<h4>Volume 8, Epilogue</h4>


    “I wish you could have stayed a little longer…”


    Liz smiled at Skadi’s words.


    “I want to take him home as soon as possible, so please pardon me this time.”


    Liz looked at the roofless carriage behind her. There was a coffin on top of which Cerberus was sleeping sadly. Inside the coffin was Tris, who was sleeping in a sleep from which he would never wake. After returning to the Great Grantz Empire, she would have to give him a grand send-off so that he and Dios could enjoy drinking together in the afterlife.


    Skadi’s shoulders slumped with resignation after recognizing Liz looking at the coffin with eyes filled with destion.


    “I see… call me if you need anything. I’ll fly out ande right over.”


    “But first, you have to do something about the Principality of Lichtine, don’t you?”


    “I’ll find a way to settle this through negotiations. We can’t fight them any longer.”


    But, Skadi said with a smile.


    “The beastman will always return the favor they have received. Grantz is in a lot of trouble these days. If you find yourself in a crisis, call me immediately.”


    With a wry smile on her face, Liz gave a slight nod.


    “Yeah, thank you. Please do help me at that time.”


    “Well, I’m heading over there to greet you once again. As a representative of the Steichen Republic.”


    “I’ll be waiting for you with a sumptuous meal. Next time, I’ll entertain you with a Grantz-style feast.”


    “Oh, really? If so, I shall go immediately.”


    “I’ll be waiting.”


    Liz turned her head and waved her hands behind her back.


    Looking up at the sky, she saw that it was clear and cloudless.


    Tris von Termier.


    His life had not been a happy one.


    An old soldier who was hated by the nobles and lords for supporting Liz, the sixth princess who was never wanted by anyone.


    Despite his many aplishments, he could not rise in the ranks and ended his life as a third-grade military officer.


    Some time ago, on a day when Liz used the nobles of arrogance, only to be criticized for the opposite.


    When Liz med herself for her helplessness, Tris gave her a stern look but in a gentle voice.


    “If you are so frustrated that you cry, if you want to change the arrogance of the nobles, you have to be stronger. But it will be the hardest road you can imagine.”


    Liz, who had a strong sense of justice, dered without hesitation that she would be stronger.


    Tris gently patted her on the head and gave her a troubled smile.


    “But it is impossible for the young you to do that now… so until then, I will be your shield, your sword, and protect you until the end of my life.”


    Tris got down on one knee and bowed deeply when she held Liz’s hand.


    “Let us weep together,ugh together, and fight together.”


    And finally, he concluded with a smile.


    “I am the first vassal of Her Highness Celia Estre.”


    The memories of those distant days remain with her to this day, and she keeps them close to her heart.


    “Now, let’s go home.”


    There will be no time to rest once they return to the Great Grantz Empire.


    The n to recapture Felzen had to be started in earnest.


    If she neglected to do so, the first vassal, who was watching from the “Pce of Heroes,” will be furious with her.


    There is no time for sadness. Tris would never forgive her for that.


    Liz tightened her grip on the reins.


    “Tris, watch me. I will be an empress.”


    Her childhood dream was bing a reality.


    The sun shone brightly to light her way.