Chapter 60

After finishing his conversation with the king, Bernhardt proceeded to Leonhardt.

(When the two stand together, they are so dazzling...)

The space seems to shine brilliantly, and the pressure is almost palpable.

Leonhardt is cheerful and bright, while Bernhardt is polite and unchanging in expression, as they exchange greetings, praising each other.

Once Leonhardt is done, the next is the greeting to the Second Queen, followed by Cordelia's turn.

As Cordelia braces herself, Bernhardt turns his gaze from the Second Queen towards her.

His amethyst-like purple eyes pierce straight through Cordelia.

"Are you the 'Holy Lioness' Cordelia? It is a great honor to meet such a renowned holy maiden."

"Likewise, it is a fortunate and unexpected pleasure to meet the famous 'Thunder Spear' Bernhardt."

"Thank you for your kind words. May I ask one question, indulging in this rare fortune?"

"Of course, what is it?"

Cordelia braced herself inwardly.

Just a moment ago, she had been accosted by another Etruria Kingdom soldier, François.

She couldn't help but be wary of what Bernhardt might say.

"Is it true that you have the blessing of the 'Holy Lion'?"

"Yes. The 'Holy Beast' attracts too much attention when it appears, so it is currently hidden. However, it always watches over me, both in the shadows and in the light."

This was a statement Cordelia had repeated many times since she became known as the 'Holy Lioness.'

"The 'Holy Beast' is proud and temperamental, so it usually remains hidden."

This was the excuse, or rather the setting, that Cordelia and Leonhardt had decided to stick to.

(Could it be that Bernhardt will make an unreasonable request, like 'If you welcome me, summon the 'Holy Beast' here'?)

She doubted it, but Bernhardt's expression was hard to read.

As Cordelia tensed up, Bernhardt spoke.

"It is a pity I cannot see the 'Holy Lion' with my own eyes, but I am also curious about you, Cordelia."

"About what, exactly?"

"How did you manage to gain the favor of the 'Holy Lion'?"

This was another question Cordelia often heard.

She smiled gently and spoke smoothly.

"Unfortunately, I do not know why the 'Holy Beast' took an interest in me. All I know is that it has the will to protect this country and has granted me a portion of its power."

She arranged her words to sound plausible.

In reality, the 'Holy Beast,' which was Leonhardt, had taken a liking to her because of a 'scent' that suited his preferences.

It was a story she couldn't tell honestly for various reasons.

Bernhardt slightly lowered his head, as if weighing Cordelia's words.

"I see. So you were not chosen because you were strong, but rather, you gained great power as a result of receiving the blessing?"

Cordelia nodded in response to Bernhardt's question.

"Yes, I believe that is the correct understanding—"

Suddenly, her lips tensed.

Her body stiffened, and her words faltered in her throat.

(What is this...?!)

Her heart was pounding painfully.

It was an irregular and rapid heartbeat, different from when she was with Leonhardt.

She glanced around, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

The attendees stood solemnly, or with interest, or a bit of boredom, watching Cordelia and the others.

What had just happened?

Fortunately, her agitation didn't show, but her heart was still racing.

As Cordelia was confused,

"Lord Bernhardt"

A familiar voice, but with a different tone, resonated in her ears.

"If you have any questions, I can answer them for you."

Leonhardt's tone was calm, but Cordelia could tell.

This was a rare sign that Leonhardt was about to get angry.

"...No, I have no more questions. I am grateful for your time."

Sensing Leonhardt's seriousness, Bernhardt quietly backed down.

Though it was unclear what he had intended, Cordelia inwardly sighed with relief.

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Afterward, the welcome ceremony proceeded smoothly and concluded.

Cordelia left and sat on a long chair in the reception room prepared for the royal family.

"What was that just now..."

As she calmed down, she felt exhausted.

Her heartbeat had settled, but the unexplained agitation she had felt earlier was unsettling.

"Cordelia, may I come in?"

"Prince Leonhardt? Please wait a moment."

She checked her hair and dress for any disarray before inviting him in.

Leonhardt dismissed the maid and quickly approached Cordelia.

"Your Highness, you must be tired."

"Are you alright, Cordelia? I didn't expect someone to direct such hostility at you during the ceremony."

"Hostility?"

Could that have been the cause of her palpitations?

Holding her chest, Cordelia asked Leonhardt.

"Lord Bernhardt? But everyone else seemed normal at the time?"

"That's natural. Bernhardt's hostility was directed solely at you."

"Only at me? Is that even possible?"

"It is. Hostility is a combination of eye movements, shifts in center of gravity, and subtle body movements. If you can control these movements, you can direct hostility at a specific person."

"...If that's possible, he must be quite an expert, right?"

Cordelia muttered in amazement.

She didn't think Leonhardt was lying, but it was hard to believe.

"I can do that too, you know?"

"Really?"

"Heilroot can probably do it too, if he tries."

"Really?!"

Cordelia's voice rose in surprise.

She knew Heilroot worked as Leonhardt's spy, but she hadn't expected him to be so skilled in combat.

"Both you and Heilroot are quite impressive, Your Highness..."

Impressed, she said, and Leonhardt's expression changed.

"...Oops. Forget what I just said."

"Understood."

Following Leonhardt's wish, Cordelia pretended she hadn't heard.

Heilroot seemed to have his own reasons, and it wouldn't be right to ask more about him in his absence.