Chapter 71: Which Side Are You On?

  Princess Pailin's mouth dropped open in disbelief. She stared at Kiita, who was gently licking Nitaan's face. Her lips trembled. If she understood correctly, this seemingly ordinary wild animal had just killed a Half-step Second word Engraver Devil beast in a one-on-one battle.

  She was still only a Newborn, and her senses weren't yet sharp, but she was still able to figure out that Kiita is only a Learner. Though she didn’t know how many Words of Power Kiita found.

  In any case, it was still incredibly unheard of. Ordinary wild animals didn't possess the immense physical capabilities or inherent abilities like Devil beasts. Compared to most humans with higher spiritual compatibility, ordinary wild animals were even inferior.

  It was a natural genetic disadvantage. Yet Kiita managed to defeat that Devil beast!

  Princess Pailin had seen seemingly unremarkable Devil beasts easily defeat other Devil beasts before. It is quite common for weaker Devil beasts to win in a fight if that Devil beast has a Beast tamer companion.

  Kasa and Rain were among them. Rain’s individual abilities aren't high compared to other Devil beasts. However, when paired with her Beast tamer, Kasa, Rain's abilities skyrocket, surpassing ordinary Devil beasts.

  Beast tamers and their Devil beast companions are therefore one way to fight against stronger opponents, but ‘stronger opponents’ didn’t mean an opponent almost two levels higher!

  Kasa and Rain should be able to fight two or three average Learners at the same time. Facing highly experienced opponents like Napha or Gion would be a challenge. In a life-or-death battle, they might be able to hold their own against a First word Engraver, of course, without any treasure involved.

  When Princess Pailin received information that Nitaan could kill a First word Engraver through a surprise attack, she was already very impressed. Even more so at the banquet where he subdued a First word Engraver, she assumed Nitaan's fighting ability was at the First word Engraver level and that he could easily defeat one.

  However, she wasn't foolish enough to miss Nitaan's exhaustion at that time.

  Now, she had to reassess him entirely. Princess Pailin could accept that Nitaan was able to kill a Half-step Second word Engraver Devil beast with a single attack. After all, Nitaan was on Kiita's back at the time. Perhaps there was some kind of synergy between them as Beast tamer, plus the attack likely required a large amount of treasure—like the lightning gloves or the powerful spear. Furthermore, Nitaan was left in a vegetative state after the attack. It seemed like a move he could only use once.

  However, Kiita's actions were far more surprising!

  Kiita fought alone. She wasn't sure if Nitaan had any support, but judging from Nitaan's condition, he shouldn't have received any. Even fighting solo, he was able to hold his own against that Tree-Man Devil beast, neither losing in strength nor speed. In fact, his speed seemed superior.

  And most importantly, He managed to kill it! Princess Pailin's face trembled. They were both undoubtedly Learner. She could confirm that. Even Colonel Lalanta confirmed it. Yet their combat abilities were definitely at Second word Engraver!

  And if they were working together, their abilities might be even higher! Princess Pailin suddenly recalled Colonel Lalanta's words:

  ‘I swear he will be the one to help Your Highness ascend to the position of the Throne Holder.’

  At that time, although she had hopes, she didn't take it seriously. Her main reason for wanting to befriend Nitaan was because she felt they were more alike than anything else. But now, she was beginning to consider the possibilities Colonel Lalanta had mentioned.

  Amidst Princess Pailin's turbulent emotions, Nitaan was even more confused.

  Since when has Kiita been this skilled? Nitaan maintained a composed expression, showing no suspicion, but his heart trembled like an earthquake.

  Especially that final attack...wasn’t that Falling Vajra?

  Kiita can use it without a spear and electric gloves? Then why do I have to prepare 2000 Gaia spears every time I want to use it… Nitaan grumbled.

  No, no, this isn't the time to think about money. How did Kiita do it?

  Or was it because of the crack in the northern sky in Kiita's consciousness space? If I remember correctly, that direction should have Word of Power ‘Nitaan Wongjantra’ engraved there.

  Does that mean Kiita has fully comprehended the Word of Power? No, his spiritual energy stays the same. Maybe he's just very close to it. That's why the sky has so many cracks.

  Genius! Kiita is only six years old!! Pride welled up in Nitaan's eyes. He tried his best to suppress his smile. He wanted to brag about it to someone, but he couldn't, so he kept his joy to himself.

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  You're the best! Kiita is the best! Nitaan telepathically urged Kiita on, stroking his head excitedly. He tried to get up and hug him, but due to exhaustion, he could only continue stroking his head.

  Kiita wagged his tail, not understanding, but since Nitaan was happy, he was happy too.

  "Woof!"

  Kiita is the best! Kiita is the best!

  "If you're overjoyed enough, answer one of my questions," a chilling voice boomed from the sky. The middle-aged woman's face had returned to its usual expressionless state.

  "Auntie, Nitaan and Kiita are too exhausted." Princess Pailin shook her head, trying to compose herself.

  "Pailin, I will consider your first wish to have never happened. However, I still have a duty to investigate everything that might cause you harm," the woman in the sky replied. Although her voice was stern and firm, Nitaan felt the love she had for Pailin within.

  Nitaan forced himself to stand up. Now that he no longer needed to share his strength with Kiita and with Kiita supporting him, he was able to manage.

  Nitaan bowed respectfully, awaiting the woman's question and judgment.

  "I do not wish to interfere in the affairs of a youngster like you. In this Grand Continent, there are many more Learner individuals who are capable of slaying Engraver. Do not become so arrogant," she said calmly.

  "I understand." Nitaan lowered his head. He knew she was right. This Grand Continent is too vast. There are certainly even more frightening geniuses.

  "But you should not underestimate yourself either. Your abilities far surpass those of your peers. You are a remarkable youngster worthy of admiration." Although her voice remained calm, Princess Pailin sensed her satisfaction. She smiled faintly, gazing at the battered figures of both of them.

  "The esteemed Enlightened is overestimating me. I dare not accept such praise," Nitaan bowed in return.

  "There is only one thing I wish to know." From the atmosphere that had softened somewhat, a heavy pressure fell upon Nitaan once again. A violent surge of energy emanated from this Enlightened. Nitaan felt the pain building up in his body. He swayed and collapsed weakly.

  Nitaan took a deep breath. With the help of Kiita, he forced himself to stand upright again. Kiita's eyes, now filled with ferocity, stared coldly at the middle-aged woman, as if willing to sacrifice his life if she acted.

  Princess Pailin tried to intervene, but her aunt's sharp gaze rendered her speechless. She could only watch the conversation between the two.

  "Which side are you on?" A harsh voice weighed down on Nitaan. He felt as if he could hear his own bones cracking under this immense pressure.

  Nitaan straightened up, his head, previously bowed, now raised to meet the gaze of the woman in the sky without fear. His throat and entire body trembled. Just this simple action had drained his energy completely.

  "I am neither on any side," Nitaan said through gritted teeth. The middle-aged woman raised an eyebrow slightly.

  Princess Pailin was lost in thought. She felt as if something had struck her soul violently.

  Nitaan's words echoed in her mind. She blinked, gazing at Nitaan's completely honest face.

  Although she had only known and become close to Nitaan for a short time, she genuinely felt he was a friend.

  She couldn't bring herself to ask him for her political help. She knew the main reason Nitaan joined her was because of Colonel Lalanta. Even their first meeting was forced upon him by Colonel Lalanta.

  Nitaan never wanted to participate in this game in the first place.

  Even though she knew this deep down, she couldn't help but hope. She secretly hoped that Nitaan would see her as a true friend.

  And a friend should help a friend. No, perhaps she was expecting too much from the word ‘friend’.

  Joining her side would be more than enough. And she would be happy if he’s willing to support.

  She only deeply wished, as someone incompetent and without talent, that a genius like him would accept her, see her value—not as a princess, but as a human being, and see her as an equal. From her interactions with him, she believed in her heart that he too saw her as a comrade, that he would be her friend, and that he would be on her side.

  But Nitaan's answer suddenly made Princess Pailin feel as if she had returned to being just an innocent little girl, repeatedly deceived by adults in her childhood.

  The person she truly considered her friend…

  wasn't on her side.

  Princess Pailin lowered her head. Although she felt pain, a warmth welled up in her eyes. She chose to clench her teeth, clenching her fists so tightly that her knuckles turned pale, swallowing the bitterness.

  This wasn't the first time someone she called a friend had betrayed her. This wasn't the first time she had mistakenly believed the other person was standing by her side. And it wasn't the first time she had to endure this disappointment.

  It shouldn’t even be called ‘betrayal’ since it’s her own wish. Yet she still feels betrayed.

  She couldn't even blame or be angry with Nitaan. She knew that Nitaan wasn't at fault at all for choosing not to trust someone whom he recently met. Especially if that person is so flawed and so incompetent as she is.

  Despite everything, she is still a powerless girl who has to rely on others and treasures.

  The middle-aged woman frowned. The pressure she released intensified, and the surrounding atmosphere distorted. It was as if the dimensions surrounding the woman were tearing apart.

  She was about to speak, but Nitaan interrupted her.

  “But I love this kingdom. After my parents passed away, if it weren’t for the support of the kingdom, I wouldn’t have grown up to this day. If it weren’t for the kingdom’s Patrol unit that willingly hired me, I wouldn’t have had such a good life today and wouldn’t be able to raise Kiita.” Nitaan continued, amidst the immense pressure. Nitaan stared at the middle-aged woman with sharp eyes.

  “I have met many good people. I may not be close to everyone, but I am always grateful for everyone’s kindness. That’s why Kiita and I can still smile every day.” Nitaan, defying the pressure, turned to look at Kiita with eyes full of love.

  “Silalai Town Patrol Unit, Chief Singh, P’ Phu, City Guard Unit, Colonel Lalanta, Unit 3, Leader Mei, Napha, Gion, Kasa, Tawan, Uthumpohn family, Nong In, and Pailin… I am grateful to everyone every single day.” Nitaan spoke rapidly, under immense pressure. His deep blue eyes shone brighter than ever. Large beads of sweat streamed down his face.

  “Therefore, if I were to choose someone to rule this kingdom, I would want someone who can maintain warmth within it, not someone who is as fiery as a flame and leading the kingdom to war.”

  “Someone who truly loves their people, not just power and wealth.”

  “Someone who shines a bright light of hope for the kingdom, not someone who selfishly destroys it.”

  “Someone who is like a flame in the darkness, protecting this kingdom and slaying all evil within it. Not someone who uses this kingdom as a stepping stone to their own success.” Nitaan panted heavily, but his panting couldn't hide the emotion in his voice.

  He had only met Prince Jantrakant briefly, and he had never met the First Prince. However, from their policies, reputations, and achievements, Nitaan could already make an impression on both of them.

  More importantly, he didn't need to meet anyone else. Even though they had known each other for a short time, less than two months, her actions and character had given Nitaan complete confidence. This was the answer that came from his heart.

  Kiita's eyes shone brightly, channeling all his strength into Nitaan, enabling him to stand up and gaze directly at the woman amidst the immense power. One person and one dog stood firm, arguing with the exalted Enlightened.

  Nitaan turned away from Enlightened in the sky, looking towards Princess Pailin. Her trembling pink eyes met his deep blue eyes.

  The more time he spent with her, the more he realized how strong, how magnificent, and how worthy this small woman was. He didn't know how many times he had admired her.

  Nitaan smiled gently. He turned back to look at the middle-aged woman, unaware of the tiny tears welling up in Pailin’s eyes.

  He spoke in a voice devoid of doubt:

  “And in my eyes, that person can only be Pailin.” Nitaan’s words resonated, his sincere words piercing the deepest recesses of her heart.

  The seed of conviction took root in Princess Pailin’s heart. The sprout of self-belief was blossoming, and no one could have foreseen how much power these seemingly small words would unleash upon her.