Nero was outgoing and uninhibited, while Lianye's moral boundaries—though their exact limits were unknown—were truly worrying. If there hadn't been a Mash to mediate between them, who knew where their conversation might have drifted off to.
"I once had a Court Magus as well. He truly possessed extraordinary magical skills and claimed to be an immortal being. I believed him completely. But after the United Empire's legions appeared, he was killed by the enemy's 'Emperor' in just one exchange—how laughable. He called himself immortal, yet he died so easily on the battlefield."
Nero's voice was slightly weak. Rather than mocking that overconfident Magus, she seemed more shaken by the lingering fear. Even with her own strength, facing the United Empire, whose members were all 'Emperors,' would have put immense pressure on her.
—No matter how radiant, strong, and independent a girl might appear, she would occasionally reveal a helpless expression that made others want to cherish her.
At a time like this, anyone without even a shred of tenderness did not deserve to be called a man—a gentleman.
"Don't worry. I'm not like that fake Court Magus. Even if they're Servants, I'll kill them all the same."
Lianye smiled confidently. Though his smile was calm and casual, it was enough to give the somewhat downcast Nero confidence and encouragement.
"Of course. I trust my own judgment, and I trust all of you. I definitely won't make the same mistake twice."
Nero's pretty face also regained its usual smile.
"Then let me continue. Although I sent a great number of scouts to investigate the suddenly appeared United Empire, not a single one returned with intelligence. The United Empire is simply too powerful. They have unleashed brutal wars across the land, bringing suffering to my people."
"Although I dispatched nearly all my