This Time, To The Believed Path
Turning Point

The next day Forde went to the palace to discuss the labyrinth conquest mission with the other pillars.

Meanwhile, Leana gathers Iscan, Hardie and Adde to discuss the third phase plan.

“Mr Iscan, go on a conquest mission this time along with Forde.” Said Leana while sipping the tea.

In the third phase, Leana plans to send Iscan to keep an eye on Forde by his side.

As she was the one who bequeathed the footsteps of Weiss's deputy commander after his arrival, Leana believed that Iscan could help Forde from behind even in his present condition.

This is just his feeling, but he knows the appearance of the labyrinth in Orzxenberg is not an ordinary occurrence. He felt that something was happening without his knowledge.

Iscan who was shocked by the orders from Leana immediately opened his voice to protest.

“Mistress, my current task is to take care of you. I myself am also not sure that my current strength is enough to conquer the labyrinth.”

Is correct. Currently Iscan is not yet strong enough to face the labyrinth of Orzxenberg.

Weiss was killed in the next five years of his mission and the Orzxenberg labyrinth itself was supposed to appear two years later.

All of this happening too early seems to be a warning of something. Leana who had moved in a different path strongly felt that way.

This world is not a novel, but a reality. But Leana could not shake the feeling that someone was watching her.

The plan he had built seemed to be toyed with by the emergence of events beyond his memory.

No. gabe. To be more precise, he seemed to be bound to something invisible. Follow him and try to reach him.

Leana begins to worry that one day she will be unable to act when whatever follows her catches her.

“Mistress, I know you have big plans but didn't I be here is to keep your curtains up close?” Iscan.

Leana did not understand why Iscan was so obsessed with his current task compared to a conquest mission that could increase his degree.

Is that really his nature or is it a pride that does not want to be scrawled?

“I know this is an unreasonable request, but Mr Iscan, do you remember about my words stating that I saw your potential?”

"I remember, madam."

"The reason I chose you is for this mission of conquest."

In the beginning Leana was outspoken to Iscan about his thoughts.

In addition to her blind loyalty, Leana always wondered why Iscan was not expecting anything more from her job.

"Mrs, I know you chose me because you wanted to give me a special assignment. You even kindly share a little plan that you keep secret. But I'm still not sure about your orders this time."

"Isn't it an honor for you to contribute to maintaining world peace?"

"You're right, madam. But if I take your orders at this time, I feel unable to leave quietly."

"What does that mean?"

"I'm sorry for my indecency, for saying this."

Iscan looked at Leana with worry.

"You're too rash, madam. Even so, you are a person who can betahan alone without the need to be protected. Even I whose duty is to protect you can only be a decoration and helpless nothing."

Both Hardie and Adde glanced towards Leana simultaneously. They agree with Iscan thinking.

Their employer was too rash for his own good.

"I know this is overdue, but I'm very worried that if no one pays attention, you will jump into danger without thinking twice" Iscan said.

Adde nodded slowly in response to this.

“Mistress Leana, I do not question your decision, but please give me an explanation that I can accept in order to understand your command.”

‘What's up with this mission? Is something going to happen? What prompted her employer to make that decision?'

Question after question began to pile into his mind.

To her Leana was as important as the Grandall residence.

Iscan who came from a small family had been given a new opportunity as a knight and he was very grateful to Marquis Grandall who wanted to admit it indiscriminately.

He made his own vows and promises to use his life for the peace of Grandall.

However, to the extent of his loyalty, turning a blind eye to his core beliefs and duties as a knight was enough to injure his conscience.

He believed in his master and he did not doubt him. But at the same time, he at least wanted to know the reason behind his whole act as the commandment had been given.

Looking at Iscan's turmoil, Leana put her cup down quietly and then said.

“In this mission, Forde will die.”

Iscan and Hardie were shocked to hear the statement from him. The two looked at Leana with a look of disbelief. This time Hardie was the one who opened his voice first.

“Mistress, on what basis did you say that?” ask him unsettled.

“I can't stay silent with you giving such an unfounded statement, Miss Leana."

Anxiety and a hint of anger sounded from their voices.

Of course, because of the statement that Leana gave could sound as an insult and a bad hope for their main employer, Marquis Forde Grandall.

They couldn't stay silent hearing the statement coming out of someone's mouth, not even from the Marchioness.

Leana turned towards Adde, and she nodded.

"Mrs Leana knows what will happen in the future."

"What?!"

"Is that true, Madam?!"

Leana nodded at the cry from the two.

"I've lived this life once and now I'm back a second time."

Iscan and Hardie fell silent as if they still could not believe it. Adde finally opened his mouth.

"I'll explain it so please listen carefully."

Adde began to tell her what Leana told him. No one missed and Leana herself did not feel the need to add anything else in her explanation.

Iscan and Hardie who looked at the story just fell silent as if trying to digest the information they got.

With hesitation, Iscan opened his voice.

"Madam, if this is true, does it mean…"

"This idea is also limited to my view. In the first life, I've gone too far to look back and justify my mistakes." Leana.

He also saw information he did not know from the novel book Riana read, but he could not tell it to anyone.

"At that point, I who know nothing just keep walking forward without wanting to know the reality. In the end I hurt you and the residents of Grandall." Added.

"..."

"Although given this opportunity, I want to change and pay for all of those sins. I am willing to apologize even if I have not hurt you at this time. All I need is help from you."

Leana did not even once take her eyes off Iscan and Hardie. His eyes were filled with the light of supplication and ambition that could be clearly seen by others.

"I'm determined to live with and for Grandall. I also want to fight for it by avoiding the coming world war."

"Therefore." Iscan and Hardie again surprised by the figure of Leana who bowed her head to them. Trying to express his feelings more deeply than anyone.

"I beg you, lend me your strength!"

The two panicked at Leana's actions and immediately told her to raise her head but Leana herself did not have the courage to raise her head until she got an answer from them. 

Of the two, it was Iscan's soft voice that was first heard.

"Mrs, please raise your head."

Leana slowly raised her head and found Iscan and Hardie smiling knots at her.

"I understand your feelings. Actually I still don't fully believe it, but basically there's already a lot of evidence scattered around you."

How Leana always acts alone towards danger. How he told himself to leave his master.

"As your request, I'll take part in the conquest mission this time. But…"

Iscan had a worried expression, as did Hardie.

"Who will take care of you, ma'am? "

On the labyrinth conquest mission at Orzxenberg, not only did she send most of her shadows including Adde, Leana also sent out the rest of the other shadows to search for her.

With Iscan gone and the shadow of Alphiella, Leana will be left with no one to look after her.

"Then let me take the place of Iscan take care of you."

Iscan and Leana were surprised by Hardie's statement.

"But Hardie, haven't you been recommended to the core team and will take part in the mission this time?" ask Leana.

"To be honest I am also unsure of my ability in this conquest mission. But if the madam saw the potential of Iscan and recommended him, then I would happily swap positions with him for a while. Of course for now."

"Hardie.." Iscan was stunned. He did not think that Hardie had such thoughts.

But his next words broke the good picture he had just made.

"How am I a newly-joined person, wouldn't it be best if someone were to monitor and prove that I'm trustworthy?" Hardie.

"Hardie.." This time Iscan frowned at the sight.

colleagues behavior.

Leana laughed softly at the interaction between the two. Once again he thought that they were really close friends.

Recalling how Iscan's attitude changed after replacing Weiss, he couldn't imagine if the two weren't as close as they are now.

“Take it easy, Mr. Iscan. I plan to send most of the Alphiella shadows including Adde to help you during the mission.”.

“Shadow?” hardie asked in confusion.

“Shadows is someone who works in the underworld like a hitman but shadow work prioritizes information compared to life.” explained Adde.

“True Adde. Today almost all residents of the Alphiella mansion are members of the shadow. When most go to help the Purple Chain Pillar, a small part has their own tasks that need to be fulfilled.” said Leana.

“Before your departure, Adde will prepare the communication needs and other needs you need. If you have free time, it would be better if you know more about shadow members.” he added.

“I understand madam.” replied Iscan.

“Adde, please prepare the need to write a letter. I will soon send a letter of recommendation to Forde.”

“Give it to me, mistress.” replied Adde.

“Mr Hardie. Forgive me for taking your chance on this mission.”

Hardie shook her head.

“No problem lady. Already part of our task to keep your safety.” replied Hardie.

Leana nodded and as she turned her head towards Iscan, she had already placed her right hand on her left chest. His straight gaze stared intently at him with great ambition.

“Mrs Leana, I swear and promise to bring back the Marquis as well as other Grandall troops to you.”

His heart ached a little with those words. Leana re-inspired her fear of the conquest mission this time.

Keeping her calm, Leana replied.

“Of course, that includes for you, Mr. Iscan. I pray for the safety and smoothness of this mission.”

“Thank you very much, mistress.”

***

Three days later, a release ceremony was held in the palace grounds. From there, the Five Pillars would walk out through the capital up to the border of the main gate.

Leana saw the ceremony from a distance. He looked at the Five Pillars, especially the Purple Chain Pillar, pensively.

This morning, he left for the palace with Forde in a horse-drawn carriage. The two continued to hold hands and none of them wanted to escape from each other's warmth.

Until the time of separation, the two did not say a single word except their last embrace.

The last one apart from Leana was Forde's fingers stroking her earrings before finally walking away towards the field.

Standing on the balcony of the palace alone, Leana folded her hands in front of her chest and squeezed the scarf she was wearing.

Her eyes were incessantly staring at her husband from behind. Seeing how his gifting coat was used by Forde on this mission, he could barely contain himself.

In the end, he was unable to completely dispel the anxiety in his mind.

“It looks like your condition is better.”

Leana glanced beside her and found Eclipse walking over to her.

Eclipse smiled amiably at Leana while swinging one hand. Leana looked at him in annoyance and again put her gaze on the ceremonial field.

Eclipse could only snort resignedly while smiling and standing to his side, attending to the ongoing release ceremony.

Both of them were silent and felt the cold wind blowing past them. In silence Leana finally opened her voice.

“Do you not have to prepare to come with them?” leana asked coldly.

“It's a shame that right now my hands are full. I'll catch up with them in a few days.”

Leana stared at the Black-cloak Pillar army represented by the deputy commander Scheregraff Dopman who was leading the army.

“Is this about Duke Leon?”

“My business doesn't just spin on him, madam. As the eyes and ears of the Emperor, many requests need to be fulfilled.”

As a Grand Duke, Eclipse Volfelance had a strong relationship with the emperor's family.

Buyut of the Volfelance residence was a brother of the previous Emperor. By giving up his legal rights as the Emperor's candidate, Volfelance assisted the imperial side with his strength and loyalty.

To date, both sides have a harmonious relationship.

Eclipse who saw his colleague staring at the ceremonial field also opened the conversation with the intention to entertain him.

“Those who are worried about the departure of their loved ones are not only you, mistress. The families of those who go on this mission are just like you. The constant unrest is combined with worry and doubt. We all are so.”

"Sadly metaphor."

Leana knew that. Therefore he cannot be selfish by holding Forde who has a great responsibility to keep the world peace from the maze phenomenon.

He knew he wasn't anxious alone, but he couldn't stop the feeling.

Leana closed her eyes. He frowned as if he was imagining something.

"At the end of the day, even though you've been telling me what's going on in your life, I can't fully understand your feelings."

Eclipse stared at the neatly lined up troops. He looked at his vice-commander who was focusing on the Emperor before him.

"I'm not you. I can help you but I cannot save you. All that can save you is yourself."

Eclipse looked at the expanding blue sky without the slightest hint of cloud stain. He felt broad and free but his feet were on the ground as if they were holding him.

Seeing the Five Pillars move leaving the palace, Leana felt heat in her eyes. Eclipse closed Leana's eyes with his hands without touching her.

"It seems like you're tired of having too many thoughts, what if you rest first?"

Neither opened his voice, nor brushed off Eclipse's hand in front of his eyes. Leana was silent like a statue.

"Don't you have something you're looking for?"

"..."

Is correct. He still had one more thing to do to face the world war.

He had to find it which was the key to success to win this great war.

Leana left the place without looking back. He did not even pay any heed to the Grand Duke trying to comfort him.

Eclipse also snorted resignedly and smiled.

"When this is the case, I don't know if you're acting or not, Miss Leana."