It didnt seem like a joke at all, so it was understandable that they couldnt respond.

Laritte took Redras arm behind her neck to support her up.

Lets get out of here first.

Stella guided the way, if we go this way, we will find an empty lot where people have been evacuated.

As she said, there were all guests and employees of the exchange meeting and separate nobles on the large site. None of them were injured.

The Empress bit her nails in anticipation.

Bartolt finished it, right?

As per what she wanted, the results were good.

Perhaps the Emperor also died when the dragon attacked the castle. It would be a more natural reason for his death.

Since the Duchess was also killed, it would all be over if she finished the Duke too.

The Dukes Decree recently missed a dragon, so it can be related. With that as an excuse, I can hold you captive, Ian Reinhardt!

However, her eyes soon found the three women coming from afar.

What? How!

She shrieked.

She couldnt believe Bartolt failed.

He said hed take care of it!

Following the Empresss gaze, people found them.

Your Majesty, whats wrong? Oh, my! The Duchess is here, too. What a relief!

Im relieved that the Duke is dealing with the dragon, its because of him that were all here.

The Empress was under the illusion that Laritte was staring at her.

It was clear that she would tell the Duke about what she did.

In an instant, her lips started to tremble.

S-She..

Your Majesty?

Traitor! Its the traitor!

He shouldnt have kept Laritte alive.

She had nowhere to retreat. The Empress pointed out her finger as she shouted.

Laritte Reinhardt killed Bartolt to hurt me!

People who welcomed Laritte began to murmur while greeting her.

Seta sat by the window of a nearby castle and watched the whole situation.

Tsk, tsk, silly old croon. Even if you dont observe it because its hard, you can see the destruction clearly.

He looked far away, knocking off his leather shoes on the wall.

The mana in the air shook again.

Its coming again.

It wasnt over yet.

Now it was time for Seta to play.

The rogue dragonthe size of a mountainstumbled. Compared to the dragon, infinitely small knights surrounded it. Their hands grabbing the weapons were trembling yet firm. The subjugation was coming to an end.

The knights roar reached the heavens.

Its over!

Everyone was sure of it.

The dragon took to the skies. It was the step just before it lost its breath.

Despite the strong wind from its wings, Ians eyes saw its escape direction.

It was heading to where the people were gathered in a safe zone.

Throw the rope again! Catch him!

Someone threw a noose, but it didnt reach the dragon.

Ian chased the dragon with an ominous sense.

Damn it! Laritte!

Seta on the castle saw the dragon heading toward the people. It was an empty lot where Laritte stood.

Laritte was unconsciously attracting it.

I knew itd be like that, tsk tsk.

Bad luck gathered around her.

Meanwhile, the Empress shouted to frame Laritte, her voicehoarse.

While passing through the Twin Memorial Hall earlier, Duchess Reinhardts knight rushed toward me! It is clear that the Duchesss sly mouth still moves to kill me.

Laritte helped Redra sitwho was faintly unconsciouson the base of a tree.

Instead of Laritte, who did not listen, Stella glared at the Empress.

Thats not true!

Bartolt sacrificed himself to protect me. If you look for Bartolts body, you will find traces of the battle!

Stella whispered to Laritte as the Empress continued to lie.

Its okay, Madam. As long as the Duke is there, theres no immediate disposition. I can refute it step by step.

Yes, I trust you.

People asked the Empress.

But Your Majesty, why didnt you tell us earlier, but only after the Duchess came?

The Empress paused.

Of course, I thought Laritte wouldnt be able to escape alive!

Because!

A large shadow fluttering above startled her. Her eyes flitted upwards to see the dragon flying above the vacant lot.

How can God do this to us? I cant believe the dragon came all the way here!

Grrrrr..

Drops of blood splattered on the ground as the dragons torn wings shook. Its eyes had already lost the light.

The dragons last breath was cut off.

Madam, hide behind me

Redra woke up from her seat to protect Laritte.

Dont speak nonsense. How are you going to protect me?

Laritte dabbed on Redras wound. Ah, ah!

Laritte ran away pushing Redra.

Unfortunately, the dragons large body started to descend over the vacant lot, right over Laritte.

Get away from it!

Everyone screamed and moved away from the dragon. The space below it cleared away as people ran.

The dragons tail got closer to Larittes head.

It was faster than she could ever run away.

It was when it was inches apart, Laritte pushed Stella and Redra away.

Stella understood her meaning and grabbed Redras shoulder before she hit the ground.

Madam!!!

Redra reached out for Laritte.

Laritte tasted blood. She didnt know when, but blood spewed out her mouth.

Feeling the bitterness, she thought.

I know how to sacrifice for someone.

The first person that came to her mind was

Ian, thank you for telling me a lot of amazing things.

In the next life, I will be born as a human being who can repay you.

It was time for her to gently close her eyes when finally Seta came.

Oh, dear.

Wrapping his arms around Larittes waist, he ran out of the range of the dragons fall.

It happened in a flash.

Seta grinned, still grabbing her waist.

Are you okay, human?

Yes. Thank you. Fortune-teller.

Laritte almost lost her life but responded normally.

Seta praised himself.

Perfect timing!

Amazing skills that match that!

At that time, he thought of asking for the favor hed been enduring all along.

If youre thankful, let me borrow your face.

How?

Seta thought she was an amazing human being.

Even though he had asked this for 200 years, she didnt seem shocked like others.

Its not that hard either. I can put the gel made of mana on your face, wait until it hardens, and remove it.

I dont care if its that much.

YES!

Just in time, Ian arrived at the scene. He checked Larittes face through her sweat and blood-soaked hair.

The dragon was dead and Laritte avoided it. Everything was good except the fortune-teller hugging Laritte.

He didnt know what was going on, but blood vessels popped out of his skin.

You dare touch her?

One of the nobles asked Ian.

Do you know anything about the place where the Duchess tried to kill the Empress?

What are you talking about?

Ian silently stared at the man. The nobleman, overwhelmed by the momentum, stuttered and looked at the Empress.

Ian sighed.

He had heard the story so many times.

Please explain, Your Majesty.

I clearly heard the Dukes wife ordering the red-haired female knight to kill me.

You and I, were both well aware that this cannot be the case. Tell me the truth.

His sword was still in his hand. It was a very rude attitude, but no one dared to step in.

The Empress looked everywhere for help, but everyone looked away.

The Duchy of Reinhardt had regained its former position. It was a family of lions that people looked up to more than the imperial family itself.

The Empress felt nauseous. She had hated this for a long time.

The best of the empire was always the imperial family and herself, but nothing changed even when she tried to ruin the Dukes name.

W-What do you know, you werent there.Or was it you who made your wife do that? Right, are you the one behind her committing treason?

Ian laughed.

Youre probably the one whos committing the actual treason. Your desire so much that you even touched His Majesty, the Emperor.

At this point, she even thought that itd be right to commit treason.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep