The three of us steeled ourselves before stepping into the audience chamber of the royal palace.

Beyond Carlints' broad shoulders, I could see Lyn Brans, the absolute ruler of Brans Army.

Normally, she would lounge lazily on her throne—resting her chin on her palm, twirling her fingers in her hair, exuding an air of boredom.

But today, there was none of that.

She sat upright and composed, watching us with a regal, piercing gaze.

Airen and I followed Carlints’ lead, stepping forward in sync with him.

And when he knelt before her, we did the same.

"…Carlints Brans, returning from Kelstein Castle to Arnel Castle."

"Airen Juliet, likewise reporting my return."

"Swen, returning to pay respects to my lord."

"…"

Lyn said nothing at first.

She was never the type to maintain an air of regal dignity—she was far too playful and irreverent for that.

Of course, that didn’t mean she lacked the presence of a ruler, but there was always an undignified energy about her.@@novelbin@@

Yet, at this moment—

Her face bore no hint of a smile.

Her expression was cold, serious, and utterly unforgiving.

"…Carlints."

"Yes, my lord."

"I heard what happened. You managed to escape, huh? That’s great news."

Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Thanks to that, we didn’t have to waste our army’s resources and political leverage negotiating for your release. And, well, we couldn’t just let a Brans family member die in enemy hands, could we? So, I suppose in the very last moment, you managed to earn some merit, didn’t you? Congratulations."

Her mockery was blatant.

Carlints bowed even deeper.

"…I have no excuse, my lord. I will accept any punishment you deem fit."

"Oh, come on now. How could someone as brilliant and accomplished as you possibly be at fault? No, no—this must be my failure as a ruler. Clearly, I lack virtue. If I were a better sovereign, perhaps I could have prevented my dear older brother from making such a monumentally idiotic decision in the first place, don’t you think?"

Lyn’s words were sharp, merciless.

Carlints remained silent, bowing his head even lower.

"But, well. I should thank you for proving something for me."

"…What do you mean?"

"You confirmed that our father was right."

Lyn let out a soft chuckle.

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