Chapter 11: A perfect plan(1)

[Who are you?]

The lord’s daughter and a wanderer.

A thread of fate that should never have crossed paths.

But by sheer coincidence, that thread intertwined.

The lord’s daughter, who unusually wanted to take a walk by the lakeside that day.

And the wanderer, who had been napping, charmed by the view of the lake.

If even one of them had acted differently, they probably wouldn’t have met.

The lord’s daughter became curious.

The term ‘wanderer’ refers to someone who roams without a set destination.

So, wouldn’t this person know something about the outside world?

Of course, the wanderer was flustered by the sight of the lord’s daughter.

Usually, the children of nobility would either look down on him or be frightened and run away.

But instead, she sat beside him and asked to hear his stories.

What on earth was going on?

“You—what if I were a bad person?”

“I can tell for sure. You’re not a bad person.”

“What?”

“Truly bad people don’t say things like that.”

“Ridiculous.”

Even now, Yulina smiled when she recalled that moment.

It was a mess, and they knew nothing about each other.

But for some reason, being together made her feel at ease.

That day, even after learning the whole truth from her father, Yulina remained surprisingly calm.

Her daily routine continued as usual.

She inspected the domain, studied as the lord’s daughter, and honed her virtues as a saint.

“My dear, there’s no need to push yourself so hard.”

“It’s alright, father. I do it because I enjoy it.”

Seeing Yulina’s bright smile, Yulis felt as if his heart was breaking.

Even the heavens are cruel. How could such a kind child face such a fate…

‘I would’ve rather that man had taken her hand and run away.’

Yulis, both the lord and the leader of the Holy Knights, had no choice but to sacrifice the small for the greater good.

But… if only that man had taken his daughter’s hand and fled far away.

“Such a pitiful man.”

“He didn’t run away out of fear.”

“He’s the man who abandoned you. Why do you defend him?”

“Because I know him.”

For someone who called himself a wanderer, he was a man with an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

A man like that must have been tormented by his helplessness in not being able to save the one he loved.

What could he have done?

Yulina, instead, felt grateful to him.

It would be a lie to say she had no regrets or lingering feelings.

But still, for the first time in her life, she had experienced love.

It was so warm and sweet.

She thought she might even remember it after she died.

And when everything was finally over, as the sun began to set, Yulina rose without hesitation.

But then…

[Yulina!!! Come out right now!!!]

A voice she thought she’d never hear again.

The voice of the man she loved.

Coming from outside the castle.

It was loud enough for everyone in the castle to hear.

Naturally, not only Yulina but also the Holy Knights, who were tasked with protecting her, and Yulis rushed to the castle walls.

Outside the castle stood three people.

But Yulina only saw one.

A man with a face full of scars and gray hair.

“The lord, we must subdue them at once.”

“No, let’s wait and see.”

Of course, the holy knights were ready to arrest them immediately. However, Yulis raised his hand to stop them. Yulina had already made up her mind. With a cold expression, she spoke.

“Why have you come back here?”

“I…”

“After running away that day, are you now here to save me?”

Her cold, contemptuous voice pierced Cain mercilessly, to the point that even the holy knights beside her flinched. Naturally, this wasn’t Yulina’s true feelings. But she already knew.

If it wasn’t her, the people of the domain—and beyond that, the entire continent—could face immense chaos. That’s why she made her decision. To make that foolish man give up on her.

“How arrogant. I am the daughter of Lord Fragarh of Salen and soon to be part of the Holy Knights.”

“Do you really think someone like me would sincerely love a lowly man like you?”

“Hey.”

But the holy knights standing behind her, watching her back, didn’t notice. The one who realized it first was Cain, standing right in front of her.

“You’re crying.”

‘What… is this…?’

Even Yulina herself hadn’t noticed her tears. She hastily wiped them away in embarrassment. Cain chuckled, watching her clumsy attempt.

“If you’re going to lie, at least do it properly. What’s this? You idiot.”

“It’s not a lie…!!!”

“Ah, I don’t get any of that complicated stuff!!”

Foolish behavior. Who else would think of stomping up a towering fortress wall? Yet Cain had climbed the wall directly.

“I really want you to live.”

“I’ve told you so many times, that’s not possible…!!”

“Screw being the lord’s daughter! Forget all of it!”

But the holy knights were veterans. Of course, they couldn’t just stand by and watch. As soon as Cain reached the top of the wall, they moved to knock him back down.

“They’re at the height of their youth.”

“What?!”

“Ugh!!”

“Would you mind not interfering?”

A whirlwind. A powerful gust like a storm pushed the holy knights backward. At some point, a man had positioned himself in front of them like a shield.

The Iron Shield.

One who never budges and protects everyone. Ironically, that was the image that came to everyone’s mind at that moment. Thanks to him, Cain was able to convey his true feelings.

“I want to do a lot of things with you. Eat delicious food, go for walks in scenic places, and I want to sleep with you too!!”

“How indecent!! That’s something only people bound by marriage should…!!!”

“Exactly!!!”

[For now, let’s just start with an engagement. After all, we might change our minds.]

He was full of scars. Not only on his body but on his heart as well. He had sworn never to trust anyone again, yet he foolishly found himself trusting someone once more.

“Marry me.”

Perhaps the reason he could change was love. Knowing his heart, knowing the wounded past he carried, Yulina unwittingly spoke her truth.

“If someone like me is alright.”

Their trembling hands reached out for each other, and suddenly, they were no longer shaking. Cain hugged Yulina without hesitation. Isaac clicked his tongue and muttered.

“The worst confession in the history of the continent since the heavens and earth were first created.”

“S-shut up! You with that perfect plan of yours or whatever. I didn’t catch the details, but it’s definitely solid, right?!”

“Of course. Trust me.”

He didn’t look back. There was no hesitation or doubt in his actions. As a wanderer, Cain knew this kind well. A hero trusted by everyone.

One who could turn the impossible into reality. A man worthy of the title of a great hero. That’s why Cain could sincerely ask him.

“Save all of us!!”

Go up against Behemoth and the Holy Knights?