Prihi asked why Eren kept crying. He wiped away his tears and told her he wasn’t. She smiled, but he remained solemn. Then she looked at the sword tied to his waist. He slowly moved it behind him.

“Your name?” she asked.

“I’m Eren. A knight.”

“I see. I’ve heard of you.”

The princess nodded as if their meeting had been coincidental. Rumors had been circulating in the royal palace for some time about a young knight named Eren. Even Romero, Prihi’s henchman, praised this young knight. He said the kingdom’s fate would’ve been different if this young knight had been born 10 years earlier. Prihi wanted a strong knight who matched her ambitions.

“I heard your master is sick.”

She spoke again, but Eren hesitated to answer.

“…”

The young knight couldn’t help but hope for a miracle even though he remained silent. He had sworn allegiance to Puharen, who had given up on his master’s treatment.

“We’re short on finances and time.”

Puharen’s servant had come in person to tell him that. Eren felt disappointed, but understood. His master already accepted death, so Eren had to do the same.

“Is he sick or not? I haven’t heard your answer,” Prihi asked again.

“He’s sick.”

Eren finally replied and nodded.

She opened the...