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Noel’s position within the Empire’s military is, without a doubt, absolute. However, that doesn’t mean everyone likes her. While their numbers are small, there are those who have become her enemies for various reasons. Envy, jealousy, or perhaps people who belonged to opposing factions within the military and were pushed out in the competition. Most likely, everyone in this room can relate to such experiences.

“I understand what you’re trying to say,” Sir Levant, a knight known as the ‘Great Wolf,’ spoke reluctantly.

Just from the sound of it, the nickname doesn’t seem so bad. But anyone who dares say it in front of Sir Levant better be prepared to have their nose broken. The name is clearly meant as an insult, implying he’s merely the leader of the men beneath the ‘Lionheart.’

That alone explains quite concisely why Levant dislikes Lionheart. Yet, what they think about the current task at hand is another matter.

“Are you telling us outright to harm one of Lionheart’s people?”

“Strictly speaking, it’s not someone close to her,” replied a man with a voice so refined and elegant, you could describe it as silky. It suited his noble appearance, even though what he was saying was anything but.

“I’m talking about taking down her husband’s guards. Even if you’re tracked, it won’t cause a huge problem.”

To be honest, he’s not someone one would like. His pristine, radiant appearance seems like a mask to conceal a snake-like nature.

But it’s frustrating because he’s someone who wouldn’t show his true colors easily.

Rad Ilza Varfon. The Imperial Administrator. A high noble ranked fourth or fifth within the imperial court. His status alone is imposing enough, but there’s something else about him that’s even more concerning.

He’s the closest confidant to the Second Prince…

Thinking of that, Sir Levant rubbed his chin. It was clear that even making such a brazen request directly must reflect that faction’s intentions.

“I see no reason to stop now. You should be aware of whose orders I’m here under.”

“If you handle this matter well, consider who might protect you in the future. Think about who the legitimate heir to the throne is.”

“It’s an enticing offer,” Sir Levant said, frowning as he looked at the other man.

Frankly, he couldn’t grasp the full intent behind this. If they had come and asked for something that directly harmed Lionheart, maybe he’d understand. But this…

It seems more like… an attack aimed at Lionheart’s husband, not Lionheart herself.

“I can’t see how anyone benefits from hitting that target,” Levant muttered.

“Yesterday, there was a fight between Lionheart and her lieutenant at the training ground. Have you heard about it?”

“What?”

Levant tilted his head, puzzled by the sudden topic shift, while Rad continued, now with a slight smile in his voice.

“It was quite an intense fight, with both sides inflicting significant injuries. But her lieutenant’s wounds, I heard, were ‘healed’ perfectly. No sign of pain at all.”

“What exactly are you implying…?”

“It’s not widely known, but there’s a royal family member in the Holy Kingdom with that exact same ability.”

As soon as Rad said that, Sir Levant’s expression turned serious.

“If she has a royal as her lieutenant… Well, that’s outright blasphemy to the Holy Kingdom. Should an ‘unfortunate accident’ happen to that person, it would cause even greater consequences.”

In other words, whether you succeed or fail, just getting that princess involved in trouble would be enough to cause a massive incident. Lionheart’s husband would find himself cornered.

“…But wouldn’t we face even bigger trouble if we end up killing royalty? That’s absurd—”

“Don’t worry. She’ll be fine.”

“Excuse me?”

“The Holy Kingdom’s interest in her lies in her status as a ‘royal.’ They wouldn’t be overly concerned with personal revenge. We can handle it discreetly.”

“Is the assassination of royalty something that can be swept under the rug so easily?”

“If it’s that particular princess, yes,” Rad replied with a slight chuckle. “Not that she’d die from an assassination attempt anyway. And more than that, she’s a very peculiar person with no allies at all.”

In other words, “She’s a loner,” Rad stated smoothly. “No one would mourn her, no matter what happens.”

Though the words were smooth, they carried a sharp edge, almost dripping with malice.

***

[System Message]

[You have one day left to complete the side quest. Failure will result in penalties!]

‘I know. There’s no need to remind me.’

Ever since the incident at the training ground, Katia has been silent, disappearing without a word for a full day. Noel, too, has locked herself in her personal quarters, and the entire building has been filled with an unsettling tension.

It’s clear… The side quest asked for a ‘peaceful resolution,’ which likely means mediating between those two and smoothing things over.

‘But first, I need to figure out where they even are. How can I even start a conversation when I don’t know where they’ve gone?’

Surprisingly, the clue to solving the issue came from an unexpected place.

“His Highness is on the rooftop.”

As soon as we crossed paths, Stella wearily informed Aiden. “I managed to contain yesterday’s commotion from escalating further, but calming the individuals involved is beyond me.”

“Thank you for your efforts.”

“Be careful, though. She’s on edge, and if anyone approaches her carelessly, she might explode. But if anyone could talk her down, perhaps you could.”

“I’ll give it a try.”

Stella narrowed her eyes as she looked at me. “Do you really think you can?”

“Yes.”

Her gaze was filled with doubt, as if wondering how he could so casually say he’d handle such a volatile situation. But Aiden met her eyes calmly.

“…Aiden.”

After a long moment of staring into his eyes, Stella sighed heavily and spoke.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Lady Noel this emotional. Not since the Union War, I believe.”

“…..”

“You really are someone, you know that? Having people of their caliber acting so out of character because of you.”

“Thanks…? I guess?”

His awkward response was due to her words not sounding much like a compliment. The next part made her message even clearer.

“Please, do me a favor and try not to become a heartbreaker.”

“…..”

“If Lady Noel ends up heartbroken later… Well.” 

“…..”

“You’ll have to handle that yourself.”

With that ominous warning, Stella walked away, leaving him scratching the back of his head.

‘…I’m sorry, but I can’t make any promises.’

Given that he had taken on the role of saving the world, he had to do whatever it takes. The reason he had been trying so hard to manage things with Katia is tied to that goal as well.

[Skill Info]

<Weaver of Fate>

-You alone know the truth of this world. By building bonds with key figures in the main story, you will unlock new rewards!

Human relationships tend to progress or regress during moments of emotional extremes. If he wants to build a ‘bond’ with Katia, now might be the perfect time.

It pricks at his conscience, but his actions are also guiding the path he must walk in the future. He is not intentionally trying to toy with anyone’s emotions, but with the Weaver of Fate ability in hand, he has no choice but to do whatever it takes to win favor.

He is still not sure how the system defines ‘favor,’ but he can’t say for certain that it won’t develop into something romantic.

However, one thing he is sure of is…

‘At least this person seems safe,’ He mused, watching Katia sitting on the rooftop railing with her legs stretched out.

Of all the people he had met, he had this strange certainty that Katia isn’t someone with whom romantic feelings will develop anytime soon.

What can he say? She’s the kind of person who doesn’t seem to grasp the concept of emotions like that in the first place.

“Your Highness.”

At his call, Katia glanced over her shoulder at him. Her face scrunched up in annoyance, but she quickly turned away again.

‘What should I say… She looks like a sulking child.’

He smiled wryly.

At least she’s not running away from him. That means this is a good opportunity to talk. She didn’t say a word as he approached and sat beside her on the railing, which further confirmed that he’d picked the right moment.

“Why are you in such a bad mood?”

“Go away.”

“Are you still upset about what Lady Noel said?”

Katia clamped her mouth shut with a snap. Her silence was an answer in itself.

Suppressing a smirk, he sat quietly next to her.

He hadn’t known this princess for very long, but from observing her behavior, one thought always crossed his mind:

‘She’s just like a kid.’

From beginning to end, she tries to control everything to her liking, and when things don’t go her way, she reacts with anger. Despite being sharp like a needle when it comes to understanding others’ emotions, she can’t seem to manage her own feelings at all. 

The reason for such a personality wasn’t hard to figure out.  

‘It’s strange when you think about it.’ From the moment she entered the Empire, she did so entirely on her own, without a single attendant, and despite staying here freely, the Holy Kingdom never once made a normal request to return her or show more concern for her. It’s as if they don’t care whether she’s here or not. 

That’s how Katia is treated within the Holy Kingdom. 

Even considering the backstory, Katia didn’t seem to have any true friends or acquaintances before joining the main scenario. She was regarded as a freak, a monster, something detestable, a source of fear—in other words, a loner. Despite her intelligence, it’s clear that she has never formed proper human relationships. She’s never had the chance to mature emotionally.

And now, for the first time, the person she wants to impress is Aiden himself.

It makes sense that her affection, as displayed on the status screen, manifests as obsession. She likely has no one else in the world she wishes to get close to.  

“…Why did you come?” 

Her gloomy voice revealed a fear that the person she cared about might dislike her. 

Aiden stroked his chin and replied, “I came to check on you. You didn’t seem to be doing well.” 

“I’m fine.” 

“Are you sure?” 

“…..”

“Then I’ll leave?”

Smiling as he said this, Katia shot him a sulky glare. 

“…Am I…” 

After a long silence, she finally forced out the words. 

“Am I just a burden to you?” 

“No.”

That was going too far. After all, everything Aiden had asked of her, she’d done without complaint.

“Then, was she lying?” 

“No. You *are* a burden, though.” 

At Aiden’s blunt confirmation, Katia’s expression froze in disbelief. As she stared at him, Aiden smiled mischievously and continued.

“So let me ask you this: isn’t it common sense that you’re a burden?”

Without hesitation, Aiden listed all the inconveniences he had endured since she declared herself his lieutenant: 

“Wanting me to kill you all the time because you wanted to ‘feel’ something.” 

“Following me around everywhere so I can’t even have privacy.”

“I haven’t slept well, eaten well, or even gone to the bathroom in peace because of you.”

As Katia’s expression grew more bewildered, Aiden nonchalantly yawned and continued piling on complaints.  

He even pointed out that if it wasn’t unintentional, it was worse because she was fully aware of the inconvenience she caused and did nothing about it. He also mentioned the staff in the building had lodged multiple complaints because of her behavior.

“…Then…” 

For a long time, Katia stood there, visibly deflated. Her usual stubbornness drained from her, and her expression crumpled. She eventually muttered in a small, shaky voice—something she would never have said under normal circumstances. There was even a bit of moisture around her eyes, as though Aiden’s words had genuinely hurt her.

“So… you don’t need me?”

“That’s not what I’m saying. Just don’t act like that from now on.” 

Katia’s eyes widened in surprise, as if she hadn’t expected to hear that. Aiden sighed internally. 

It was clear from her reaction that she had never even imagined being ‘forgiven.’  

It says a lot about what kind of life she must have lived in the Holy Kingdom.  

Thinking back, the main scenario’s second chapter, *Blasphemy*, is an event triggered by Katia’s status as a loner.

So now, Aiden laid the groundwork to completely twist that event in a different direction.

“Friends can be a little burdensome sometimes. As long as you don’t keep doing it, it’s fine.” 

Of course, casually calling himself her ‘friend’ might be considered disrespectful when addressing royalty. But even so, Aiden ended his sentence with a firm tone.

Though his ultimate goal was to raise her affection level and replicate her skills, in many ways, he realized that this kind of relationship was something she truly needed.

Soon, Katia’s face grew even more bewildered after hearing those words.

“…Friend?”

She pronounced the word “friend” as if it were some foreign concept, like she was hearing something absurd, akin to being told to eat a shoe heel. It was clear that this was a term she had never encountered in her life.

“Friend?”

“Me and you? Friends?”

“Yes, friends.”

Aiden repeated the word, driving it home, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small hip flask—an item he occasionally used. It wasn’t much of a gift, but saying something like this without a token would be awkward, so he handed it over casually.

“This is a token.”

Katia, still looking perplexed, accepted the flask hesitantly.

“Katia.”

“Hm?”

“Since we’re friends, I want you to promise me something.”

“Don’t go around picking fights with other people. And try not to hurt anyone, if possible. Also, apologize to Lady Noel for starting that fight.”

“Can you promise me that?”

“Okay.”

Katia curled up, clutching the hip flask tightly, almost like a mother bird brooding over her egg. 

“I’ll keep my promise.”

Well, at least she seemed to be listening, Aiden thought, relieved.

“I’ll trust you.”

As Aiden stretched and said those words, Katia nodded, seeming unusually subdued.

[System Message]

▶ Katia’s ‘Obsession’ level with you has increased to Level 2.

The skill ‘Weaver of Fate’ has activated, allowing you to copy additional skills!

Your influence over Katia has significantly increased.

▶ A major change in Katia’s feelings has occurred due to your actions. The possibility of altering the future has increased.

A new personal quest related to Katia will soon unlock.

The unique trait ‘Origin’ information has been unlocked.

Seriously, just one promise of friendship, and suddenly so many things are happening all at once. But the most striking thing was something else:

‘Unique trait?’

Aiden tilted his head as he opened the skill window. He remembered it was a powerful ability, distinct from other skills.

[Skill Info]

Omnipotence [Level 1]

Combine two or more abilities to create a significantly stronger effect.

Discovered combinations:

– Guardian’s Flame (Pure White Heart ↔ First Oath)

■ Origin [Locked]

Increase influence over others to unlock this ability.

Personal Quest [1/2]

Judging by the system message, it seemed that when he made a significant emotional impact on others, the future could be altered, unlocking additional skills. The ‘Omnipotence’ ability appeared to add extra bonuses when mixing multiple powers. Based on this, Aiden guessed that it worked as a form of synergy when he influenced others deeply.

Still, the specifics would only become clear later.

‘Anyway…’

One issue seemed to be resolved, at least.

[System Message]

You have one day left to complete the side quest.  

[Progress: 50%]

Aiden frowned slightly at the window. Why was it only halfway complete?

‘…Does this mean I need to comfort Lady Noel too?’

Katia had always seemed somewhat immature, so it made sense to soothe her. But it was surprising that Noel might also require the same treatment. What could have happened to her?

“…What a life,” he sighed, heading off once again.

Unlike Katia, he already knew where Noel was. He arrived in front of her personal room and knocked.

“Lady Noel, it’s Aiden. May I come in?”

After waiting for a while, there was no response. Aiden tilted his head and gently opened the door.

The sharp, unmistakable scent of alcohol hit his nose the moment the door cracked open. The air was thick with it, enough to overwhelm his senses, causing him to grimace. He didn’t mind a couple of beers after work, but drinking to the point where the room reeked of it was something he found distasteful.

Given the person occupying this room, the situation felt completely out of place.

“Lady Noel…?”

As he cautiously stepped into the room, his eyes widened at the scene before him.

Empty cans. Bottles drained of every last drop. If he gathered them all, he could probably build a small pyramid. Yet, despite the mess, each empty container was lined up neatly, displaying Noel’s characteristic fastidiousness even in chaos.

Aiden stood there for a moment, speechless. He picked up one of the bottles nearby, noting that the label proudly advertised its 50% alcohol content. Glancing around, he spotted at least five more identical bottles lying around.

While he stood there, dumbfounded, someone stirred on the bed.

“Oh.”

With a disgruntled look on her face, Noel slowly sat up.

“Huh—”

She slurred her words, clearly drunk.

“Oh, Aiden~” she greeted him with a sloppy grin.

Aiden could only stare in disbelief at the sight before him.

‘What in the world…’

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