Messmer could not help feeling deeply ashamed of the doubts he had once harbored toward his mother.
As his mother's child, such doubt was undoubtedly a sin, no different from his inborn, vile Essence of the Serpent.
A powerful sense of inferiority welled up in the Demigod's heart.
His other siblings were meant to stand beneath the sun, while Messmer himself would hide in the shadows like a snake.
"But why did he appear at the Sacred Tower? Is it truly unrelated to the Hornsent?"
The serpent Demigod shook his head lightly. The power to break through the Shadow Realm was not some simple divine force. Even for his mother, interfering would not be easy.
Otherwise, there would have been no need for him and his sister, siblings born to serve as Kindling.
Still, Messmer had never felt anger or resentment over his birth.
His mother's love was deep and weighty. She had given life to him and his sister, then entrusted them with a great mission. That trust and expectation were precious beyond measure.
At the same time, however, he knew clearly that he could never believe anything based on one side's words alone.
After all, he carried the last hope and support of all the soldiers and Numen. Every decision he made had to be weighed with the utmost care.
Once, a sudden accident had descended like a storm, shattering an army that should have been unbreakable.
That disaster had ultimately cost him dear friends, as well as countless Warriors who had been loyal to him.
Looking back now, the person most deserving of blame was himself.
If only he had not been a serpent. If only he had hidden it better...
But there were no "ifs" in this world.
Cruel reality already lay before him. No matter what he did, the facts could not be changed, and nothing that had been lost could be restored.
"Andreas, Huw..."
Messmer softly murmured those two familiar names, as if doing so would let him see their kind faces again.
The two of them had not only been his closest friends, as dear as brothers, but also the commander and Vice Commander of the Black Knights under his command.
He had no regrets about the battle to suppress the rebellion. He had his mission, and he could not change his birth. The only thing he could do was defeat his former comrades on the battlefield.
Clack, clack, clack!
The sharp, clear sound of iron boots suddenly broke the silence. A Twin Moon Knight, tall and heroic in bearing, slowly stepped forward.
When she reached him, the knight respectfully gave Messmer a proper military salute.
"Your Highness."
"Ah, Rellana, there's no need for such formality." Messmer turned around. Though they had known each other for many years, his tone was still as stiff as if he were speaking to a stranger.
He truly did not know how to get along with this princess.
"Your Highness, I believe you really should rest for a while," Rellana said with concern.
She had heard that Messmer had stood here for an entire night, and she knew this noble prince must be deeply troubled.
Messmer slowly turned his head, his deep, weary eyes meeting Rellana's before he gave a soft sigh.
"How could I not think about these things? Whether it is the Impenetrable Thorns or the rescued Numen, every matter forces me to consider it."
"I understand." Rellana nodded slightly, acknowledging the worries in Messmer's heart.
She gave a knightly salute and handed him a sheet of parchment.
"Your Highness, this message has just arrived from Castle Ensis. Perhaps it may ease your worries a little."
...
The slightly rough wine flask, gleaming faintly with a metallic sheen, held a clear fruit wine with a light, gentle taste.
On the silver platter beside it were pieces of delicious steak, each served with a bit of rich sauce.
This was Castle Ensis. Inside the spacious dining room reserved for the Castellan, an enormous dining table stretched across the room.
At that moment, Nolan and Moonrithyll sat facing each other, enjoying a lavish late-night meal.
Do not misunderstand. This was by no means some romantic private meeting between a Lord and a knight.
Because right beside them was a large crowd of people.
The Numen were all there. Sellia was eating with great relish, her little mouth smeared with grease, while Trina kept wiping the corners of her lips for her.
Looking at it that way, the two of them seemed less like a Lord and knight and more like parents invited to accompany a group of children at a party.
Being invited to dinner by a champion such as a Carian Knight was a reward in Castle Ensis that drew more envy than Runes or wine.
Only, Nolan was so tightly surrounded by these adorable "children" that most of his body was completely hidden.
Only his upper body showed above them as he reached out with a fork in hand, looking rather like the headmaster of a boarding school.
Even Nolan himself felt he was not really in any state to eat.
"Haha, what a lovable and outstanding Lord of the Lands Between!"
Moonrithyll's face bloomed with a smile as bright as sunlight as she said,
"How does that old saying go again... children are the future."
Nolan speared a piece of steak and took a bite, glancing around as he did.
The Castellan's dining room was not far from the office. It was an unremarkable-looking single-story building surrounded by the banners of Caria and Messmer.
"Do you like Lady Rellana's dining room? It was built strictly according to royal standards. Though Lady Rellana seems especially fond of red, even though it doesn't quite match blue."
Moonrithyll introduced it with great enthusiasm.
Red and blue have been a classic pairing since ancient times. Don't you understand anything, woman?
Nolan nodded. "Mm."
Seeing Nolan's flat reaction, Moonrithyll could not help pouting.
"How boring. I was hoping you'd ask me why the colors were arranged like this."
Nolan sighed helplessly, set down his utensils, and slowly said,
"It's nothing more than Caria and Messmer. More precisely, Rellana and Messmer."
After thinking for a moment, Moonrithyll smiled and nodded slightly. "You really are sharp. As expected of my good friend."
"You make it sound so close... We've actually known each other for less than a month." Nolan scratched his head.
Moonrithyll did not mind at all and laughed heartily. "Haha, that's what it means to feel like old friends at first sight!"
"Mm-hm. I understand." Nolan nodded along.
"I can tell you have a question, so ask." Moonrithyll planted both elbows firmly on the wooden dining table.
Her tall, slightly athletic body leaned forward, her bright, piercing gaze fixed on Nolan across from her.
Nolan fell silent for a moment before raising his head. "You didn't specially call us here just to have a meal, did you?"
A brilliant smile appeared on Moonrithyll's face. She nodded lightly, paused for a moment, then continued,
"Of course there's good news. Guess what... Messmer's reply has arrived."
***
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