161 The Ringleader is Here!? (1/2)

Thick clouds had blocked the sun, and a light flurry had begun.

”I did it for my own purposes. Following you is at least better than listening to this foolish girl.”

”Very well. I do not care either way, so long as you do as you're told.”

”I'm expecting to be well compensated once Lord Doem gains the country.”

”That you will.”

Clara could only stare in mute shock as Guin and Maximilian casually conversed.

She thought, if it was my sister, something like this would've never happened.

If in her place it was Rose, as originally intended, they wouldn't have suffered so many cruel betrayals.

Because her sister was strong, dependable, and so people believed in her.

Clara couldn't become like that no matter how much she tried.

Because she wasn't strong, Guin had betrayed her.

Because she wasn't strong, Batt was cut down.

And now, they were at the end of their rope.

”It should've been her, not me...”

Wasn't that the root cause?

She, a girl who knew nothing, couldn't have stood leading others. Her sister would've at least suspected Guin.

Even she had heard talk that a traitor may be in their midst.

But she couldn't even imagine that it'd be Guin, this man who'd served her family for so long.

Thinking back, there were many points where he seemed to be scheming something, but she'd waved those thoughts away as imaginings.

Her people had fought so hard, and they'd even gotten aid from Shadow. Yet, she still lost.

Clara was already shedding tears. She felt horrible for the people who'd put their trust in her, she fest horrible for Batt.

”Do you see this, OWL! Reveal yourself now! That is, if you care for the fate of this girl!”

Only Maximilian spoke in the courtyard slowly filling with snow.

The wind grew stronger and the snowfall increased along with it, creating a curtain of white.

”There is no one else to lead the Royalists once this girl dies. After all, all her other blood kin are gone.”

Blood, that's right, blood. Maximilian was right. Clara was only chosen for her royal blood, not because she was a good leader.

Still, there were those who genuinely believed in her, and stayed with her.