On the dim forest path, Patrasche steadily trod across the leaf-strewn ground. Subaru, her long black hair gently swaying with the movement, focused on driving the Earth dragon. Behind her, Julius maintained an appropriate distance, the purple-haired knight thoughtfully observing the young girl's back.
This girl had an exceptionally precise grasp of the Witch Cult's movements. From the selection of ambush points to the planning of action routes, she could foresee the enemy's every move. Julius recalled their first encounter in the Royal Capital; though they hadn't spoken then, he had inexplicably developed a good impression of the girl.
Everything that happened after that day completely exceeded expectations. At the Royal Selection assembly, members of the Council of Sages openly attacked Emilia's appearance, and Brother Carlisle, who defended her, was also implicated and publicly slandered.
Julius and Carlisle were essentially the same kind of people. Both came from commoner backgrounds; although Julius was later adopted by the Juukulius family due to some unforeseen circumstances, joining the ranks of the nobility, his inherent nature never changed. It prevented them from ever becoming those aloof, traditional nobles.
When he saw his friend being slandered, he could no longer suppress his anger, but given his position, the two were in different factions, and it was impossible for him to stand up for him. He only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Reinhard about to step forward.
But just as Reinhard was about to act, a figure stood out even faster than him. The black-haired girl fearlessly confronted the members of the Council of Sages, her sharp words causing those high-and-mighty nobles to lose face completely.
Watching the nobles, who were usually so arrogant, turn pale with rage, Julius felt a surge of satisfaction. He had long detested the corrupt practices of the kingdom's nobility.
"Alright, we're here."
Subaru's voice pulled Julius back from his thoughts. Patrasche stopped at the edge of the cliff, her hind hooves gently pawing the ground.
Julius looked down in the direction the girl pointed. Below the steep cliff, giant stone spikes menacingly jutted out, casting long, slender shadows in the sunlight.
"You'll ambush here," Subaru adjusted the Earth dragon's reins, "Wait for my signal."
Julius bowed elegantly. "As you command." A perfect smile graced his lips, his posture impeccably respectful.
Subaru glanced at his standard knightly demeanor, her lips twitching almost imperceptibly. But in the end, she merely lightly kicked Patrasche's flank.
"Let's go."
The Earth dragon carried the girl nimbly into the forest, quickly disappearing into the dappled tree shadows. Julius watched her go, then gripped the sword at his waist, ready for battle.
——————
Heavy footsteps echoed through the forest. Ricardo, riding his magnificent lion-tiger mount, slowly emerged, followed by several blood-soaked Iron Fang mercenaries. The greatsword he carried on his shoulder was still dripping dark red blood, glinting dangerously in the sunlight.
"Yo! Captain!"
Mimi's cheerful voice came from the bushes on the other side. She and Hetaro emerged with another squad of mercenaries, the tip of the girl's staff still stained with fresh blood.
"How was it? Did you take care of them?" Ricardo's gruff voice resonated through the woods.
"Of course, Captain!" Mimi excitedly waved her staff, her face beaming with an innocent smile, "Killed them all! Not a single one escaped! Those bad guys are now fertilizer for the forest!"
"Sister!" Hetaro helplessly rubbed his forehead, "That's a terrifying way to put it! You should say 'mission accomplished' instead..."
"Hahaha!" Ricardo's hearty laugh startled the birds in the forest, "As expected of our vice-captains! Well done! Alright, now let's go meet up with Brother Carlisle and the others!"
Mimi skipped closer, suddenly noticing something unusual behind Ricardo. She tilted her head, curiously pointing at the strange combination. "But... Captain, what's this? A Witch Cultist captive?"
Between two Iron Fang mercenaries, a thick wooden pole was propped up, front and back, with a young man tied to it, his face full of grievances. His messy gray hair clung to his forehead, and his green merchant's clothes were disheveled.
"Ugh... help me..." The young man groaned weakly.
Mimi's eyes widened as she curiously examined the stranger. "Didn't Big Sister say we already caught the captives and don't need to keep any alive?"
"Wait! Wait!" The young man immediately struggled violently upon hearing this, making the wooden pole he was tied to shake. "I'm not a Witch Cultist! My name is Otto Suwen! I'm a legitimate merchant! I was captured by the Witch Cult and imprisoned shortly after arriving at Roswaal's border! What kind of cultist gets tied up in their own stronghold?!"
Ricardo sighed helplessly, reaching out to press down on the agitated captive. "Keep it down, little brother. Whether you're a Witch Cultist or not, we'll have to wait until Subaru is done to confirm. I hope you understand, after all, even villagers have Witch Cult spies mixed in." He patted Otto's shoulder, "Once she says you're not a Witch Cultist, we'll definitely apologize profusely."
Otto swallowed, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. He realized his life was in the hands of that "Subaru."
"Um... what kind of person is this Subaru? What if... what if she makes a mistake? If she says I'm a Witch Cultist... what will happen to me?"
"Hahaha!" Ricardo's hearty laugh made Otto shiver all over. "Little brother, if you're truly not a Witch Cultist, you can rest assured. But..." His smile suddenly turned dangerous, "If she says you are a Witch Cultist... then we can only make sure you go without pain."
"What?! No! Help me! Someone save me!"
Otto's screams echoed through the forest; clearly, this "comfort" had the exact opposite effect. He twisted his body frantically, trying to break free, "I'm innocent! I'm really just a normal merchant!"
Mimi tilted her head, watching the comical scene, her fluffy ears twitching curiously: "Captain, he really doesn't look like a bad guy~"
"Whether someone's bad or not isn't judged by their appearance, little Mimi." Ricardo ruffled her head, "Let's go, it's time to rendezvous with the main force."
Note- Feeling bad for Otoo. 😹
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Re@d adv@nce ch@pters on p@t
guilt_free_daoist
Jo!n d!sc0rd I!nk in synops!s.
GIVE ME YOU POWER STONES.