As he stepped into the Magic Tower area, Throne saw War Counselor Iji from afar and couldn't help but quicken his pace.
"Lord Iji, it has been a long time."
The Troll put down the book in his hands and nodded gently: "Indeed, you have finally returned, Lord Throne."
The two exchanged polite greetings.
Throne noticed his Mirrorhelm and thought to himself that this thing seemed to be a product of Nokstella; he should find a way to get an enhanced version for Blaidd as well, to prevent him from going mad. Thinking of this, he added with a hint of apology: "I'm sorry, I lost the star-frost you forged."
"Hahaha, weapons are meant to be used. If it really won't do, I'll forge another famous blade for you." Iji did not have the bad temper of a certain swordsmith, and continued to speak kindly: "It's just that Carian Smithing Stones are in short supply right now, so you might have to wait a while for the materials."
"You don't need to worry about that, I've already prepared everything."
Throne smiled as he tossed the Smithing Stones out of his ring and placed Moonveil on the ground. Due to long-term use, the entire blade was full of nicks, making it the perfect time to find someone to repair it.
"You really are scheming against me again. Very well, I will do my best." Iji gave a bitter smile. Looking closely, the level of these Smithing Stones was quite high.
"Did you perhaps go to some mine?"
"No, I just took a trip to Nokstella."
The Eternal City? Iji immediately recalled the information he had received. No wonder he hadn't returned immediately; it turned out he had gone to scout for intelligence. This Lord Throne truly was peerlessly loyal. Just as he was about to ask more, he heard a 'thud thud thud' sound.
A massive creature was sprinting over, looking as if it wanted to tear into Throne with its jaws.
??? Is this some kind of mandatory procedure? Throne was a bit bewildered. Surely he didn't have to drive this dragon away every time he wanted to see Ranni.
Fortunately, the Troll stood up instantly and swung his great club toward his back. Thump!
Caught off guard, the Glintstone Dragon took a heavy blow to the head and immediately performed a 'dragon-roll,' tumbling several times across the ground.
"Adula, what madness has taken you? Do you not even recognize your own companion?" Iji roared at it.
The Glintstone Dragon shook its head and looked fiercely at Throne, growling in a low voice.
As it turned out, a dragon's fury was like a big cat's hiss. Iji listened for a long while before turning back: "Throne, did you slaughter a dragon?"
Do dragons have a sense for each other? Throne was stunned, not having considered this, but his power was clearly different from the Dragon Communion ritual. "Yes, I killed a dragon in Limgrave. Could it be a friend of Adula's?"
"Not exactly. It's likely a kindred blood-grudge. Otherwise, where do you think those dragon-slaying heroes went?" Iji explained, then tapped Adula's head with his club. "Enough, enough! Throne couldn't just let himself be swallowed without resisting!"
After calming down, Adula also knew that this person could not be swallowed, or Princess Ranni would surely break its head.
Watching the grumbling Glintstone Dragon walk away, Throne's gaze gradually darkened. He hadn't expected the dragon race to have such a sense.
"No wonder we don't see many dragon-slaying heroes anymore. Aside from the fact that the end of the Dragon Communion ritual is a tragedy, those heroes have probably been mostly hunted down themselves."
"Power comes with a price, after all. Don't go hunting dragons in the future; their power is an evil path."
But I've never used Dragon Communion. Throne nodded without explaining too much. Dragons would definitely be killed; for him, it was a buff, just like magic and incantations, occupying an important position in his power system.
Iji ignored him, knowing this man wouldn't listen to advice, and took a good look at Melina.
She hadn't reacted during the farce—just gripped the dagger at her lower back. No obvious threat, but caution lingered. The Troll memorized her stance, scooped the long blade off the ground.
"Fine steel. I'll reinforce it." He ran a thumb along the edge. "Might modify it further after raiding the treasury."
"Thanks."
Iji's forging skills rivaled any Misbegotten's. Those Smithing Stones wouldn't go to waste. The brief exchange over, he led Melina toward the Magic Tower, straightened his coat, and stepped onto the lift. His vision climbed as the sky blackened.
Moonlight pooled over him. His pulse stuttered.
Why the hell am I nervous? Throne scoffed at himself, mounted the spiral staircase, pushed through the door at the top.
There she was.
Ranni sat slumped in a high-backed chair, her wide-brimmed hat shadowing her face. Moonlight bled through the window, dusting her in silver.
She seemed asleep. Unaware of his return. He didn't disturb her, just stood silent.
So this is the Lunar Princess. Melina studied the demigod, nothing like the Throne from her memories. Power coiled beneath that stillness—no slumber here. Something watched them. Something sharp.
She flicked a glance at the statue-still Throne. "What are you two doing? Staring like mutes?"
Idiot. Throne suppressed a groan. Ranni's scrutiny prickled his skin, but years apart demanded patience. Had this fool never heard silence speak louder?
Ranni's finger twitched. First impressions were doomed. He'd pay for this.
"Melina," he muttered, "learn to play dumb sometimes."
"Can't. Born honest."
The girl ignored him as the demigod lifted her head. A doll's porcelain face, eyes glinting feral.
Killing intent? Ill will? Melina met her gaze—not hostile, just blank.
Ranni's brow furrowed. That stare unsettled her. Not defiance… confusion? No. Mockery.
The air thickened. Pressure rolled off the Lunar Princess in waves.
Melina blinked. Unlike Sellen, she faced Ranni's true form head-on, yet the hostility baffled her. Why the glare? Throne served Ranni. She partnered with Throne. Where was the threat?
No self-awareness whatsoever.
If there'd been real danger, the Carian Knight outside would've intervened. Only one explanation remained.
"Throne," she said, "she can't control her power. Is she hurt?"
I'd trade you for firewood. Throne bit back a scream. To spare Ranni further humiliation, he stepped forward. "Princess. I've returned."
What should have been a touching reunion was met with a blank look from Ranni. "Her name is Melina?"
"Yes."
"You know what she is?"
"I've suspicions. I can guess your history with… that person."
And you brought her here? To shame me? Ranni's gaze turned weary. The test was over. No harm in this woman. Just stupidity.
Either she was a masterful actress, or blissfully unaware. Harmless, yes, but displeasure radiated from her like heat from a forge.
"My knight, finally returned, and what a surprise you bring." Her words cut sharper than any blade.
Throne felt unfairly targeted and replied, "Thank you for waiting, Princess."
"You even had Blaidd search for me—"
"Who waited for you? I sent no one!" Her voice snapped like a whip. Ranni's hat tilted forward, shadows swallowing her face. Her fingertips, once delicately touching, now clenched tight. In front of Melina, the witch burned with shame.
The moonlight stayed cold. Under the brim of her Snow Witch hat, Ranni simmered.
You idiot knight, how dare you say such embarrassing things without a hint of shame? And in front of this insufferable Melina. Do you enjoy watching me squirm?
The memory of Iji's knowing gaze flashed in her mind. The urge to kick Throne all the way to Leyndell surged anew.
Oops, wrong move. Throne's mind raced. He'd forgotten how fiercely this princess guarded her pride. Time to salvage this.
"But Throne isn't lying," Melina interjected smoothly. "That wolfman claimed he'd searched for him on your orders. They even fought—"
Throne's hand shot out, silencing her. Melina blinked, confused.
Dammit, you're an assassin—must you stab me in the back too? How's the dignified princess supposed to save face now? He regretted bringing Melina. Couldn't she just play dumb?
What happens when a sharp-tongued tsundere meets a clueless blockhead? The tsundere loses her mind.
Since the dawn of time, the airhead has been the tsundere's natural enemy. Melina spoke without malice, but Ranni's pride twisted her words. Though she sensed no hostility, Melina grated on her nerves more than any Primeval Sorcerer ever had.
She wanted to storm over and scold her, but stepping down from her chair felt like surrendering her dignity. A heavy silence descended, prickling Throne's scalp.
Thankfully, Ranni's breeding prevailed. She suppressed her anger, even questioning its source. Chin tilted slightly, she spoke with measured grace.
"I've heard of your journey in Limgrave from Blaidd. My thanks for accompanying Throne."
So she could speak properly. Melina nodded. "And thank you, Caria, for raising such an excellent collaborator."
Ranni's brow twitched. She's standing up to me? Of course she would. Ranni expected nothing less from someone tied to that person. Calm, collected, every word a calculated provocation.
If Melina had been a shrill, shallow girl, Ranni wouldn't have bothered. But this poised expert intrigued her. Does she have grander designs? Did her plan leave room for a hero, and Throne just happened to fill it?
She knew of Torrent, the Spirit Steed. Its choice wasn't random. Even if Melina seemed harmless, lost in memory, she was likely more than she appeared.
"It was Torrent who chose Throne, wasn't it?" Ranni's tone was casual, probing.
Melina hesitated, recalling Throne's request to speak well of him. She chose her words carefully.
"Yes, that child chose Throne. And I think this deal was very worth it. Torrent did not choose the wrong person."
Ranni's chin lifted, pride gleaming in her eyes. Of course it was worth it. My knight wouldn't disappoint. She saw layers in that single sentence, unraveling possibilities.
In the grand scheme unfolding before her, Torrent played the role of guide, while Melina's purpose would reveal itself later. There was an order to things—a sequence Ranni understood all too well.
Her gaze shifted to Throne, who stood idly admiring the scenery, oblivious to the web tightening around him. A flicker of irritation burned in her chest. This fool thought he'd struck a bargain, but he was already ensnared.
First, they lure you in with promises. Then, before you realize it, you're caught in their machinations, nothing more than a pawn in their game.
Ranni's lips curled in disdain. A Spirit Steed, a noble beauty, and now a replacement for a Finger Maiden? Such a heavy investment. Someone was playing the long game.
She exhaled softly, the sound sharp with judgment. As his lord, it was her duty to intervene, to pull him back from the edge. But she held her tongue. Throne's stubborn sense of justice was infamous—he'd meddled in battles between demigods, after all.
Confront him outright, and he'd only dig in deeper. No, subtlety was key. She'd keep a closer eye on him, ensure her knight didn't stray too far. It was her responsibility, after all.
Throne remained unaware of Ranni's musings. He knew Melina's true nature and intentions better than anyone. The idea of some grand conspiracy orchestrated by Marika? Absurd.
He watched the two women, relief settling over him like a gentle breeze. Ranni valued her pride too much to clash openly with Melina. As long as Melina held her tongue, the peace would hold.
Yet, something gnawed at him. The air felt heavy, charged with tension. He frowned, running his fingers over the ring on his hand.
"Princess," he said softly, "I brought you something this time."
Her eyebrow arched. "What, did you start looting with the Tarnished?"
He chuckled, though it lacked humor. "Am I really that low?"
Without further preamble, he drew a Greatsword, its blade pulsing with the essence of Destined Death. The weapon slammed into the floor with a resonant thud, the sound echoing through the chamber.
In an instant, the atmosphere grew tense. Shadows seemed to deepen, and the air crackled with unspoken weight. Two pairs of eyes locked onto the blade, and the silence stretched, brittle and sharp.