Book 11: Chapter 37
I looked at the Queen and told her, “Sorry, I can’t let you return home.”
She looked at me with a smile. “It is fine. You have already done what you promised. I was actually prepared for this, because the Galadriel tribe never changes. That is the nature of the Galadriels. They never make compromises. Of course, if you were the leader of the tribe, chances are things would change.”
“No, that’s not all I want to say. Leave the South. I’m serious. Leave the South. This is no longer about whether you can return home or not. When I told the tribe about you, they rejected you. However, I noticed that a number of Imperial Guards were missing when I left today. Though it’s said that Vyvyan commands the Imperial Guards, in reality, it’s the Galadriel tribe that commands them. Zelal has the authority to command them.”
Evelyn’s expression turned a little grim. I elaborated, “You must leave the South and go North. You can’t go to Troy City, either, despite it being my city, as you won’t be able to fight against the elves representing my mom. You must head North. The North is out of bounds for the elves. They won’t go to the North, so you should head back.”
She looked at me and pleaded, “I… I do not want to go back… The North is a nightmare to me. I never want to recall the things I went through in the North. If I must die, I want to die in the South. I want to die in the sea of flowers in the South. I want to die next to my own kin. I do not want to pass on in the North in the freezing snow all alone.”
“What causes you pain is the former North. The North is now mine, Evelyn, don’t forget that. The North brought you endless suffering in the past. However, you must believe that the fault doesn’t lie with the North, but that winged individual. I will provide you with a peaceful North, and I will turn it into the South. Trust me on it.”
Evelyn revealed a smile. “I believe that you do not feel so strongly about wanting me to return to the North to protect me, right? Grand Commander, I surmise that you must want me to do something in the North, correct? Tell me. As long as it is a reasonable request, I will be sure to help you. Having said that, I no longer have anything but myself, so what can I do?”
“You, alone, are enough,” I answered with a chuckle.
She saw through me. Indeed, I wasn’t simply worried about Evelyn. I hadn’t known her for long. I would be very sad if she died, but I wouldn’t feel guilty about it. In a situation where even Lucia was at risk, I had to prioritise Lucia. As for Evelyn, it was fine as long as she didn’t die. She wouldn’t die if I send her back to the North. Plus, she could be useful and help me.