Leinas also felt the nobles of the Re-Estize Kingdom were rather foolish—especially when compared to the sharp political machinery of the Baharuth Empire.
But about her decision to leave the Empire...
Leinas had no regrets. Not when she now served as a knight under the man before her.
After experiencing the Great Swamp firsthand, she fully understood just how terrifyingly powerful this gentle-looking man truly was. He could summon a fourth-tier angel and had combat ability on par with adamantite-ranked adventurers.
Even the outer swamp was a death trap to most, yet he had ventured deep into its cursed heart—alone—and returned unscathed two days later.
That wasn't something even a full party of elite mithril or orichalcum-ranked adventurers could accomplish.
And then he helped her—no, allowed her—to control the curse within her body.
It wasn't that the curse had been removed.
Rather, she now wielded it like a sword—without ever understanding how Minori had achieved such a feat. She didn't ask. Some mysteries were better unspoken.
He was powerful. Mysterious.
And as his knight, it was her pride to follow him.
"Sir, what shall we do next?" Leinas asked respectfully, her deep blue eyes reflecting Minori's calm, analytical gaze.
"You look elegant today," Minori commented mildly. "Since you just returned from a banquet, I assume you've had some contact with the kingdom's nobles."
"Tell me what you sensed."
Behind them, Imina, lounging at a small table with her legs crossed, chewed her food louder than necessary.
Leinas's expression turned serious. She understood this wasn't about superficial impressions.
"I attended several gatherings for the Countess's birthday," she began. "From what I observed, the kingdom's aristocracy is split into two factions: the royal loyalists and the self-interested nobles."
"The noble faction holds greater power, with Crown Prince Pablo as their nominal leader. But if he ascends the throne, I doubt he'll be able to control them."
Minori listened in silence.
"As for the second prince, Senak… he's reputed to be talented, but he lacks noble support. If you're looking for a point of entry, he might be viable."
Her analysis was sharp. She wasn't just a warrior—Leinas had a noble's intuition and political sense.
"You're worthy of your position, Leinas," Minori praised. "To gather that much intel in such a short time... impressive. Nobles truly do understand nobles."
"The second prince lacks support?" he echoed with a faint chuckle. "That may not be entirely true. Isn't it strange how quickly we've heard these rumors about his talents?"
Leinas's eyes narrowed slightly. She missed something.
"You overlooked someone," Minori said.
Leinas furrowed her brows. Beyond the two princes, the royal line had no other contenders. Unless—
"...Princess Renner?" she asked cautiously.
A princess had no inheritance rights. She shouldn't matter.
But then—something clicked.
"Wait, sir!" Leinas turned and hurried off.
Moments later, she returned with an envelope. "This was among the invitations I received shortly after moving into the Noble Pavilion. It's from Princess Renner. I didn't think much of it then—she never sent a second."
Minori accepted the envelope. It was plain, easily overlooked.
A faint smile touched his lips. "A canary in a cage."
"No matter how intelligent she is, as long as she remains caged, she's only a spectacle."
His gaze returned to Leinas. "What would you do if you were that canary?"
Leinas faltered, uncertain how to respond.
Suddenly, Imina's voice cut in, cold and sharp. "Either I'd tear through the bars, or starve in defiance."
She wiped crumbs from her lips without changing expression.
Minori gave her a sideways glance, amused.
Princess Renner was a complicated figure—not to be judged by simple moral standards.
Her so-called 'proposals' weren't meant to be accepted. Rather, she wanted them leaked—delivered to the Blood Emperor by Empire spies. No rational person would sabotage their own kingdom just to catch an enemy's interest.
Renner might have done it out of boredom. Or perhaps, a desire to prove her value.
Like how the look Clem gave her—loyal, grateful—fed her sense of worth.
Minori understood. Her true distortion came from identity and self-worth.
"The First Prince is a fool with status."
"The Second Prince has the aptitude of a ruler—but nothing more."
He handed the invitation back to Leinas and said seriously, "Consider her the female equivalent of Jircniv Rune Farlord El Nix."
Leinas gasped in disbelief. The Blood Emperor was a peerless ruler—even corrupt nobles had to acknowledge that.
And Minori was comparing Princess Renner to him?
"After you finish your duel with Gazef, go meet Princess Renner," Minori said. His voice grew quieter, more dangerous. "We don't need to scheme too much. That woman will do it for us."
"Once the jewel's chains are broken, it will shine of its own accord."
"Yes, sir." Though she didn't fully understand, Leinas responded seriously.
"She's too intelligent. There's no need to lie. Just treat her as a brilliant canary."
He added, "When fighting Gazef, be wary of his 'Four Lights Slash.' If he's grown stronger, it might become 'Six Lights Slash.'"
He glanced at Imina and smirked. "I won't stay in this kingdom for long. If anything comes up, I'll need both of you to handle it."
"Oi." Imina's amber eyes flashed coldly. "Don't lump me in with your subordinates."
"So far, where's my reward? And don't expect me to babysit your noble girl."
Minori rose and replied with a half-smile, "It's coming. I promise it'll be worth the wait."
That night.
A rundown inn at the edge of the royal capital.
One by one, figures clad in black crept through the alleyways—faces hidden, movements silent.
"That half-elf is inside?"
"Yes. They've changed locations three times. Our people tracked them here."
"Be careful. The half-elf is stronger than expected."
"Half-elves are rare. One like this could fetch over 1,000 gold coins at auction. I wonder what they taste like?"
"Heh, don't get greedy."
"Lord Qiansha wants him alive."
They exchanged whispers as they drew closer.
But just as they reached the door—
Click.
The inn's front door swung open.
Imina stepped into the moonlight, her expression blank, cold eyes staring at the assassins hidden in shadow.
"We've been spotted!"
"No point hiding now. Eliminate them."
The alley was remote. Even a commotion here wouldn't draw attention.
But before they could move—
A calm voice echoed from behind them.
"As prey… you seem confused about your roles."
The assassins froze.
Behind them stood Minori, cloaked in shadow, his priestly robes gone—replaced with a hooded black robe that merged with the night.