The night was silent.
Unnaturally so—considering how that world had treated him like trash.
Kaito finished his meal in silence.
His mind still couldn't fully organize everything that had happened.
Across from him, Adelheid carefully washed the utensils.
Every movement was imbued with such perfect military discipline that even the wooden bowls seemed to salute her.
"How do you feel, Commander?" she asked in a calm, precise tone.
Kaito nodded slowly and set the empty bowl aside.
"…Good. Thank you. Truly.
I can't remember the last time someone did something for me… without expecting anything in return."
Adelheid observed him in silence.
There was no pity in her gaze. No coldness.
Only unbreakable will, absolute loyalty, and unwavering faith.
"May I ask you a question?" she said, straightening her back and kneeling, resting her hands on her thighs.
"Of course," Kaito replied, slightly intrigued.
"What exactly did this world do to you?"
"What kind of trash were the nobles who reduced you to that state?"
Kaito swallowed.
It wasn't easy to talk about.
But it was the first time… he felt someone truly wanted to listen.
"When I arrived in this world… everyone expected something like what the other heroes had.
A holy sword, dazzling magic, legendary abilities…
But all I had was this."
He showed her the dull gray cards and the black gloves that held them.
"They mocked me for being empty, for being useless…
and for that alone, they expelled me as a 'summoning failure.'"
Adelheid's eyes narrowed.
"They gave me no clothes. No food.
Only laughter, spit… and the word 'error.'"
"And the other summoned ones?" she asked.
"Heroes blessed by the gods.
Handsome, charismatic, overflowing with talent…
Welcomed by the knightly orders, trained, fed with banquets…
While I slept in a stable and stole stale bread when no one was looking just to stay alive."
A heavy silence fell between them.
Only the crackling fire broke the air.
Kaito lowered his head, clenching his trembling fists.
"So then… why was I summoned?
Why me…?
Just to become something worse than an insect?"
Adelheid did not answer immediately.
She approached slowly, her movements flawless.
She knelt before him and gently wrapped his hands in hers—unexpectedly soft.
"Only those rejected by the system…
can build a new one."
Kaito's eyes widened.
"You don't need to hide anymore.
Nor beg insects for respect."
"What… what do you mean by that?"
"Stand up.
Leave this rotten kingdom behind, and let us build something together.
Our… new kingdom."
Kaito was left speechless.
"'Our'… kingdom?"
Adelheid nodded solemnly.
Her voice was heavy, firm—like a declaration of war.
"You will be the leader. The voice of the new order.
And I will be your sword, your shadow… and your absolute faith."
"Adelheid…"
"Let us gather resources. Summon more of our own.
Take the abandoned lands, dominate the borders, and give purpose to the castaways.
By the time the world realizes it… it will already be too late."
Kaito's heart began to pound.
A heat rose from the deepest part of his chest.
"And you… what will you be in my kingdom?"
Adelheid leaned closer.
Her face was so near that only a few centimeters separated them.
Her voice carried loyalty…
and something harder to name.
"Your aide.
The architect of your victories.
Your princess… if you so desire."
"You are… what?"
"Your Führerin.
If you permit it."
Kaito let out a laugh.
It wasn't mockery.
It was absurd… and yet, beautiful.
"…You're completely insane."
"I merely follow those chosen by history," she replied with pride.
Kaito stood up.
He was still unsteady, but his eyes burned with firm resolve.
"Then… it's decided.
Let's leave this rotten place behind."
Adelheid straightened with rigid precision, like a soldier receiving a revolutionary command.
"Understood, Commander.
From this day onward… the world will change.
And hearing your name alone… will make it tremble."