The festival in Brilfax City has ended, marking the last day of the month. Most merchants have already departed for other cities, leaving behind the locals and a few visitors eager to enjoy the final night’s festivities.

In the castle, Cadmus is making final preparations for the dual parties: one for the common folk and visitors, and another for the nobles and high-ranking officers.

Meanwhile, Rhothomir discusses the noble party's military arrangements with Elmo, his expression troubled — though Elmo remains unaware."

Rhothomir's mind drifts back to his conversation with Yory earlier in the day.

Yory said, "Rhothomir, we need to talk."

"I'm all ears. What's the matter?" Rhothomir responded.

"You're familiar with the noble youth who struck the female merchant," Yory stated with a serious tone.

Rhothomir, now worried, replied, "Yes, he's the lord's son."

Yory's expression remained grave. "He's doomed. The female merchant he struck is a holy dragon."

In that instant, Rhothomir felt as if a cartload of rocks had been dropped on his chest. Garon’s foolishness had led them into this deep pit.

Seeing Rhothomir’s distress, Yory warned, "If you’re thinking of saving him, forget it. You know the rules, Rhothomir."

"Holy dragons surpass ordinary dragons in power. They're proud creatures, willing to die to protect their honour," Rhothomir said, his face filled with confusion.

"She'll pursue the boy and slay anything in her path. If she enters the castle, there'll be a massacre," Yory warned.

"What can I do?" Rhothomir asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

"You're formidable, Rhothomir. I sense your strength. However, in a battle against the holy dragon, many could potentially perish. While you have the strength to vanquish it, it would come at a great cost," Yory explained.

Rhothomir then asked, "What's your suggestion?"

Yory looked directly at him. "Do you wish to save lives, Rhothomir?"

Rhothomir nodded firmly. "Yes, no matter the cost."

Yory's gaze remained icy. "You must surrender the boy to the dragon to save many. It's a choice between one worthless punk or an entire city. The decision is yours, Rhothomir."

Yory's words weighed heavily on Rhothomir, conflicting with his sense of honour. He found himself caught between his duty to protect everyone and the grim reality before him.

Seeing Rhothomir's struggle, Yory said, "You can't save them all. Some are beyond help, a lost cause. But remember, there are many you can rescue and shield. Be a knight who confronts cruel yet merciful reality with a delicate balance."

Rhothomir nodded, his smile strained. "Thank you. I'll confront reality, as you've advised. But this will haunt me for years."

Yory offered a reassuring smile. "It won’t. The lives you save will eventually outshine the pain. Remember, a great knight learns to adapt quickly to hardship."

Forcing a smile, Rhothomir said, "Thank you. May I inquire about your name?"

"I am Yory, a humble merchant," came the reply.

"It's an honour to meet you, Yory. You're my first non-human friend," Rhothomir said warmly.

Yory chuckled as he covered his face. "I'm a demon. Why would you want me as a friend?"

Rhothomir replied, "You're a good man, and you're essentially saving my life with your warning. That makes you my friend."

Yory smiled beneath his scarf and replied, "See you later... my friend Rhothomir."

They shook hands and went their separate ways: Yory returned to his cart to prepare for departure, while Rhothomir headed toward the castle, bracing himself for what he feared would be the worst day of his life.

Meanwhile, in the opulent hotel where Maya was lodged, she still wore her merchant attire. She stared at the wall, devoid of emotion or expression, for a full hour. Then, in a frigid tone filled with lethal intent that seemed to permeate the room, she declared, "I don't sense Yoranios's presence. I don't smell or feel anything in this place. ALL I SMELL IS THAT ASSHOLE, THAT NOBLE SHIT. GARON, THAT'S HIS NAME. I'M GOING TO FIND HIM AND KILL HIM VERY SLOWLY AND PAINFULLY."

Maya's eyes sharpened with the predatory intensity of a tiger. One word consumed her thoughts. "GARON!"

That evening, amidst a lively celebration with people and visitors singing, dancing with their spouses, and enjoying the company of children in a joyful atmosphere, Yory and Joe departed Brilfax City. They rode in their cart, indulging in the famous honey pie from the western part of the city, chatting and laughing as they continued on their journey to Daekrahm City, one of the largest cities in the Renolva Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Rhothomir sat alone in his room, contemplating his plan and preparing for what he believed would be the darkest day of his life.

In another part of the castle, the noble party was in full swing, with esteemed guests in attendance. Among them was Garon, the son of the city's lord, singing with his less-than-melodious voice alongside his friends Hyf and Dui.

Spotting a noblewoman with a striking visage, Garon approached her confidently, stating, "You're enjoying the party, I assume? I organized it, so naturally, it's excellent. What's your name, my dear?"

The noblewoman regarded him with an unimpressed expression and replied, "I have matters to attend to."

She began to walk away, but Garon blocked her path, his face now contorted in anger. "You know this party is mine. I can eject you whenever I please."

Unmoved, the noblewoman met Garon's gaze with the same lack of interest. With a swift motion, she raised her right hand and snapped her fingers. In an instant, a knight appeared, seizing Garon by the shoulder and forcibly pushing him away.

Garon fell to the ground, consumed by anger. He quickly stood up and shouted, "Do you know who I am?"

The knight remained silent, and the noblewoman responded, "We know who you are. You're an embarrassment to your family, and I have no respect for you. I'm leaving this party."

Garon's face flushed with rage, but he kept his silence. The noblewoman departed with her knight. Garon stormed over to his friends, seething, and barked, "Give me a damn drink!"

The butler rushed towards Garon with the drinks, panting. He stammered, "My lord, the drinks for you."

Suddenly, Garon exploded, yelling, "Where were you, you useless wretch!"

In an instant, Garon delivered a powerful punch to the butler, sending him to the ground, clutching his face. Garon's smile twisted into a cruel laugh. He sneered, "Stay out of my sight!"

The butler picked himself up and hurried to the kitchen. The party carried on, but the nobles looked at Garon with disdain. To them, he was nothing more than a privileged brute, shielded by power and influence, and deserving of no respect.

The following morning, in Cadmus's office at Brilfax Castle, present were Cadmus himself, his son, and their companions: Captain Rhothomir and Captain Elmo. Garon was stunned by what he heard from his father. He protested, "What do you mean, sending us to the knights' camps?"

Cadmus glared at his son and explained, "That woman you offended yesterday? She belongs to one of the most influential families in the city, and the head is displeased with your behaviour."

Dui remained quiet, but Hyf, wearing an angry expression, interjected, "Uncle, I too come from a prominent family, and I stand by my friend Garon. Let's end this matter."

Cadmus retorted, "Hyf, you're no better than him. Your father personally requested that I correct your behaviour, and I've found a solution. You will go to the knights' camps and undergo training to instil discipline."

Hyf seethed but kept his silence. In contrast, Garon shouted, "I don't need to train like a knight. They exist to protect us, so we have no obligation to become one."

Suddenly, Elmo erupted with fury, yelling, "I've had enough of you, Garon, you worthless brat! You're a disgrace to your family. Stop whining and accept your damn responsibility!"

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Garon was taken aback by Elmo's outburst and fell silent. Cadmus busied himself with the documents in his office, then sighed heavily. He said, "Elmo, tomorrow, take this boy and his friends to the knights' camp. Teach him the ways of a warrior."

Hearing this, Rhothomir feared for Elmo’s life; protecting Garon from the female dragon could end in catastrophe, which could lead to disaster. Rhothomir interjected, "No, I'll go."

Cadmus looked puzzled and said, "My old friend, you've worked tirelessly this month. It's time for you to return to your city."

Rhothomir replied, "Yesterday, Elmo's granddaughter taunted him so much that she innocently suggested I punch Elmo hard enough to get him to stop working."

Elmo grinned. 'I can’t let you take over my job while I take a break, like some rookie."

Rhothomir forced a smile and stated, "It's too late, old man. I'm taking your job. Besides, my journey includes checking on the knights' camp en route to the capital. It's killing two birds with one stone."

Elmo was about to speak, but Cadmus cut him off, saying, "Elmo, as the lord of this city, I order you to take a short break."

Elmo nodded, and Rhothomir felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Following this, Garon and his friends prepared for their trip, unaware of the actions Garon had set in motion.

An hour later, Rhothomir and the boys left the city. Rhothomir rode silently, deep in thought, while the boys walked beside him on foot. After a long walk, Garon voiced his frustration, "Why do we have to walk while you get to ride?"

Rhothomir remained silent, offering no answer. Then, after another hour, his eyes widened in recognition. He knew this moment would come, but he was still taken aback when he spotted Maya standing in the middle of the road, her expression filled with malice.

Dui spotted Maya and urgently alerted both Hyf and Garon to her presence. When Garon saw Maya, he smirked and taunted, "Did you miss me, fiery merchant?"

Maya remained silent, while Garon laughed. Hyf, however, appeared uneasy about Maya's appearance. Dui drew his sword, preparing for anything.

Rhothomir's unexpected words stunned the boys into silence. "You can take them," he said, "but spare the city."

Maya remained silent, her presence thickening the tension in the air. Garon's eyes nearly bulged from their sockets in astonishment. Even Dui, wide-eyed, accused Rhothomir, "This is treachery! How could you betray the lord of this city!"

Rhothomir stepped away from the boys and moved toward Maya. With icy determination, he declared, "The city and its people shouldn't pay for one man's actions. Take him."

At that moment, Hyf bellowed, "I'll have your head on a golden platter, you backstabbing traitor!"

Rhothomir ignored the threat, steadily advancing toward Maya. When he reached her, he dismounted and discarded his sword as a gesture of peace. Maya watched him intently.

Then, Dui's voice pierced through the tension. "Garon, Hyf! Run as fast as you can!"

Garon and Hyf sprinted towards the forest, while Dui began to chant a spell. Rhothomir observed as Maya slowly moved towards Dui, her gaze fixed on him like a predator stalking its prey.

Dui cried out, "Water magic: Dəmir kəsmə say!"

As he finished the incantation, Water enveloped Dui's sword. He charged towards Maya, but as he closed in, she unleashed a primal roar. Suddenly, Dui's sword froze instantly, the water turning to ice, and he staggered under its weight.

Realizing his predicament, he dropped the sword and drew his dagger. It was too late. Maya loomed before him, and he felt paralyzed. Fear washed over him as he pleaded, "I'm truly sorry. Please spare Garon and let us go. Garon is a noble and can..."

Dui's words were cut short. In a swift motion, Maya slit his throat. Dui collapsed, clutching his throat in a desperate attempt to stop the bleeding. After a moment, his hands fell and his eyes stilled. He was gone.

Maya swiftly turned and fled towards the forest, while Rhothomir remained rooted, gazing at Dui's lifeless form. He was overwhelmed with pain and regret, closing his eyes and struggling to maintain composure.

Meanwhile, Garon and Hyf raced towards Brilfax city like wolves, unaware of the tragic turn of events. Maya sprinted towards them with the speed and fury of a wild creature. When she saw Garon, she bellowed with predatory intensity, "GARON!"

Garon turned, spotting Maya. He yelled as he continued to run, "I'm deeply sorry for my actions! I'll pay any amount of gold your heart desires!"

Maya's singular fixation on revenge fueled her, heightening her speed and widening her gaze. In that crucial moment, Hyf, tears streaming down his face, implored, "Garon, you must survive."

Perplexed, Garon pledged, "I won't let you die. You've been my first and dearest friend, my shield when the other kids tormented me. I'll stand with you."

With elation, Hyf declared, "Together, we'll fight to the end."

Just then, Maya arrived, finding Garon waiting. He spoke, struggling to maintain composure, "You want me? Here I am."

Though Maya’s intent was murderous, she hesitated, sniffing the air before advancing.

As fear gripped them all, Hyf's voice resonated, "Earth magic: Deşik."

In an instant, the ground beneath Maya gave way, and she plunged into a gaping hole. Garon raced toward the pit, shouting, "Fire magic: yanma."

A surge of flames erupted from Garon's hands, engulfing everything within.

Approaching Garon, Hyf stared at the burning abyss and asked, "Did she meet her end?"

Gasping for breath, Garon replied, "I don't know. I heard no cries. Perhaps she perished when she fell?"

"I care not. Let's return to the city," Hyf urged.

Garon sprinted ahead, but suddenly, Maya emerged from the hole, seizing Hyf. His terrified screams filled the air. Turning, Garon watched as Maya froze Hyf with her icy breath and then shattered his body with three powerful blows, reducing him to shards.

In shock, Garon could hardly fathom that his trusted friend had met such an easy end. Maya then froze the ground, ensnaring Garon's legs.

Paralyzed, Garon wept and screamed, "You've killed him! Why not just kill me?"

Maya advanced with measured steps, unsheathing her razor-sharp claws, each gleaming like a sword.

In one swift motion, she severed Garon's frozen legs, causing him to collapse in agony, blood pouring profusely. He futilely attempted to crawl away as Maya closed in.

Then, with a precise strike, Maya plunged her elongated claws into Garon's back, inflicting a deep, grievous wound. Garon, now rendered voiceless, fixated on one thought—the same thought that had haunted him all these days.

Maya crafted a sword from a frozen tree branch and closed in on Garon.

In his final moments, Garon mourned his greatest regret: "I should have let go of my pain, moved past those who hurt me, and cared for the city like my father did. I'm... sorry. So very... sorry... Father... I hope you lead... a joyful, long life..."

At that moment, Garon forgot his pain and smiled. Then, Maya swiftly severed his head with her weapon, causing it to roll a short distance from his body. Maya began to pant, tossing her weapon aside.

After some time, Maya made her way out of the forest, heading towards her cart that she had left by the side of the road, hiding in the woods.

Reaching her cart, Maya climbed aboard and directed the horse to start moving. She remained silent, focusing on her breathing to calm herself. At that moment, Maya sensed the scents of the air, the forest, and her cart. She could hear the chirping of birds. She closed her eyes briefly, as if she had just been woke up from a dream or a nightmare, to be honest.

Meanwhile, Rhothomir began to walk as the screams died away. He held his right hand towards his face and uttered, "Fire magic: yanma."

After a while, patrolling guards stumbled upon the scene of carnage. They discovered Dui's lifeless body and Rhothomir, who lay unconscious with a burned face and injured left shoulder. The guards rushed to Rhothomir's aid.

A day later, Cadmus sat in his castle with Elmo, both wearing expressions of sorrow. Rhothomir rested on his bed, his face concealed by bandages and his left shoulder wrapped in clean white cloth.

Rhothomir recounted, "And that's what happened."

Cadmus remained silent, his face etched with deep sadness for the loss of his son. Elmo offered, "At least you're alive, my old comrade."

Rhothomir nodded and then turned to Cadmus, saying, "I am very sorry, my condolences Cadmus."

At that moment, a tear fell from Cadmus's eye. He responded with a forced smile, "No, I am sorry because, from the moment you arrived, I put you through hellish work... to this."

Rhothomir interjected, "It's not your fault, my old friend."

Cadmus cut Rhothomir off, insisting, "No, I am very sorry. Heal and rest. The moment you feel well enough, leave this city, Rhothomir because I can't face you anymore. Your condition, your face, and your injuries are because of me."

Without allowing Rhothomir to finish, Cadmus left the room. Elmo placed his hand on Rhothomir's, saying, "He’ll shoulder the blame, no matter what you say. Make sure to visit us before you go."

Rhothomir nodded, and Elmo exited the room, leaving Rhothomir to rest and attend to his duties.

A day later, Cadmus sat in his office, poring over reports. When a knock sounded at the door, he granted entry. It was his second son, Kutr, who approached his father with open arms, tears streaming down both their faces. Cadmus, crying and holding his son tightly, lamented, "I lost him, Kutr. I lost your brother."

Kutr embraced him tightly and reassured him, "Don't cry, father. I am here."

After a long day, Cadmus and his son sat in the dining room, sharing a meal and conversation to briefly escape the sorrow of their loss.

Cadmus remarked, "Kutr, how was your adventure? You already carry yourself like a lord or a king."

Kutr smiled and replied, "It went well. If you grant me permission, tomorrow I'll head to the demon kingdom to initiate our business there."

Cadmus grinned and affirmed, "You have my blessing. You've worked diligently for this."

Father and son continued their conversation as they dined.

Come morning, outside the castle, Kutr embraced his father, while Elmo nodded to Cadmus and boarded the carriage, setting off toward the borders and the demon kingdom.

After four weeks of arduous travel, the carriage arrived at the northern city of the demon kingdom, only to come to a halt. The driver spoke, "Young master, there might be an issue."

Kutr stepped out of the carriage with Elmo, finding themselves surrounded by a contingent of demon knights. Their captain inquired, "Are you Kutr, the noble from Brilfax city?"

Kutr nodded, and the captain continued, "The noble Belphegor is expecting you at the castle, along with Queen Jane Gray Gyovani herself."

This revelation startled Kutr. He returned to his carriage, where Elmo anxiously observed the demon knights. Sensing Elmo's unease, the captain reassured, "You have nothing to fear. Our kingdom is safe and peaceful."

Elmo nodded, feeling some of the tension lift, and joined Kutr in the carriage as they resumed their journey.

During the ride, Kutr gazed out the carriage window, observing as they entered the castle, where many demons nodded in respect to him.

Upon entering the castle, the head butler escorted Elmo and Kutr towards the throne chamber. Inside, Kutr laid eyes on the demon noble Belphegor and the woman seated on the throne.

Kutr bowed and greeted, "Greetings, Queen Jane Gray Gyovani. I am Kutr, a nobleman from Brilfax city. It is an honour to meet Your Highness."

Jane responded with a faint smile, "Greetings, nobleman. Belphegor has spoken highly of your efforts to forge a business relationship with his family. I am inclined to grant you more freedom and additional business partners to collaborate with."

These words filled Kutr with such joy that he struggled to contain his excitement. He was now poised to work not with just one partner, but with many, a development that promised to benefit his city and strengthen the bond between humans and demons.

Kutr stated with pride, "Thank you very much for this opportunity. I will not disappoint you, my queen."

Jane smiled and said, "I look forward to the outstanding results."

In that moment, Jane concealed her satisfaction from others, but Monroe discerned that her happiness stemmed from the prospect of aiding her kingdom. She hadn't turned down this opportunity because she aspired to make a name for herself. She wanted to be remembered, not just as the next queen after Yoranios Gyovani's reign, but as the queen who elevated her kingdom to new heights—the demon queen, Jane Gray Gyovani!