The night was as dark as ink, and a gentle breeze brushed past the treetops in the courtyard, bringing a touch of coolness. Under the moonlight, the stone-paved path shimmered faintly, while distant lanterns swayed in the wind, resembling scattered stars.
Livia walked briskly out of the courtyard, her steps steady, yet unable to conceal the joy and excitement bubbling within her. However, just as she stepped down the stairs, a familiar figure blocked her path.
She halted, slightly startled, and looked up—Allen.
The black military uniform he wore appeared even more austere in the darkness. Gone was the relaxed demeanor he had shown earlier inside; now, he carried an air of composed authority. His cape fluttered lightly in the night breeze, and beneath his refined features lay a steely calm, the kind honed through years of battle. Livia had now recognized him—Allen, the general of the First Legion. Having him on her side today was perhaps her greatest fortune and support.
She immediately stopped and inclined her head slightly in a respectful greeting. "Thank you, General Allen, for your help today."
Allen gazed at her, his deep eyes betraying little emotion, his tone carrying a touch of indifference. "The daughter of an old acquaintance—I naturally had to help."
The wind stirred his cape as he stood with his hands clasped behind his back, speaking with measured composure. "Besides, someone came to personally ask for my assistance. I couldn't refuse. But judging by today's events, I'd say my help was well worth it."
A flicker of emotion crossed Livia's gaze. She knew that, given Allen's status and character, very few things could make him feel his effort was "worth it." Yet before she could probe further, Allen's tone shifted, his deep eyes locking onto hers as he issued a quiet but weighty warning.
"However, I must remind you of two things."
His voice was calm yet carried undeniable authority.
"First—do not assume that just because Edgar is your father, he won't do something extreme or irrational."
Under the night sky, Livia's fingers tightened slightly, her gaze cooling into a measured calm. A silent scoff echoed in her mind—she had never regarded Edgar as her father, nor had she harbored the slightest familial affection for him. But Allen's words made her realize that Edgar's schemes might be even more intricate than she had anticipated.
Allen seemed unconcerned with her reaction and continued, "Second—never underestimate Eryx." His tone grew heavier, his eyes darkening. "His influence within the military is no less than mine."
He paused briefly, as if weighing his words, then added, "Let's just hope he doesn't have ulterior motives."
Livia lowered her gaze slightly, her expression unreadable. But in her heart, she understood all too well—how could Eryx not have his own agenda? He had always concealed his true ambitions, playing the long game with meticulous precision. Every move he made was calculated toward a greater goal. If even Allen spoke of him with such caution, then the threat Eryx posed was something she could no longer afford to overlook.
After a moment of contemplation, she lifted her gaze and tentatively asked, "Understood. Thank you for the warning. You mentioned someone came to ask for your help… Who was it?"
Allen's eyes flickered slightly as he regarded her, his expression unreadable, carrying a hint of amusement yet revealing nothing. "You already know who."
The night wind brushed past them, carrying his calm yet unwavering voice.
"I won't say more here. But I will tell you one thing—"
He paused, his gaze locking onto Livia's, his tone uncharacteristically solemn, tinged with an almost imperceptible gentleness.
"In this world, the person who wants to protect you the most—the one who wishes for your safety and well-being above all else—is her."
Livia's breath hitched, a ripple of complex emotions stirring within her.
Allen held her gaze, his expression layered with meaning. "I hope you won't doubt her. And more than that, I hope you won't let her down."
With that, he said no more. Turning on his heel, he strode away. His cape billowed in the wind, his figure straight and resolute, as if he had never once wavered in any of his decisions.
Livia stood quietly, watching his silhouette disappear into the night. A soft breeze caressed her cheek, the night sky vast and unfathomable. Yet her thoughts grew ever clearer.
She knew exactly who Allen was referring to.
But… could she truly trust her completely?
Staring into the distant darkness, her lips pressed into a thin line, as if searching for an answer hidden within the shadows.