Chapter 333

Extra 3. The Return of the Legend (3)

There was nothing special about the womans appearance. She looked like a commoner at best. If there was anything special about her, then it would be the cloak made of unknown material.

Nevertheless, the woman didnt look humble or low-born in the lightest. No, the woman looked more noble and dignified than any other royal family members and nobles that Adelaide had seen before.

Adelaide was staring intently at the woman because it was so strangely remarkable.

Swish.

The woman felt Adelaides gaze and turned her head.

Ah

The moment she met the womans gaze, Adelaide trembled as if she had been struck by lightning.

When she met that clear gaze, it felt like she had been thrown in front of people, stripped naked.

Adelaide wanted her head to turn and avoid that clear gaze, but even that wasnt easy. No matter how much she tried, like a butterfly caught on a web, she couldnt look away from the womans gaze.

The womans lips parted.

Did you say you wanted to be the Empress?

It was a soft whisper, but to Adelaide, it was louder than thunder.

I, I

She had forgotten about the fugitives plight for a moment, but now she remembered it. Only then did Adelaide realize how she must look as she spoke of her ridiculous hopes and wishes in front of people.

Her face burned with humiliation. If there was a mouse hole somewhere, she wanted to burrow into it and hide.

We do not mean to question you, so put your mind at ease.

If it hadnt been for the man belatedly jumping into the conversation, then Adelaide wouldnt have been able to respond for a long time and only chewed on her lips.

Yes. I want to become the Empress.

She barely managed to say those words before she closed her eyes tightly.

How could she have said she wanted to become the Empress so many times? Wasnt it just like a little child throwing a tantrum about a toy?

Even she thought it was pathetic.

However, the woman didnt mock or ridicule her. As though looking through her, the woman merely continued to look at her with clear eyes.

Whoo.

Adelaide took a deep breath, straightened her back, and looked at the woman. Even if it was late, she wanted to show the woman her dignity as a princess.

But before she could squeeze out the dignity of the royal family, it seemed like the womans eyes deepened, and the world in front of her seemed to collapse as a new world opened up.

The magic mounts, that had been made to withstand even the most powerful magic and sword energy, were destroyed and scattered all over the place. The remnants of the magic mounts were sliced and melted - this sight of the beaten magic mounts was so unrealistic.

What on earth

Adelaide trembled as she saw the corpses of the Owner Knights lying horribly next to the piles of the wrecked magic mounts.

At that moment, a huge aircraft fell from the sky.

It was the Fortress of the Sky, an invincible battleship that the mages, who had participated in the production, guaranteed would never fall.

She turned her head and followed the long firey trail of the Fortress of the Sky. Engulfed in flames, hundreds of airships were falling down. They were the aviation corps battleships that the Empire was so proud of.

It was hell.

Rain of fire fell from the sky and black smoke rose from the ground.

In a world where everything was destroyed, the only thing that remained intact was the throne on top of a pile of ruins. Even in the midst of this terrible destruction, the throne was shining brilliantly.

As if possessed, Adelaide moved towards it.

She passed the tomb of the magic mounts and the tower of bones built from the citizens and soldiers. Pools of blood grabbed the hem of her long dress and the bones of the dead soldiers pierced the soles of her feet, but she did not stop moving.

She finally reached the throne but it was not empty. A man with disheveled black hair sat on the golden throne.

After staring blankly at the limp and motionless man, she stretched out her hand.

Thud.

The mans head fell and rolled.

The separated head had an expression that was contorted like a demon and had eyes full of resentment. Red eyes stared straight at her.

Adel

Brother?

Adelaide turned pale as she retreated.

Is this the kind of Empire you wanted?

A strident voice burrowed uncomfortably into her ears.

I, I just wanted to end the war

But before she could even finish moaning out those words, the mans head rotted away in an instant and soon became a skull.

Rattle.

The white skull clacked its jaw and said something, but all she could hear was the horrific rattling of bones.

The skull crumbled to dust and soon, even the rattling wasnt heard anymore.

Adelaide stared blankly where the skull had been before turning her head towards the throne. The throne that had shone brilliantly even in the ruins but now, that was nowhere to be found.

The only thing in its place was a hideous seat of power dyed a ghastly red color.

***

What have you done to the princess!

Seeing Princess Adelaide become frozen stiff like a stone statue, Ingrid shouted frantically.

Ill say this again. I have no intention of harming a child of Adenstein.

However, the mans answer was too calm. It only made Ingrid angrier; she drew her sword.

Though she may be in this wretched state, she is still one who has inherited the blood of Adenstein! Who on earth are you that dare look upon the name of Adenstein as if it is worthless!

Her sword energy hadnt lost its vigor even in the midst of these hard days as they escaped and now, that energy was aiming at the mans neck.

At that moment, the man frowned at her.

That was all. He didnt glare at her fiercely nor did he reach out and threaten her. Yet, Ingrid turned pale as she felt a terrible sensation. It was as if her entire body was being shredded into dozens of pieces.

If it werent for your past relationship with her, I would never have allowed you to dare jump around imprudently in front of her.

As soon as he finished speaking, the blade that had been full of sword energy cracked. Then, the sword instantaneously turned into dust and blew away.

Ingrid stared blankly at her sword. It had lost its entire blade.

Despite time passing like flowing water, the House of Trail is still loyal. And I speak to you as one who acknowledges and respects that loyalty.

The woman spoke when she saw that Ingrid was stunned.

Nothing has happened to the one you serve.

Her identity was as unknown as the mans was. Bu