The Princess Royal

The elevator rose slowly, its lift force surging up from their feet in short, uneven bursts that spread through their bodies. It wasn't a malfunction—this was simply the limit of current technology.

Nordhausen, Edwin, and Arcia held their submachine guns at the ready, prepared to leap into combat the moment the elevator doors opened. The three of them waited in silence, tense and focused.

Ding—

After what felt like an eternity, the elevator finally came to a stop. The metal doors slid open with a hiss—only for the three to freeze at the sight before them.

Why were there Night Knights?

Down the corridor, six figures clad in Night Knight uniforms had taken up positions on either side of a room's entrance. They held their weapons in ambush posture. Nordhausen recognized them instantly—members of Squad Four. The Night Knights also turned at the sound of the elevator, staring back at the newcomers.

"What's going on?"

Edwin slowly lowered his weapon and followed Nordhausen out of the elevator.

Though he asked, Nordhausen had no answer. He moved forward cautiously, hoping to find the squad leader and ask what was happening.

"What happened here?"

As the three approached, the Night Knights remained silent, watching them with guarded eyes.

Suddenly, without warning, one of the six lunged at Nordhausen, swinging his longsword straight for his neck—clearly going for the kill.

Though caught off guard, Nordhausen reacted just in time, twisting his body to dodge. The blade still struck his shoulder, but his submachine gun absorbed most of the blow. The wound wasn't deep, but had it landed clean, it would've cleaved him in two.

"Prepare for combat!"

Nordhausen shouted. Edwin and Arcia snapped out of their daze.

Using their distance to their advantage, the two opened fire down the corridor, forcing the Night Knights back. But the attackers moved swiftly, dodging the bullets with trained precision and closing in before Edwin and Arcia could respond. Gleaming blades were already descending.

Boom—

The corridor wall exploded. A blur emerged from the flying debris—a longsword pinned one of the Night Knights to the opposite wall. It happened in a blink. By the time Edwin and Arcia processed what had happened, the remaining enemies had already retreated.

"Stand down. These ones are beyond your ability to handle."

Shatiel turned her head slightly and addressed Edwin and Arcia behind her.

"It's you…?!"

Edwin stared in disbelief at the familiar figure amidst the smoke and dust—the long auburn hair, the unmistakable silhouette. The image of her alone, dual blades flashing in lightning and flame as she fought three judgment cell soldiers, was still vivid in his mind.

"Fall back. We'll go when we get a chance…"

Nordhausen, clutching his wounded shoulder, passed by Shatiel. They exchanged a glance. Then he, Edwin, and Arcia retreated to a safer distance.

The corridor was narrow, and the enemy outnumbered them. Encircling tactics were impossible. These elite Night Knights of Squad Four were not easy foes. Nordhausen knew retreat was the wiser choice.

"Why is she here?" Edwin asked, confused—but realization quickly followed.

"Sennia's here too…?"

He and Nordhausen exchanged glances. It was clear they both thought the same.

"Or rather, Hielaina," Nordhausen muttered, slipping the empty vial of No. 2 serum back into his bag.

He had suspected Shatiel wasn't a typical Night Knight ever since Andrea brought her in—especially after witnessing her in multiple high-intensity battles. A person like her wouldn't have joined their platoon unless it was for someone specific.

"Indeed. Princess Hielaina."

…

Within the corridor, Shatiel once again faced multiple opponents alone. Her longsword danced as she weaved through their formation, striking with deadly precision. The six Night Knights were stunned to find themselves unable to suppress her—in fact, two had already been killed in the chaos.

Realizing the fight was turning against them, the remaining four changed tactics. One stayed to cover their retreat, while the other three burst through the hole in the wall into the room beyond—where Hielaina was hiding.

"Stop them!"

Shatiel was too tied up to intercept and called out to Nordhausen's team.

But she didn't need to. The moment the three Night Knights broke formation, Nordhausen and the others moved to intercept. Still, one slipped past and into the room before they could reach him. Without hesitation, Nordhausen charged in pursuit.

"We can't hold them!!"

Edwin and Arcia fought desperately but were quickly overwhelmed. In less than thirty seconds, both were wounded all over—Arcia even lost her left arm during the brutal skirmish.

Thankfully, Shatiel finished her battle and rushed to support them, regaining control of the situation.

"You two go protect Sennia. I'll handle these two."

"Got it."

Shatiel could easily take on two opponents. Edwin and Arcia didn't argue—they rushed toward the room, following the sounds of the ongoing fight.

"Your arm okay?" Edwin stopped Arcia as she tried to rush in.

"I'm fine."

The No. 2 serum wouldn't help with a wound this severe. After applying it, Arcia had only been able to wrap the stump with a bandage, which was now soaked through with blood.

"Alright, let's end this quick."

Edwin knew he couldn't stop her. Better to finish the fight quickly and treat the wound afterward.

Inside the room, Hielaina and Barini stood in the corner, watching Nordhausen struggle. It was clear he was losing. Hielaina was even considering calling for a No. 3 serum and joining the fight herself—until Edwin and Arcia arrived, turning the tide with a three-on-one assault.

"These three are from your platoon, right? Why are they here?"

Barini knew every member of the Night Knight company Hielaina belonged to. He recognized Nordhausen and the others immediately.

"I have no idea."

Hielaina was equally confused. She and Shatiel had told no one about their movements—yet Nordhausen and his team were here. Not that she was complaining.

"Your Highness!"

Shatiel returned, wounded.

In her haste to end the fight and return to Hielaina, she had made a few mistakes and been injured. But she had won.

"I'm fine. Go help them."

Reassured, Shatiel dashed forward again. She surveyed the battle—one enemy left, already surrounded.

Instead of joining the fray directly, she circled to the edge, waited for the perfect moment, and lunged in—her blade pierced the enemy's heart in a single strike.

"It's finally over…"

The body slid off Shatiel's sword. The sudden battle had ended at last.

Edwin collapsed, exhausted. This was on par—if not worse—than their fight with the judgment cell. At least back then, they'd had the numbers advantage.

"She'll be alright, right?"

Hielaina and Barini came to check on the others. Nordhausen and Edwin were battered but okay. Arcia, however, had lost an arm.

"She's stable for now."

Nordhausen pulled out clean bandages and redressed Arcia's wound.

"We'll request a 'Restoration' from Andrea when we get back."

"Restoration" referred to the ultimate treatment protocol at Altasa, the Night Knights' training and development base. As long as the brain and heart were intact, even a half-destroyed body could be fully recovered.

No one from their platoon had ever received this level of care before—Arcia would be the first.

"There's something I'd like to confirm," Barini said, stepping forward.

"I know you three are from the Eleventh Company, Fourth Platoon. But why are you here?"

Hielaina also looked to Nordhausen for an answer.

"Pure coincidence," Nordhausen shrugged.

"We came to Bratia for Arcia. She was looking for someone…"

He explained everything—including Vichy and Satorodino.

"I see… And where are they now?"

"Thirty-fifth floor."

Then he smacked his forehead. In their rush, he hadn't left anyone to guard them. Inaya? She was just as likely to need guarding herself.

"We better get moving…"

Nordhausen couldn't believe he'd overlooked something so simple. He grabbed Edwin and signaled for Hielaina and Barini to follow.

As they made their way back to the corridor and toward the elevator, something unexpected happened—the elevator wasn't on the top floor. Someone else had called it.

"Someone's coming up?"

They all realized it at once. Immediately, they fell back into formation, shielding Hielaina and Barini. After a fight like that, they weren't taking any chances.

"Ready…"

The elevator stopped. Everyone held their breath.

"Eh? What's going on here?"

The doors opened to reveal a seemingly harmless cat-eared girl—and behind her, two men tied up with rope.

Sniff sniff—

Inaya ignored the tense standoff. She seemed more concerned about something else.

"What happened? I smell blood…"

Dragging the bound Vichy and Satorodino, she stepped out of the elevator and spotted Hielaina and Shatiel behind the others.

"Wait, why are you here too?"

Weren't they supposed to be on vacation together? And they didn't even let her come. What were they doing here?

"And who's this fat guy?"

That would be Barini.

Clearing his throat, Barini ignored the insult and stepped forward, standing proudly beside Hielaina.

"Since we're all gathered—"

His voice drew everyone's attention, including Inaya's.

"First, I am Barini Sigbodley, Minister of the Interior for the Dazilet Empire."

He declared his identity to give weight to what he was about to say.

"And now, I formally introduce the true identity of this lady—"

He stepped aside so everyone could see Hielaina clearly.

"Is this okay?" Shatiel asked quietly, glancing at Vichy and Satorodino.

"They're with us."

"…"

Satisfied, Shatiel stepped back. Barini continued:

"This distinguished lady is the only daughter of the late Emperor Bryso, and the rightful heir to the Dazilet throne—Hielaina Irevia Satschama."

His voice rang with authority. Reactions varied.

Vichy and Satorodino's jaws dropped. Inaya looked thoroughly baffled. Nordhausen, Edwin, and Arcia showed little surprise—just a glance from Arcia before she looked away again.

"Any objections?" Barini asked, gaze sharp.

"Hail, Princess Royal."

Nordhausen placed his submachine gun on the floor, knelt on one knee, and bowed his head—the formal gesture of an imperial subject greeting their sovereign.

"Hail, Princess Royal—"

The others followed suit, except for Inaya.

"Wait, for real? She's your emperor?"

She looked back and forth between Hielaina and the kneeling Night Knights, trying to make sense of it.

Barini gave her a pass. "As a foreign subject, your situation is… unique. We won't hold it against you."

He stepped aside. Now it was Hielaina's turn.

"Rise," she commanded.

She stepped forward, head held high. Though her face and dress were smudged with dust, her bearing was unshaken.

The Night Knights stood, eyes on her, awaiting her words.

"Though you now know my true name, I ask you to keep it secret. The usurper still holds power, and we lack the strength to challenge him—yet."

She paused, then raised her voice:

"But I promise you—when I end the usurper's rule, I will bring this war to an end. I will honor my father's legacy, and ensure the Empire grows in peace."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Nordhausen, Edwin, and Arcia had no doubts. Though she was an uncrowned ruler, they had already chosen their allegiance.

Vichy and Satorodino echoed the sentiment. If they survived, they might aid in her restoration—and claim a place in the new order. Or they might betray her to Parotno for a handsome reward. For now, they chose survival—and getting past Barini.

"Over a hundred years old, and still getting dragged into messes like this…"

Inaya sighed and leaned against the wall.

Was she getting pulled into yet another conflict?

"Barini, I'll leave things here to you."

Looking at her small group of followers, Hielaina felt something stir within her. Ever since her escape a year ago, she had been in hiding. Now, at last, she could begin to fight back.

"Oh, and Barini—what are your plans next?"

"I'm returning. I can do more for you beside Parotno."

"Return? And how will you explain the loss of a Night Knight squad?"

Parotno had sent elite Night Knights to eliminate Barini. Now they were all dead. There was no way he'd believe Barini's explanation.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. I have my ways."

Calm as ever, Barini offered no further detail. Hielaina didn't press him. She turned to the elevator, her Night Knights following close behind.