At that moment, Qian's body and mind sank into her inner world. The clamor around her receded into the distance. Everyone around her subconsciously turned their gaze toward the Silver Queen, and their mouths opened and closed as if they were discussing something, but she could no longer hear a sound.
The entire world became utterly silent. All things fell quiet, and only one crystal-clear thought dominated her mind.
"Lord Brando is here."
"I have to warn him that this is a trap!"
The Empire's might and prestige, which she had witnessed over the past few months, had taken root deep within the girl's heart. The lofty cruelty of the Imperial nobles was like a poison-coated blade embedded in her chest, corroding her courage every moment. Only in the deepest reaches of her nightmares could she seem to witness that ending with her own eyes—
She saw Brando die while saving her. She saw everything in Valhalla reduced to ashes. She saw everyone's efforts turn to dust, and everything familiar to her—the fragile support and pillar in her heart—collapse completely and cease to exist.
"No, no...!"
"I can change all of this..."
A voice seemed to echo in her heart. "You can." It was Ouvina's voice, light and gentle, like a guiding hand, telling her how people had described another story countless years ago.
The knight who slept beneath Lake Irene was named Azure—
"Because this is your destiny (and mine as well)."
"You will be its master (just as mortals rule their own destinies)."
"One day (one day)."
The two voices merged within her heart.
She saw a sword standing atop the summit of countless peaks. Then she saw a knight pointing his spear toward the storm and swearing an oath, each word ringing like an inscription carved into