Chapter 16

"Let's acknowledge that loyalty."

Kariya Bardonic's silver hair, which would have been inherited, swayed as Barbridge Bardonic stared in amazement. The choice of words was very deliberate, far more polite than how he had spoken to his daughter, as he carefully opened his mouth.

"I am angered by the insult to my lord. It is a beautiful heart of loyalty. But do you understand... that this act means you are willing to pay with your life?"

Without permission from his superior, he stood up and spoke. Normally, such a dialogue would be unnecessary. The act he had just committed alone gave this person the right to slit his throat. The right of the one in power.

"If you do not understand, I will overlook it this once. Kneel. If you are fully aware of the consequences, I will forgive you for speaking out of loyalty."

Was the polite language and consideration truly out of respect, moved by the earnest loyalty? Or was it merely to suppress the frustration and indignation welling up inside him? Barbridge stroked his chin and tightened his lips. The true intention was unreadable.

What was clear was that, at the very least, he was making an effort to appear magnanimous.

However, it was a great misunderstanding, this talk of loyalty and devotion.

"I am not Kariya Bardonic's servant or anything of the sort. Loyalty? What loyalty? I hate this guy. You're completely mistaken, Sir Bardonic. Besides, besides, no one ever acts for someone else. Never."

Kariya Bardonic turned to him with a pale face. Her body was stiff, and she was unusually agitated.

But it's too late, Kariya Bardonic. The words have already slipped out.

"I stand for myself, not for Sir Bardonic or for Miss Kariya Bardonic. I stand for myself."

Yes, no one ever acts for someone else. In the end, it's all for one's own life, pride, and interests. So this is nothing. It's just words for myself.

"My heart is now deeply in the darkest despair. Because of you, do you understand, Sir Barbridge Bardonic? You have trampled on my respect. With your boots! Without any hesitation!"

At the end, he clenched a tobacco between his teeth. The unique scent that wafted into his nostrils. It was, indeed, a very refreshing feeling. It was resolve. This was nothing but resolve. Now, his heart was undoubtedly prepared for death. That's why he could speak so clearly. That's why it felt so refreshing.

"---So, you are as foolish as your lord, are you?"

The man said arrogantly, telling him to relax. That he would be the only one to die because of his actions. That there was no need to protect his lord.

"That's why I'm telling you, it's a misunderstanding. I am arrogant, incapable of caring for others, and only think of trampling the weak. Ah, we could never get along, I hate such a woman. But, but—"

---That sword was undoubtedly real.

Baring his teeth, he spoke before the guards, who would come running at the sound of his loud voice.

This wasn't enough. Could he express even a fraction of the indignation that filled his heart with words? That was his only concern.

"You wouldn't understand. The humiliation of having your sword mocked. The indignation of having your efforts trampled."

Ah, what humiliation. What indignation. He must have tasted bitter experiences many times to obtain that sword. He must have crawled through the mud many times. This was respect. He held genuine respect for this side of Kariya Bardonic. He knew that the sword was not just a shining talent but was built on efforts beyond human limits.

But this man, he insulted the sword. He trampled the great achievement. Ah, and to think,

"To do that... to do that to your own daughter! It makes my blood boil... You have trampled on my respect!"

Each word was spat out as if his throat was burning. It wouldn't stop. It couldn't stop. He was truly burning with anger. He didn't understand. If a woman he disliked was being insulted, he should be happy inside, regardless of the content. But why?

"---Is that it? I will remember your monologue. Guards."

Several guards rushed in, breathing heavily, their faces filled with anxiety after hearing the loud voice.

But it didn't matter. Such things were trivial to him now. It wasn't enough. His anger and indignation were not something that could be resolved by this. The enmity towards Sir Barbridge Bardonic could not be settled by this.

"Listen, no matter what—!"

Something pressed into his neck. Kariya Bardonic narrowed her eyes, gritted her teeth, and swung the scabbard. Strangely, her eyes seemed to be moist.

His breath was instantly cut off, and his vision turned white. What are you doing, Kariya Bardonic? Don't get in my way. Ah, I hate you. I really hate a woman like you.

He was slammed to the floor, and his consciousness was sucked into the cold stone tiles, fading away.

---

"---Guards. Take this ruffian to the dungeon."

Kariya Bardonic's cold voice echoed through the room.

Hearing the rough, almost animal-like voice, the guards who had rushed in were confused. But the ruffian was probably that man in the green old clothes, so they carried him away.

"Not here... cut off his head here."

It was the voice of the governor of Coriden Fort, Barbridge Bardonic, that stopped them.

"Kariya. This is his will. Showing mercy here would be an insult to him."

"---I understand. On that basis, my lord, I ask you."

Again, Kariya Bardonic bowed deeply, almost touching her forehead to the stone floor. Her posture, which seemed weak and pleading, had a strange, consistent strength.

"By right, this person has committed a grave offense against my lord. However, he is my servant. Therefore, it is my duty to atone for his sins."

"That is also reasonable," Kariya Bardonic said.

"---I still don't understand you. What will you offer? I know there is no room for sentiment or familial ties between us."

It was a clear transaction. Not something between father and daughter, but a clear transaction between parties with mutual interests.

"Yes, my lord. I will—follow your words, as you have long wished."

Bowing her head, she tried to speak calmly. It was, in a sense, a farewell to herself. An act of offering her own alter ego.

Kariya Bardonic's heart was extremely complex. Why must I go to such lengths? Why must I protect such a man? He is rude, truly rude. He insults others and treats them as if they don't exist. A rude, insignificant man.

But still—I probably don't want him to die. I believe I won't regret this decision, even years or decades from now.

"---I understand your will. Guards, flog him and then throw him out. Make sure he doesn't die, but don't hold back."

The guards, who had been confused by the short but intense exchange between father and daughter, finally received clear orders and immediately took action, carrying the green-clad man out of the meeting room.

"And, Kariya. You—"

Kariya Bardonic knew the words that would follow. Because her father had long wished for it. Until now, she had only deflected it with her own will and the protection of the knights.

"---Immediately leave the knights and return to the territory."