Chapter 6

As cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

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Xiaoming stood at the classroom door, took a deep breath, and firmly gripped the secret letter from his mother.

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Cynthia and her group avoided the main road and proceeded through the forest. They sent scouts ahead to ensure safety before advancing, so their pace was slow. Once they were a certain distance from Lockbell, they could enter the main road and head for the state capital. Therefore, Cynthia chose to proceed cautiously rather than hastily. The most important thing was the lives of her family. She suppressed her eagerness to escape as quickly as possible.

At the center of the group were Sara, Elgar, and Cynthia as their protector. Noel was also following, for some reason. Cynthia had tried to send her away, thinking she was in the way, but Noel moved ahead with agility. Not wanting to waste unnecessary energy, Cynthia decided to ignore her.

The other soldiers formed a circle around the important people, weapons at the ready, and marched cautiously. Those who were considered volunteers were not counted as combatants and were placed at the rear. If they fell behind, there was no time to spare for them.

The lead scout held a torch to clear the way. Without light, the night road would be too dangerous. Though they wanted to avoid drawing attention, they had no choice but to use the torches to gain distance before dawn.

"......"

"Sara, young master, how are you feeling?"

Cynthia called out while walking. Sara's face was haggard, and her fatigue was evident. Even a seasoned soldier would struggle with such a forced march.

However, they couldn't afford to take frequent breaks. If they were caught by the enemy, they would die. Therefore, if necessary, they would have to carry them and keep moving.

"......I'm fine. Elgar seems a bit tired, though."

"I'm fine too! Stop treating me like a child!"

Elgar frowned. He argued in an adult-like manner, but it was extremely childish. Sara gently stroked his neatly cut golden hair. For a 12-year-old boy, it was a harsh journey, and it was commendable that he didn't cry.

"That's my apologies. You are a fine young man, after all. You are brave like your father."

"Yes!"

Cynthia's expression softened at the scene. It would have been fine if that were all, but the sight of an impudent fool entered her field of vision. Noel, who was walking ahead, turned back and looked at them with interest. When their eyes met, she gave a thumbs-up, seemingly enjoying something.

(This fool again...!)

Noel was the most energetic in the group. She didn't seem tired at all and walked as if she were on a leisurely stroll.

"Noel, these people are of a different status than you. Understand your place."

"Why?"

"Why? You are just a commoner. The world of nobles is different. Moreover, Sara and young master are from the great Valdeck family. Under normal circumstances, you wouldn't even be allowed to approach them!"

Cynthia looked down at Noel and sternly declared.

In this continent, commoners are not allowed to use surnames. Only knights or nobles are permitted to do so. To become a knight, one must be promoted to centurion or higher. To become a noble, one needs lineage and money. Sometimes, a large sum of money can secure a position as a branch of a noble family.

Cynthia is a knight and, in a sense, a minor noble.

(......But being a noble is just a title. I often feel it's more of a burden.)

"Is that so? Nobles are really great and amazing, then."

"That's right. So, understand your place right now—"

"Then, are you great too?"

"——What?"

Noel spoke to Elgar without hesitation.

Beside her, Sara didn't reprimand but looked puzzled. Normally, she would have scolded for such rudeness, but there was no time for that now.

"Noel, didn't you hear what I said!"

"Hey, young master, you're really great, right?"

"Y-Yes. I am the heir to Coinbra, Elgar Valdeck. I will definitely become great."

"Then I'll give you a nice present. When you become even greater, I'll be your best servant, so share your happiness with me someday."

"......A present? You want to be my subordinate?"

"Yes, because you're going to become really great. Here, take this."

Noel smiled and pushed something into the bewildered Elgar's hands. It was the crude iron mace that had crushed the Bahar man's head. It was too large for a child to hold, and it still had dried blood on it.

"What are you giving him! Young master, you don't need to accept such a thing!"

"I have another one, so now we have a matching set."

Elgar pulled out another mace from his waist. He clinked it against the one Noel gave him and put it away, spinning it around.

They were undoubtedly the maces carried by two of Ned's subordinates. Noel must have picked them up and claimed them as her own at some point. It was a common iron mace, not particularly special, but its power had been proven. However, only someone like Noel could fight in such a way.

"......Why did you think to give this to me?"

"Because this mace saved you and your mother's lives. It might be a great talisman. Doesn't it look like a magical weapon?"

"Hmm, now that you say it, maybe. It feels heavy and fits well in my hands."

Elgar frowned as he gripped it with both hands. It was heavy because it was an iron mace, and it fit well because the handle was wrapped in cloth. However, he seemed to have some thoughts and ended up accepting it. He took out a rope and skillfully tied it to his back.

"Young master, put away such a dirty thing immediately. This fool doesn't know any better, so don't pay her much attention."

"My life was saved by that dirty thing. And by this fool."

"However!"

"Appearance doesn't matter. What's important is whether it can be used in a pinch. I've learned a valuable lesson by witnessing it firsthand."

Elgar raised his hand to stop Cynthia and turned to Noel.

"Is your name Noel?"

"Yes."

"Thank you. And I haven't thanked you for earlier. ——Volunteer soldier Noel, thank you for saving my mother and me. I am truly grateful."

"Sure. In return, let's be friends."

"Sure, I promise. I, Elgar Valdeck, swear to fulfill my promise to Noel. This is a noble's vow, and it will never be broken."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Great! I'm looking forward to it."

Noel and Elgar laughed happily. They seemed to have completely forgotten that they were desperately trying to escape. They also seemed to have forgotten the difference in their social status. Such interactions without prejudice could only happen now. Eventually, things would change.

(They're still children. No, being able to say thank you sincerely, they are more mature than I am.)

Though the situation was ambiguous, Cynthia had also been saved by Noel. Without her, they would have been toyed with and killed. Her pride prevented her from expressing her gratitude sincerely.

"Elgar, when did you learn to speak like that? I thought you were your father."

"I've been studying a lot. I'm not a child anymore."

"I've been studying too. I've been thinking about how to be happy every day. It's a trial and error process."

Noel, using sophisticated words, said something foolish. It was hard to tell if she was smart or just a fool.

(......I don't understand. I really don't understand this one.)

"Hmm, that sounds like philosophy. Okay, I'll think about it too. And the castle's library has many books. If you search, you'll surely find what you're looking for."

"Really? Thank you, young master!"

Noel's eyes sparkled as she gripped Elgar's hand. Elgar blushed and looked embarrassed.

What to do, Cynthia sent a glance to Sara, who looked somewhat pleased. At first glance, it seemed like a trivial exchange between children. Noel was like an older sister, and Elgar was like a younger brother.

A disrespectful thought popped into her head, and she pinched Noel's cheek hard.

"Ow!"

"......Please understand your place. Got it? Whether you understand or not, just say 'yes.'"

"......Yes, I understand."

Noel held her red cheek and saluted. The surrounding soldiers and Sara chuckled. Cynthia glared at the soldiers and started moving forward.

The group continued walking silently. The sound of leaves rustling in the wind was mixed with the faint sound of rain.

"——Rain?"

"Yeah, it's the worst. Ah, it's really the worst."

"Perhaps it's a blessing. It will mask our presence."

"That's why I hate it."

Noel distorted her face to the limit, spat, and started covering her head with a cloth. She seemed to really hate the rain and walked close to the trees, as if to avoid the drops.

"Hey, don't stray from the formation."

"Leave me alone."

"Are you a child?"

Cynthia sighed, but she realized that the fear she had of Noel was fading. In fact, talking to her, she seemed like just an ignorant girl. Her carefree personality, fearlessness, and the way she pouted when it rained. But the dirty clothes she wore and the scenes she had witnessed were real. Her leather outfit, dyed red like her hair, still had a faint smell of blood. A fierce and cruel beast lurked within the innocent girl, and sometimes it showed through.

(I don't think she's working for the enemy, but I can't let my guard down. ...Judging from her behavior, it will likely turn out to be a groundless worry.)

In any case, if they could return safely, she would express her gratitude. Cynthia resolved this in her heart.

At that moment, a soldier ran to the front of the formation. It was the scout she had sent to check on Lockbell. It was possible that reinforcements had arrived and repelled the rebels.

However, the news he brought was the worst, as expected.

"Lockbell has already fallen! The bandits are looting, and the town is on fire!"

"It fell too quickly. Is the enemy such a large force? Report in detail!"

"The enemy's vigilance was extremely strict, and I couldn't gather more information. It's unclear if Baron Barrel escaped safely!"

Sara and Elgar looked solemn. The Baron Barrel was probably already dead.

Lockbell, though surrounded by low walls, was expected to hold out for a few days even if attacked by bandits. Moreover, the bandits were an undisciplined group.

"......If a Bahar general is in command, it's natural that they have siege knowledge and preparations. Damn, those despicable Bahar people!"

As expected, the rebels had prepared siege weapons in advance and attacked fiercely. The small garrison of Lockbell couldn't put up much resistance and had their gates breached, allowing the enemy to invade. Baron Barrel tried to escape but couldn't break through the encirclement and met a tragic end. The red wheel flag of the Red Ring Army now flew over Lockbell, and the town was a scene of looting and slaughter.

"Lady Cynthia, what should we do!"

"We must fulfill our mission! We must get Lady Sara and young master to the state capital, Madras, safely!"

As Cynthia encouraged the soldiers, a large number of flaming arrows flew in. The rain prevented the fire from spreading, but it provided a good light, revealing their positions.

"Damn, how did they find this place—"

"Probably the scout was followed."

As Noel said, the scout had been followed. They were intentionally allowed to escape to lead to the main target.

Cynthia cursed her carelessness, but the enemy was closing in.

"Got them! They're probably these guys! Don't let them escape!!"

"Capture the women and children alive! It's Lord Ristig's order, understood?!"

"Understood!!"

The enemy soldiers charged, shouting.

"Lady Sara, young master, do not leave my side! Everyone, don't let the enemy get close!"

"But, we'll be overwhelmed!"

"Shut up, don't break the formation! Hold on!"

"Hey, I told you, rain is the worst."

Noel muttered unpleasantly. Her tone was cold, and it was impossible to gauge her emotions.

"Now isn't the time for that! Join the formation and stop playing around!"

"Hey, can I borrow that fancy coat? In return, wear this one."

"——What are you doing!"

"Just do it quickly. Do you want to die here?"

She coldly spat and forcibly stripped the confused Sara of her coat, replacing it with the ragged cloth she was wearing. Noel put on the ornate, decorated coat and held a cloth bag with a string in her left hand. The coat was too long, making her look ridiculous up close.

"So, what are you planning to do?"

"There's no time to explain. If it works, I want a reward for this. It's a promise, okay?"

With that, Noel raised a forked spear and ran into the forest. The spear was on fire, which she held high to attract the enemy's attention. Soon, a loud, wailing scream echoed through the darkness.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH