"Even if the world is wrong, it isn't my fault. We kings must have that kind of drive, because we stand at the forefront of the human race and lead humanity to open up the world and the ages."
Leon spoke sincerely.
Nahida's large eyes shimmered slightly.
She was somewhat persuaded by Leon.
Perhaps Leon was right. A king is indeed someone who leads humanity into a new era—but that is an extremely rare role. Those are the pioneers who first ascend the throne, not those who merely inherit it later.
Nowadays, most kings in the world simply lounge on their thrones, seeking stability rather than expansion.
But Leon was dissatisfied with the status quo.
"In this world, there are actually more than a dozen major kingdoms, dozens of medium-sized ones, and hundreds of small ones. Most of them speak different languages. It's terribly inconvenient. After I conquer them all, I'll abolish all those useless things. Wouldn't it be better to keep just one language?"
It didn't matter whether people called him mediocre or delusional. Conquering the world and ascending the throne was his ideal. Anyone in the world could laugh at that ideal—but Leon himself could not.
Of course, if someone dared to laugh, Leon would simply smile and execute them.
"But that aside, you don't seem angry at all, Nahida. I just said I'm here to conquer your country."
"Why should I be angry? You're talking about conquest, not invasion," Nahida shook her head and smiled.
"Conquest isn't invasion. The former is integration and prosperity; the latter is killing and plundering. The second is an enemy of this kingdom, while the first is more like a challenger."
"In this world, if a kingdom is invaded, its people may become slaves. But conquest is different—it is integration, progress, and prosperity."
"After all, the pursuit of unity is a good thing."
If Leon had said his purpose was invasion, Nahida would not have hesitated to show hostility toward him.
Even if she was weak, even if she was an abandoned ruler, she would still fight Leon immediately—because as the Lady of Sumeru, it was her duty to resist foreign enemies.
Even if she were just a small girl and certain to lose, she would still bite him with her teeth if she had to.
"Yes, very good. As expected of the ruler of the Kingdom of Wisdom. Your distinction is very clear. I explained this to someone else not long ago, and I found that his attitude was completely opposite to yours."
"It's nothing. Besides, even if I wanted to stop you, I couldn't do anything. I can't do anything right now, and… I don't think you're bad for Sumeru at this moment," Nahida said seriously, displaying a calmness and wisdom completely at odds with her appearance.
"I consider myself a failed ruler, but I love Sumeru as much as I love my sister. If someone can lead it to a better future, then… I will gladly yield the throne to them."
Nahida's eyes were calm and resolute.
She was not greedy for power.
Even while imprisoned like this, she bore no resentment toward the people of Sumeru. Even though she was just a little girl, she loved that land deeply and hoped it would become a better place.
"…I knew it."
"Huh?"
"I'm now completely convinced that all the villains are those people in Sumeru, and that Nahida bears no responsibility at all for Sumeru's current state."
Leon raised his hand and gently touched Nahida's head, his eyes filled with appreciation and kindness.
He was already convinced that the girl had done nothing wrong, and that her imprisonment was the result of an irrational rebellion by despicable and undisciplined people.
"Wait a little longer. Everything will get better soon, and I will correct this mistake."
"Well… that's true. Before that, there's something I want to ask you, if you're willing to answer," Leon said with a smile.
Nahida was surprised for a moment, then smiled and nodded.
"Of course. Think of it as a reward for the afternoon tea just now. I'll tell you everything I know. What do you want to know?"
"Hmm… there are quite a few things, but before that, let's change locations. I don't like staying in enclosed spaces for too long, and this place isn't suitable for conversation."
"Huh? But I can't leave… Wait, how did you even enter the Sanctuary?"
Nahida suddenly realized she had been ignoring this fundamental question. Although the sanctuary where she was imprisoned wasn't the most heavily guarded place in Sumeru, its defensive mechanism was the strongest.
No one could enter without permission—except the Grand Sage.
So how had Leon gotten in?
"Haha, take a look."
Leon curled his lips and raised his hand.
In the next second, the space in front of them split open, and a two-meter-long rift appeared. The other side of the rift was connected to the outside world.
Nahida's mouth fell slightly open in shock.
Although she was the ruler of the Kingdom of Wisdom, she had never known such a magical ability existed.
At the same time, a look of longing appeared in her eyes. Nahida felt that if she stepped into that spatial rift, she could go to the outside world and be free.
"Come on, let's go out."
"No, it won't work. If I leave the sanctuary, I'll be discovered. So—"
"It doesn't matter. Even if it's discovered, they won't know."
Leon shook his head and explained that his people had already infiltrated Sumeru, and that the person currently monitoring the sanctuary was his own subordinate.
It was impossible for those sages and old men to notice anything.
He directly took Nahida's hand.
"You must be tired of staying here for so long. The world outside is very exciting."
"Wait, I need to prepare myself mentally."
"Okay. What kind of mental preparation do you need? Let's go!"
Leon pulled Nahida into the spatial rift.
In the next instant, the two of them appeared beneath a towering tree.
Before them stretched an endless green meadow.
Above their heads spread a vast blue sky.
A breeze blew in from the north.
Dandelions danced in the wind.
It was one of Mondstadt's most beautiful landscapes.
Nahida stared at everything with wide eyes.
Tears streamed down her face.
"Welcome to my kingdom, Nahida."
"This is the outside world…"
She raised her hand to wipe away her tears of emotion.
Nahida looked around greedily, wanting to engrave those scenes into her eyes.
This was a world countless times larger than her sanctuary—a landscape she could only see in her dreams, and a freedom she had not known for a very long time.
At that moment, Nahida was like a little bird released from its cage, unable to wait to spread her wings and fly into this infinite world.
(End of the chapter)