There are days like that,
Where the sky is exceptionally clear, the breeze is cool, and the sunlight is warm, creating an unbelievably cozy atmosphere.
For some, it's the perfect day for exercise, and for others, a day to enjoy a book on a bench or have a picnic in the park.
It's refreshingly pleasant, but—
Thud… thud…
For someone, it might be the kind of weather that doesn’t care about their feelings at all.

Knights and soldiers surrounded a woman, pointing swords and spears at her.
The woman had already bled profusely, with no part of her unscathed.
If anyone were to witness this, they would scold the men for dishonoring their honor and oppressing a woman, but those who remembered the screams of comrades who died at this woman's hands would have instead beaten down those who criticized them.

This woman was no weakling.
"Speaking with the enemy like this is dishonorable, and I owe my fallen comrades an apology, but I must ask: How is it that one who once held the rank of your lieutenant general betrayed us?"
"...Asking for the reason now is foolish. If you’re going to kill me, do it without hesitation. My sword will aim for your necks without mercy."

"......"
Swish!
Despite trembling, the knights, with a sigh, gathered their resolve and faced the woman.
"Don’t hesitate."
It seemed like he was speaking to a fellow knight, but his words were a reminder to himself as he unsheathed his sword. The other knights followed suit, without hesitation.
Once a loyal retainer of Offen, she now stood before them as the one who had betrayed the family and threatened its head.
"...A damn resilient life."
Her name was Elza.

***

Thud.
"?"
Suddenly, a notebook appeared on the table, and Ihan, who had been eating ten paninis like they were dessert, tilted his head.
"What’s this?"
"It’s Elza’s diary. The family servants found it," said Iliad.
"I’m not really one for reading other people's diaries."
"Neither am I. But I had no choice. I had to know why she betrayed the family."
"Is that so?"
Ihan shrugged but didn’t seem particularly interested, returning to his panini.
Each one had different fillings, and the freshness of the ingredients made them incredibly delicious.
Also,
‘The best food is always made by someone else.’
The fact that it was free made it all the more comforting.
"...Haha."
Ihan’s lack of curiosity left Iliad flabbergasted.
After all, it was Ihan who had resolved the current situation, and yet he showed no interest in it.
Was it visible on his face?
"I’m not disinterested in other people’s matters. It’s just that I already know what happened."
"You already know?"
"There are five main reasons why traitors betray: money, love, revenge, jealousy."
"...One of those doesn’t apply here."
"The last one is simple. ‘Just because.’ Humans are like that, right? If they think they can get away with it or that they can make a power move, they just do it. They act on instinct."
"Instinct…"
"Yeah, it’s ‘survival of the fittest.’ If someone looks weak, you go after them. It’s the logic of beasts, but humans are no different. It’s pretty simple."
"……."
"So, I don’t really care about the reason. Betrayal? The ones who betray were always going to do it. And, while I listed five reasons, those are just the grand ideals behind it. The real reason is that people get angry when they’ve been betrayed. But in the end, it’s a failed betrayal. When that happens, you just mock the traitors until your anger is gone. Don’t overthink it. Overthinking only makes your heart sick."
"…I see. So, this is how you think?"
"Don’t take it too seriously. After all, it’s just some nonsense from a kid who hasn’t even lived as long as you."
"Haha! I wonder if anyone would dare call you a kid, Ihan."
"Surprisingly, a lot of people do."
"Ha ha ha!"

Cough...!
Iliad laughed heartily, but soon stifled his laughter with a cough.
"You should calm down. Your body’s still not fully recovered."
"...It seems I can’t even laugh properly."