Of course.

Contrary to everyones concerns, however, Lionelli nodded her head and answered in affirmation.

Theodore clicked his tongue seeing his colleague. Even if she was going to die soon, she was stubborn and would not show her weakness.

Under the mans command, the soldiers brought a horse. Lionelli struggled to get on the horse, aided by Theodore and the soldiers. It looked as if she would pass out at any moment from the cold sweat on her pale face, but she did not lose consciousness until the end.

Anyway, shes pretty tough.

Theodore, who was watching the scene, shook his head.

Lionellis horse was pulled by the soldiers hand and rode in front. She had the soldier pause the horse for a moment.

Forgive me. Lord.

Standing in front of the man, Lionelli managed to hold herself together and apologized to him.

Really I am ashamed of myself.

Who was Dame chasing?

The man asked quietly.

Did you kill him?

I missed it.

Lionelli gritted her teeth with a look of indignation.

He was precise and quick on his feet. I havent been able to figure out his identity, but he must be a knight belonging to Velicia.

Which way was he headed?

East. Lord.

Lionellis complexion darkened.

It looks like he headed there to call in reinforcements. Lord knows well that there is a fairly large village not far from here.

.

Even so, I wanted to tell Lord about this as soon as possible. But even if I tried hard, I couldnt move on my own with these legs. I apologize.

I see.

Despite hearing the news that the Velicia army might be coming soon, the man did not respond. Far from panicking or getting impatient, he showed an infinitely indifferent attitude, like he had heard that everything was going well.

The soldiers looked into each others eyes. At first glance, it sounds like a serious story, but seeing the commander act so calmly, they wondered if they had heard it wrong.

Who is this woman here anyway?

Looking down at Herietta, who was still sitting on the ground, Theodore asked right away.

She is a benefactor who helped me. She pulled out that arrow that was stuck in my leg.

Lionelli said, pointing at Destrude, who was lying on the ground with her eye. Theodore frowned when he saw where her gaze was directed. A sharp piece of metal that has been disassembled into several pieces. The outside of them had bloody flesh sticking to it.

Is this an arrow? It doesnt look like that at all?

It was a strangely shaped arrow with a hook bent in the opposite direction attached to the arrowhead. Because of that, I couldnt pull it out by myself.

By the way, this woman took it out for you?

The tone of Theodores voice rose.

Lionelli and him were people who had lived their lives as knights. Its a rare weapon that even they dont know much about, but this woman passing by just happened to know how to remove it.

No matter how you look at it, shes suspicious.

Theodores eyes narrowed.

Why are you covering your face again?

Theodore stretched out his hand towards Herietta. He had the intention to take off the hood she wore. Realizing his intentions, Herietta trembled and quickly pulled her body back.

Stop! Leave that woman alone!

Lionelli raised her voice.

She is a benefactor to me! I wont lay a finger on her if she helps me, I promised!

Thats what Dame promised. Its not what I promised.

Sir Theodore!

Calm down a little. Dame, you might have lost your reason from shedding too much blood? If there is even the slightest suspicion, it is natural to investigate thoroughly.

Theodores eyes flashed with strong tenacity.

If you cant do that, the only way is to kill it cleanly.

Stop.

The man who had been silent throughout the two knights squabbling and arguing, cut off Theodore. Naturally, everyones eyes turned to him.

Sir Theodore. Take Dame Lionelli to the medic right now. I will take care of this woman.

Lord, but !

Theodore was furious hearing the mans order and tried to object. But that lasted for a moment. For some reason, he couldnt finish his words and it trailed into the air..

.

Theodore, who hesitated, finally shut his mouth. His eyes rolled back and forth. It was a complex expression, showing there were many thoughts in his head.

I understand, Lord.

Then he straightened up and lowered his head towards the man. Unlike a little while ago, he seemed quite obedient.

* * *

An empty place where everyone has left. Only the man wearing the black armor remained there with Herietta.

There was no more whispering of conversation, no more tapping of footsteps. Only the occasional sound of the wind came. It was so quiet that she wondered if she could hear each others breathing clearly if she listened closely.

Herietta kept her head down and looked up at the man standing in the distance, with only her eyes raised. Leaning sideways against a tree with his arms folded, he did not move a step from his place even after the men had left. He just stood still, motionless, like a rock in the middle of the forest.

Heriettas neck moved. Even though he was right in front of her eyes, she still couldnt believe it. The fact that that man over there is the notorious commander of the Kustan army.

Rumors about that man were numerous and varied. Those who had him as enemies were greatly afraid of him, portraying him as an evil demon, and those who had him as allies admired him as a hero and showed infinite respect.

But Herietta was neither of those. Her feelings for him were much more complex and detailed than that.

That person.

Herietta, who was glaring at the man, clenched her fists tightly. The soft grass crumbled helplessly in her grasp.

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