Chapter 96

Time rewinds slightly.

Raidor and Darren had just entered the lord's mansion, and the soldiers of the Raidor army, having obtained prior permission, set up camp right beside the mansion. They pitched tents in the square, and while the sentries remained vigilant, the others began to recover from the fatigue of the expedition.

People from the town gathered around the soldiers, bringing them water, food, and alcohol.

At the sight of these items being brought into the camp, Justy Oigist, one of the army's commanders, twitched his eyebrows.

"I appreciate the supplies. I will make sure to convey this to Prince Raidor."

"Indeed!"

"You may step back. We will take care of the rest."

Although he told the grateful town's influential figures this, Justy halted the soldiers who were about to touch the alcohol and food.

"We are still in enemy territory! Do not lightly consume anything given to us by those who are not our allies!"

"Y-Yes! I apologize!"

The soldier who was reprimanded quickly released the wine bottle and saluted on the spot.

Frowning at the soldiers who had let their guard down upon entering the town, Justy kept a sharp eye on the surroundings from within the camp.

(There are no signs of soldiers lying in wait. This means the surrender is not a ruse? Blood Calcipher is a man whose thoughts are hard to fathom, but he is not a fool. He must understand that it is impossible to ambush and kill the prince, who is the wielder of the holy sword...)

Pushing up the bridge of his glasses with his finger, Justy furrowed his brow, his expression troubled.

The Oigist viscount family, from which Justy hails, and the Calcipher earl family have adjacent territories and a certain degree of interaction. As the eldest sons, Blood Calcipher and Justy have known each other since childhood.

However, despite over 20 years of acquaintance, Justy could not fully grasp Blood's inner thoughts.

(He is neither a warrior nor a fighter. His intellect is not poor, but he is not a civil servant or a sage. He excels in scheming... yet he possesses a 'darkness' that cannot be simply labeled as a mere strategist or tactician.)

If one were to compare him, he might be like a fox or a venomous snake. He calmly deceives and manipulates people, and at the first opportunity, injects poison into their bodies.

He does not value the pride of the nobility, nor does he indulge in wealth or pleasure. It is unclear what he seeks or desires. He is a man as elusive as a mist.

(Well, it doesn't matter... No matter how much I think about it, it's futile. If he becomes an enemy to Prince Raidor, I will simply eliminate him.)

Interrupting his fruitless thoughts, Justy turned to his subordinates.

"First, check the food for any drugs. You can take turns resting, but be ready to move at any time."

"Understood!"

"I will go and observe the town. I will return soon, but if any issues arise, follow Sir Laifet's instructions."

Leaving these words with his subordinates, Justy prepared to leave the Raidor army's camp. By observing the town, one can understand the character of the noble who governs it. By walking through the town of Kalthris, he might gain some insight into Blood's intentions.

However, Justy soon stopped in his tracks. A woman stood in front of him.

"You are..."

"It's been a while, Justy. How have you been?"

The woman's face was familiar. She was a woman whom Justy had thought was dead. He had heard that she had died in battle against the empire—Angélica Ilkas.

For a few seconds, Justy was frozen in place, staring at Angélica, who stood there like a ghost. Then, he nodded as if understanding.

"I see. That's why Blood is using the Ilkas family name."

Justy knew that Blood and Angélica were engaged. Blood had married Angélica and entered the Ilkas family as a son-in-law, thereby abandoning the Calcipher name.

(Did he abandon his family name to avoid responsibility for the Calcipher earl family? Indeed, the fox is still alive.)

"It's been a long time, Lady Angélica. You look well... No, that's not right. I apologize."

Justy swallowed the words he was about to say and grimaced. Angélica's face was wrapped in bandages, hiding the left side, and her left leg, extending from her knee-length skirt, was a metal prosthetic. Considering the fierce battles she must have endured to survive, he could not lightly offer words of comfort. The air around her was clearly sharp and menacing, and he could feel the madness in her hollow right eye.

"...Even though it may not be much of a comfort, I am truly glad that you survived."

After some thought, Justy directed these words to Angélica. They were a genuine sentiment for him.

Justy and Angélica were both renowned warriors representing the eastern border region, known as the 'Lion of the East' and the 'Butcher Princess of Ilkas,' respectively. Justy, as a loyal warrior, held Angélica in high regard, and although he had never spoken of it, he also admired her as a woman. While it was not a clear romantic feeling, he felt a sense of relief that a woman he had once admired had survived. However, he also felt a chill of foreboding at the changes in her.

(The air around her is as sharp as ever, but how precarious it is...)

Justy quietly clenched his fist at the sight of the transformed woman, whom he had once admired and whose engagement to Blood had led him to cut off his feelings.

The former Angélica Ilkas was always vigilant and intimidating, but she also possessed deep compassion. Her gentle smile and kind gestures towards children and the weak were far removed from her battlefield persona as the 'Butcher Princess,' and many men had been captivated by her.

However—Angélica now retained her sharpness but had completely lost her kindness and gentleness. It was as if her soul had been taken by a demon, and she had lost her humanity.

"Thank you for your concern."

Angélica responded coolly to Justy's words, fiddling with her hair.

"But I'm the only one who survived. My parents and brother are all dead."

"..."

"Oh, you look so terrible. Dying for one's country is not a disgrace for a warrior, so don't pity me."

"Yes... No, you're right. You are correct."

Justy nodded deeply, agreeing with Angélica's words.

"I pay my respects to your family's brave fight. Truly."

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

Angélica smiled faintly, her bandaged face showing a calm, clear smile reminiscent of her former self. Seeing this rare smile amidst the somber atmosphere, Justy's expression softened.

"By the way, Justy, I have a request."

"A request...? I will accept any request if it is within my power."

"That's very kind of you."

Angélica maintained her calm smile and licked her red lips, a seductive gesture she had never shown before. Justy was taken aback and held his breath.

But what truly shocked him came next.

"Then, please... die for me?"

"Wha—"

Angélica's skirt fluttered, and at the same time, her prosthetic left leg leaped up like a young fish jumping out of the water. The high kick, aimed to shatter his skull, left Justy wide-eyed and his body rigid.

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