Chapter 31 : Was this a Romance Novel? (3)

Returning quickly to rest was a desperate wish, but unfortunately, that ship had long sailed.

Ideally, both sides would withdraw their forces quickly, making it a win-win for everyone.

However, the reason neither side pulled back their troops boiled down to politics if you wanted to sound lofty, but in truth, it was simply a matter of pride.

The side that retreated first would appear to be running away.

Was it really possible they wouldn’t withdraw over such a petty reason?

With the enormous costs of simply maintaining their positions?

As unbelievable as it might seem, it was the truth.

Resigned to yet another day of stalemate, she prepared a place to sleep.

Even though she waited late into the night, Theodore didn’t show up, and tomorrow was bound to be filled with more tasks.

‘Finally, I can sleep. Sleep is the best thing…’

Boom!

‘…happiness…’

Crash! Crack!

“Damn it.”

Startled awake by the deafening noise, she let out a string of curses as she rushed toward the source of the commotion.

If they were going to fight, they could at least set up a barrier first—what a mess.

Thanks to the chaos, she managed to arrive just in time before things escalated between the two to a deadly confrontation.

Of course, Galina was left speechless, but who could she blame? Only herself.

‘I let my blood boil over and ended up making a basic mistake.’

The monster blood that filled most of her body granted Galina immense power.

However, it came at the cost of clouding her thoughts, making her mind more beastlike—practically feral.

While some beasts were surprisingly intelligent, most monsters only focused on killing the opponent in front of them and gave little thought to anything else.

“C-Captain, I…”

“We’ll talk later.”

With a single phrase, she silenced Galina before turning her gaze toward Theodore.

Who would have thought he’d show up this late at night? Perhaps she should have waited a little longer.

“You’re quite late.”

“There was much to do.”

“And what does that mean?”

“That’s not the important matter, is it?”

There was a subtle change in Theodore’s demeanor that she couldn’t ignore. In the past, Theodore would sometimes look wistful or show despair when shaken, but now there was a calmness about him.

Though she couldn’t pinpoint it, there was a sense of clarity, as if Theodore had reached some sort of resolution.

With a sigh, she spoke, aware that she had been the one to summon him.

“Very well. Let’s step into my tent.”

“You mean Sir Leonhart’s tent?”

“Is there any other?”

“I see. Understood.”

Though Theodore recognized her as Lana Frost, the passage of ten years seemed to have brought an indescribable awkwardness to his mind. After all, no matter the shared bloodline…

She was now a dignified lady in her own right.

But Theodore quickly shook off those thoughts by slapping his cheeks.

This was not the time to lose focus. He had to remember why he was here.

She and Theodore returned to the tent together.

Seeing the soldiers armed and alert outside due to the earlier commotion, she briefly excused herself to handle the situation.

“Are you sure everything’s fine?”

“The Kingdom troops didn’t invade?”

“Yes, it’s fine. Just some leftover monsters causing trouble. I’ve taken care of it. Get some rest.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Also, push the wake-up call an hour back. Keep the watch rotation as is.”

After wrapping up, she returned to the tent, where Theodore, who had entered ahead of her, was looking around with a sense of wonder.

The space was a simple military tent.

“There’s nothing worth looking at.”

Feeling an odd embarrassment, she cleared her throat and casually pointed this out.

Only then did Theodore realize he had been openly inspecting the surroundings.

“My apologies. I didn’t realize.”

“I understand.”

Her tent was as unremarkable as any other soldier’s, despite her rank.

Even as a general, her quarters showed no distinction from the common soldiers’ accommodations.

‘…Does this mean she keeps herself close to the troops? She’s become an admirable general.’

The authority of a general was undoubtedly essential.

Without it, discipline crumbled, and armies fell.

However, excessive authority could also lead to a collapse.

‘This supply tent is really awful.’

Of course, she had no such lofty intentions.

She simply followed the regulations to the letter.

Her duty was to fulfill her role, no more, no less. The law dictated her accommodations, so she complied, regardless of how unpleasant it was.

“Shall we get to the main topic?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll ask directly. Are you Lana Frost?”

The question made Theodore lift his head and study her again. Her long white hair flowed down to her waist, and her single golden eye shone sharply. Indeed, she had changed a great deal.

The grueling ten years had been enough to transform his younger sister, Lana Frost, into Wolfgang Leonhart, the empire’s war hero. Yet, despite everything, he was certain.

“Yes, I am.”

You are my one and only sister, Lana Frost.

Theodore no longer hesitated. Words about their past began to spill from his lips—stories he had kept buried for a decade.

Ten years ago, the Frost Duchy and the Kingdom of Mines were on good terms, close enough to call each other family.

Lana’s engagement to Prince Jaiha wasn’t just a result of their close relationship. The position of crown prince’s fiancée was reserved for the Saintess, a role only a select few could fulfill.

Even ten years ago, the title of Saintess was symbolic—a witness to the hero’s tale.

However, not just anyone could take on such a role.

[Brother, I want to be the Saintess.]

[The Saintess isn’t a role just anyone can take.]

[It’s fine. I’ll try my best.]

Back then, Theodore thought Lana’s declaration was just another whim of hers, one she’d abandon before long.

Becoming the Saintess required an arduous journey filled with rigorous training.

But contrary to his expectations, Lana proved him wrong.

With relentless effort, she mastered all the virtues required of a Saintess—even swordsmanship.

After seven grueling years of preparation, Lana became the Saintess at just 14, the youngest in history. Her achievement was celebrated far and wide, but Theodore couldn’t rejoice fully.

The thought of losing his beloved sister to another man filled him with sorrow.

However, seeing the genuine happiness in her eyes when she was with Prince Jaiha, he chose to bless their union rather than oppose it.

Who could have foreseen what would happen next?

After seven years of relentless effort to claim the position, Lana lost it within a single year to a mere girl Prince Jaiha had picked up from the royal hunting grounds—a girl almost completely ignorant.

If only he had known then. If he could go back in time…

He would have staked everything to eliminate her.

Though Theodore recounted the tale, his bitterness was evident.

The memories of how his sister fell from grace and how utterly miserable her downfall had been still haunted him.

He remembered it all, every detail.