Even if Hades and the others withdrew from Kratos, the implication would be completely different depending on how he made his return. Kratos would gain momentum if they overwhelmed the Dragon Emperor, but would lose it if the Saber family were to fall.

“That’s the kind of position your family is in. Such is the fate of aristocrats near the border. The same goes for Noitral.”

“It’s fine. I mean, it would’ve been better if His Majesty had explained that from the beginning.”

Jill finally understood the meaning behind Hades’ ‘Peace’ gesture of holding out his left hand while raising his right fist.

She pursed her lips.

“Depending on the situation, I might have to damage my parents’ house a bit. I know an efficient strategy that’ll let us do so with minimal sacrifice.” (Jill)

“If you mean it, then I don’t see why not.” (Elynsia)

“…I admit that I wasn’t prepared for this. But the family motto of the Saber family is to be strong but fair. When we lose, we don’t leave any regrets behind. Even now, I’m sure they’re playing rock, paper, scissors to decide who’d fight against His Majesty.” (Jill)

“What kind of family is that…?” (Natalie)

Jill smiled slightly at Natalie whose eyebrows were furrowed. The city was already far away, and they were out of range of the anti-aircraft magic. Everything was completely silent, as if the scene from before had never happened.

“…His Majesty probably doesn’t understand. Just because you have a fight with your family doesn’t necessarily mean you end up hating each other. Perhaps, it’s because he has never experienced it for himself.” (Jill)

“B-but recently, hasn’t Hades been learning about sibling fights?” (Elynsia)

“Hence why he thought that I only had two choices: either to kill my family, or not. Good grief…” (Jill)

“Brother Hades wanted to avoid placing you in a position where you would have to make such a choice.” (Natalie)

Jill’s heart sank at Natalie revelation. Elynsia smiled bitterly.

“I think so too, albeit he wouldn’t admit it. What would the Dragon Princess say?” (Elynsia)

“There’s no way she can choose. At the same time, he also didn’t want Jill to dump him first. Therefore, in order to be disliked, he deliberately acted in such a blatant manner.” (Natalie)

“What a troublesome child. Don’t you think so, Jill?” (Elynsia)

Jill was taken aback when the two of them gazed meaningfully at her. Her face flushed red.

“W-who knows, after all, this is His Majesty we’re talking about! He’s trying to set me up, anyway… Still, it’s up to me! I’ll definitely punch him!”

“Haha, are you ready? Then I don’t have anything else to say. Well, the last real issue is Rosa. If we don’t fly at full speed from here, we won’t be able to make it in time to stop Hades.”

If Rosa saw Jill as an enemy, the dragon might refuse to let her approach Hades. After all, she was one smart red dragon. She could chose to only fly slowly and do little tricks to buy time.

Jill placed her hand on Elynsia’s shoulder, flipped over her, and sat in front of her.

“Rosa, please heed my request. Please fly to His Majesty at full speed through the shortest distance.”

Jill gently stroked the dragon’s neck, but Rosa didn’t respond. She seemed to be ignoring Jill.

“I want to help His Majesty. I’m not asking you to help me. I just need you to take me to him.”

Elynsia and Natalie watched with bated breath.

“Rosa, please.”

As expected, Rosa didn’t answer. Elynsia sighed.

“It’s no good, after all. No dragon will recognize you as the Dragon Princess without the ring.”

“—Then it can’t be helped. Chop-chop, it is.”

“Gyao—!?”

Rosa finally responded. Jill smiled, slowly tightening her grip on the dragon’s neck.

“Even if I am the Dragon Princess no longer, I’m still a member of the Saber family. I’m your enemy. I imagine we’re quite famous in the world of dragons by now. After all, we have the highest dragon kill rate in the world.”

Rosa twisted her neck, trying to ask for help, but Jill pressed down harder, gripping her head.

“Either is fine. Choose whichever you like. Carry me or be a slab of meat.”

“…Gyu, gya.”

“It’s okay, I’m doing this to help the Dragon Emperor. You shouldn’t find any issue with that, right?”

Jill reassured Rosa in a low voice as she slowly tightened her grip on the dragon’s head.

“Don’t alert His Majesty or Rho. Otherwise, this will be your last flight.”

Rosa nodded sharply. Then, she spread her wings wide and began to fly at maximum speed.

Satisfied, Jill turned back to Elynsia and Natalie. The two were trembling.

“See? I’m still the Dragon Princess to her!”

“Tha- that’s great!?”

“Incredible!”

Elynsia and Natalie immediately agreed.

Now all that’s left is that blockhead of a husband.

In the northeastern sky, the faint glow of the stars were beginning to fade. Dawn was almost upon them.

---

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***T/N: Remember guys, even if all hope is lost, there’s still violence.

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