Lian watched the distant village until the 13 members of the investigation team completely disappeared from view.
They had just left the forest without any incident, and the Guards who came to see them off all breathed a sigh of relief.
Lian turned his horse around, led the army back, and returned to the North District encampment.
He released the little green bird he hadn't crushed, and the bird immediately flew nervously to hide by Sophie's side.
Back in his military tent, Lian continued to draw the detailed map of the Bone Forest.
He had studied art for a time, and his drawing skills surpassed those of the army's Surveyors. Thanks to this and his excellent memory, he was able to refine the once-crude map of the Bone Forest, meticulously detailing all the areas they had explored.
In the future, this map would become part of the Green Shade Territory's official domain.
While he drew, Sophie watched quietly by his side.
The little green bird was still chirping away.
