Chapter 5
In a social world filled only with soulless words and hidden blades, the complacent thought that making even one friend wouldn’t be so bad had won out. Yet, contrary to his hope, she didn’t seem likely to reveal her name, so he obsessively fixed his gaze on her, trying at least to remember her appearance. He himself didn’t understand why.
But how had it ended?
“Right, I am the master of the Morgenda Tower.”
With a face that shifted instantly, he arrogantly stated his position.
“Your little servant called my name like a friend and was punished for sacrilege—how could that be a crime?”
He had tried to kill Gray without hesitation.
There was nothing about him that was different from what was already known.
A hypocrite who killed his own master to seize their position, hiding behind an innocent facade.
A deceiver no different from the nobles at the banquet.
It was humiliating, and his heart raced at how foolishly he had wasted words in front of such a person. A ridiculous sense of betrayal arose.
He had faced countless moments with allies who could betray in an instant, enemies who could crumble with the slightest crack, and targets he would have to face back-to-back or cut down.
In the end, only people remained, and only people mattered.
That was why he trusted no one easily. The people he kept close had been selected through rigorous exclusion, based on bitter experience with betrayal. To such a Helios, Enya Valencia was like an uncontrollable flame—someone he never wanted to touch.
Yet the aftertaste was bitter for some reason, and his frown deepened with irritation.
“Marie, submit a report on the other tower masters. Avoid personal opinions on their achievements or deeds.”
“But all the other towers are already under contract…”
“Marie. I just said personal opinions aren’t necessary.”
There was no need to see further. Even though the connection had already been ruined, he had reread and mulled over the report concerning Enya from last night. No matter how many times he examined it, his judgment remained unchanged. The fact that he had even looked at the report again seemed absurd to him, and a bitter laugh escaped. It almost seemed as if he were regretful.
“Answer me.”
“Understood. One thing, Commander. If you could point out someone who meets your standards, I’ll use them as a reference to look for others.”
“……”
Marie hesitated, then steadied herself as she watched his rolling gaze.
He was the one who had killed the Demon King. Though called a paladin, he had merely a name and a shell, having lived ten harsh years in the wasteland, pushing himself with strict standards. Could anyone really measure up?
She had been ready to let him find the answer himself if he couldn’t provide one. Yet, contrary to her expectations, the answer came quickly.
“Ogatai…?”
“Are you serious?”
Marie nearly smacked her forehead.
In truth, Helios was an avid reader of the novel The Wasteland, which featured Crown Prince Ogatai as the protagonist.
The Wasteland was his only indulgence, despite his reputation for frugality. He loved it so much he read its pages until they were worn, though he kept this hobby hidden, making it an open secret among his inner circle.
Ogatai, the Crown Prince, was also the manifestation of the northern god Haun, and the governor of Kastamanu. Though called the Iron-Blooded Knight, he was, in reality, a madman whose abilities were extraordinary, though his personal life was scandalous with both men and women. The prince himself was female, which made relations with women harmless, and men, well, were merely a choice.
Even so, Marie was surprised that Helios would cite such a figure as his standard. She rubbed her brow.
“Commander, are we supposed to overlook Ogatai’s… scandalous personal life?”
“The prince’s view on relationships is open. Speak no more of it.”
Her caution about blindly trusting Ogatai fell flat.
“But Commander—”
“My own knights hardly had pristine personal histories either.”
Marie flinched. Most of the western knights, including herself, had quite indulgent experiences before coming to the capital.
In the west, sexual activity was merely a form of rest and did not interfere with killing the Demon King. Done moderately, it could even be beneficial.
But in the capital, every word and action was scrutinized.
Helios, knowing this, had deliberately used Marie’s past to silence her. Moreover, he had no recorded indiscretions during the campaign, making her protests moot.
While Marie quietly groaned, a priest rushed in, flustered.
“Lord Helios!”
His thin voice made their expressions turn blank. Outside of the west, there were few allies to be trusted.
As the knights stared coldly, the priest trembled and thrust forward a silver tray holding a letter.
“It’s a message from the Crown Prince.”
Helios cut the wax seal with a small dagger, fixing his gaze on Marie. She smirked despite herself.
“Ah, a letter from a prince with an open view on relationships.”
“Marie. Silence.”
Watching him read with his usual deadpan expression made her feel even more constricted. She knew Ogatai supported Helios materially and politically—he had even influenced the emperor’s endless banquets and persuaded the Tower Master Rous to grant him a title.
Yet all the more reason to distrust Ogatai. Unmotivated devotion was always a danger. Even Marie often could not discern Helios’ thoughts, which left her uneasy.
She glanced at the edge of the unseen letter and cursed under her breath.
“If only it just had a string of insults…”
Whether her prayer worked or not, Helios’ frown deepened as he read the Crown Prince’s letter. Marie, trying to appear nonchalant, asked softly,
“Why the expression?”
“Your sister wants to see me before the banquet.”
“…That’s fine. She should be happy about it.”
Even as she mocked him, Helios’ gaze never left the letter.
“…with the master of the Morgenda Tower.”
This was a truly unfortunate encounter.
Enya stood, stunned, seeing Helios like a statue beside her. She had rushed to the Crown Prince’s office early in the morning, not expecting to be greeted by Helios standing there idly.
The midday sun shone on his pomade-slicked blonde hair, catching on the sharp line of his nose. His uniform was immaculate, a white cape with gold-trimmed edges, exuding nobility.
He nodded at her with a face that could overshadow her own attire.
“Morgenda Tower Master.”
“Helios, Depert, greetings.”
They exchanged reluctant greetings. Enya was flustered by the unexpected encounter, and Helios’ slightly skewed gaze at her was far from kind.
To anyone, it was clear: they were like a dog and a cat at odds. Ogatai, seated on the massive sofa, looked surprised and raised his eyes.
“Oh my. I didn’t introduce you last night, but I see you’ve already exchanged greetings.”
“Yes… well… your accomplishments are impressive, of course.”
“Of course. And Helios here… but Enya, how much did you drink last night?”
The Crown Prince clicked his tongue at Enya, her hair tousled.
“What’s so absurd about my appearance?”
Enya muttered as she blew strands of hair from her face. Though she had been irritable and drunk the night before, after seeing the battlefield’s horrors together, this was new territory. Perhaps she was acting defiant in front of her brother?
‘At least I combed my hair.’
She glanced sideways at the reflection in the arched window: her frizzy hair, dark circles, and simple robe. Nothing unusual. Laila had helped her dress for the banquet yesterday, but today, with Laila incapacitated by a hangover, Enya prepared herself alone.
‘What is that guy even doing?’
Already frustrated by Helios’ pristine, almost painting-like appearance making her look shabby, his glaring eyes directed at her only made her more irritated. She locked eyes with him through the window reflection.
In the sunlight, his green eyes were like clear gems, emotions transparently passing through. She could read them like a familiar storybook.
The look contained barely restrained contempt and shock, as if he could bite her at any moment.
Why? Because she had acted brazenly toward the Crown Prince, his disdain had been triggered.
‘So they are… a close sibling pair.’
Enya’s gaze slowly left the window, taking in both of them sharply.
Noble blood, remarkable achievements, loving family. Everything complete.
‘And you? You’re tainted with filthy blood.’
Her half-brother, the Duke’s voice, suddenly echoed in her mind.
Ah, this is genuinely annoying to watch.
“Your Highness. Is there anything I can assist you with?”
Enya smiled brightly and perched on the arm of the Crown Prince’s chair. Leaning back, crossing her legs, Helios’ rigid posture immediately turned stern. Enya laughed and mocked.
Oblivious to their silent skirmish, the Crown Prince responded cheerfully.
“What’s this? You usually avoid me, but now you approach first.”
“A bit late, but I wanted to fuss until Your Highness, a continental powerhouse, inherits.”
“My, my. Such impudence while your father remains in good health.”
The Crown Prince bowed slightly, clasped his hands, resting his chin on the backs of them. Indeed, he was a fine-looking man: red hair like a lion’s mane, yellow irises blending gold and darkness, with copper-toned skin. As he laughed, Enya realized he looked nothing like Helios. Helios, composed, then took a seat gracefully opposite them.
“Sister. I assume there is a reason you summoned both the master of Morgenda Tower and me. Could you tell us?”
Helios’ obedient tone and harmless expression narrowed Enya’s eyes. She had underestimated him; calling Ogatai ‘sister’ in front of others was sly. His tactic worked as Ogatai glanced at him, tapping his knees.
“Ah, yes. I summoned you two because I have a request.”
Helios finally entered the matter, much to Enya’s relief. She had been very irked arriving at the Crown Prince’s office, weary-eyed and messy-haired, carrying the lingering scent of the night, rich and abundant.
How could someone be so unguarded and unadorned? In the palace, such openness was like wandering the battlefield unarmed.
