Chapter 19
Nanling.
This small city, situated on the border of Mios, may not be considered wealthy, but it boasts towering, thick walls built over years of constant warfare to protect against raids from the army of the Eagle Kingdom.
Driven by the instinct for self-preservation, most residents of Nanling have practiced martial arts since childhood. While they might not be masters of combat, they could at least hold their own, far surpassing the superficial skills of the pampered nobles in the royal city.
The Alpha squad of the Royal Mercenaries had arrived here the day before, though their ranks were incomplete. Only Liu Siruo, Carol, and Albert were present.
Countless battles had been fought outside Nanling’s walls, and this one, though small in scale, was crucial.
The outcome of this battle would determine the morale of the people.
The Queen’s command was clear: defeat was unacceptable. If even the citizens believed that Mios had become a Kingdom forsaken by God, the situation would become dire.
She had specifically dispatched a highly decorated general to lead the troops and assigned these three Alpha mercenaries to provide covert support.
The western side of Nanling was surrounded by vast forests and mountains, home to various animal populations and characterized by steep terrain. Logically, the forces of the Eagle Kingdom would never approach from this side, yet patrols remained essential.
Liu Siro sat lightly on a tree branch, her eyes narrowed as she gazed deep into the forest. As a mercenary, night vision was a basic skill, and she could see even the color of the birds flying in the distance.
After a moment, she turned to Carol and said, “If only Wakako were here.”
Carol hesitated briefly, then, since they were among their own, spoke more candidly. “The Queen doesn’t trust Wakako. She wouldn’t allow her to come.”
Mios had completely lost its means of communication with the Saint. Everything now relied on Wakako’s account. No one knew what the Saint had said or done to her.
As an orphan with no ties, Wakako had the perfect background to be a mercenary, but in this situation, it only raised suspicions. If the Saint was truly determined, who could guarantee that she wouldn’t turn Wakako against them?
While based on their understanding of Wakako, the possibility of betrayal seemed low, her loyalty couldn’t be completely assured.
Liu Siruo grinned. “I don’t trust her either.” She had witnessed the way the Saint looked at Wakako. The bond between them was unusually strong.
Carol, however, hated nothing more than distrust within the team.
“Siruo,” she said coldly, “The Queen’s suspicion of Wakako stems from her position as our ruler. But after five years of fighting and nearly dying together, how can you still not understand who she is?”
Liu Siruo had a baby face, and her smile made her look as innocent as a child. She apologized softly, “I misspoke, Senior Sister. Don’t be angry with me.”
She murmured to herself, “Whether I trust Wakako or not, I do wish she were here in Nanling. With her, things would be much simpler.”
In a past battle, the Eagle Kingdom had pushed Mios to the brink of defeat, nearly capturing a key city.
Their success was due to a genius general they had nurtured for years, along with his two skilled lieutenants. These three were exceptionally skilled in warfare, employing unpredictable strategies and maintaining an undefeated record.
However, all of this came to an end because of Wakako, widely recognized as the strongest fighter among the mercenaries.
That night, the sky was pitch black, with barely a star in sight. She infiltrated the enemy camp alone three times, claiming the heads of these “geniuses” as easily as plucking flowers, leaving their heads hanging on the edge of her blade.
In the face of absolute power, all tactics were meaningless.
Among the countless enemy soldiers, none had seen her face clearly. Only in their final moments did they catch a blurry glimpse of her robes and a few strands of loose hair, almost blending seamlessly with the long blade in her hand.
Was she a human or a weapon?
The ground was so thoroughly soaked in blood that its original color was no longer discernible. All that remained was a deep red, like clusters of blooming roses.
For this reason, the battle would later be called the “Rose War.”
That battle became the Eagle Kingdom’s greatest humiliation, without question. The so-called geniuses were worth nothing in the face of extreme violence—their severed heads still hung above the city walls to this day.
Of course, Wakako hadn’t emerged unscathed. She had also sustained severe injuries, barely clinging to life. Only her extraordinary regenerative abilities had pulled her through.
The team leader, Captain Hua Yumu, had described her as a “human weapon.”
She truly was a secret weapon, born with superhuman strength and an inability to feel pain.
Carol shared this view. She had once had a role similar to Wakako’s but had stopped going to the front lines after being injured. Even in her prime, she hadn’t come close to matching Wakako’s abilities.
She sighed. “It would be great to have Wakako, but we can’t rely on her every time.”
No matter how powerful a secret weapon, it would inevitably have its weaknesses. The more often it was used, the more likely the enemy would find a way to exploit it.
And Wakako’s weakness was fatal.
It could be summed up in two words: The Saint.
That was why the Queen didn’t dare send her to Nanling. Otherwise, who could guarantee that the “human weapon” wouldn’t turn into a blade pointed at their own hearts?
“But Senior Sister,” Liu Siruo’s gaze held a hint of worry, only visible when directed at Carol, “If she’s not there, you’ll be the one taking her place… I’m afraid your old injuries will flare up.”
In truth, the wound was already throbbing with pain, but Carol didn’t want to worry the others, so she chose not to mention it. “It’s fine, I know my limits.”
However, Liu Siruo could see it clearly. As Carol spoke, she unconsciously clutched her right shoulder, a sign of discomfort.
In that moment, a shadow crossed Siruo’s eyes, and she made a silent decision.
–No matter what it takes, I have to get Wakako to the front lines in Nanling.
She absolutely couldn’t bear the risk of losing Carol.
***
The capital of Mios was a considerable distance from Nanling, and under normal circumstances, the tension of war shouldn’t have affected the capital.
Yet, lately, even the people in the capital were on edge, and even Crown Princess Tsukiyo had been somewhat affected.
She was usually diligent in her studies, but today, she was distracted, her arms lacking strength, as she half-heartedly practiced. Wakako noticed and gestured for her to set down the bow. “Is something troubling you?”
“Master…” Tsukiyo called out softly, a rare hint of worry clouding her delicate, porcelain-like face—an expression far too heavy for a child her age. “Are we going to lose?”
She spoke with uncertainty, “This morning, I overheard some servants whispering that the situation in Nanling is dire and that it will inevitably fall to the Eagle Kingdom. Is that true?”
Despite her maturity, the Crown Princess was still only a ten-year-old child. It was natural for her to overthink such matters.
Wakako gently patted her shoulder. “Victory and defeat are part of life. Don’t worry too much.”
She sat with the Crown Princess for a while, allowing her to rest. After a moment, Tsukiyo suddenly asked, “Is that Saint truly so powerful? Powerful enough to bolster the morale of the Eagle Kingdom?”
Wakako nodded.
In this matter, Wakako understood better than anyone else.
A flicker of defiance crossed Tsukiyo’s face.
“What did she do? She merely showed her face in public… Could it be that just the title of Saint is enough to sway the hearts of the people? Are they all fools?”
The Crown Princess was young, and the Saint had already left Mios before she could remember, so she had never seen Miki’s appearance.
Their relationship was somewhat complex. If the Queen had married the Saint as per the betrothal agreement, Tsukiyo’s mother wouldn’t have had the opportunity to become Queen. Miki would have been Tsukiyo’s “mother” in name.
Furthermore, with the Saint now aligned with the enemy Kingdom, it was impossible for the Queen and Crown Princess Tsukiyo to harbor any fondness for her, no matter how they looked at it.
Wakako’s frowned slightly. “Your Highness,” she reminded gently, “Be mindful of your words.”
Tsukiyo looked at her with confusion.
Wakako remained silent for a moment, then said, “The Saint is the messenger of God. Her position is special. It is not appropriate to speak ill of her.”
The Crown Princess was practicing archery here, and the archery range was naturally empty, giving it a desolate feel. Only the occasional chill wind brushed against their faces, adding to the sense of isolation.
Tsukiyo lightly kicked a pebble at her feet and suddenly said, “Master, you’re speaking out of personal feelings, aren’t you?”
Though still a child, Tsukiyo was not foolish. She had long sensed that her young and battle-hardened master became different whenever the Saint was mentioned.
“With skills like yours, Master, yet you only served her as a lowly servant. Wasn’t she deliberately suppressing your potential?” Tsukiyo’s voice, though young and innocent, carried the sting of accusation. “And yet, even now, you still hold onto those old feelings for her…”
Wakako interrupted her, “Tsukiyo.”
Even she hadn’t realized the uncharacteristic coldness in her tone.
“It’s not like that,” Wakako said calmly, “God… the Saint was very kind to me. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be qualified to stand here and teach you today.”
Tsukiyo pouted and glanced at her, muttering under her breath, “Very kind to you? Then why did she switch sides to the Eagle Kingdom? Doesn’t that mean…”
Her careless words sent Wakako’s mind spiraling back to that fateful night of their failed elopement. A wave of undeniable pain surged through her usually calm heart. She wanted to reach out and soothe it but couldn’t find its source.
The entire Saionji clan was dead. The only ones who knew about their planned elopement were her and Miki.
She had thought the Saint was dead.
But the Saint was alive, she had simply chosen to leave her.
Wakako couldn’t determine which was more painful: losing Miki to death or being abandoned by her. If forced to choose, perhaps the former would be easier to bear.
The shock and joy she’d felt when learning that Miki was still alive had been undeniable. Even though the truth had later brought crushing disappointment, she couldn’t forget the thrill of that moment.
It was as if she had come back to life along with her.
She wanted to resent Miki; it would make her heart feel lighter. But she couldn’t bring herself to do so. For ten years, she had revered Miki as her everything, her little master—changing that devotion wasn’t something she could do overnight.
“Master…”
Tsukiyo stared at the person beside her, bewildered.
Her master, who usually smiled with dimples and had eyes that curved like crescents, now remained silent, her expression flat, her gaze cast downwards.
It seemed as if tears were about to fall, but they stopped just at the edge.
In the end, there was nothing.
“That’s enough for today,” Wakako stood up and smoothly tightened the sash of Tsukiyo’s cloak. “I need to return to the Kitagawa estate later, so let’s end here. It’s cold, Your Highness, remember to wear more clothes.”
Tsukiyo had thought that Wakako was saddened by the past and felt a pang of guilt. Fortunately, her master’s attitude towards her remained caring, which put her mind at ease.
However, as she watched Wakako’s fingers tying the sash, she was momentarily lost in thought.
Was her master’s concern truly out of love for her student?
Or was it because, having served as a servant beside the Saint, caring for others had become a habit?
***
The day after Wakako returned from the Eagle Kingdom, she received a message from Second Daughter of the Kitagawa clan, inviting her to visit the estate.
At first, she had declined, citing her duties in training the Crown Princess as too demanding, but the Second Daughter persisted, sending letter after letter, insisting on throwing a banquet to welcome her back.
She also mentioned that there was someone important she wanted Wakako to meet.
Wakako had known her since she was thirteen and knew that the Second Daughter was a shrewd businesswoman, more cunning than a fox, and never offered kindness without a motive.
After leaving the palace, Wakako went to the Kitagawa estate. A servant was already waiting outside to greet her, smiling widely as he addressed her. “Lady Wakako.”
“Where is the Second Daughter?”
“She’s inside.”
The servant led her into the brightly lit main hall, where a lavish banquet had already been set up.
The Second Daughter of the Kitagawa clan had been waiting for a long time, yet showed no signs of impatience. Today, she wore an elaborate purple dress, beaming as she walked forward to greet Wakako.
“Wakako.”
She addressed Wakako with such familiarity and took her arm, making them appear as close as family to any onlooker.
“…” Wakako gently but firmly pushed the Second Daughter away, her expression neutral.
“Please behave yourself,” she said.
She was not comfortable with an Omega getting so close to her.
The Second Daughter wasn’t offended and maintained her pleasant smile. “It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. I’ve missed you.”
Wakako didn’t want to play along. “Please don’t say things that might cause misunderstandings.”
“What’s wrong with that?” The Second Daughter was unconcerned. “We’re like sisters, after all.”
Wakako knew firsthand how quickly a merchant’s face could change, faster than flipping through the pages of a book.
When she was thirteen, she was still just a servant. Though the Second Daughter had been kind enough to take her in, she later allowed her to be nearly beaten to death.
After Wakako became a mercenary and earned military honors, the Second Daughter’s attitude did a complete turnaround. She called her “Wakako” affectionately and treated her almost like a sister.
Still, Wakako didn’t particularly dislike the Second Daughter.
This woman’s calculations were always plainly written on her face. If there was profit to be made, she treated you well; if not, she ignored you. Though somewhat cold, she never resorted to underhanded tricks—she was straightforward and honest in her dealings. Compared to those who schemed in the shadows, she was refreshingly straightforward.
“Please, sit,” the Second Daughter personally led her to a seat and poured her a drink. “You must be tired after your long journey. Let me offer you a toast, please do me the honor.”
Wakako drained her cup in one gulp, and the Second Daughter continued to flatter her, “As expected of the great mercenary, such an impressive capacity for drink.”
Wakako was speechless.
She didn’t want to waste any more time here and just wanted to know who the Second Daughter had invited her to meet. So, she decided to ask directly.
“Oh, how forgetful of me.”
The Second Daughter put down her cup and called for a servant to bring the person in.
Even at this point, she refused to reveal who it was, still keeping up the suspense. “You’ll know when you see them. It’s definitely someone you want to see.”
Wakako’s identity was special, and her only close acquaintances were her fellow mercenaries. In the royal city, besides those in the palace, she only occasionally interacted with the Second Daughter. There was no one else.
Who could it be?
After a moment, soft footsteps approached, and a graceful figure stopped outside the hall.
The Second Daughter smiled and rose to greet them, her tone was reverent. “Lady Miki.”
Those words sent a shockwave through Wakako’s body, freezing her in place as if she had turned to stone, unable to even turn her head.
Lady Miki?
What was she doing… here?
