Don't confiscate my identity as a human race

"I rescued the Princess in advance, but of course, to the news, it might seem more like I 'abducted' her."

Frey now appeared in a new guise, but those amethyst eyes remained as sharp as ever.

After reaching the spatial barrier on the second floor of the opera house, he and the woman beside him lifted the disguise spell specially crafted by Lanci.

Everyone stood up out of courtesy upon seeing the woman beside him.

"Everyone, there's no need for this."

Princess Alexia quickly raised her hand, waving it to signal everyone to sit down.

There were many unfamiliar faces here, but she was sure they had all just gone through a great battle, and it was thanks to them that she had escaped.

"Alexia, long time no see."

Hyperion greeted Princess Alexia.

Even after almost two years apart, he recognized Princess Alexia.

The young Empress across from them bore a certain modesty in her demeanor, her brown hair woven into complex braids like satin, and her azure eyes bright like jewels.

But she seemed slightly tense, as if still shaken from a recent turmoil.

Over a year ago, at the Sanctuary Evil Banquet, it was Hyperion, Lanci, and Frey who had met Alexia.

"Sorry, I came late."

Alexia bowed to Hyperion in apology and also to everyone present.

Since Violet, who guarded the capital's Seat of Aqua Jade, went to survey Lake Stabergen near the Botswana Province, the Blood Clan had accelerated their control over Brilda, even subjecting her to intense surveillance.

Fortunately, the Blood Clan's leader was thoroughly defeated by the Silvermoon Reform Association, their great momentum was lost, and she regained her freedom.

"Thankfully, Frey pulled you out in time; otherwise, with Hesintos around, you might have been watched even more closely in the coming days."

Lanci, seeing the unharmed Alexia, breathed a sigh of relief.

The status of the former emperor's offspring was too sensitive.

Even if Hesintos maintained his kind image by not purging the last scion of the previous emperor, he would never grant Princess Alexia freedom and, sooner or later, would control or eliminate her, perhaps even torturing her to the point of wishing for death.

"Thank you, you saved me."

Alexia spoke to the three of them sincerely and emotionally.

At first, she never imagined that these miraculous People of Ichrite could truly reach this point, fulfilling the words they spoke at Lichtenstein Castle.

"No worries, our destinies have long been intertwined."

Hyperion comforted Alexia.

"I initially promised Alexia, just as you did, that I would definitely rescue her. So when Blood Moon City was breached, I figured that the Bloodline Viscounts and the thralls controlled by the Blood Clan on the surface might jump to action against Alexia, so I headed to the surface from Blood Moon City at the first opportunity, sneaking into the Imperial Palace under the cover of night to take away Alexia. As it turns out, it was the right move."

Frey, newly returned, gauged from everyone's expressions and the news he had heard the causal relations.

Now, Alexia's "disappearance" was the best possible outcome, and for the other Empire people, her motive for fleeing was quite understandable.

However, within the club, the atmosphere of the Silvermoon Reform Association was even heavier than he had imagined.

"Frey, we might only be able to retreat to the northern allied countries now, and then carefully plan our next move. Do you want to continue staying in the Cerryti Empire?"

Lanci looked at Frey, informing him of the consensus reached by all.

He knew that Frey's preferred method of cooperation was through concealment and skirting around, and only with Frey's disappearance from the map could he become the strongest ally.

Given Frey's character, even if it was very dangerous, he would still want to remain in the heart of the enemy.

"Is there no hope at all?"

Frey asked.

He trusted Lanci's judgment, so he only asked for the outcome, not the process.

"If we fight head-on now, we would likely be wiped out. We who know the truth cannot be sacrificed here; otherwise, the South Continent truly has no hope."

Lanci nodded resolutely at Frey and Alexia,

"We will bring Alexia back to the Northern Kingdom, and one day in the future, we can support her return to reclaim the Cerryti Empire and clear the traitor Hesintos."

He deeply understood Alexia's importance now.

No more words were exchanged, as everyone silently expressed their agreement with Lanci's decision.

They all felt somewhat unwilling in their hearts.

But the clear facts told them they had no choice but to leave now.

Sometimes, patience was necessary, and all retreats were for one day's victory.

Running away wasn't always about cowardice but rather the courage to face truly severe challenges.

The uncertainty loomed large—who knew how many years of war and chaos lay ahead?

With so many elites successfully embedded within the Empire's core, Brilda, missing this chance now might mean it would never present itself again.

"Please wait, let me ask number four; maybe, just maybe, he can still help us."

Alexia spoke with a look of bittersweetness.

She was grateful everyone was still willing to protect her, this hot potato, in this moment, rescuing her from crisis and ready to take her to the Northern Kingdom, but fleeing her homeland like this—parting with it was no easier on her.

Everyone turned their gaze to Alexia.