Hate me, Miss Witch!

"Scoundrel, you actually dared to kill Riel!"

Guderian's enraged voice exploded in the Hall of Oaths.

The colossal aura burst forth in an instant, shattering every door and window of the entire hall. Countless shards of glass broke apart, reflecting shimmering dots of light.

For any extraordinary force, a Titled Rank powerful pro is a genuine high-ranking member, a true pillar of support.

Even for the Borgia family with its vast scale, the death of a 6-Ring powerful pro was a tremendous loss. Moreover, this was a steward who had served the family loyally and without complaint for decades.

But it was then that every person in the Hall of Oaths heard that indifferent female voice.

"A mere house servant dared to lay hands on someone I favor. His crime demands punishment."

"If he's dead, then he's dead."

As Isadella's voice rang out, everyone saw the radiant Sacred Sword appear in the night sky.

It was no illusory embryo. The Golden Sword revealed its corporeal form amidst a roaring tempest. Myriad rays of light converged upon its dazzling blade, illuminating the surrounding dim, dark night sky.

Under this intense and pure brilliance, every guest present could no longer find words to speak.

That was the Sacred Sword of the 'Knight King,' which, before the Holy Calendar, had illuminated the chaos darker than night itself.

Although their current positions were opposed, most of the guests at this banquet were subjects of the Fresta Empire. In the distant past, their ancestors had once gathered under the luminescence of that Sacred Sword, expanding the empire's territory.

"Has the Sacred Sword of the former emperor recognized a new master once again?" someone murmured, but after speaking, they didn't know what else to say.

They had thought it was just an ordinary marriage banquet, but everything that had happened during this event was beyond anyone's expectations.

First, the truth of Ceylon's destruction was revealed, then a Titled Rank Beastmaster was killed in battle...

Subsequently, even the Sacred Sword, sealed away by the Royal Family for centuries, reappeared and acknowledged Second Princess Isadella as its master.

In comparison, the annulment of the Borgia family's marriage contract had become the least noteworthy triviality.

「Above the night sky.」

That resplendent Sacred Sword had locked onto the gardener-like elder.

Emerald green vines and blossoms rose and fell beside him, standing in stark opposition to Isadella, who faintly gripped the Golden Sword.

"I never imagined Your Highness would actually, for a mere 4-Ring... go so far as to unleash the true name of the Sacred Sword."

Guderian's sigh echoed through the night sky.

"But Riel served the Borgia family loyally for decades. He may not have had great achievements, but he toiled diligently."

"By rights and by reason, I must give my clansmen an explanation."

"So, Shiayar Egutt—"

"His life shall end tonight."

The very next instant, a vermillion rose suddenly descended from the sky.

Then, it plummeted straight towards Shiayar.

There was no grand display, nor any immense fluctuation of energy.

But when everyone saw the emerald green, crowned humanoid figure within the rose, they all understood its nature.

That was a Legendary entity.

No, 'Legendary' might not be entirely accurate, for it was not a Beastmaster.

It was a plant-based Pet Beast of Mythical Rank, equivalent in Rank to a Legendary entity—the 'Rose Emperor.'

For Humans, attaining Legendary Rank is an insurmountable barrier. The path to becoming Legendary cannot be replicated; the birth of every Legendary individual is a unique miracle. And for Pet Beasts, the Mythical Rank is likewise an insurmountable barrier.

Most Legendary Beastmasters actually contract Pet Beasts that are merely of Emperor Rank. It is only through the combined power of seven such Emperor Rank Pet Beasts that a Beastmaster is granted Legendary Rank, allowing them to contend with a Mythical Rank Pet Beast.

And at this very moment, Guderian Borgia, already a Legendary Beastmaster, had secretly cultivated a Mythical Rank Rose Emperor.

Such a trump card was far more terrifying than the Borgia family producing another Legendary Beastmaster. Two Legendary Beastmasters would merely be an increase in numbers. However, a Legendary Beastmaster coordinating with a Mythical Rank Rose Emperor could achieve an effect where one plus one is greater than two.

The Sacred Sword in Isadella's hand blazed with even greater brilliance. Its pure radiance surged forth, illuminating the night.

But Guderian also erupted with power. A torrent of emerald green light surged, contending with the Sacred Sword's brilliance.

"Give up, Your Highness. You have not yet taken that final step."

"Even if you have unleashed the true name of the Sacred Sword, I will risk injury to stop you," Guderian said, his voice cold and indifferent. "You are fortunate, Your Highness."

"This was originally a trump card prepared for you and that old Undying one from the Royal Family."

"But it has been used prematurely on that 4-Ring insect."

However, as his words rang out, the silver-haired Princess's beautiful face showed none of the rage, disappointment, or anxiety Guderian had anticipated.

From Isadella's crimson eyes, Guderian clearly perceived—a hint of pity.

The petals of the rose drifted down.

Beautiful and enchanting, yet extraordinarily cold, they extinguished all signs of life.

The moment the Mythical Rank Rose Emperor materialized, Shiayar was already a dead man in the eyes of everyone present.