Chapter 134: My Beloved 1

Traveling by wagon, Cazeros and Blood were accompanying each other.

At a glance, their relationship appeared to be that of a princess and her escort, but Cazeros was aware that Blood’s presence was not solely for protective purposes, given the circumstances.

Although she did not openly reveal it, Cazeros already knew to some extent that Blood and Soul had previously undertaken a mission on her mother’s orders, which ultimately failed.

‘While I’m unaware of the precise details… in this situation, it’s obvious where they had ventured.’

Her mother, who had vehemently opposed her love affair, would not have remained idle upon witnessing her unyielding persistence, with her somewhat extreme tendencies.

She had undoubtedly attempted some scheme in Bohemia, where Santana resided.

Fortunately, based on the overall circumstances, it seemed to have failed. And now that the Dragonian Empire had formed an alliance with Bohemia, her mother no longer had a pretext to openly oppose her.

However, Cazeros knew better than to let her guard down.

Although the Empress Rozveta’s decision had officially prohibited overt hostile actions for the time being, her mother, the Duchess, still disapproved of her relationship with Santana.

The fact that she had mobilized Blood, her closest aide and a formidable 10th-rank archmage capable of wielding immense power, strongly suggested she had assigned her a separate mission.

‘I know not what it is, but… if it concerns Lord Santana’s well-being in any way, I shall never forgive it. I will remain vigilant and resolutely thwart any such attempts.’

Reaffirming her resolve inwardly, Cazeros’s watchful gaze fell upon Blood, her escort on this journey.

In a sense, Blood felt an even greater sense of tension than the ‘young lady’ she was guarding.

‘This journey… will it truly be alright? Of course, there won’t be any overt clashes like before, but…’

Following the orders of her master, Duchess Catlena, Blood was returning to Bohemia.

This time, however, it was not a covert assault mission like before, and the task itself had been officially sanctioned.

Nevertheless, the tension and unease Blood felt at this moment were even more profound than her previous undertaking.

‘Once there, I’ll have to remain for a while due to the nature of the mission… Which means I’ll have to face that person throughout that entire duration.’

The individual Blood feared and dreaded facing more than anyone else in this world.

The prospect of staying in that person’s presence for an extended period was an immense mental burden for Blood.

‘I would have liked to avoid such a mission at all costs, but circumstances did not permit it…’

While she could not easily refuse her lord’s orders as a subordinate, truthfully, even setting that aside, Blood would have volunteered to accompany Lady Cazeros on this journey.

Although their relationship did not appear particularly amicable, Cazeros was nonetheless the lord’s youngest daughter.

To serve as her escort, it would inevitably fall upon either herself or Soul, which carried its own potential complications.

Unlike Blood, who had concealed her presence, Soul had openly provoked the soldiers of Bohemia during the previous assault.

Even shrouded in darkness, some of the soldiers might have recognized her.

Given the issues this could raise regarding the previous attack, it was advisable for Soul to avoid the vicinity of Bohemia for the time being.

Additionally, apart from these considerations, Blood had personal reasons for not sending Soul.

If Soul were to encounter ‘that person’ there…

It would violate her command for no one to learn of her own presence here.

Furthermore, knowing Soul’s character, she would undoubtedly report this to Duchess Catlena, causing the situation to spiral completely out of control.

‘In that sense, it was fortuitous that Soul was preoccupied training that Fredia woman or whoever…’

Feeling a sense of irony at finding relief in an undesirable task…

Blood once again recalled the orders she had received from the Duchess.

“So… you wish for me to watch over Lady Cazeros?”

“Yes, as you know, the shock she will experience upon arriving there is likely to be substantial. In such a state, she may encounter difficulties in properly handling matters.”

Observing Blood’s uneasy expression, Duchess Catlena spoke gravely:

“Although this endeavor was initiated and led by Cazeros herself, it has now transcended her personal ambitions. With a state treaty involved, separate from individual sentiments, this matter must be resolved conclusively.”

Violating an international agreement would deal a severe blow to a nation’s credibility.

To allow personal emotions to undermine such circumstances was unacceptable.

In this regard, Blood had also considered taking matters into her own hands to resolve the situation, should Cazeros fall into disarray.

‘While I dislike involving myself in political affairs… since it is a task, I suppose I must see to it.’

Fortunately, there was a formidable yet cooperative presence on the other side, which could mitigate some of the risks.

Contemplating the road ahead, Blood felt a tinge of bitterness as she gazed upon the pitiful princess before her.

‘She remains blissfully unaware, basking in her expectations, oblivious to her deception…’

Witnessing her state, Blood found it uncomfortably reminiscent of her own past.

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

‘In the end, men are untrustworthy beings. I was a fool to have fallen for it so easily…’

For a moment, Blood considered enlightening the princess to the truth.

However, she quickly dismissed the notion.

Her master had advised exposing her to the harsh realities of the world, and even if Blood spoke up, the young princess was unlikely to believe her.

‘In her eyes, I am likely viewed as a spy sent by her mother.’

When an untrustworthy person speaks the truth, it is merely perceived as lies.

It would only breed further suspicion and resentment.

Thus, Blood decided to abandon the idea of exposure and objectively observe the situation.

‘Everlasting love does not exist in this world. As the Duchess says, it is necessary for her to grasp that truth through this experience.’

Bitter medicine may be unpleasant, but it can restore health.

Although this situation would cause immediate suffering, it would ultimately grant the fantasy-entranced princess the eyes to coldly perceive reality.

With a sense of shouldering a great and weighty burden…

Blood steeled her resolve and began preparing for her role.