The following days passed steadily.
After Setsuna bid farewell to her parents and clan, Kaiser led his peerage onward.
The journey proved rather monotonous.
Mostly eating, traveling, and leveling.
Of course, the Sword Hero's death caused massive uproar in Jioral Kingdom.
In short order: Spell Hero defection, Sword and Cannon Heroes fallen.
Such news—impossible to suppress.
Notably, intelligence gathered en route revealed the second princess, Norn Clatalissa Jioral—studying abroad—had returned.
One day.
Star Spirit trained with Setsuna and Anna daily.
Her initiative.
In her words: "As strongest peerage, duty to aid comrades' growth."
Kaiser knew truth but didn't expose.
Hmph.
All his anyway—no rush.
Besides.
As Master, own matters.
Adventurer inn.
"Master, I leveled again."
Freya nestled in Kaiser's arms, feeling power surge, eyes joyful.
Increasingly addicted to breakthroughs.
Kaiser checked attributes; nodded, smiling. "Good—42 now. Keep going—soon another."
Freya looked up, infatuated. "Hehe—not so fast. Setsuna and others need Master's power too."
"Mm, true—so focus your growth."
Hearing, Freya shot sultry glance.
Pink cheeks deepened.
No hesitation; deftly produced elixir maker, crafting personally.
"Mmm… right, Master… my sister Norn's return—likely for me."
Seeing serious Freya, Kaiser nodded.
"Guessed."
"Master—careful. Norn weak strength-wise, but military genius. Master schemes, extremely cruel."
Kaiser idly toyed her devil tail; seeing teary concern, smiled. "No worry."
"Absolute strength—schemes mere illusions."
"Focus your growth."
"Mm…"
Freya nodded; throat bobbed.
Next.
Heartbeat raced; blood boiled; familiar power flooded.
Growth joy—tears anew.
"Princess Norn—intriguing."
Kaiser rose, spirited.
"Let's see your tricks."
Meanwhile.
Luxurious study.
Subject of discussion—Princess Norn pondered.
Pink medium-length hair draped; pretty brows furrowed—intellectual beauty.
Before her—Kaiser's group route map.
"Interesting—very."
"Kingdom's three heroes fallen to him—yet travels openly, no concealment."
"Either ignorant fool or supremely confident powerhouse."
"Intel points latter."
"And my sister—fully controlled, no resistance."
Long after, Norn chuckled lowly.
"Planned bait via Anna's hometown—lure self-trap."
"Now unnecessary."
"Obvious path—straight capital."
"Learn confidence's price."
Brall town.
Mandatory stop to capital.
Countless merchants, adventurers—transfer hub.
Small but prosperous.
This day.
Kaiser's group arrived.
"Master—night soon. Continue or rest?"
Anna behind inquired.
"Rest—you and Setsuna near breakthrough."
"Yes, Master."
Star Spirit tugged Anna's sleeve awkwardly. "Um… single room?"
"No."
Anna smiled sweetly. "Master said—traveling, cultivate frugality."
"Heh… hehe."
Star Spirit mouth twitched.
Monster grinding tonight?
Hesitated—deflated.
Star Spirit resigned sigh.
Chatting; sunset glow ground.
Time passed.
Surroundings eerily quiet.
Passersby vanished.
Setsuna tensed; brows furrowed.
"Master—off."
"Yes—too quiet."
Anna surveyed strangely.
"Nothing—we've been watched long."
Kaiser smiled faintly. "Slow reactions—heighten vigilance."
Hearing, Setsuna and Anna guarded instantly.
"Hehe—interesting."
"Norn's judgment correct—confident in strength, step into trap knowingly."
Rooftop; bow-backed figure emerged from chimney.
"Master—careful. Tristorgan."
Freya saw; pupils shrank, warning. "Kingdom three heroes—one. Nickname Hawkeye—observes battlefield, reads killing intent flow."
"Mm."
Kaiser nodded. "Others—out."
Perception—all nearby homes armed kingdom elite.
Tap! Tap! Tap!
Heavy unified footsteps drummed silent streets.
Short time.
All directions—streets, walls, roofs—filled.
Kingdom second princess, Freya's sister Norn appeared street end.
"You indeed, Norn."
Seeing, Freya gritted teeth.
"Haha—reunion, trash sister."
Norn smiled. "High-and-mighty you—now this man's slave."
"Heh hehe."
Freya rolled eyes.
Laugh now.
Cry soon.
Deep exchanges—knew Master wouldn't spare sister.
"Enough sisterly chat—plenty time later."
Kaiser said. "Other moves? All out."
"Rude somehow."
Norn cooled. "But since said—witness."
Words fell.
Beams soared town corners; massive magic circle enveloped sky.
Simultaneously.
Every imperial soldier gem-glowed.
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