Varenka felt Cierra's presence within her and silently wished for her guidance.
Byanka immediately cast a recovery spell while Varenka invoked the Spell of Night, an ancient technique passed down through generations of the Ladies of Night. The spell was designed to create a powerful territorial barrier, protecting the kingdom from unexpected attacks.
For the Spell of Night to reach its full power, Varenka and Cierra fused their souls within Varenka's body. Their combined strength flowed through her, allowing the spell to spread across the territory of Iceland.
Meanwhile, Aamon finally caught sight of his daughter.
His eyes widened.
Varenka looked like a smaller reflection of Byanka, but the power radiating from her was far greater than anything either of them had displayed before.
Aamon grew increasingly anxious as he sensed the presence of the Ancient Royal Army. Realizing that the situation had become far more dangerous than he had anticipated, he immediately sent a message to the Icelands, requesting a temporary alliance to defeat the Ancient Royal Army.
The Mysterious Emperor patiently watched from a distance.
His attention remained fixed upon Princess Varenka, the princess who carried the blood of both the Icelands and the Firelands.
He was intrigued.
Curious.
The Spell of Night eventually succeeded, and Byanka fully recovered from the backlash of Varenka's earlier outburst.
The Mysterious Emperor suddenly sensed the overwhelming power of the Ice Queen.
His expression changed beneath his mask.
He raised his hand and ordered the Ancient Royal Army to prepare for war.
"It has been a while since our Ancient Empire participated in a war."
A faint smile appeared beneath his mask.
Then, he gave the signal.
"Attack."
The Ancient Royal Army surged forward.
At the same time, the Fire King received the Ice Queen's approval for a temporary alliance. With the agreement secured, the Fire Army launched its attack alongside the forces of Iceland.
Varenka immediately prepared to join the battlefield, but Byanka stopped her.
"Varenka, stop! You stay here. Your father needs reinforcement, but you must wait until the situation demands it."
Varenka hesitated.
She wanted to fight.
She wanted to protect her kingdom and help her father.
But after seeing the seriousness in Byanka's eyes, she reluctantly obeyed.
Varenka remained behind and watched the battle unfold.
The battlefield became chaotic as the allied forces of Iceland and the Firelands clashed with the Ancient Royal Army.
Amidst the chaos, the Mysterious Emperor turned his attention toward Aamon.
"You can be my ally," he said calmly. "We have no reason to fight each other. However, if you refuse my offer, I will have no choice but to attack both the Icelands and the Firelands."
Aamon narrowed his eyes.
Something about the Mysterious Emperor felt strangely familiar.
His presence.
His mannerisms.
Even certain details about his appearance.
Aamon's suspicion deepened.
"Are you truly the Mysterious Emperor who was once glorious and powerful?"
He paused.
"Or are you my traitorous brother?"
The Mysterious Emperor became completely silent.
For a brief moment, the battlefield seemed to disappear from his mind.
Aamon had noticed something he was never supposed to notice.
The Mysterious Emperor did not answer immediately. Yet he knew that remaining silent for too long would only deepen Aamon's suspicions.
Finally, he spoke.
"Your imagination is more troublesome than I expected, Fire King."