That Is Swearing Loyalty to My Dear

As for Dreamland.

That facility next door, built two streets away from the Imperial Palace, could naturally be monitored by Hela around the clock.

Unfortunately, the underground level of Dreamland was protected by a powerful Nether Domain Barrier, enough to block Hela's perception.

Thus, all Hela had sensed before was the aura of the evil dragon's true body suddenly erupting beneath Dreamland shortly after Rhine entered it.

Beyond that, however, Hela knew nothing of the details.

Of course, knowing this much was enough.

The Hain Empire was a nation where religious forces held immense power.

In this country, there was one and only one faith.

That was the strongest human deity—the Crystal Goddess, Order.

And in such a country, being branded a heretic was practically the end of the world.

It was almost certain that once the truth was exposed, Prince Rhine would lose his right of succession. He himself would also face a religious trial, and most likely would not even keep his life.

However,

Hela did not want to make such a big deal out of this.

It had nothing to do with Rhine.

Hela had no interest in the Hain Empire's politics, nor did she particularly like or dislike the Prince or the princes. No matter who took the throne, they would not mistreat the Imperial Guards.

Even if a prince died, she would not feel the slightest bit of sorrow.

However...

One of her sisters had now been drawn into this matter as well.

In the end, Hela did not visit the Prince.

Instead, she decided to extort Prince Rhine.

Locking onto Rhine's location,

took Hela only an instant.

At this moment, Rhine had just returned from Dreamland.

After returning to the Imperial Palace, he parted ways with Constance. According to the schedule arranged for him by the court, he still had a swordsmanship lesson to attend.

And just as Rhine was walking there,

Hela approached him with a cheerful smile.

Originally, Hela had planned to get straight to the point and reveal the truth before the prince. Having just done something bad, he would naturally be nervous and uneasy. If she frightened him first, the following negotiations would be much easier.

However, something unexpected happened.

Hela smiled. "Your Highness Rhine, this afternoon..."

Halfway through her words,

the smile on Hela's face froze.

Because at the very instant Hela saw Rhine,

for some reason...

her heart suddenly trembled as though she had been struck by lightning!

Hela discovered in astonishment

that Prince Rhine seemed exceptionally dashing and charming today.

His light-colored eyes, short black hair, the calm, confident smile on his face, and his impeccably fitting attire were all surprisingly... appealing to Hela.

In her daze, Hela even forgot why she had stopped Rhine.

Upon seeing Hela, Rhine smiled respectfully. "Lady Hela. I heard earlier that you had returned in triumph from the Emerald Plains. I was just looking for an opportunity to visit you and welcome you back."

"Ah... Your Highness is too kind."

Hela was a little tongue-tied. For some reason, the moment she saw Rhine, her heart began racing, and even her mind stopped working properly.

Rhine smiled at Hela. Seeing that she did not seem to have anything to say, he exchanged a few more pleasantries with her before leaving directly.

Hela remained where she stood.

She stood there blankly for a moment.

Touching her cheek, she felt a trace of surprise.

So hot...

I... blushed?

For a moment, Hela could not understand what had happened. Why had Prince Rhine suddenly become so charming today?

And speaking of which...

Hela fell silent.

"...What did I stop His Highness for just now?"

Oh!

Right!

I came to extort the prince! I wanted hush money!

Yet when Hela turned to look at the departing prince, his handsome, upright figure was gradually fading into the distance. Still, the lingering aftertaste of love at first sight remained in her heart...

When it came to extorting His Highness the prince,

she suddenly felt... a little reluctant.

Forget it.

She would pick another target.

It was rare to get an opportunity to make money. Naturally, Hela could not let it slip away. Since she did not want to extort the prince, and could not go to the Prince either,

Hela clearly had no other choice.

She could only turn the knife on her own dear sister!

A Transaction Between Imperial Guards

After bidding farewell to Rhine, Constance noticed that no Imperial Guards were stationed in the sanctuary, so she prepared to return and continue her daily prayer ritual.

But halfway there, she stopped.

Because she had noticed Hela's meeting with Rhine.

The Imperial Palace was far too small for the Imperial Guards. Constance could clearly hear the conversation between Rhine and Hela.

Hela seemed to have wanted something from His Highness Rhine.

But for some reason, Hela had failed.

Yet Hela was not someone who would give up profit,

so she would likely come looking for Constance soon.

Sure enough,

a spatial rift split open before Constance. The alluring, slender black-haired beauty stepped out with a smile.

Hela waved at Constance, her smile radiant. "Shia~ Are you free this afternoon? Want to have tea together?"

.

In the Imperial Palace gardens, Constance and Hela sat beneath a pavilion, enjoying afternoon tea.

Shia and Hela, two beauties capable of stunning the world, adorned the blooming sea of flowers behind them, creating a breathtaking scene.

Yet no one dared

to admire this beautiful sight.

Hela said, "Come to think of it, I actually saw you working for His Highness Rhine today?"

Constance answered flatly, "He is the future emperor."

The future emperor...

Yes, Rhine was indeed the legal heir to the throne.

Unfortunately, this prince probably did not know that governing a nation was not as easy as sleeping with married women.

Hela asked doubtfully, "Shia, do you really believe that guy can become emperor?"

Constance nodded gently. "Yes, I believe."

Constance's tone was utterly sincere.

She had actually meant it...

"Shia, it isn't wise to pick a side so early."

Hela sounded a little helpless. "The royal family's power struggles have nothing to do with us. The Imperial Guards have never needed to get involved in that mess. Shia, although His Highness Rhine has shown you kindness, you don't need to... Forget it. Let's not talk about him."

The moment Rhine was mentioned, Hela could not help recalling that handsome figure. Unconsciously, her thoughts became muddled again.

Hela shook her head lightly. Simply bypassing the topic of Rhine, she went straight to the point.

Hela said, "Shia, you know why I'm here."

Constance said, "Yes, I know."

In truth, there was not much for the two Imperial Guards to discuss.

As an Imperial Guard herself, Constance's perception could likewise cover the entire city. She also knew exactly what her sister was capable of, as well as her disposition.

Hela knew about those things, and Constance knew that Hela knew.

Likewise, Hela knew that Constance knew...

In short...

With only a glance, the two sisters understood each other's intentions.

Constance said, "I understand. As long as you are willing to keep quiet, I will give you a satisfactory price."

"That would be wonderful!"

Hela smiled apologetically. "Sorry, Shia, but even close sisters need to keep their accounts clear."

Constance nodded. "I know."

Greed was the nature of the Imperial Guards, though each of them had different preferences.

Due to her unique combat style, Hela liked practical equipment and tools the most.

Although she enjoyed accumulating wealth, the Gold Coins she acquired would ultimately be spent on equipment anyway.

Since that was the case,

Constance did not need to go around in circles. As a fellow Imperial Guard, she had something on her that Hela would be interested in.

Constance was silent for a moment, then removed her necklace and handed it to Hela.

Constance said, "You should need this."

Hela said, "Hmm..."

After pondering for a moment, Hela shook her head. "Shia, you know this is a serious matter. Covering for you would mean taking a great risk myself."

Hela was not very satisfied with Constance's offer.

Constance asked calmly, "Then what do you want?"

Hela asked shyly, "Your sword. How about it?"

The sword...

Constance touched the sword at her waist.

A trace of conflict appeared on her face.