Xingtie, started with a guitar, and made a living by singing

And Seele's knowledge is obviously not as good as Svarod's (even whether it is higher than Clara is debatable), not to mention that even if she uses all her strength, it is impossible to make a robot angry.

No matter how I scold others, they always respond in a cold manner. Isn't this even more infuriating?

As for bullying Clara, that would be even more disgraceful, and Xier would never do such a thing.

Therefore, from that time on, Xier basically would not take the initiative to meet with these two people.

However, Xier was a little surprised to see Swarovski coming out of the turtle-like iron base instead of guarding the core hub.

After all, Dihuo had been there several times, wanting to discuss matters related to the use of manned vertical shafts.

But most of them were unilaterally rejected by Swarovski.

The profound truths given made Xier even more unbearable.

Unexpectedly, he brought Clara up when no one was paying attention?

And he said he wanted to find Wendy...

Could it be that the street singer has some plans that he hasn’t told me?

Although it was mainly because she was too lazy to ask, after all, Xier didn't think she was the type to use her brain, so there was no need to waste time asking too many questions about things that could be solved directly.

Anyway, Wendy has already thought of everything. She just needs to listen to what the other party says and do what she wants.

This is definitely not a bad thing, it's just trust in your companions -

But, no matter what, I met someone from the same lower class area here, and he talked about Wendy. I can't ignore it like I did before.

We have to find a way to find out their purpose.

So, on the one hand, in order to ensure that the group of Iron Guards she had just rescued would not die on the way, and on the other hand, out of "monitoring" Swarovski, Xier kept a distance and came to the nearest shelter with them.

An official from the administrative district is preaching something here——

It was something like, "Don't panic, don't be afraid. The backbone of our Beloberg, the solid shield of our people, the will of the Great Guardian—the Silvermane Guard has been fully deployed to ensure everyone's safety."

Just follow the instructions, go to your respective rooms, and wait patiently for news. I believe the crisis will be over soon.

Xier had heard this kind of official rhetoric many times, so she was not interested in it. What really concerned her was another piece of news.

It is reported that Bronya is currently guarding the front line in the Iron Guard restricted area as the acting commander.

The Great Guardian intends to recall her and let her command the next campaign against the dragon.

Anyway, it's just a big promise and sounds nice, but in reality, the person involved will be so angry that he will faint when he finds out.

……

Of course, Bronya hadn't fainted from anger yet, but she was almost there.

After she secretly sent a letter to Jeppard, several more letters were delivered in the evening urging her to return quickly.

The words were quite harsh, and she was told that if she continued to be so willful, she would be temporarily dismissed from her position as acting commander and confined to her home.

As for asking her to command the battle to subjugate the dragon, it was purely an excuse to let her go back.

My mother has started to become disregardful and unreasonable.

Chapter 67: Mother, Daughter and Sebastian

The day after the Wind Dragon attacked.

Bronya was looking at the old butler named Sebastian in front of her with a little nervousness.

The well-tailored suit, the elegant demeanor, and the meticulously groomed white hair are an almost perfect interpretation of the word "gentleman".

This is understandable. As her etiquette teacher, Sebastian has never disappointed her in this regard.

However, at this moment, he was retracting the pocket watch inlaid with pure blue crystals with a click, and staring at Bronya with a serious expression.

"——Miss Bronya. I don't think I raised you to be a lady who is not punctual."

The old man's solemn and aged voice echoed in the room. It was a distinctive tone with a long drawl, a unique accent of the noble line of Beloberg.

The straight and motionless back, like a pine tree, made Bronya feel as if she was back in her childhood, when she was punished to stand in class for saying something too rude.

Logically speaking, as the heir to the Great Guardian, she had no reason to be so afraid of an old man.

But the old butler in front of him was different.

Not only does he have an impressive resume, but he also comes from a distinguished family, a noble lineage of city builders. After resigning as Grand Arbitrator of Beloberg ten years ago, he accepted his mother's offer to become her teacher.

You know, from the perspective of power, the other party has already walked ahead of most people. He can just enjoy his retirement peacefully. He only took this position out of the hope of being the guardian's successor.

Although his teaching is strict, he is also gentle, and he is an important person who has watched over Bronya's growth to this day.

In the past, every time she was recognized by the other party, Bronya would be happy for a long time. At the same time, she also respected the old butler from the bottom of her heart.

If possible, she really didn't want to argue with Sebastian about this matter.

Bronya could only try her best to maintain a calm expression and communicate with him as usual.

"...Sebastian. Is there any reason why I have to go back?"

"—Of course you are. And based on the fact, you are already very late, Miss Bronya."

The old butler put his hands behind his back and spoke in an aristocratic tone that was full of majesty and oppression.

"Yesterday, the Lord Guardian must have sent a number of letters, all of which clearly stated his wish for your prompt return to Krippenburg. Do you acknowledge this?"

"Mother... The Guardian did send me a letter, and he really wanted me to return."

Bronya replied with a complicated expression.

"Then, do you know that after finishing his work last night, the guardian dragged his exhausted body to wait by the stove all night for you to come back? And I also waited for you at the door until dawn -"

The old man's eyes were slightly disappointed, making it difficult for Bronya to look at him for a moment.

"I understand that you're on the front lines and there are many reasons why it's difficult to get away. But no matter what, I believe you had plenty of time yesterday to complete them, or hand them over to someone who can take charge, and then set off for home immediately today."

If the old butler's tone had not been sarcastic, Bronya would have wanted to find a random excuse to hide away.

Although she was the acting commander, she was also the "highest authority" in this restricted area front line, and she could have asked the Iron Guards to take Sebastian back.

But the problem is... she hasn't become the Grand Guardian yet. The consequences of doing so are definitely not something she can bear now.

She had no way of telling whether the old housekeeper was seriously reminding her or was coming here on her mother's orders to mock her for being ungrateful.

Even though she had known Sebastian since she was a child, she should be sure that he was not such a flatterer. But if she really went back like this, I am afraid that what would be waiting for her would not be the warm scene of mother-daughter reunion, but confinement as punishment.

"...I'm deeply sorry about this."

So Bronya had to admit her mistake, but this time she would not give in so easily.

At least let her mother see her determination——

"But I still don't plan to go back. No matter who Mother sends or what reasons she uses, I can't be persuaded to abandon my soldiers."

The old butler looked at Bronya, who chose to apologize but did not become as timid as before. Although her face was still expressionless, she was not as angry anymore.

"I suppose you wouldn't mind telling me the reason?"

"I've also heard about the dragon attacking the city. But... the truth is, no matter what action they intend to take, it's almost impossible for us to counter it."

Bronya looked a little melancholy.

"As long as they don't reveal themselves, we won't have the energy to track them down. Similarly, if we want to fight them, we must first abandon their home turf and choose to fight us on the ground."

"I'm listening, please continue."

"Even if I go back and form a so-called dragon-slaying team, I won't actually be able to start. Rather than being protected for such a reason, I'd rather stay where I can shine more."

Bronya took a deep breath.

"So, I know this might make you angry, but I must make it clear that I didn't choose to disobey my mother's orders because I was angry with her. Rather, I believed from the bottom of my heart that doing so would be a waste of manpower, materials, and even time.

As the successor to the Great Guardian, I should have my own independent thinking, rather than blindly following the Guardian's orders and making mistakes. That's what I think."

For some reason, after these words, the originally dull atmosphere in the room changed a little. At least she no longer saw the scrutiny and disappointment on the old housekeeper's face, but more of a kind feeling as an elder.

"I understand your perspective, Ms. Bronya."

The old butler's much gentler voice sounded accurately in her ears, and he continued to speak.

"Similarly, I don't want to cause you any trouble. I know very well what kind of hard work you have put in to get to where you are now.

However, you must clearly understand one thing. That is, as a guardian, Lady Cocolia, apart from that cold, veneer of power, is no different from any other mother who cares about the safety of her children.

Yes. Perhaps you're annoyed by the frequent arguments or minor frictions you've had with her lately. But remember, you've spent far more time together in harmony than in peace. If you dwell on them, you'll only deepen the pain between you.

The old man paused before continuing.

"In this country, everyone watches the Grand Guardian's every move. When you're in that position, you feel resistance everywhere. These rules, formed by the city builders, the court, and the people, prevent her from always revealing her emotional side as a mother.

But this does not mean that she is really as cold and heartless as she appears. Her tenderness and sadness will only be shown in front of you.

We all know that the burden she's carrying is almost suffocating her. But if you're willing to forgive her, I think she'll be willing to offer a sincere apology."

In the face of Bronya's silent expression, the old butler also spoke sincerely.

"Ms. Bronya, the relationship between you and her is more than just that of heir and Grand Guardian. You are family. Even if this relationship isn't bound by blood, the bond between you is no less than that between any biological mother and daughter. Please do not make a choice that will leave you with lifelong regrets."

Chapter 68: We Should Fire at Fort Cripple

The right to choose.

I didn’t have it when I was a child, but when I grew up, it was constantly forced into my hands and I was told, “This is the decision you have to make.”

Whether it was sending the Iron Guards to their deaths or ignoring those who were suffering, she made her so-called "own choice" under her mother's will.

She could convince herself that this was all for the greater good of Beloberg, but now—

"Don't……"

Under Sebastian's slightly surprised gaze, Bronya seemed to slip out this word from between her teeth, and then her anger erupted like a volcano.

"Stop using that kind of rhetoric to deceive me! I clearly respect you and Mother so much, so why do you always treat me like a puppet and manipulate me like that?"

"Miss Bronya......"

The old housekeeper found it difficult to understand what the words "deceive" and "manipulate" meant for a moment, and was surprised that she was so angry.

At this moment, she was so angry that her whole body was shaking, she was about to cry, and she clenched her fists tightly.

"In the past, I always admired my mother and aspired to take on the responsibility of being an heir. I also followed Sebastian's teachings and worked hard to become a commendable lady. But why, why are you all forcing me to go in the opposite direction now?"

"You...so that's what you think..."

It's not like Sebastian had never seen Bronya cry before.

That was when she was a child. In order to meet the expectations of the adults around her, she also wanted to show her best side in front of her mother.

She stepped onto the stage built for her by the adults and performed her best, but the person she most wanted to be seen was not there.

At that time, the Great Guardian's temperament became indifferent, and her memory seemed to have become a little worse. She always went to the battlements alone to look at the wind and snow outside, and no one knew her mood.

She forgot the agreement with her daughter and did not show up as scheduled, and Bronya failed to get the perfect result due to a small mistake, which caused some people to talk about it.

Some even linked it to the fact that the Great Guardian hadn't been there in person, believing it was a disappointment for the heir...

At that time, the girl did not break down and cry on the stage, but held back her tears. After the performance was over, she hid behind the curtain and cried alone.

By the time he went to notify the Grand Guardian, Bronya had already fallen into a deep sleep due to exhaustion, with traces of tears still lingering on her tender cheeks.

It was also at that time that Sebastian discovered that the girl's heart was not always as strong as she appeared.

To survive in such a comparative environment, children must always strive to be the best they can be.

When they try to move forward according to the adults' ideas, they are told that it is wrong when they grow up.

It is no surprise, then, that this emotion has reached a critical point.

"...I failed to understand your feelings. This is my fault."