News of the disappearance of Kallian Elsen, the Grand Duchy’s protector and commander, on the border, and the weakening of the Grand Duchy’s knights, quickly sent shockwaves throughout the territory.

Soon, even the remaining knights began to suffer injuries or mysteriously disappear from the battlefield, as if they had vanished after Kallian.

Meanwhile, the second-in-command, who was temporarily leading the Knights in Kallian’s absence, kept sending out requests to retreat to the Grand Fortress.

“We can’t hold out much longer!”

“Your Excellency! Please give the order to retreat!”

Even some of the retainers of the Grand Fortress began to raise their voices in urgent advice.

“Your Excellency, it would be best to complete the investigation into the spy attack incident first.”

“That is correct. If a war breaks out before we have fully uncovered the truth behind this incident, the Grand Duchy will only fall further into ruin.”

“Even if Seor must be punished, it should be done at the right time… We must first determine how they infiltrated the Grand Palace, who helped them, and who is really behind all of this before we take any action!”

Theodor’s reaction to those words was unwavering.

“Who else could have let them in?”

“……”

“As far as I know, the one responsible for the security of the Grand Fortress and the Grand Palace has already been decided.”

His implication was clear – he was blaming the missing commander, Kallian Elsen. The retainers, unable to refute his words, fell silent.

The silence only deepened after a serious incident in which one of the retainers, who had attempted to offer advice, was severely wounded by his sword.

The deaths of servants had become commonplace.

Meanwhile, the border remained in a precarious state.

Rumours spread that Seor’s soldiers had begun attacking not only the military, but also merchants travelling between Seor and the Grand Duchy.

Eventually, the retainers turned to Charlotte, begging her to intervene on their behalf. She accepted the money they discreetly offered her and visited the Grand Duke’s chambers late at night, bringing with her a bottle of wine – and a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Elliopé Elsen.

The next day, the Grand Duke finally announced his decision.

“Retreat? Now you’re talking such nonsense?”

“……”

“Send reinforcements to support the knights.”

“Your Excellency, that is a wise decision.”

“Baron Baril will lead the reinforcements.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

“They have two objectives. First, to support the knights fighting on the border.”

“I will carry out your orders.”

“Second, to find Kallian Elsen and execute him immediately for desertion.”

“……”

There was no way the retainers could hide their shock at such an order.

In his current state, however, Theodor would not tolerate any objections.

As the retainers remained speechless, Baron Baril slowly lowered his head and replied.

“Yes, I understand.”

“You’ve been following Kallian Elsen for a long time, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find him.”

“That is correct.”

“If you fail, I will have all your vassals in the barony slaughtered.”

“I will see to it that I succeed.”

This news once again sent shockwaves through the Grand Duchy.

***

Whoosh.

A cold wind blew through the hastily erected tents of the new barracks. Elliopé shivered slightly.

“Are you cold?”

“I’m fine.”

She replied, but instead of asking for the tent to be closed, she crawled deeper into Kallian’s embrace.

Since their reunion, Elliopé had never left Kallian’s arms.

Whenever Elliopé tried to pull away, Kallian would grab her and hold on tight. And whenever he tried to let go, it was she who clung to him, refusing to let go.

Several days passed before she finally felt the need to leave, but given the chance, she didn’t mind staying a little longer.

For a long time, Elliopé rested her head on his collarbone, her eyes closed, savouring the warmth of his embrace.

Not long ago, a knight had come with news. Theodor of Ilmos was sending reinforcements.

…troops sent under the pretext of aiding the Knights – but in reality to capture and kill Kallian.

The number of soldiers sent reached a staggering 1,200. This was nearly half of the Grand Duchy’s standing army, considering the demands of the agricultural season.

Kallian’s knights…

Originally there had been around 200 elite knights, but only about 100 had chosen to follow Kallian.

The remaining 100 had stayed on the border, fighting Seor’s forces and reluctantly searching for Kallian on Theodor’s orders.

1200 against 100.

The numerical disadvantage was overwhelming.

Given Theodor’s nature, it was clear that the 1,200 soldiers were sent not only to support the knights, but primarily to hunt down and kill Kallian.

“……”

She knew Kallian was strong, but no matter how skilled he was, facing 1,200 soldiers – including knights and soldiers who had once been his comrades – would be anything but easy.

‘And even if he managed to evade them or emerge victorious…’

Kallian would inevitably be branded a traitor.

The mark of a traitor who had betrayed the Grand Duchy.

The mark of a murderer who had killed his own knights.

The mark of a coward who had once been considered loyal to the Grand Duchy, only to be condemned as a deserter.

To Elliopé, who knew that Kallian was the last descendant of House Elsen, such accusations seemed utterly unjust. But those who did not know the truth would see it differently.

Ever since she had heard the news of the incoming reinforcements, she had felt the weight in her chest grow heavier several times a day.

“I don’t want you to be hurt.”

“……”

“In any way possible… I just want you to be safe.”

At these words, Kallian gazed intently at Elliopé before gently brushing her hair back.

“Don’t worry, my lady.”

“But…”

“I am making my own preparations as well.”

Holding a freshly folded note in his hand, Kallian gave a slight wave that caused one of the messenger birds perched in the corner of the tent to take flight.

He carefully tied the note to the bird’s leg before releasing it.

Since Elliopé’s arrival, he had been sending out messenger birds several times a day.

He was probably looking for someone to help him.

“Will anyone answer?”

Elliopé asked absently, not even knowing to whom Kallian was sending the birds.

He nodded, then silently pressed his cheek to her forehead.

“They will all answer.”

“…….”

“If they don’t, I’ll make sure they’re fools not to.”

His gentle hand continued to run through Elliopé’s hair, brushing it back with deliberate care.

“My lady, you just have to wait for the right time.”

His words were vague, but carried the weight of certainty.

It was then, as she sighed and leaned back against Kallian –

“Viscount.”

Ruben called from outside the tent.

After receiving Kallian’s permission, Ruben entered with a calm expression on his face and reported calmly.

“The scouts have sighted the reinforcements.”

“……!”

Elliopé was the only one visibly shocked.

Kallian, on the other hand, showed no sign of alarm. He simply stood up, checked his equipment and began to put on his armour in preparation for the journey.

Elliopé bit down hard on the inside of his cheek.

“Kallian.”

“My lady.”

What would happen if he left this time?

Elliopé clutched at her chest, trying to calm her pounding heart.

Kallian held out his hand.

“It seems my lady is quite worried.”

“…….”

“Shall we go together this time?”

At his words, Elliopé looked around the tent, scanning her surroundings.

Seeing this, Kallian asked,

“My lady?”

“I’m looking for something… that can be used as a weapon.”

She had no intention of simply being protected.

If there was anything she could use to defend Kallian, she would take it – no matter how small the weapon.

But when he heard those words, Kallian seemed unable to hold back any longer and pulled Elliopé into a tight embrace.

Soon a deep but gentle sigh reached her ear.

“My lady.”

“…….”

“Are you going to keep doing this?”

“Doing… what?”

“You make it impossible for me to control myself.”

Elliopé couldn’t help but blush at his words.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Kallian’s lower half, pressed against her hips, had grown a little heavier – or perhaps it wasn’t just her imagination.

“Viscount.”

Even in the midst of such an exchange, Ruben maintained his composure, though there was a hint of embarrassment in his expression as he asked quietly,

“Shall I prepare a horse for the lady?”

“No. She will ride with me.”

“Then I will at least bring some light armour for her to wear.”

“Alright.”

When Ruben finally brought her the armour, even Elliopé couldn’t help but feel tense.

After dismissing the other knights, Kallian personally helped her change.

He removed any restrictive undergarments that might hinder her movements, leaving only the thin chemise. Then he dressed her in his own shirt and trousers, borrowed from a knight of smaller stature.

Over that he layered a leather robe, followed by light chain mail and armour covering her chest and abdomen.

As Elliopé took a deep breath, still tense, Kallian stroked the top of her chest and whispered softly.

“I may have undressed you many times, but this is the first time I’ve dressed you in so many layers.”

“…….”

“That’s quite nice too.”

Elliopé subtly looked away. She had the distinct feeling that if she continued to look into his eyes, all the armour she had just put on would come off.

Since she was wearing his shirt, the sleeves were too long, dragging past her hands. The airy fabric carried his scent.

“It’s done.”

With the light armour now covering her legs and wrists, Elliopé felt his considerable weight. When she swayed slightly, Kallian lifted her effortlessly into his arms and mounted the horse with ease.

Despite the fact that her weight was now almost doubled by the armour, he didn’t seem to mind at all.

“Hyah!”

Riding at the front, Kallian urged his horse forward at full speed.

As the wind whipped past them and the knights galloped alongside, the reality of an actual battle began to sink into Elliopé’s mind.

As her breathing quickened, Kallian’s presence behind her became unmistakably clear.

“…….”

It didn’t take long for her vision to clear. Below her, the reinforcements stretched endlessly into the distance. Facing them directly made it hard to breathe.

Instead of retreating or hiding, Kallian moved forward without hesitation. Soon the soldiers turned their attention to him.

At that moment, Elliopé tightened her grip on the reins beneath her hands.

Just in front of the reinforcements, Kallian brought his horse to a stop. Baron Baril slowly rode forward to meet him.

Their eyes met and Kallian spoke with a calm, emotionless expression.

“So.”

“…….”

“Have you thought about it, Baron Baril?”