Becoming a wet nurse is not the end of the story.

With a faint sense of detachment, Lin Xueyin already felt that she might be wandering outside in the future. In the end, this empire was nothing more than this.

"Xueyin, I'm sorry, I didn't know anything about this. It was those nobles who made the decision on their own."

A cold laugh. Does he really think he's stupid enough to arbitrarily allow Ariel and Lilia to smoothly enter the palace and undergo professional training as maids? Don't assume everyone in the world is a fool.

Lin Xueyin sneered inwardly. Did she really think she was one of those easily fooled little girls outside, that she could just believe whatever she was told?

"Xueyin, I know you don't believe me, but my brother and I both disagree with this matter. However, when it comes to the interests of the entire country, no one listens to what we say."

Taking a deep breath, Lin Xueyin coldly turned to look at the remorseful girl. "Remember, I, Lin Xueyin, have never wronged your country. It was the country that wronged me first. This is the last time I will help you. From now on, no matter what happens, it has nothing to do with me."

"Xueyin, please don't be like this, there's more to this..."

"What else, Princess Irabel? Am I wrong? What is there to cherish about a country that would betray its heroes and its people for some personal gain?"

After speaking, Lin Xueyin pulled on the reins and continued walking forward. Irabel hoped to keep the girl, but could only watch her back and remain silent.

"Aria, you're a knight, could you please help persuade them..."

“Your Highness, I will not try to persuade you on this matter. Xueyin is now my lord. Her decision is my decision. Even if it means going against the Empire in the future, I will not hesitate.”

Finally, Aria's bow to him made Irabelle realize that her last friendship with Yukine was completely severed at this moment, which was perhaps what those nobles had hoped for.

Without Lin Xueyin, the royal family's influence over the nobility will decrease, and they will go to any lengths to weaken the royal family's influence.

Clenching her fists tightly, Irabel turned her gaze behind her, towards the capital city, which she couldn't see either. Those ridiculous people there would one day taste the bitterness of regret.

The girl, who was already on the road, breathed a slight sigh of relief when she heard the sound of horses' hooves behind her. "Aria, actually, you don't need to come with me."

"Xueyin, I really didn't expect those nobles to be so despicable. I originally thought they wanted to use me as a bargaining chip to force you to submit, but I didn't expect them to even target Ariel and Lilia, those two little girls."

"Alright, Aria, I didn't expect them to use hostages to force me to agree to go to the Beastmen. Actually, as long as the Emperor agrees, I will go. Now, I have seen through those hypocritical nobles."

Seeing the disgust on the girl's face, Aria knew that the Empire had lost a powerful priest forever, a Berserker-level priest, or even one far superior to the Berserker-level priest.

It's just unknown what will happen when the nobles of the empire find out that it was Lin Xueyin who defeated the berserker warrior of Panko territory.

"Sister Lin, yes, I'm sorry, it's all our fault. If we hadn't believed those people, none of this would have happened."

A timid, guilty, and sad voice came from inside the carriage, and a small face with reddened eyes popped out of the carriage window.

“Ariel, just take good care of your sister. This has nothing to do with you. On the contrary, I’m the one who’s dragged you down.”

Since he agreed to go to the Beastmen's territory with Aria and the others, the capital city was no longer safe enough. Orichils and Maca both hoped that he could change course to the Feathered Clan or the Elf Clan, but with such a long distance in between, he had no chance to change course.

"Yukine, if you really don't change course, we still have a chance. With these Imperial Guards, we still have a chance to leave."

After a moment of silence, Lin Xueyin smiled bitterly and said, "You're thinking too simply. These guards can't stop us, but their duty isn't to stop us, it's just to stop me. If you all leave, they won't care. After all, their target has been me from the beginning. And don't forget, there are still hostages in the capital."

You mean...?

"Putting aside the hostages, those nobles are eager for me to leave now. If I run away, it's like I've lost my last protection. They can issue all sorts of orders to track me down, or even kill me on the spot."

"Moreover, at this time, my escape is another way of suppressing the prestige of the royal family, and the final result is that those most damned bastards will gain the most benefits."

Hearing Lin Xueyin's words, all Orichils could say was that these human nobles were even more terrifying and despicable than those beasts. How could a person's soul be so filthy?

“Alright, Orichils, I know you’re all worried about me, but let’s think about it another way. Since they want me to go, they can’t possibly attack me on the way. Doing so would be tantamount to provoking both the Empire and the Orcs. At least, we’re safe on the road.”

The smiling girl sent a chill down the spines of those around her. She probably already knew what would happen next, and what kind of situation she would face.

Thank you to reader @Wind·BrilliantTime

Two huge, hard thrusts... emmm, why does it feel so strange to say that? Confused.jpg

On New Year's Eve, I'm currently on duty at the company. All I can do is wish all my dear readers a happy and prosperous New Year, and may your work and studies go smoothly! (*^▽^*)

I hope to continue to receive support from my readers in the new year. Of course, I will still put in the necessary effort, because, hehe, only by giving can you have the right to receive, right? Well, I do have some self-awareness, you know! (*^▽^*)

Volume 7 The Collapsed Alliance: Chapter 12 The Reunion at Sunset Pass (Two chapters published together)

"Xueyin, are you really sure we should follow the route these guards indicate?"

Aria watched the man who had already left, whose attitude was still quite humble, but there was always a look in his eyes that made her very uncomfortable.

With a bored shrug, Lin Xueyin watched the man gradually leave with a cold smile. He was called a waiter, but he was able to command the guards around him. How could such a waiter exist? Did he really think she was an innocent little girl?

"Didn't they say they wanted to go to the barbarian tribes first today? I think that's what His Majesty was thinking too."

He sneered. Was he being used as a deterrent? Probably not. Or perhaps he was simply about to betray himself to the beastman alliance. But now, even if he could break out, what would happen to the people inside the carriage?

The carriage refused to let him in from the beginning, and he had no idea about the children's situation. Ariel and Lilia were completely powerless to resist, and with Kaliel and Kashael inside the imperial city, he dared not make any rash moves.

Under Aria's gentle touch, his tightly clenched fists slowly loosened. At this moment, he couldn't panic or lose his composure. Once this matter was settled, he would lead them away from the Empire and go to the Demon Realm to find Nana.

Emmm, I wasn't trying to avoid trouble; I just didn't want to become enemies with Irabelle and the others.

As he walked alongside Arya, the formidable pass where he had once fought and bled came into view again. The neatly arranged warriors were already welcoming the girl who had once fought alongside him here.

"Haha, little girl, we meet again. I didn't expect His Majesty would be willing to send you as an envoy to the Beastman Alliance."

With a strong physique and hearty laughter, Marshal Lokav, dressed in a dashing suit of armor, slowly walked towards Lin Xueyin's troops. Upon seeing the newcomer, Lin Xueyin quickly dismounted. After all, he was the commander-in-chief of an army, and he had given her the highest level of welcome she could receive; she couldn't remain on horseback no matter what.

"Marshal Lokav, it's been a long time. You're still as strong as ever."

Looking at the marshal in his full armor, it would be a lie to say she wasn't envious. However, Lin Xueyin also knew that such strong muscles were something she could never have in this lifetime.

"Come, come, since you're here, stay a few more days, and I'll treat you well."

"Marshal Lokaf, we are on a mission to the Orc Alliance this time, and time constraints prevent us from doing so..."

"Can't what? Do you have the right to speak here? Tell His Majesty that it was I, Lokaf, who said that Viscount Lin would rest at Sunset Pass for a few days before setting off for the Beastmen. I don't believe it. It's only a few days. Can't he afford to be delayed?"

The fierce gaze made the man hesitate, and he could only retreat meekly, a hint of resentment flashing in his lowered head.

"Hmph, nonsense. Come on, little girl, come with me into the pass. I don't believe they can block out the sky over my Sunset Pass."

As he spoke, a fierce glint flashed in Lokaf's eyes, which warmed Lin Xueyin's heart. It seemed that she wasn't such a failure after all, and there were still people willing to speak up for her.

"Let's go. Since our martial uncle has already asked you to go into the pass with him, let's hurry up and go."

Following Lokav's footsteps, they soon arrived at the previous council hall. The girl watched as Marshal Lokav dismissed everyone else, leaving only her and Aria to follow him inside. Although somewhat confused, trusting Aria, she resolutely went in.

“Hey little girl, you don’t need to look like you’re going to your execution. I’ve brought you two in alone because I have something to discuss with you.”

Seeing Lin Xueyin's expression of impending martyrdom, Lokaf's forehead was already stained with a layer of black lines.

"Look who I brought with me."

Before Lin Xueyin could explain, Lokaf clapped his hands, and behind the screen, two familiar little faces appeared in her pupils with bright smiles.

"Sister Xueyin, we've come to find you."

"You, you all, how did you end up here? Weren't you already... by the royal family..."

Looking at the sisters Kaliel and Kashael in front of her, Lin Xueyin's voice was already choked with emotion.

“Sister Xueyin, it was Princess Irabel who rescued us. She said, she said, ‘Let you leave. This is Sunset Pass. Go to the Demon Clan or the Dwarf Clan, but never come back.’”

Looking quietly at the two little girls in front of her, Lin Xueyin suddenly revealed a gentle smile, as if melting a huge block of ice, yet so warm and gentle.

“Irabell, hehe, hahaha, it really is, it's really great.”

"Yukine..."

"Little girl..."

"Sister Xueyin, please don't do this, I'm scared."

Seeing the girl standing there laughing uncontrollably, the sisters Kaliel and Kashael hid behind Aria in fright. They glanced at each other and smiled at each other with expressions only they could understand.

"No, I'm sorry, I just feel a lot lighter all of a sudden."

Lokaf glanced knowingly at the still smiling girl and said, "Since we've come this far, let me be clear. Arya is a bodyguard we specifically chose for you, not only because of her abilities, but also because of her relationship with you and her unwavering loyalty."

"Huh? How could this be? I... I thought it was for... "

"What do you want? To control this little girl? Forget about it. If you want to control her, you can simply lock yourself up in the capital. With you there, she naturally won't dare to make any rash moves. But if you become her guardian knight, you can go wherever she goes, so you won't be needed to control her."

Lin Xueyin suddenly realized that her previous thoughts were indeed a bit too naive, and then listened to him continue.

“We knew about the Orc Alliance incident long ago, and to prevent those nobles from using this as a pretext to persecute you, we Four Knights made preparations in advance.”

"Marshal Lokav, the preparations you mentioned are..."

"Of course, we're preparing to let you leave smoothly. After all, your abilities are indispensable to the Empire. If we can continue to hold on under the pressure from the demons in the future, your abilities will be essential."

Lin Xueyin stared in surprise at the human marshal before her. These were not words a human marshal should utter; if she were to leave, the harm to the empire might far exceed any imagination.

"Marshal Lokaf, do you know what you're saying? If I leave, the Orc tribes will definitely launch an attack on the Human race. At that time, not only you, but even the King of the Empire will not be able to withstand such pressure."

He gave a bitter smile, knowing full well that such treatment of his former comrades and heroes would surely chill the hearts of his soldiers.

With the demons already beginning to stir, any problem that arises at this time could give them an opportunity to exploit. Lokaf understood this, and so did the king. However, their focus was misplaced.

One side prioritizes military development, while the other prioritizes national diplomacy. If they can secure strong support, what does it matter if they lose one person? Conversely, if they lose a meritorious official, the soldiers will lose heart and dare not fight, which would be a completely different situation.

"Little girl, do you know that the empire is also at a crossroads? If we take the wrong step, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"The demons are the root of all this, aren't they? Once we defeat the Demon King, everything will be fine, won't it?"

With a wry smile, Lokaf looked at the girl in front of him. "Girl, it's not that simple. The demon race has always been in civil war. Only when this Demon King was in power did he unify the entire demon race and make them stronger than ever before. To say that they have no ability would be a lie."

After a slight pause, he continued, "You should know that this man is known as the strongest demon king, without exception. In other words, his current strength surpasses that of all the powerful figures on the entire continent."

She didn't continue describing it, because it was already quite obvious. God-level, that was a legendary rank. Even if Lin Xueyin was confident in herself, she still wasn't confident that she could absolutely defeat that legendary being.

In particular, the Demon King is a legendary master of both magic and martial arts, and is also a powerful assassin, which makes Lin Xueyin even more uncertain. If Nana were here, her powerful martial arts combined with her holy magic might give her a fighting chance.

Hmm, really, at such an important moment, where did Nana go? Could she really be with the demons?

She pouted, seemingly resentful of Nana, but at that moment, besides missing her, how could she possibly wish for Nana to be by her side?

If she were really in the Demon Realm, then I wouldn't have to worry about her safety. As for myself, I have to admit that I'm barely surviving right now. What good would it do to have Nana by my side?

Perhaps this is the best ending. She still has a place in her heart, and he will occasionally think of her. When he finally reaches the end, it may be a relief.

"Marshal Lokav, I appreciate your kindness, but I don't want to leave. It's not for some ridiculous sense of righteousness, nor for the sake of the innocent people. I don't have such noble principles. I just don't want my friends to suffer because of me, nor do I want you to bear the burden of the Empire's sins because of me."

Looking at the talkative girl, Marshal Lokav suddenly couldn't understand this little girl. Had the timid yet somewhat reckless girl gradually become someone he could rely on?

Your Majesty, do you know what a promising person you have abandoned? Do you know what kind of status she could have achieved in the future? In the end, you discarded all of that and all you got was an unpredictable contract.

"Marshal Lokav, I would like to ask you for a favor."

"Yes, go ahead and tell me. I'll definitely do what I can."