บท 186: The Meeting Between Kamiki Eiji and Henrietta

The defeat of the Germanian Empire's forces on the Saxe-Gotha plains spread across the globe.

Initially, every country thought the news was just a joke, and no one believed its credibility.

It must be remembered, although the Germanian Empire was barbaric and backward, it was the strongest country on the Halkeginia Continent in terms of military strength.

Now, rumors circulated that Emperor Albert III personally led 300,000 soldiers to conquer the evil Mage known as the Chaosbringer, and all of them vanished without any survivors.

One person versus 300,000 soldiers?

Who would believe one person could annihilate 300,000 elite soldiers of the continent's strongest nation?

Even in the golden era six thousand years ago when Brimir, the strongest Mage in history, was alive, he couldn't do such a thing.

However, the leaders of various countries sent scouts to verify the news. After all, there's no smoke without fire.

Then, the scouts returned and reported in shock that the news was true.

300,000 Germanian Empire soldiers perished on the Saxe-Gotha plains!

This, of course, triggered shock and fear towards the Chaosbringer.

As a result, the rulers of various countries refused the Tristain Kingdom's plea for assistance.

Now, the Tristain Kingdom was ostracized by the world, facing an unprecedented crisis.

The remaining nobles in the capital wanted to flee to other countries with their wealth and families. Unfortunately, on the day the Germanian Empire's army perished, a barrier appeared, locking the capital and preventing anyone from entering or leaving.

No matter what methods they used, they couldn't break the barrier. From that day on, they lived in fear, unable to sleep well, worried that the Chaosbringer would come for them.

The Chaosbringer seemed to intentionally not kill them immediately but rather let them live in unrest, disturbing their mental health. Some mentally weak nobles even went mad, causing disturbances as if wanting to fulfill their hidden desires before dying.

In the palace, Henrietta sat on the throne, her skin pale and unhealthy, with dark circles under her eyes indicating she hadn't slept for a long time, exhausted both physically and mentally.

"Everyone, it's been a week since the barrier appeared, locking the capital. Without external trade, food supplies are depleting, and the people are anxious because they can't leave the capital. Does anyone have a solution?"

"..."

There was no response, only silence from the gloomy ministers.

"Your Majesty, that is not the primary concern. After all, the Chaosbringer has never harmed the common folk. The most important thing now is our survival as nobles. Without us, the Tristain Kingdom will collapse!"

One minister shouted loudly to vent his frustration.

"Duke Smith is right. The nobles are the pillars of a kingdom. In the Tristain Kingdom, we are the last nobles remaining. Your Majesty, protect us from the Chaosbringer. If we perish, there will surely be uprisings throughout the land, and the Tristain Kingdom will fall."

"Your Majesty must protect the nobles; it's the royal family's duty!"

"Your Majesty, please fulfill your obligation as queen."

The nobles in the hall started to lose their sanity, blaming Henrietta for the current tragedy.

"This meeting is over. Please return to your places."

Realizing the situation was getting out of control, Henrietta dismissed the meeting and left the hall.

"Don't run away, Your Majesty, you still haven't provided a solution!"

"This is all the royal family's fault for mishandling the Chaosbringer!"

"Incompetent! Get back here!"

Blocked by soldiers, the nobles could only curse and scorn as they watched Henrietta's retreating figure.

"Why has it come to this…"

Walking through the quiet corridor, Henrietta's gentle expression faded, now looking weak like an ordinary girl, not the queen ruling over a kingdom.

Stopping, she leaned against the wall, lamenting the bleak future.

"Chaosbringer... Why is he so strong…"

Henrietta crouched weakly, stroking her belly.

To seek the Germanian Empire's assistance, she sacrificed herself, giving her virginity to Albert III before they were officially married.

Whether due to Albert III's strong genes or Henrietta's bad luck, she got pregnant from just one session of intercourse.

She initially thought the nausea and dizziness were due to the mental stress from the tragic events and the pressure from the nobles. However, after being examined by the royal doctor, she was shocked to be diagnosed as pregnant.

Henrietta was not only pregnant at a young age, but the father of her child had died on the battlefield, her best friend (Louise) died while petrified and raped by a group of thugs, and her family faced ruin.

No matter how strong her mental resilience, Henrietta couldn't bear all this burden alone.

She was exhausted.

"Sorry, it seems I won't be able to give birth to you."

With a maternal smile, Henrietta spoke softly to the child in her belly.

"You're pregnant?"

"Who's there?"

Her smile tensed upon hearing a man's voice in the empty corridor. Henrietta stood up and looked around but saw no one.

*WHOOSH*

The sound of wind came from above, then a man with white hair and eyes as blue as a clear sky appeared before her.

"Chaosbringer!"

Seeing the handsome man in front of her, Henrietta was unimpressed; instead, her heart filled with endless fear.

With a wall behind her, she couldn't retreat. Though terrified, she didn't scream for soldiers. Given the other's record, she knew it was useless to call for help.

"Oh, you calmed down faster than I expected. As expected of a royal family member, you have a stronger mentality than ordinary people."

Sensing Henrietta's change in expression, Eiji praised her slightly.

"By the way, don't call me Chaosbringer, that's an ugly title, I don't like it."

"Then, what should I call you?"

"Kamiki Eiji, that's my name."

"Kamiki Eiji..."

Henrietta repeated the name. To her, it sounded strange and different from the naming conventions on the Halkeginia Continent.

Gathering her courage, she asked the question that had haunted her.

"Sir Eiji, may I know the reason behind your actions against the nobles in my kingdom?"

Henrietta misunderstood, thinking 'Eiji' was a family name.

"The reason is simple, for revenge."

"Revenge..."

"What? You think that's a trivial reason?"

"No, now it's clear. A noble offended you, I can understand you seeking revenge, but why involve innocent nobles? Sir Eiji, your actions are too excessive."

"Oh."

Eiji was slightly surprised by Henrietta's response. Unlike Louise, who thought his reason was trivial and unworthy of mention, Henrietta had a broader perspective.

"Innocent nobles, huh... You say funny things, queen. Are you sure there are innocent nobles? Are you sure they've never abused their power and authority? As the queen of this country, you should understand this better than I do."

"..."

Henrietta opened her mouth, but there were no words to deny or refute.

After all, the other party was right. Even the kindest noble had dirty stains and dark history.

"But that doesn't justify your excessive actions."

After a moment of silence, Henrietta looked at Eiji despite her fear.