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Chapter 291 part 2

Amria appeared unmoved by Zanad’s straightforward answer, while Yachiyo and Fuuko, guarding her sides, began whispering freely.

Even in hushed tones, their words were audible in the confined space, a testament to their carefree nature.

「Is this, perhaps, a plan to not let certain individuals leave alive?」

「Dead men tell no tales. If we perish, the route of the hidden passage remains undisclosed.」

「The two, though carefree in thought, discussed the potential danger to Amria, their protectee, with utmost seriousness.」

「Indeed, it seems Princess Asteria genuinely wishes to meet Lady Amria. Depending on the outcome, she might plan our demise.」

「Hmm, it’s as if we’re willingly entering the tiger’s den. Being with Gwandan’s group often leads to forceful resolutions, so our sense of danger has waned.」

「Indeed, indeed.」

Gwandan, contemplating whether their remarks were praise or scorn, resolved to rectify his past life’s habit of brute force. Lynette, finding much agreement, remained silent, while Kyrlinne and Gundeus, at the rear, seemed intrigued, discussing why they weren’t blindfolded.

「We’ll seal the entrance after our use.」

Gundeus expressed his view on the subsequent use of the hidden passage, with Kyrlinne offering her perspective in response.

「If we only seal off the entrance, it can be reopened, making it a rather lenient measure. Perhaps we should consider filling the hidden passage with earth, sand, or concrete to solidify it.」

「Alternatively, we could flood it by drawing in water, or only seal off the entrance from the castle side, filling the inside with traps, magical creatures, golems, and such, to repurpose it as a deathtrap for intruders.」

「Considering an invasion of Baroldi, that might be a viable option. I’m not sure about the underground structure of this city, but altering the configuration of this passage itself could be effective.」

「Indeed, changing the very layout of the path. That’s quite a good idea from you, Kyrlinne.」

「Oh, Gan-chan, you’re so harsh. Well, if such technology exists… This place, compared to the capital, seems newer. It doesn’t seem like old mechanisms are left behind, though…」

「Implying there might be old mechanisms in the capital, but as that wasn’t the main topic, the conversation didn’t continue along those lines.」

「There might be psychics or magicians specialized in spatial manipulation under Princess Asteria’s command.」

「We could list endless possibilities if we just assume, so I can’t help but feel we might be worrying over nothing.」

「Since Baroldi Castle is surrounded by magic that inhibits teleportation, it’s certain that magical transfers will be extremely difficult.」

「For us, bombarding the fortress from afar with magic and artillery, reducing it to nothing, seems easier, or more like our style, doesn’t it?」

「Destroying not just the castle but also the network of underground passages would require blowing up most of the city. Submerging both the castle and the city of Baroldi seems like a quick solution.」

「Then there’s poison… We don’t seem to have any trouble with that, do we?」

Kyrlinne voiced this horrifying idea in a light tone, but indeed, in the upper echelons of the Barony of Bern, there were two heinous poison users capable of decimating a city of a million.

Releasing the poison of black roses into the air, or dripping snake venom into rain and drinking water, could bypass the city’s purification and poison defenses, affecting all inhabitants.

Zanad wasn’t overly concerned with their conversation. Implementing such plans would invite criticism and could alienate allies, but they were viable during war. What struck Zanad was the absence of guilt or hesitation in their voices. They didn’t seem to feel any obligation to sympathize with or consider the imperial citizens, even if they were innocents.

Though Gwandan and Lynette might be more capable, the mentality of these maids, Gundeus and Kyrlinne, had to be deemed dangerously potent.

To Kyrlinne and Gundeus, it was all theoretical. They knew Gwandan, Lynette, and the others would vehemently object to actual execution. They wouldn’t proceed without orders or consent. Lynette and Diadora’s teaching had fostered an ethos against forcing sacrifices on the powerless or unrelated.

Yet, for these two, created to obey, rejecting orders was an alien concept. They would execute any inhumane order without hesitation.

For Zanad, who was unaware of Gundeus and Kyrlinne’s true nature, witnessing their innocent cruelty contrasted with the human-like expressions he’d seen during their journey.

To Gwandan’s group, the hidden passageway was a mere obstacle, surmountable through sheer force or indirect means like poison.

「You may now remove your hoods.」

Zanad finally instructed, after navigating through the passageway’s turns, hills, stairs, and a puzzle-locked door.

Amria exhaled softly and removed her hood, as did everyone else, their moods visibly lightening in the open space.

Amria, in secret contact with her sister, was dressed in a gown suitable for a public appearance, even as an empress. Though not ostentatious as a ball gown, it shone pearl-like in the sunlight, made from the finest silk, dyed in varying shades of blue, and embroidered with threads of gold, silver, and gemstones. It was a unique creation, incorporating the finest materials, top craftsmanship, advanced enchantment magic, and a hint of Ancient-Celestial Dragon’s blessing.

Yachiyo, Fuuko, Gwandan, and the others, considering the possibility of meeting the princess, remained in their usual battle-travel attire. Gwandan, not carrying his usual poleaxe and sword, had them stored in a shadowy subspace.

They were led to a corridor adorned with meticulously carved rose columns. Looking back, they seemed to have emerged from one of these columns.

「It seems we’re in a detached palace within Baroldi Castle’s grounds.」

Gwandan surmised, looking around. Zanad silently nodded in confirmation. The area was sparsely populated, presumably staffed minimally by Asteria’s order, with elites poised to restrain Gwandan’s group if needed.

Among them, Gwandan sensed an unavoidable presence—a powerful being cloaked in the aura of countless dragons. Likely one of the Twelve Wing Generals, Kyles, commander of dragon knights.

「If he’s here, Princess Asteria’s presence is certain.」 Gwandan thought. 「This confirms at least that Asteria’s invitation to Amria was genuine.」

「Amria.」

「Yes?」

「Say what you wish. The extent of Princess Asteria’s expectations is unknown, but this might be your only opportunity. Speak your mind completely.」

Amria appeared contemplative, perhaps organizing her thoughts. She had time to think before arriving, but the impending conversation seemed to quicken her heartbeat.

「I don’t have much to say, so I think I can speak properly.」

「That’s good. If you’re asked to leave before you’re finished, I’ll intervene.」 Gwandan reassured.

「Thank you, but please, don’t be too forceful.」

「I promise to do my utmost.」

Despite Gwandan’s words, Amria was resigned to possible damages; she knew his propensity for solving issues with overwhelming force.

Amria, thoroughly influenced by Gwandan’s methods, was led to a secluded room in the palace.

Outside the room, six knights in dragon-inspired armor stood guard, eliciting a complex expression from Gwandan. Lynette and others sympathetically noted Gwandan’s unusual reaction.

The knights, possibly Kyles’ subordinates, were an ironic sight in front of Gwandan, supreme among dragonkin, wearing gear from dragon scales and claws.

Unperturbed by Amria’s arrival, the knights pushed open the thick steel doors, enchanted for both lightness and robust defense, possibly made even heavier in emergencies.

Silently, Zanad led the way through the opened door, with Amria and the others following. Gwandan pondered what Asteria, the wisest among humans, might want—or not want—from her sister.

He observed Asteria, seated like a statue in the room beyond the golden door, pondering these thoughts.

The room, with a small window and lit by a lavish chandelier, was as grand as a masterpiece painting. Asteria sat at an elegant table, flanked by an armed Kyles, with a butler and maid nearby.

Despite the outward resemblance, the presence of Amria and Asteria facing each other was like looking into a mirror. The only difference was Amria’s slight nervousness compared to Asteria’s perfectly calculated, beautiful smile. It wasn’t a scrutinizing look but seemed to feign warm familial affection.

「Are you Amria? It feels strange, like looking in a mirror. Let me introduce myself. I am Asteria, perhaps your sister.」

Asteria’s voice matched her expression and gaze, filled with artificial warmth. Gwandan, ignoring Kyles’ gaze, watched Amria’s profile and sighed in relief, realizing his worries were unnecessary.

No longing, fear, expectation, disappointment, joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness in Amria’s clear gaze. She faced her sister, who had walked a different path since birth, with a clear purpose.

「Nice to meet you, Princess Asteria. I am Amria. May I respectfully call you Sister?」

「Amria’s request, in the perfect manner of a lady, caused a slight narrowing of Asteria’s eyes. The reaction was ambiguous. Was it favorable or not?」

「Yes, of course. You and I share parents. There’s no issue with you calling me sister, and I, you. We have much to discuss about our time apart.」

「Amria smiled back at the woman who should be her sister, not quite believing her to be such. The smile was akin to the one Asteria crafted for her subjects, wise and compassionate.」

「Yes, I wholeheartedly agree, Sister.」