The Abandoned Princess, Yet She Is Loved - Chapter 103

Though it had been necessary to kill them,

 

“It doesn’t feel good…”

 

Watching the bodies sprawled out because of her actions wasn’t exactly pleasant. A strange sense of guilt squirmed within her.

 

“No time for useless thoughts. Let’s check on the injured first.”

 

Grace cleared her mind and focused on healing the wounded Armento.

 

Some of them had sustained such serious injuries that they didn’t regain consciousness even after treatment. The others carried them away.

 

After confirming there were no more injured in the training grounds, Grace stepped outside.

 

Along the descending hallways and stairs, the corpses of Armento lay scattered, tangled in blood. Traces of a fierce battle.

 

“…I couldn’t protect them.”

 

Seeing those who had died unjustly lying face down with their eyes wide open filled her with sorrow. Feeling discomfort after killing the enemy suddenly felt like a luxury.

 

“There might still be remnants left.”

 

There was no guarantee that all the enemies had attacked the training ground. Remaining vigilant, Grace walked through the first-floor lobby, narrowly dodging a fireball that came flying at her. It grazed her ear and exploded against a pillar with a thunderous boom.

 

When she turned around, there was nothing. But remembering the direction the attack had come from, Grace instantly sent out hundreds of ice daggers, scattering them in all directions with the wind—making it impossible to dodge in the enclosed space.

 

“Aaaaargh!”

 

“Guuuuuh!”

 

Multiple screams echoed from behind. Grace then launched an attack in another direction—a place where pillars were stacked, providing ample cover.

 

“Aaaaaah!!”

 

With the scream, a vortex of sand came rushing toward her, as if to swallow her whole. Grace summoned a gust of wind to deflect the attack, then sharpened the air like blades, shredding the grains of sand one by one.

 

Fine dirt particles settled around her feet. She scanned the area. No more attacks came. No one else rushed at her.

 

“Is it really over now?”

 

Grace walked through the lobby, checking for any remaining enemies. She found three Armento pierced by ice shards, dead. Other than that, it was quiet.

 

“Looks like the area is mostly cleared now.”

 

Just as she was leaving through Panbion’s main gate, she saw a familiar silhouette rushing toward her.

 

“Grace!”

 

“Frederick? What are you doing here?”

 

“I heard there was a battle between Armento within Panbion, so I came. Are you hurt?”

 

It was Frederick. He urgently scanned Grace’s body from head to toe.

 

“I’m fine. I didn’t get hit…”

 

“What happened? Why did something like this happen at Panbion?”

 

“There was an air raid on the training ground. The Armento who were training were ambushed. I’ve dealt with all of them now… but many died.”

 

Grace calmly explained everything to Frederick.

 

“Apparently, there were spies among the Armento—planted either by Prince Vladimir or the Bahorne Empire. Not just Seri, there were others too.”

 

“They might still be roaming the palace.”

 

“I can’t say for sure… but I think so.”

 

Grace nodded and gave him a soft smile.

 

“Thank you for rushing over just for me, even when you’re busy.”

 

Frederick’s heart grew heavy. He was due to depart at dawn, and the thought of leaving Grace behind in the palace weighed on him. Maybe he should’ve forced her to return to the estate. But it was too late.

 

“I’m really fine, Frederick. Relax.”

 

“I hate that I have to leave you behind.”

 

“I can protect myself now. I’ve already taken down several enemies.”

 

Grace said reassuringly, but Frederick’s expression didn’t ease.

 

“I mean it. Don’t worry too much, Frederick.”

 

“…Alright.”

 

With a reluctant sigh, Frederick suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.

 

“Frederick?”

 

It was the first time they’d had such intimate physical contact in public, and Grace’s eyes widened.

 

“I was so worried the whole way here…”

 

“……”

 

“I kept imagining the worst… thinking about you getting hurt drove me insane. Seeing you safe now—what a relief…”

 

Grace could feel the depth of Frederick’s concern in every word. She returned the hug, placing her arms around his back. She could feel the quick, strong thumping of his heart.

 

“If you had gotten hurt… I don’t think I’d ever forgive myself.”

 

“Even if I had, it would’ve been my decision.”

 

“But I’d still blame myself for not stopping it.”

 

He whispered in her ear.

 

“Even if you don’t agree, I feel responsible for protecting you.”

 

Her heart ached with emotion. She’d always known he cared for her, but in this moment, the sincerity of his affection touched her deeply.

 

“Then I’ll have to stay safe—for your sake, too.”

 

“I’ll make sure you are.”

 

Frederick gently stroked her hair as he emphasized his words.

 

“I want to go back to my room now. I’m a little tired. You should head back, too.”

 

After a moment, Grace pulled away slightly and spoke.

 

“I’ll walk you to your room first.”

 

“Is it okay for you to be out this long during work hours?”

 

“I’m heading out tomorrow anyway. We won’t see each other for a while after tonight. This much is fine.”

 

“…That’s true.”

 

Grace gave a bittersweet smile. She’d known it all along, but hearing it from him made the truth sting more.

 

She took the hand he offered. The two of them walked side by side, hand in hand.

 

 

Panbion was placed under high alert.

 

The betrayal of Armento who had turned against the Empire and wreaked havoc on Panbion—and the ensuing battle between Armento—was a first in the history of the Empire.

 

A thorough investigation was launched from the top. Each Armento was questioned about their recent actions. Though the incident had been contained, the inquiry aimed to identify any potential traitors still among them.

 

After several days of investigation, it was concluded that none of the remaining Armento in Panbion were suspected of being spies for Vladimir or the Bahorne Empire.

 

A joint funeral was held for the Armento who had died fighting the intruders.

 

The atmosphere was heavy with grief. Armento who had lost dear comrades bowed their heads, and some bereaved families fainted in tears and had to be carried away.

 

Grace watched the grieving families with sympathy. Their pain was palpable, even from a distance. She understood that pain all too well.

 

“I felt the same way when Emily died.”

 

Even if every member of the Reinheim family were to die tomorrow, she wouldn’t bat an eye. But when she lost Emily—her true family—the pain must have been just like what these people felt now.

 

“Lady Winstaine.”

 

Lost in thought, Grace turned toward the voice calling her. It was Duke Lord Eurys Philipon.

 

“Lord.”

 

She gave a light nod in greeting.

 

“I heard you played a major role in taking down the intruders.”

 

“I wouldn’t say that… I just did what I had to.”

 

“If not for you, the damage could’ve been much worse. You have my gratitude.”

 

The Duke smiled and continued.

 

“I’ve heard your offensive and healing abilities are among the finest I’ve ever seen.”

 

“You flatter me, Lord.”

 

“I actually have a request. May I ask?”

 

“Of course. Please go ahead.”

 

For some reason, Grace felt a bit tense and swallowed nervously.

 

“It seems a major war is about to break out… The Armento must also prepare to join the fight.”

 

“……”

 

“We’re planning to organize several legions… Would you be willing to lead one of them?”

 

“I…”

 

Grace hesitated, unable to answer right away.

 

She had already accepted the idea of joining the battle for the Empire. But leading a unit was something else entirely.

 

She had never been in a real war before, nor had she led others into battle.