Chapter 23: The Small, Fragile City of Preservation

Keeping Bronya’s outing a secret was essential. So why did Venti deliberately reveal himself to so many Silvermane Guards?

First, to familiarize them with his face. Whatever he planned to do next, he didn’t want the guards to immediately brand him a thief. First impressions mattered.

After all, reshaping Belobog’s power structure would inevitably involve the Silvermane Guards. Leaving a positive impression was only beneficial.

He wasn’t expecting them to rebel against Cocolia for him, but at least they might half-heartedly comply during any future “rebel suppression operations.”

Second, to earn the trust of the city’s most legitimate authority figure, he needed to project an open, upright image—a critical point.

As a collaborator, he couldn’t skulk in the shadows. His goals weren’t underhanded, and he had no fear of exposure.

By this stage, Venti assumed he was already on the Supreme Guardian’s watchlist. He didn’t care what the tyrant thought—their true contest was just beginning!

But first—

“Venti, does this outfit look okay?”

Gone was Bronya’s usual elegance. Now, dressed plainly with a gray scarf covering most of her hair, she looked less like the radiant heir to the Supreme Guardian and more like a country girl.

“—Perfect! I almost feel like you’re teaching me now.”

Venti circled her, marveling.

Unaccustomed to such bold scrutiny, Bronya crossed her arms self-consciously, inadvertently drawing more attention to her figure.

Before his gaze became too improper, Venti stepped back and smiled gently.

“Alright, time to head out.”

“But the patrols outside are dense. Leaving undetected will be difficult.”

After reporting her mission, Bronya had returned to her residence near the Everwinter Monument to rest. Her mother handled official matters, and Bronya’s battle report had been met with rare approval.

Of course, what pleased Cocolia wasn’t the reduced casualty rate but the proof of her daughter’s growing prowess.

Cocolia cherished every step of Bronya’s progress, as if seeing her younger self. After offering rare praise, she dismissed Bronya to rest and await further orders.

As for the harmless bard with his little songs? A pet for her daughter, nothing more.

Based on her intel, he posed no threat, and Bronya wouldn’t act recklessly. Cocolia was unconcerned—though this complacency would soon become her greatest regret.

……

Due to past incidents, the area around the Supreme Guardian heir’s residence was heavily patrolled by Silvermane Guards. Sneaking in or out via the ground was nearly as hard as storming the Everwinter Monument itself.

Fortunately, people here had long forgotten to look up. While the ground defenses were meticulous, the skies were neglected.

Venti’s plan was simple yet daring: fly from the second-floor balcony to the roof, then soar away with a bit of camouflage.

Bronya, who had never flown before, clung to Venti’s arm, trembling but too proud to admit her fear—an endearing sight.

The kind bard, ever attentive, offered comfort.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe. If you’re scared, scream all you want. It might even help!”

For this trip, he’d prepared a special tool: a “Wind Glider” crafted from Anemo energy. Though just a prop, it eased Bronya’s nerves.

It was better than being swept into the sky by raw wind—a terrifying prospect for her.

“So, ready to share your first flight Lady Bronya?”

“…Just call me Bronya. Like before…”

Unexpectedly, the reserved noblewoman took the initiative to mend their rapport.

“Sure! A beautiful name needs no embellishment to sound sweet.”

Venti’s flattery made Bronya wonder: Was his patience and warmth reserved for her, or did he treat every girl this way?

Everyone wants to feel special, but Venti’s demeanor suggested no ulterior motives. Though it felt vain, she craved words to anchor their ambiguous relationship.

Were they friends? Future enemies? Allies of convenience? Secretly, Bronya hoped for something closer.

“Let’s go. I’ll follow your lead and stay out of your way.”

Steeling herself, Bronya offered her hand. After a pause, Venti took it warmly.

Surprisingly, the intimate gesture felt less awkward than she’d feared. If anything, her calloused, battle-hardened hand seemed less “ladylike” compared to his soft, delicate one.

As her mind wandered, a breeze lifted them skyward. Bronya tensed initially, but Venti’s calm gaze soothed her panic into quiet awe.

The expected disorientation never came. Instead, she felt like a bird gliding freely under the open sky.

From this height, she saw things she’d never noticed before.

The Silvermane Guards’ defensive lines resembled stone walls encircling the city, while the habitable zones were strangled by the tumor-like rift encroaching from all sides.

The once-glorious City of Preservation now resembled a butterfly trapped in a spider’s web, its struggles feeble.

The Everwinter Monument at the city’s heart, once a symbol of steadfast security, now felt cold and distant. All Bronya felt was doubt… and smallness.

From the ground, the fortress seemed unshakable. But here, witnessing the fissures beneath the city’s facade, she saw only fragility.

If this bastion of Preservation fell, the casualties would be unimaginable. The thought alone weighed heavily on her.

On the ground, the direness was less apparent. But from above, it was clear: they were besieged by rifts and snowstorms, fighting a doomed battle.

Her mother had to know this. Yet she kept throwing soldiers and resources into futile counterattacks, trading lives for meaningless “victories” that only provoked faster rift expansion.

People’s lives hadn’t improved—they were worse than during the era of conservative policies. What if those wasted resources were redirected to better causes?

Was this extremism truly the right path?

Doubts about her mother’s actions took root, refusing to fade.

Venti’s voice broke her thoughts. “The view’s amazing, but we should land soon.”

His words snapped her back. She looked at him, conflicted.

How could he call this despair a “beautiful view”? She felt only panic and confusion, yet he remained unfazed.

But one thing was certain: this journey would shatter her old beliefs.