Cazerose and Blood traveling in a carriage.

At first glance, it could be seen simply as a princess and her guard, but Cazerose knew better.

Given the circumstances, it was clear that the Blood in front of her was not just an ordinary escort.

Though she didn’t openly show it, she had already suspected something to a certain extent.

After all, Blood and Soul had once gone somewhere on her mother’s orders.

Moreover, it ultimately ended in failure.

“I’m not sure of the specifics, but… in a situation like this, where they went is obvious.”

Her mother, who had vehemently opposed her love.

That person, who had a somewhat radical nature, wouldn’t stay silent after seeing her persist.

She was undoubtedly trying to scheme something in Bohemia where Santana was.

Fortunately, given the overall situation, that plan had failed, and now that the Dragona Empire had established a cooperative relationship with Bohemia, her mother’s justification for openly opposing her had momentarily vanished.

However, Cazerose knew well that this didn’t mean she could let her guard down.

Though Emperor Rozebeta had decreed a temporary halt to official acts of hostility, the Duke still disapproved of her relationship with Santana.

The fact that this person had mobilized Blood, her most trusted aide and a 10th Grade Great Mage capable of immense power, suggested that there was likely some other mission at play.

“I don’t know what it is, but… if it’s related to Santana’s safety, I can’t forgive it. I’ll stay sharp and make sure to stop it.”

Thus, Cazerose steeled her resolve again.

Meanwhile, her escort, Blood, felt even greater tension than the young lady herself.

“Is this journey really alright? Of course, it’s not like it will be as blatant as last time…”

Blood was heading back to Bohemia again on the orders of her master, Duchess Kattlena.

This time, it wasn’t a covert attack, and the mission was officially sanctioned.

However, the anxiety and tension Blood felt at that moment were somehow even heavier than before.

“When we get there, I’ll have to stay for a while because of work…which means I’ll be staring at that person’s face the entire time.”

The person she feared most in this world, someone she wished to avoid at all costs.

Having to go to a place where such a person existed and be stuck there was an enormous mental burden for Blood.

“I really wanted to avoid this kind of mission, but circumstances aren’t even allowing that…”

Aside from being unable to easily refuse her master’s orders as a lord’s subordinate, Blood had no choice but to volunteer to accompany Lady Cazerose on this journey.

Even though they often appeared to have a sour relationship, Cazerose was still the youngest daughter of the lord.

To protect someone like her meant that Blood or Soul would inevitably be the ones going, and that would likely lead to troublesome complications.

Unlike her, who had been stealthily hidden, Soul was quite the attention grabber when dealing with Bohemian soldiers.

Even if she were somewhat concealed in the darkness, there was a chance that someone among the soldiers might recognize her.

If that happened, it could lead to problems due to the earlier attack, so it was wise for Soul to stay clear of Bohemia for the time being.

Additionally, for Blood’s personal reasons, Soul should not be sent.

If Soul were to encounter ‘that person’ there…

It would violate the order that no one should know about her being here.

Furthermore, knowing Soul’s personality, she would have no choice but to report it to Duchess Kattlena, leading to chaos.

“In that sense, it’s fortunate that Soul has been busy training that girl named Freddy or whatever…”

Feeling an ironic sense of relief about doing something she didn’t want to do, Blood recalled the orders she received from the Duchess.

“Are you asking me to keep an eye on Lady Cazerose?”

“Yes. As you know, the shock that girl will experience right after we arrive there will be considerable. It’s likely that it will hamper her ability to handle things normally.”

Seeing Blood’s anxious expression, Duchess Kattlena spoke seriously.

“Even though this started with Cazerose and she is in charge, it’s no longer just about her. Since it’s become a contract between nations, we need to ensure this is resolved regardless of personal feelings.”

Violating a contract between nations would jeopardize the credibility of that nation.

Twisting such matters due to personal emotions was unacceptable.

In that light, Blood was also considering how to handle this task on behalf of Cazerose, who would soon be thrown into chaos.

“I don’t particularly like getting involved in political matters, but since it’s still work, I have to deal with it.”

Fortunately, they had a very formidable yet still cooperative ally there, which could reduce some risk.

Thus, while thinking about the future, Blood began to feel a bittersweet emotion watching the poor princess before her.

“She truly has no idea, happily ignorant… completely oblivious to the fact that she’s being deceived…”

As she observed this side of Cazerose, Blood began to feel that it was not just someone else’s story.

After all, she too had once been betrayed by a man she loved.

“Men really can’t be trusted. I was a fool for falling for it without realizing…”

In that moment, Blood briefly considered whether she should tell the princess the truth that was right in front of her.

However, she quickly shook her head.

There was also her master’s request to help Cazerose realize the harshness of the world at least once.

Moreover, even if Blood said something, it was highly likely that this small princess would not believe her words, seeing her as a spy sent by her mother.

An unbelievable person telling the truth would simply be taken as a lie.

Conversely, it would only deepen suspicion and rage.

Thus, Blood decided to coldly observe the situation, abandoning the idea of a revelation.

“After all, there’s no such thing as everlasting love in this world. As the Duchess said, it’s necessary to help her realize the truth through this opportunity.”

Good medicine tastes bitter but is good for health.

Although this situation would bring great pain initially, it would give the princess the ability to see through the reality she was still enchanted by.

And so, feeling the weight of her growing burdens, Blood steeled her resolve and began readying herself for her duties.