“Is he truly that terrifying, to earn such praise from you?”
“Manto, former Commander of the Erene Guard, once undone by Ostos’s plot?”
“As true as iron.”
“Given our prior ‘cooperation,’ Paris will remember the old ties and pour out aid for us.”
Manto’s voice boomed like drums in a valley.
Erig nodded.
King Segi brightened; he lifted his chin and drew a deep breath, as if venting years of stale smoke.
“Who would’ve thought, Ostos... it’s your turn today.”
“Hah...”
“I’ve always said this land, long divided must unite, and long united must split.”
“You never pierced the fog of human laziness, chasing a peaceful dreamland.”
“Pity—your son sees clearer than you.”
“Only by conquering the world outright.”
“Only by crushing the four seas with absolute force, sweeping the eight wilds.”
“Only then!”
“True peace will descend like quiet snow.”
“But you won’t live to grasp it.”
“You’ll stare up from the mud while your son scatters war across the continent.”
“And I’ll stand beside, advising and watching, like a fox at the riverbank.”
“What revenge could be sweeter?”
King Segi burst into laughter; the hall shivered like a drum skin.
His laughter rode the clouds and kept traveling on the wind, into the distance...
[Eastern Nation Royal Palace]
Velledo fastened her clothes.
She faced the mirror and touched up, a spring breeze on her cheeks.
She patted her beautiful long dress, then stepped out of Paris’s chamber.
“Yoho, isn’t this the Deputy Commander of the Heavenly Dragon Corps?
Why are you leaving His Majesty’s room with peach‑blossom cheeks?
Planning to be my queen?”
Talant had shed her heavy armor for a white dress, like moonlight on water.
Bright patterned high‑heeled sandals clicked like sparrow beaks.
Her bare shoulder caught the air.
Her long golden hair flowed, teased by the wind like silk.
Red lips and bright teeth half‑bared; star‑gold glittered, yet winter carried a hidden blade.
“Your Highness.”
Velledo kept cool, lifted her gown, bent one long leg, and bowed with a charming smile.
“Not bad. Paris taught you hand in hand?” Talant’s smile stayed cold, like frost on roses.
Velledo’s eyes changed; a hint of chill flashed like a drawn ink line.
“Your Highness, though His Majesty is your brother, please keep to the King’s way.”
“Inside the palace, it’s better you say ‘His Majesty.’”
“Hmph.”
Talant passed by, her gaze like a cutting wind.
“When did you get to tell me what to call my brother?
Keep your Heavenly Dragon Corps away from my Dike Guard.
Otherwise, if something happens, don’t expect me to cover it.”
“Oh my, is that a threat?
We’re colleagues meant to love one another.
You’ll make me so sad.”
Velledo looked back with a crescent‑moon smile; cherry lips opened, sweet and dangerous.
“Then cry under your blankets.”
“I’m not your mother.
I won’t soothe a baby who can’t even nurse.”
Talant finished and walked straight toward Paris’s bedroom, steps crisp as rain.
“Tsk...”
Velledo clicked her tongue, a cat tasting bitter herb.
Her eyes fixed on Talant’s back, venomous as ivy on stone.
