Mandelina’s expression hardened coldly.

Considering her usual demeanor, that meant the matter was extremely grave.

The “kingdom” Bellaruna had mentioned could only mean the Elven Kingdom, Renar Tyrone.

Which in turn meant the elves were preparing for war.

‘It’s not entirely impossible.’

Having wandered the world and seen its darker sides, Mandelina knew well how fragile peace truly was.

The world looked calm on the surface, but it was littered with ticking time bombs, ready to explode at any moment.

One of the greatest of those was the Elven Kingdom.

‘It’s been more than a hundred years since the Race War. For humans, that’s ancient history. But for elves... not at all.’

The lifespan of elves dwarfed that of humans.

One hundred years was a distant entry in the history books for mankind, but for most elves, it was time they had lived through themselves.

Mandelina knew just how deeply the elves who fought that war hated humans.

That was why the Empire’s Intelligence Bureau had always kept a sharp eye on the forests of the elves.

Recently, trackers from the Elven Kingdom had been making suspicious moves in the capital.

But still, that alone wasn’t enough to call it the beginning of a war.

And yet...

‘There hadn’t been the slightest sign until now, and suddenly this?’

Mandelina questioned Bellaruna again.

“You’re not mistaken?”

“I... I wish I were. But judging from the data stored in the network, it doesn’t look that way.”

“Explain precisely.”

“There’s a house that currently holds the greatest influence in the kingdom. They’re called one of the Seven Roots, and among them the family closest to the World Tree is Lifret.”

“Lifret. I’ve heard of them.”

“The Lifret Family is gathering troops.”

“Then does that mean war is imminent?”

“No. Not to that degree yet. The other houses’ forces remain still. No matter how powerful Lifret is, they can’t command every other family to march to war.”

At best, what Lifret could truly command were the Shadewardens.

The other houses shared their ideals, but not to the extent of starting a war alongside them.

In fact, there were families that stood on the opposite side, advocating peace—one of them being House Dentis.

“So the Lifret Family has stayed quiet until now. But for them to suddenly move like this, something must have happened.”

“What exactly?”

“I don’t have full details—the information is locked down—but I have a suspicion. They may have found a lead on the rightful authority over the World Tree.”

“The rightful authority? That exists?”

“Right now, when I or the elf houses access the World Tree to read and store information, we’re only using a fragment of its true abilities. In my case, I’m practically sneaking in through back doors.”

Mandelina suddenly felt a chill of unease.

“And if they gain this rightful authority?”

“I don’t know the details. But there’s a legend among the elves.”

“A legend?”

“Whether true or false I can’t say, but it’s said that if the World Tree’s true power is awakened, it could transform the entire continent into forest.”

Bellaluna’s words were hard to believe.

And yet, they couldn’t be dismissed outright.

The mysterious resilience of the elven forests lent weight to such a possibility.

Even during the Race War, the forests of the elves had stood unburned and unbroken.

No matter how much high explosives and fire rained down, the woods did not burn.

Mandelina knew well—that was the power of the World Tree.

And if that forest spread further?

If unyielding trees that neither axes could fell nor flames consume were to engulf the world?

It would indeed become paradise for the elves.

But for every other race, it would be hell.

“So what exactly is this rightful authority?”

“That I can’t say for sure. But I know the trackers caught a lead and relayed it back to the homeland. What’s odd is the timing.”

“Timing?”

“After the Lumenis Church’s envoys came here. Right after they encountered the elves, the Church left the capital... and the very next day the message was transmitted back.”

“Which means—”

“Yes. The Church is involved.”

Mandelina, face grim, raised her communicator.

* * *

“Hm. I see. Understood.”

After hearing Mandelina’s report, Aileen ended the transmission and turned to her guest with a polite apology.

“Forgive me. I had to take an urgent call in the middle of our meeting.”

“No offense taken. I was the one who requested this unplanned audience. Please don’t trouble yourself over it.”

The elegant reply came from Yekaterina.

The imperial audience chamber, prepared for the honored guest.

There sat Aileen, the Empire’s First Princess, across from Yekaterina, the Queen of the Yuta Kingdom.

“For hosting me despite my sudden visit, I ought to be the one giving thanks.”

“Your words put me at ease. Since you’ve come all this way, I hope you’ll stay to rest a while.”

The suggestion was kind, but Yekaterina declined gently.

“I’m grateful for the offer, but I cannot remain in the capital long. There’s somewhere I must go.”

“Somewhere?”

“Seorn Academy, near the great city of Rederbelk.”

Seorn.

At that word, a certain figure flickered through Aileen’s mind.

But she concealed it, asking carefully.

“So you have business at Seorn.”

“Yes. Someone I must meet. They aided me during Mystic Night, and besides, I wish to build good relations with Seorn.”

Aileen nodded slightly.

Indeed. She had wondered why the Queen of Yuta had come so far—but if that was the reason, it ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) made sense.

‘Someone she must meet...’

Aileen knew what had transpired during Mystic Night.

Her eyes narrowed as she regarded Yekaterina.

‘Does she know that man’s true identity?’

Before Ludger came to the Empire, his last active role had been in Yuta.

There, he was Machiavelli—the mercenary who turned the tide of civil war.

Not as a mere soldier, but as a war hero.

Of course his ties with Yekaterina’s faction had been close.

‘Unpleasant.’

Aileen did not know what exactly had passed between Ludger and Yekaterina.

She knew only the information, not the details of the story.

At first, she had felt little.

But meeting Yekaterina in person shifted her thoughts.

‘Truly beautiful, isn’t she.’

Aileen prided herself on her own beauty.

But beauty was not an absolute measure.

Yekaterina too was undeniably a striking woman.

Aileen could not help but feel a pang of defeat.

Though, of course, Yekaterina felt the same on her side.

‘Goodness. The rumors did not exaggerate. To think the Princess is this perfect in person.’

Yekaterina concentrated all her effort into wearing her mask, hiding her real nature.

Her true goal was Seorn, not the Dvalk Imperial Castle.

But as queen, her every step was scrutinized.

If she had gone first to Seorn instead of the Imperial Palace, the Empire would take it as an insult.

So she had come here, even if only to show her face.

‘Of course, beyond duty, I was curious as well.’

Before her sat Aileen von Exilion, the First Princess, the strongest candidate for next Empress.

And more importantly, someone close to Ludger, her benefactor.

‘He never revealed his origins, but only a fool wouldn’t guess.’

Ludger was surely a special agent of the Empire’s Intelligence Bureau—or deeper still, some secret organization.

His concealed identity, his ability.

Above all, his official post as a Seorn instructor was proof enough.

That kind of disguise was only possible with powerful backing.

And that backing could only be the woman before her, Aileen von Exilion.

‘My benefactor’s superior. And an extraordinary beauty. For someone like me, she’s intimidating in many ways.’

So Yekaterina wore her mask with all her might, showing no weakness.

“Anyway, you seem to have received rather important news. I shouldn’t keep you.”

“It was obvious, then?”

Aileen gave a wry smile.

It was true she had been discourteous, but Yekaterina, as a sovereign, graciously overlooked it.

‘Oh. I only probed casually, but it worked.’

Relieved, Yekaterina rose from her seat.

“Next time, let us have a more earnest conversation. Today’s tea was delightful.”

“You’re welcome anytime. Our Empire is always willing to maintain friendly ties with Yuta.”

After all, she was the woman Ludger had supported in the civil war.

At the very least, her character could not be without merit.

And so Yekaterina departed the audience hall.

Her escort awaited her outside, ready to return to Rederbelk.

Left alone, Aileen had no time for distraction.

What mattered now was Mandelina’s report.

‘The Elven Kingdom. Suspicious for some time... and now baring its fangs?’

Shaking her head, Aileen called to the knight waiting outside.

“Summon Sir Passius.”

“Your Highness, Sir Passius has already been summoned elsewhere.”

“Summoned? By whom?”

“By Commander Lutus Wardot, in person.”

At that, Aileen recalled her encounter with Lutus back in Rederbelk.

Rumors had spread afterward of starlight streaking across the skies.

Something had certainly happened.

Yet if Lutus himself had acted, the aftermath was surprisingly muted.

‘Which must mean he didn’t clash heavily with that man, and it ended without escalation.’

Could his perspective have changed since then?

For him to suddenly emerge at the Imperial Palace and summon Passius...

Was he going to interrogate him?

“And also...”

The reporting knight hesitated, then added.

“What else?”

“Commander Lutus has summoned all three of the other Knight Commanders as well.”

“All three Knight Orders?”

“Yes. All the commanders are now assembled in one place.”

Aileen frowned.

What on earth was he planning?

* * *

At the training ground, Passius greeted the knight already present.

“I thought I was the only one called. So you too, Lord Protector?”

“Just call me Terrina. That title is too grand for me.”

Terrina Lionhowl.

Commander of the Nightcrawler Knights, one of the Empire’s three Knight Orders, answered with a smile.

Terrina wasn’t usually this warm, but with another Master-ranked knight, she returned respect in kind.

Especially one who had fought alongside her beneath the capital.

Beside her stood her adjutant, Enya.

Recognizing Passius, Enya bowed politely.

“Hm. If you’re here too, then Commander Lutus must have summoned you as well?”

“Yes. So Sir Passius, you also...”

“I was summoned suddenly, same as you. But judging from things, it’s not just us two.”

“I was thinking the same. Knowing Commander Lutus, those gathered here will be...”

The thought struck them both at once.

The minimum bar was Master-level knights.

And the Empire had more than just the two of them.

Namely—the three great Knight Commanders.

Terrina’s expression darkened, and Passius looked uneasy.

At that moment, someone else entered the training ground.

“Well, well. How long has it been? After nothing but sea breezes, it’s good to see familiar faces inland again.”

Neither Master knight replied.

Only Enya’s eyes widened.

“Commander Johan Oceanus...”

Johan Oceanus.

Commander of the Stella Siren Knights, guardians of the Empire’s seas.