"Feel free to stay the night, Asthia. We'd be more than happy to have you," said Jane. I couldn't help but smile at the invitation, a gentle warmth spreading throughout my body.

"I'd love that, thank you, Jane."

"You should sleep in my room!" exclaimed Alice, who had already returned to the main area after being asked to leave.

"I think Asthia is very tired, Alice. Let her rest on her own, okay?" asked Jane softly. Alice didn't argue, understanding that her mother was entirely correct. I would've accepted the little girl's proposal, but having a room to myself did seem a lot more appealing. Maybe I needed some time alone to reflect on everything.

But the thought of thinking back on everything also terrified me. I didn't want to recall all the horrible parts of war: the endless slaughtering, the months I remained incapable of doing anything as my friends risked their lives on the frontlines, or the final moments I spent with Jay before he ultimately sacrificed his sanity for my future, I didn't want to look back on any of that.

And yet I was already thinking back on it, already remembering the vivid details that I wanted to erase from my memories.

"I think I'll be going to bed, then," I muttered, feeling my head begin to throb with pain.

Jane lay her hand on my hair softly, caressing the top of my head before smiling.

"Sleep well, Asthia."

I nodded, briefly waving goodbye to Alice before making my way upstairs and into the guest room. I changed into the white gown that Jane had provided me, thudding into the bed behind me as I let out a sigh of exhaustion.

I hadn't done much physical exercise these last few days, but for some reason, I felt completely drained. Was it because I knew just how difficult it would be to ally with the other nations?

The Faros also had to be included in the discussions regarding Jay or they would never be integrated into society.

What about the Dwarves?

Ares Hearth was almost sure to be dead, and if that was truly the case, then the Dwarves no longer had an individual that could defend them against the monstrous S-ranks. They had immediately plummeted to the bottom of the food chain within Auroria, and if left alone, they were sure to be consumed by the others.

I put my concerns about the Dwarves aside. I had to focus on getting the cooperation of the Vye twins...magic

Vye twins?My eyes shot open in horror, remembering who had killed my father. I would have to look at his killer right in the eye and try to ally myself with them... Would I even be able to remain calm?

I forcefully closed my eyelids, feeling the cool breeze wafting into the room from the open window.

Why did the war have to break out?

----

"Thank you very much for having me," I said as I took a few steps into the open air, turning around and bowing slightly. Jane smiled at my formal goodbye.

"It was our pleasure Asthia. Please come back whenever you feel like it."

"I might be taller than you next time we see each other!" exclaimed Alice as she joined her mother at the door.

"Haha, I look forward to seeing that," I responded cheerfully, putting the dark hood above my head. "Well then, goodbye."

I walked off into the once lively roads, making my way back to the royal castle. I had no idea if King Roy had already come to a decision, but I couldn't afford to be spending my time leisurely talking with the Cadmiums, no matter how much I enjoyed it.

I took to the narrow passageways, making sure to avoid people as much as possible.

My aura suddenly picked up strange movements around me, my eyes darting to the sides to identify the source.

"Why hello there!" said a voice as the brief sound of metal echoed in the alley, "you got anything of value on you?"

I faced the thief, realizing he wasn't alone. They appeared to be a group of five, all of them armed to some extent as they encircled me. Due to the conditions, I had expected crime and thievery to rise, but this was still a first for me.

Considering my power was almost equivalent to that of an S-rank adventurer, I wasn't worried about my safety at all. Rather, I was concerned about the conditions these people were living in. I had no way of knowing the problems and struggles that these men were going through, and I firmly believed that they were not evil at heart.

Even so, maybe they needed a forceful push that would deter them from these practices. I quickly analyzed his awkward stance, realizing he had rarely wielded a blade in his life, or at least not in a way to hurt another individual.

"That's not how you hold a knife," I responded calmly. The man was taken aback by my serenity in the situation, but he chose to continue his act."Eh? Do you think I care? Come on, give us everything you've got!"

"!!"

I appeared behind him, hitting him in the back with the palm of my hand as he toppled onto the ground. My aura swirled momentarily, causing the rest of the thieves to drop their weapons with blue faces.

"P-P-Please... don't kill us!!" screeched the initial attacker, dragging himself away from my body. I approached him, summoning a small pouch from my space bracelet and dropping it onto the floor. I retracted my aura, making sure my words didn't feel threatening.

"Take it," I said, "Just don't go attacking others. Everyone needs money during these times."

I knew morally correct words weren't enough to stop criminals, but his eyes told me he would obey. His arms still trembled slightly from the exposure to an S-rank's aura, and his mouth was unable to produce a sound for a few seconds.

"T-Thank you," he muttered finally, grabbing the pouch that was filled with silver coins.

So this was the state that the civilians were in...

I ignored his gratitude, enhancing my speed and launching myself toward the castle. My presence was no longer masked as bind whirled around me, but I was able to reach the main gates in minutes.

"Welcome back," said Amelia, who had felt my aura approaching.

"Any news?" I asked, walking alongside the pink-haired girl as we entered the towering building.

"Yes. It seems like the King has already come to a decision."

"Then let's go see him. Has our presence been requested?"

"It has. I was about to go out and search for you, but it seems you came back at the perfect time."

"There you are," called out Jean as she watched us walk down the carpet that led to the royal chambers. I nodded in acknowledgment as the guards pushed the doors open, leading the three of us into the circular room once more.

"King Roy," I said, bowing down slightly alongside the two S-ranks.

"I'll get straight to the point," he grumbled, his voice seemingly displeased with his choice, "we'll accept your proposal. Amelia and Jean will both assist you in neutralizing Jay Cadmium."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"However," he continued, raising his voice, "I will not risk my kingdom or my people for one individual. Both Imanian S-ranks will be sent with only one goal in mind. Saving Jay Cadmium is too much of a gamble. If you want our cooperation, then he will need to be killed."