Keeek, keeek.

Noxia ran up to me while I was crafting a magitech weapon.

“Sister, have you heard the news?”

“What news?”

“The Emperor of Kalua Empire has abdicated.”

“Ah, so it finally came to that.”

After Ascan’s whereabouts became unknown, many things had happened within the Kalua Empire.

The Emperor of Kalua Empire, whose lifelong ambition was to expand his territory, began to feel his imperial authority threatened by his third son, Helsion.

Though not intentional, the catalyst was when the incident of Largent Empire attempting to kidnap me to counter Kalua Empire became public knowledge.

A very small number of nations were aware that Kalua Empire had been experimenting with human weapons, but fearing potential retaliation, they never openly spoke of it and instead prepared secretly.

But once the human weapon experiments became publicly known, nations one by one began severing diplomatic ties with Kalua Empire.

As a result, Kalua Empire—whose lands were largely barren—faced severe food shortages, leading to countless imperial citizens starving to death.

It was then that the Third Prince, Helsion, openly challenged the Emperor’s governance.

The Kalua Empire became divided into Imperial loyalists and Helsion’s faction, plunging into endless civil war.

This was entirely different from the original storyline, where the Emperor of Kalua Empire successfully invaded even the Arwen Empire and enjoyed overwhelming victories.

But I had realized long ago that the original plot could be altered, so I paid it little mind.

If Kalua Empire—an empire capable of sparking future wars—was now weakened by internal conflict, that was good news.

Moreover, if I could use this opportunity to find Ascan, it would be nothing short of ideal.

But even after ten years…

Ascan’s whereabouts remained unknown.

Thunk. I set down the weapon I was assembling, turned my body, and looked at Noxia.

Now twenty five years old, Noxia had grown while preserving the beauty of her childhood, still dazzlingly gorgeous.

“If the Emperor has abdicated, we should send more people to Kalua Empire. Now that the civil war is over, those we sent to search for Ascan might face new difficulties.”

Long ago, we had scoured Kalua Empire like hunting lice and found the building where human weapon experiments took place—but it had already burned down, leaving nothing salvageable.

Because Kalua Empire halted human weapon experiments to prevent further diplomatic ruptures, Ascan’s traces vanished entirely afterward.

Yet I still refused to give up searching for him.

Noxia looked up at me with a cautious expression and spoke.

“Sister, I know you hate hearing this… but since we haven’t found him all this time, isn’t it about time to let go?”

“I told you. Not until I see Ascan’s corpse with my own eyes.”

A long time had passed. Even imagining reuniting with Ascan had grown faint, but no matter how much more time passed, I had no intention of giving up.

I couldn’t precisely define it, but I owed Ascan something in my heart.

Even now, I couldn’t forget his serene expression the last time I saw him, nor his eyes filled with affection toward me.

“But how long will you keep chasing away all those suitors coming for you?”

At Noxia’s words, I unconsciously turned my gaze toward the window.

Over the long years, my laboratory had changed greatly. In the past, I was satisfied with sturdy outer walls, bunkers, and secret passages—but now it was different.

The entire perimeter of my laboratory was now armed with magitech weapons to prevent unauthorized access.

Recently, I’d even developed a detection system: if anyone approached beyond a certain distance, automatic defense mechanisms would activate, triggering all sorts of devices.

I’d witnessed more than once suitors fleeing in terror from the entrance upon attempting to propose to me.

Today was no different.

“Kraaaaaaaah!”

A thick scream echoed from afar, and out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed a pale figure collapsing onto the ground.

Apparently, yet another suitor had come to propose.

“This is seriously so annoying I could die.”

Despite clearly posting warning signs at the entrance telling people not to enter carelessly, the number of suitors only kept increasing over time.

To avoid accidentally killing them, I installed only fear inducing devices at the entrance—but anyone who dared intrude into the lab without my permission risked their life.

Noxia laughed at me as I sighed, as if I were beyond help.

“Think about it—who in the world wouldn’t want to marry you? You’re the continent’s greatest arms dealer, still young and beautiful.”

I wrinkled my nose at her embarrassing praise, but Noxia didn’t stop there. She grabbed my hand and led me toward a full length mirror nearby.

Reflected in the mirror was a cold beauty with glossy black hair and icy blue eyes glowing—myself.

Beside me stood Noxia, with her sacred silver hair and warm aura, contrasting sharply with me.

Though twins, we were truly different.

“You know the ball is coming up soon, right? I heard an enormous number of people are plotting to meet you there. Don’t vanish halfway like last time—try mingling and getting to know some people.”

As Noxia fussed with my hair into various styles, she muttered to herself how this or that style would look prettier.

It felt nice to have someone touch my hair, and I found myself smiling unconsciously.

After Ascan disappeared and I fell into despair, my family became my greatest strength.

Had Noxia not been beside me, caring for me like this, I wouldn’t have overcome that sense of loss and pain so easily.

Just then—

Knock, knock. Jerin appeared along with the sound of knocking.

“Young lady, Master Dekain has arrived.”

Glancing at the clock, I realized it was indeed the time I’d arranged to meet Dekain.

At first, I hadn’t even wanted to look at Dekain’s face, but I couldn’t entirely blame him for what happened ten years ago—leaving Ascan behind.

Moreover, since he’d left the Igteon Trading Company because of me, I couldn’t ignore him, so we’d maintained a professional relationship.

I gave Jerin a brief reply.

“Understood. I’ll be right there.”

“Yes, young lady.”

Noxia let go of my hair and spoke.

“Off to work again?”

“I have a guest I promised to meet today.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard. Take it easy, sister.”

I nodded at Noxia’s worry evident in her voice.

“Got it. You shouldn’t overexert yourself practicing your abilities either.”

“Tch, sister, you’re the last person who should say that to me.”

I’d worked like a madwoman to establish myself as the continent’s greatest arms dealer—and Noxia seemed to be pointing that out.

Realizing I was in no position to lecture others, I smiled sheepishly. Noxia, seeing that, grinned back at me.

Descending to the reception room, I found Dekain, an unfamiliar middle aged man, and several bodyguards standing behind them.

Though I’d never met the middle aged man face to face, I already knew his identity since we’d arranged this meeting.

He was Fenil, Duke of Nathan Kingdom.

By status, I was a noble lady without a title, while Fenil held the high rank of Duke. But in this setting, that didn’t matter.

Fenil abruptly stood from his seat and greeted me courteously.

“I’ve heard much about you. You must be Lady Brellof.”

“Hello. I’ve also heard the gist of your situation.”

In the past, I crafted magitech weapons and distributed them through dealers to individuals or nations—but now it was different.

I not only crafted magitech weapons myself but also met directly with those wishing to trade, finalizing contracts on the spot.

Initially, many resented my methods, but as my magitech weapons gained word of mouth reputation, controversy faded.

In fact, now people lined up just hoping for a chance to meet me.

“I’m aware civil unrest in Nathan Kingdom is severe. I wish to contract Lady Brellof’s K39 for use—what must I do?”

Ten years ago it was K05; now the series had advanced to K39.

Even without Fenil saying so, I already knew of Nathan Kingdom’s civil unrest.

Though “civil unrest” implied rebellion by commoners, now the very people suffering most from it were those same commoners.

Given Nathan Kingdom’s dire situation, I’d agreed to meet, thinking it acceptable to distribute my magitech weapons.

“You know my rules?”

Fenil, seeming nervous, wiped sweat from his brow as he answered.

“Of course. Lady’s weapons aren’t for permanent use—they’re only usable for the contracted period.”

“Since quelling civil unrest seems urgent, I’ll permit you to use the K39 you requested for one month.”

“One month is… far too short.”

Out of habit, I tapped my fingers lightly on the table, lost in thought.

But no matter how I considered it, I couldn’t authorize more than one month. Doing so might result in too many civilian deaths.

“If used beyond one month, under the pretext of suppressing unrest, ordinary citizens might suffer casualties from my weapons. Unfortunately, extending the period seems impossible.”

Every weapon I crafted possessed tremendous lethality, so I made each transaction decision with extreme caution.

Fenil’s expression darkened, clearly dissatisfied with the contract terms.

Dekain, who had been quietly observing until now, spoke with a nonchalant smile.

“I also believe one month is sufficient to quell civil unrest. Don’t be greedy—just contract for this period, Your Grace.”

Having come of age, Dekain no longer wore a mask. His beautiful features were now fully visible, no longer hidden as before.

Fenil hesitated to reply, but one of the bodyguards behind him couldn’t restrain himself and shouted.

“Your Grace, I can’t tolerate this any longer! This mere noble lady is unbearably arrogant!”

Arrogant?

It was Fenil himself who had first contacted me, requesting the contract.

I gave a bitter smile and stood up without hesitation. If the other party couldn’t communicate reasonably, I had no reason to remain seated.

“Let me be clear: the contract period is one month. If you want an extension, consider this conversation nullified.”

“Wait, Lady Brellof!”

Fenil urgently rose from his seat.

At that moment—

Chaaang!

As I moved to leave, the man posing as a bodyguard drew the sword at his waist and pointed it threateningly at me.

“His Grace hasn’t finished speaking. How dare you attempt to leave first? Sit back down.”

Looking at the bodyguard who’d dropped even polite speech, I chuckled.

Fenil flustered, face turning beet red, unsure what to do—but just because the bodyguard’s loyalty was excessive didn’t mean I had to tolerate it.

Dekain stepped forward, frowning.

“Hey—”

I raised my hand, stopping Dekain from speaking further.

I was no longer the person I used to be. Even without anyone protecting me, I was fully capable of ensuring my own safety.

“Did you just say ‘how dare you’ to me?”

The bodyguard seemed surprised that I, appearing as a fragile woman, showed no intimidation—but it was already too late for surprise.

While standing exactly where I was, I stomped twice on the floor.

Clack! Clack! Clack!

At that, space that had seemed like an empty wall opened up, revealing dozens of machine guns mounted with magic stones, all aimed at Fenil and his bodyguards.

Nowhere else but in this laboratory—no one in the world could harm me here.

Looking at the startled bodyguard glancing around frantically, I spoke in a leisurely tone.

“Say that again.”

The bodyguard suddenly became as mute as if his mouth had been stuffed with honey, unable to utter a single word.

Fenil belatedly scolded the bodyguard, opening his mouth as if reprimanding him.

“Oh dear! What on earth are you doing to Lady Brellof?”

If Fenil hadn’t intended to test me, he should have intervened like this from the start—not just pretended to be flustered and silently observed the situation.

Having no intention of trading further with Fenil, who had tested me, I opened the reception room door.

Outside stood Zen, expressionless, standing rigidly.

Zen had been guarding me under Orland’s orders ever since I nearly got kidnapped by Largent Empire ten years ago.

“Zen, our guests are leaving. Escort them out.”

“Understood, young lady.”

Zen bowed respectfully in reply.

Dekain shrugged as if he’d expected this, then followed me out of the reception room.

Behind us, Fenil shouted something.

“F F fine! Lady Brellof, we’ll contract for one month!”

But I didn’t stop walking. It was already too late. I had no intention of letting someone like him use my magitech weapons.

“Please, just one more chance!”

Thus, Fenil and his bodyguards were led out of the laboratory by Zen, practically chased away.