The Grand Duke, who had finally organised all his thoughts, opened his mouth again. At the sound of his voice, Irene stiffened and looked at him.

"Our side needs to be prepared."

"I'm sorry. I got you involved in a huge mess."

"Don't worry. It was bound to happen regardless. I have always expected that someday the Emperor would come after our Duchy. As he was a Duke that became Emperor through a rebellion, he has always kept our family, which holds great power, in check. I just pretended to be okay with it since I didn't want to bring about an unnecessary war. But the current situation has something to do with you. Then I won't stay still anymore. Since he has no valid justification to come after us publicly, then he will probably try to deal with it quietly."

"Yeah." 

"I feel like the Emperor will be the one to strike first. However, there is a high probability that the interests of the Imperial family and Count Rixis conflict regarding this matter. Count Rixis is more interested in the succession to the Duchy in all its glory rather than destroying it, so he will attempt to eliminate Noel and me first, which isn't the case for the Emperor who wants to eradicate us. That's how I expect their power to disperse, through a clash of interests."

"The Emperor will not be able to move directly. So it's only normal for him to seek other ways, so I will try to keep a low profile as much as possible."

"I agree with you."

The Grand Duke's face shone with pride when Noel added his opinion. 

Noticing, Noel slightly averted his gaze and resumed speaking.

"They don't know we're already aware that they're in cahoots, nor do they know that Irene has contracted the spirits. So, we will use that to our advantage and have all our forces focused here, at the Grand Duke's house. So, how about splitting our power, a portion to protect the Grand Duke's mansion and territory while the rest would be sent out to fight against the Imperial Palace?"

"Then, who will deal with the Imperial palace?"

"I ..."

"I will go."

Just as Noel was about to speak, Irene interrupted. At her sudden outburst, both men looked at her simultaneously.

"Irene, do you have any idea how dangerous that is?" 

"He's right, sweetheart. It's dangerous."

Noel and the Grand Duke tried to dissuade her, but Irene had already made up her mind.

"I can do it."

 

"I will go to the palace, whereas Irene will be going to a safe place…."

"It's also my duty."

As Irene turned to him and spoke, Noel bit his lips for a moment. 

Irene continued speaking with a calm voice.

"I know it sounds reckless. And it may seem like I am throwing myself in the arms of the enemy without protection, but I hold the power of three spirits in the palm of my hand."

Had she not seen Undi's memories, she wouldn't have thought of saying anything like that. But now, she knew having the spirits would be extremely helpful and keep her safe.

However, in Undi's memory, Liliana cut through the palace's defences alone and went on a rampage while covered in blood before she passed away. She achieved that while having her last spirit, Undi, sealed. The situation would have turned in her favour had she possessed the full power of her Spirits.

-Because Spirits were bestowed the power of God.

"I may not be a big addition to your forces. And maybe I'll even get in the way again. But I want to do my best to avenge my parents' death…."

Irene paused as Noel, and the Grand Duke watched her silently.

"I wish to go."

Saying the word "parents" felt awkward, as she never had a direct relationship with them.

Irene, who did not know who her biological parents were, had no interest in revenge until recently.

However, since she found out the truth and knew that the murderer was threatening her and Noel's safety, she had to put an end to this with her own hands. -Once and for all.

"I will go with Louiselle. So don't worry about me, Noel, and protect this place."

"But…"

"And, as previously discussed. It would be safe to have the troops concentrated here, to evade any attack from the Imperial family."

Irene smiled in an attempt to reassure Noel.

Noel couldn't say anything to her because she had a point.

She had extraordinary abilities. If she used the power of the three spirits to their full potential, then those ignorant of the spirits' existence would be rendered helpless. Moreover, if Louiselle and Ram's mercenaries were by her side, there would be only a handful of people who could threaten her safety.

Nevertheless, he was scared to let her go, only to discover that they had miscalculated the odds too late. He feared losing her forever due to his faulty judgement. Noel hesitated; he could not answer quickly.

"Do it, sweetheart."

The Grand Duke finally broke the silence, making Irene and Noel look back at him. He was looking at Irene warmly as if she were his own granddaughter.