Chapter 10

Laverna changed the subject abruptly, turning to her parents, who seemed no less filthy than Hyan and its crimes. Her voice was filled with disgrace towards this family she had trusted and loved so much. Then she looked down at her clasped hands in her lap as she spoke, "My father heard a story about the birth of the Emperor of Hyan and how a fate from one of the forsaken tribes gave birth to the Crown Prince and became more influential than the Empress." With a mocking smile, she looked at me sadly and said, "He thinks that I, who have never laid eyes on the prince again, will offer him the same glory."

Her gaze returned to the tree, filled with more frustration than before, and her voice carried a more sarcastic tone: "Even Amor and Nero lead the front lines with the Crown Prince in the armies. These fools believe that the empire will reward them for such sacrifices."

Tait cried out in shock, "Amor and Nero? The Twin? Oh my God! How could they proudly kill their friends for the sake of a stranger?" Then she lowered her voice in fear, glancing left and right to make sure no one overheard. I mocked this fate. "Do you see? It seems that this war has shocked us all."

After our meeting concluded, we bid each other farewell. However, it seemed that Laverna remembered something suddenly. "Yuana, Nero told me that Rhea and Leo escaped together before their family was executed."It was a shocking piece of news. I didn't know whether to feel happy or sad. It was an indescribable feeling. This war spared no one. I looked at Laverna in bewilderment as she whispered to herself, "Poor Rhea, she lost her entire family." She paused for a moment, then continued, gazing at the setting sun. "Or perhaps she is lucky among us... Her family, whom she loved so much, didn't betray her." She left slowly, but she never truly left me.

Laverna's anger began to seep into my room every night, invading my peace, and Rhea never left my thoughts. I envied her greatly, like the heroine in a fictional story. Her family burned their entire kingdom for her, while our families burned us instantly. Every night, mothers will thank our families while we curse them.