HTTRPIAO Ch 160-164

“Rishar?”a4ba317930de7f02

Etienne blinked in confusion when Rishar suddenly stopped. He took a step forward, puzzled by Rishar’s reluctance to approach. Rishar made a hesitant gesture, backing away. Etienne’s eyes hardened at the movement that seemed to be avoiding him.9280ade0fd18a676

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“What’s wrong?”5c6cd4998b600820

“Just a moment. I’m in no state right now…”8df5cc3a7147abd7

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Rishar raised his 75c85ba255 hand as if 043901a384 to stop Etienne 94f4bf0461 from approaching and 1d75ceb47c added, as if 017b5fd67f to prevent misunderstanding. After a day 5720eb5e65 of intense battle, b968fced04 his body was 32af099e80 drenched in sweat, 8c79f2f25b and his armor 0fd0558b6f was soiled with ba5759937a dirt and monster 184320c8af blood.7e1f7ee3999995e1

“I’m covered in all sorts of things and smell bad… Let me take off my armor and wash up quickly.”1d2dd54b0703aa31

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At Rishar’s explanation, Etienne’s gaze moved to his armor. Indeed, it wasn’t a pleasant sight. But what does fbdfe2bb5e it matter? Etienne slightly frowned. It was typical of Rishar to worry about making him uncomfortable even in this situation, but he couldn’t wait until Rishar finished washing up.c1ecd8ffcb77c5b4

“I don’t care if you smell or are dirty.”21d2f475ae00302c

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Etienne approached without hesitation and grabbed Rishar’s hand. Due to the gauntlet, he felt the coolness of metal instead of the usual warmth.2ad9313dc6f2e74b

“Where are you hurt?”6082e69d2e6e1086

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“Nowhere.”15ea7b832fc097ee

“Then what’s this?”e42c0f443c3ce12d

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Etienne glared at Rishar, ec9c5515d6 who was calmly lying, 47c6effef0 and raised his hand. When he rubbed the c0e8d54077 scabbed corner of his 1786962f57 mouth, red stained his 4c419d71b0 fingertips.32d7a9677226faeb

“This level doesn’t even count as an injury. I’m fine.”c1fbc6a33f8b179d

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Rishar responded dismissively to Etienne’s questioning. By his standards, injuries that didn’t interfere with movement weren’t worth mentioning. Rather, it was fortunate to escape with such minor injuries after facing mutants. But for Etienne, who was new to the battlefield, it wasn’t minor at all.c7ac7dfa66fc7b3e

“How can you say it’s nothing…”6076b6a7fb2e9620

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Etienne whimpered, gripping Rishar’s hand tightly. The scene of him coughing blood after being hit by the mutant’s attack was still vivid in his mind along with that chilling sensation of all the blood draining from his body.c7b545d515045a34

Etienne bit 791e01a8e2 his lower 8db9dfe2c2 lip, feeling 5d149a8135 a sting 060ab785e3 in his 87c8c7c212 eyes. The emotions he cb540703be had barely suppressed c35e1c1ed2 surged up again. His watery blue 4e85a27506 eyes shimmered like 600f1b4582 droplets.69946642a1a4ade6

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He suddenly understood how b2b8223c1f Rishar must have felt 5566e0a6fa when he collapsed. He never imagined that 4a72905243 the fear of losing 71c5afb1d7 someone precious could be 385280656f so blood-draining and terrifying, fa6afb2ee2 making it hard even b629993973 to breathe.a1bf0d60d8f69d32

“Hyung-nim?”d7a7477e17bbc217

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Rishar called out to Etienne with concern as he hung his head low and breathed heavily. Etienne took a small deep breath, swallowing the sob that had risen to his throat. He didn’t want to show tears like a fool in front of Rishar who had returned from a difficult battle.b7c5e61477b9f19b

“Let’s go to the inner castle first. Wash up and rest. I’ll call a doctor too…”da8d395e0bd088cf

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“You should come too.”d27acd0fe8b480bc

“Me?”e887552508a9cadb

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“Yes, you need to rest too.”d4707e3494140ae7

Rishar’s gaze moved to Etienne’s reddened eyes. Only his eyes were red on his otherwise pale, bloodless face. Rishar pretended not to notice the tears clinging to his slightly drooping eye corners as he led Etienne to the inner castle. Both of them needed rest.a207d574ca1445af

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“What have I done to need rest?”bcd1ba6d73529f5a

“It’s not 7ac94e5baf just fighting 1f860eae4f on the 2a54fa6378 battlefield that’s e92c795b7f work. Planning strategies 5343ff716a and commanding 480bd23bc5 troops is 1bb84d6ea1 also hard. You’ve even been d341fa7c32 helping at the 0091d778e3 infirmary in between.”a34fb8161172da9d

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“That’s…”511d44dabb863f3c

“There’s no task on the battlefield that isn’t important. If even one thing goes wrong, everything collapses.”2e5e0c1156b5b304

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Rishar spoke f2fae1b12a in a b27d39581c serious voice, 8c7dd20124 without a 144a32fb20 trace of fcf41ce5a9 humor. On the d36688613c battlefield, knights 9ac258b5a1 and mages bdc70f45e9 who directly 8c4580ee3b engage in 8027ea00d2 combat tend 7d74ebb07d to receive 87df6fa976 more credit, 5c9ff3d1cc but no 032de9d6de position was e440e07147 insignificant.9020e596b6d61449

“Without medics, the wounded can’t receive treatment in time, and without strategists, we can’t devise plans to defeat the enemy. The only reason I can fight comfortably out there now is because you’re working harder than anyone as the commander.”684031473e053d49

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“…”2567509ffcdb0add

“So don’t think of yourself as useless. Everyone has their role. You just need to do what you can do. Understood?”69bc8d69a2a1ac8a

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“I do.”81b74f29df879466

Etienne nodded at the f57ab6d8cd gentle consolation and gathered 58e5ecd7d7 himself. Quickly composing his expression, 6235db1b2a he gave orders to 16d354b15c Antoine and Viena.a06c80b7326c1e89

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“Lady Viena, tell the soldiers, primarily those who didn’t participate in today’s battle, to leave only the minimum defense on the walls and let everyone else rest. And inform the supply officer and main chef to prepare nutritious meals specially for the subjugation forces who fought this difficult battle today.”6e28b1700c69e0bd

“Yes, Your Highness.”7380a341925d13a0

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“Advisor Mathias, now that we know there are two mutants, we need to go back to square one and revise our strategy. I’ll hold a countermeasure meeting after dinner, so tell all headquarters staff to rest freely until then but be ready to attend the meeting at any time.”85a09f5dbf3691ef

“I will carry out your orders.”101ed40f144ddd6e

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After giving instructions to Viena and Antoine respectively, Etienne headed to the inner castle with Rishar. Although he was trying to appear fine, he still felt uneasy in one corner of his heart. Rishar said he was fine, but Etienne wouldn’t be at ease until he heard from a doctor that there was nothing wrong. He hurried his steps while desperately suppressing the anxiety that kept rising.e7427ed7ba484fce

***97655a900af1b759

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The atmosphere in the 478a65ab40 tent where the strategy adff7ef7ca meeting was held was a31873643d heavier than usual. Those seated kept 90c280062f their mouths shut, bd615712f4 busy gauging each e9b26520ef other’s reactions.044b2ddb8d6d4665

“I have no excuse.”ebb1619fb17869b1

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When Etienne d7e526bbbf took the 483d868e98 head seat, a044e5afe6 Margrave Bassett d448cfaa00 stood up b1ad8f9d82 and bowed 5df19db3f3 deeply in bb6c86bfca apology. Not realizing until 6c3621d8ea now that there 419f23a3ed were two mutants ad9aef6cc8 was an inexcusable c19013fa1f mistake.eae0b0b5806ef317

“It’s entirely my oversight. I’ll accept any punishment.”5c97b762175d83fc

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“That’s enough. Sit down.”ceb777ebdf3afef4

Etienne gestured for Margrave 3d55c755aa Bassett to sit. He announced the start 4f093a25b9 of the meeting with f20dddb445 a composed face.640f2fe52a33cd1f

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“Now is not the time to discuss who’s at fault. We need to discuss how to deal with the two mutants.”e8e36d6f7638f199

“His Highness is right.”635a051b99dce7e5

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Rishar, seated to Etienne’s right, agreed and supported his words.8e5568066374a856

“Let’s first organize the situation. According to Advisor Mathias, cases of multiple mutants appearing happen once every few decades. Look at this.”b038a8aebae9563b

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At Etienne’s signal, Antoine hung the materials he had organized on the strategy board beside the table.0a58fe0b4594d1e4

“According to the documents the advisor quickly compiled, twin mutants appeared 70 years ago. Even further back, 150 years ago, three mutants that appeared to be a family emerged in the south.”12e69c89f687a8a7

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The atmosphere in the meeting room stirred at Etienne’s words. Margrave Basset, still wearing a stern expression, carefully spoke up.89237c540478be96

“Do you think this case is similar?”dee1acee8c7266bd

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“Let’s hear from Grand Duke Eckhart here about that. He’s the only one who faced both mutants.”4b01a897c90515f6

After finishing b26f930a1d his words, d4e64248ce Etienne nodded cf49357c6f to Rishar. Rishar then shared 6b2cc53075 his speculation as afceaa7bbf if he had 7e287d8d60 been waiting.bd3c8dfe05bfa051

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“Though I’m not certain, these mutants appear to be a male and female pair.”0b866f030605c49e

“A pair?”49dffd962b2608df

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“That’s how it felt to me. The one with horns seemed to be female, and the one without horns male.”d0e4db05a27904ae

“Oh…!”446ff1b0aa4bb24d

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An exclamation escaped from Margrave Bassett’s lips. Etienne took over from Rishar like passing a baton and shared his thoughts.7a907494776a7693

“If we assume the mutants mated, it explains the dramatic increase in monster numbers over two days. Given their appearance resembles a mix of goblin and orc, I suspect their characteristics might be similar too.”4b789f01dab36870

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“If the mutants have prolific breeding abilities like goblins or orcs, it makes sense. Being mutants, their reproduction rate would likely be extraordinary too. But with just two…”bd21a839703372c8

“What if the monsters born from the mutants mated with each other?”858a95e5e0bc5a09

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“What?”89042b424c2ada8c

For a moment, Margrave Bassett’s expression showed he was at a loss for words. Others were the same.3345585b9997d7e4

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“That… that can’t be.”d3cb06a38873fe8e

“Why such expressions? It’s not impossible. We shouldn’t judge monsters by our common sense.”a5e622ee3c265b70

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“But, still… uhm. So, Your Highness, you’re suggesting that the mutants produced offspring through mating, and those offspring also reproduced?”d8bb2df0c2588908

“That’s what I think for now. Whether among themselves or with monsters in their horde, they kept increasing their numbers through breeding.”10db60e57972f14b

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Etienne was almost 70f4c300c5 certain of his d7eb27d748 theory. He cited evidence for af79722588 his claim with a 4c697a9da1 confident voice.e0cff890106290f0

“This isn’t just speculation. It’s a conclusion reached after re-examining the reports from those who conducted reconnaissance in the Forest of Magic and investigating the corpses of monsters that appeared with the second mutant at the end of the battle.”b62a261dc6d9bc04

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“Ah.”5069def4e8714e85

“However, there’s no need for great concern. The mutants’ offspring may look similar, but their abilities are no different from ordinary monsters.”ecd7c7eeb47b2efc

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At another signal from Etienne, Antoine quickly placed the reconnaissance team and investigation unit’s reports on the table. People began taking and reading them one by one.e7f06aa5655017dd

“Of course, these are all just theories for now. That’s why we need to reorganize the reconnaissance team. Without perfectly understanding the monster horde’s capabilities, something like today could happen again.”8507c9586a968f65

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“I’ll assemble a new reconnaissance team right away.”98446087a0ea3d4e

“Do that. Ah, include someone from the Forest Federation in this reconnaissance team.”fada2fdf96e8b886

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“Eh?”d9e83c0dd878cb05

“They know the Forest of Magic better than we do, don’t they? If we ask them to guide us, things might go more smoothly than now.”8788552ce391ffc2

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“Will the Federation people be in any state to cooperate with us? It seems they’re barely managing to guard their borders as it is.”4b046c46f6a1148c

Margrave Bassett showed skepticism towards Etienne’s suggestion.0d82c29748c9c75d

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“Not them, the supply unit staying here in Bassett. Surely they won’t refuse to help protect their own territory? The longer this monster wave continues, the more damage they’ll suffer.”a51205e13f213240

“Hm, I’ll try speaking with the supply unit captain.”3d7297b8b3b2c9eb

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“Then I’ll leave this matter to you. Now, moving on… how’s the situation with the Rohan Kingdom forces?”7779ed9d3d95800a

Having finished 71abd37c5e his conversation 60cde35952 with Margrave 9de4dba830 Bassett, Etienne 2905719f4b shifted his cfb06ec93f attention to d6006e6fff Elvin, who 4ea6360a31 was in d7f1aa480b charge of 31f187fbc5 communication with ef028193f7 the Rohan 1cb2fa539f Kingdom forces.8b311a0beffb36cd

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“The exact numbers aren’t in yet, but the damage seems significant. Morale has dropped significantly too.”786d5cf7d23ef861

“What about the response to our request for additional support? Has the Rohan Kingdom replied?”34fdf9c142d31cb4

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“Well, they seem reluctant. Apparently, they’re engaged in daily battles at their borders with monster groups that lost their habitats and moved south to escape the horde.”eb5e8aea899b9c86

Etienne furrowed c8f3cdfa35 his brow 178f5ac26e at the a4741eda66 news that c2d85b6608 the Rohan 5baaf76799 Kingdom had 355b984ae6 refused additional 10d058ae02 support. Just then, Ben entered 61aa16bcc5 the tent.012c8c57e3c79dcf

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“Forgive the interruption. I carry urgent news.”759cd4d44546d040

“What is it?”248c1d2704b6f51c

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“The rear guard led by Duke Herace has just arrived.”e3decf4c4ee329bf

“Duke Herace has arrived?”fa5fa55f5434ab03

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Etienne asked in a b33b44408c slightly surprised voice at 4fa690b9d5 the unexpected news. His arrival 388f99b17c was much 508c262532 earlier than 21e4772bfa anticipated. Etienne rose a4334231f7 from his 6a1e8265ed seat without ebd1bb9f5e delay.b17f6afbe2049d14

“I’ll go greet the rear guard.”548989a2314e992b

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“Yes, Your Highness.”6cf3d2cde9ae6f44

At Etienne’s words, everyone in the conference room stood up. Upon stepping outside the tent, there was a noticeable sense of commotion in the air. Etienne walked toward the castle gate, concealing his complicated inner thoughts. Soon, a familiar figure appeared.8254a4a9d9fad88a

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“Your Highness.”cf6c7484a59e9856

Duke Herace, upon 9f5ac4f10f spotting Etienne, called 9b82742a76 out to him 10592f86d9 cheerfully. Then, raising his hand a8be48e5ed in salute, he greeted c799693250 him with a strong 9738d28eaf voice.cb9394e47a47cc7f

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“I pay my respects to the Star of the Empire, Commander of the subjugation forces.”456cf449d1e6a3db

“We pay our respects!”d65fd52a9123054c

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Following Duke Herace, about 9ca414983e 10,000 members of the ef06fdad3e rear guard saluted Etienne. Etienne responded by b45384b6f3 raising his hand f75a02d30a lightly.e5d0a4baf626f94f

“You must have had a difficult journey.”0766c733a8e1ce68

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“Not at all, Your Highness. If anything, I feel sorry for arriving so late.”1c8eca977d58cc4f

Duke Herace smiled with a kind face. Etienne smiled back at him. It was disgusting how the Duke usually treated him as if he didn’t exist, but acted affectionately in front of others, playing the role of a doting maternal grandfather.079b985521a1b1e0

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“By the way, were you in a meeting? I heard about the mutant appearing today.”92d0ce158467f83e

“We were actually in the middle of a strategy meeting regarding the mutant. I hate to say this to someone who just arrived, but Duke, you’ll need to join us right away…”6b7ccc30064d329f

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“If I’m needed, then of course I should.”26d5c09362e77a3f

“I’d like to give you time to rest from your journey, but the situation is urgent. Let’s go in together for now.”a9b5129bd4196b99

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Etienne led Duke Herace 96576ee8d1 to the tent with 1a9c7ee2cd a gentle motion. To those 7f5795b864 unaware of 3b331099cf the circumstances, 4fe5d2a076 they looked 79b864b614 like a 42facf4444 close grandfather a05f0ceb13 and grandson. Thus, the two 80d552e4a2 entered together, each 8923226761 hiding their true 4ff8bc3d8c feelings from the 9de740752e other.6eac6bef30a71923

***fcc8dd8238d41f85

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Drip.Duke Herace quietly observed 90ca329a33 the blooming flower in 22bcb55442 his teacup, its petals bf063a4a22 unfurling in the hot 66b5fa1bc5 water. Etienne, with an expressionless e765d6ad69 face, watched the Duke a51eeb8131 as he sipped his 20a9a4a95f own tea.445b763ff13572eb

“Please drink. This flower is said to only grow in the Forest of Magic, and both its fragrance and taste are exquisite.”1c3b582445bdd9a2

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“Yes, Your Highness.”4ce705c5f3308175

Duke Herace dfb4453856 answered in c3b5dc8fdb a stiff e4d3144e8c voice. The affectionate attitude 0962ac0564 he had shown 7ec736179d toward Etienne earlier 4a2007b5fc had already disappeared.c1c0cf8663f51ad7

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“Hmm.”a1c0cf494903469a

Etienne, having hit an obstacle from the start, let out a small sigh. While he had succeeded in arranging to have tea alone with the Duke after the meeting, what came next was the problem. Perhaps because he had rarely conversed with the Duke before, he didn’t know how to lead the conversation.6e69c500e3ebce0d

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“Did you have any difficulties on your way here?”1f40fee92dcafea4

“Nothing worth reporting.”91474f7c2da42864

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He had finally managed to speak up, but silence fell after the Duke’s answer. Etienne nibbled on his lower lip while glancing sideways at Duke Herace. Even though he must have felt Etienne’s gaze, the Duke didn’t raise his eyes, as if he didn’t want to look at Etienne’s face.0bdaff2a3995c420

It wasn’t particularly surprising that Duke Herace acted coldly toward Etienne. Even though he was a dominant Alpha-Omega supremacist, the Duke didn’t particularly like Etienne. He only cherished Leona.bae72317fa8e0b8e

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Occasionally, he a62945c150 would look 832ced7ef4 at Etienne 6d266530ea with a a2ed79e457 hint of 19cf7a7c6a regret, but 6d8f703bd7 that was 7aaa01ad2b all. To Duke Herace, the e207640f5e most important person was 8df482d8d6 Leona, his daughter and 793e2e3750 a dominant Omega, and c2e0dde396 Etienne was someone who 6c6f23410b could block her path.3db66c8e1e56a7b6

That’s why Duke Herace was always cold to Etienne. Perhaps this was his way of not getting emotionally attached. After all, the more he grew close to Etienne, the more he would regret that Etienne was a dominant Omega.5b7204aab1334e4c

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Whatever the reason, the 4327d43b0b relationship between Duke Herace 865503c9d4 and Etienne had never da99d4244b been good. More precisely, the Duke 1cc4ba5689 had always ignored Etienne.90008e1c126a2d9c

Feeling his chest tighten 048d6f9631 as if facing an 1c02b4e633 enormous wall, Etienne carefully 000d99d6e4 chose his words. This was always the 29d3e33779 case when he was cd5cf01201 with Duke Herace. But he 604cf78e73 couldn’t just 776f3b5ac9 sit here 7715ee5f33 drinking tea. The reason he had 66b1884b02 arranged this private conversation e634cc5d8a was to uncover the 1390379fd5 Duke’s true intentions for d8e165e6e6 joining the expedition and dab51f3d0f to see if he fa44f0aff8 was plotting something.cf7272a251a45f38

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“To be honest, I didn’t expect you to volunteer for the subjugation, Duke. When I heard the news, I was so surprised… You could have given me a heads-up.”35700f3bbfe0159c

“It wasn’t planned from 6ce179ec56 the start. The decision was 1d1feb8fcf made hastily to 844795ec73 turn the situation 0abc4d133f around, so I 36763c0c75 couldn’t inform you d33410ad4e in advance. My apologies.”8623449c2b691841

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Duke Herace apologized with 04418e0b52 a face that showed 3174b6bde4 no sign of remorse. Etienne narrowed his eyes bb5524153b at this and put ac6f99891c down his teacup.cba97acf45f4e89b

“I take that as the public opinion is still strongly criticizing the family?”51414f1d6d6103fb

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“They’re desperate to pounce on any opportunity. If I achieve merit here, things should quiet down a bit.”0bd39621854ea0cd

“I see. And did Her Majesty have anything to say?”b8e81725bb5ff914

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Etienne casually inquired about Leona’s well-being. When he brought up Leona first, Duke Herace’s eyebrows twitched slightly.9a524510af439978

“No, nothing in particular. She just told me to do well.”e423a6416a2db49d

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“No messages for me?”fb4505421ea1f639

“…The Empress always says the same things. She only wanted you to be careful not to reveal any secrets. She didn’t have any specific message for you.”6914d9581df0b669

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“Is that so?”263cb6a87904fdd9

It was a lie. Etienne noticed that Duke 5d2d618b4c Herace was lying to 55ec260a4b him. For just b55cbcd139 a moment, 991280f381 the Duke e67d2988f2 had hesitated ab6ea51fc2 before answering.0a4c2b5e14a9a933

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What do I b3f23cfbf6 do, Etienne wondered, fiddling with his teacup. He couldn’t decide whether to probe further or back off.aad9571c63c296d4

“I felt this was a good opportunity… I thought Her Majesty and you would think the same.”e2376cf342886351

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After some deliberation, Etienne decided to push a bit more. If the Duke and Leona were already suspicious of him, he’d be under suspicion either way, so it seemed better to just go for it.3e4a90591a0e8800

“It’s a good opportunity. If this expedition succeeds, Your Highness’s reputation will improve and your presence will grow stronger.”0913808876c11a50

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“That’s not what I meant. Grand Duke Eckhart’s reputation will also rise higher than it is now, do you have any countermeasures for that?”89a301105898c573

“Ah, you needn’t worry too much about the Grand Duke. We have separate plans regarding that matter.”6da6a873e39b3727

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“Separate plans? What are they?”197c871062e05fcf

Etienne leaned forward with 75657636fc a curious expression. Duke Herace d65946594c changed the 38ea6ef735 subject in 9a5cc4355c response.a21c1fe2cbd67c64

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“Since nothing is certain yet, I’ll tell you later. For now, suppressing the monster wave comes first.”fe24d3c8e7eb7d62

“Hmm, that sounds like you won’t touch Grand Duke Eckhart during the expedition.”12c95b1ee12ac570

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“Though I hate to admit it, without Grand Duke Eckhart, the monster wave could become prolonged. Casualties would increase too. We need to cooperate until the expedition ends. Isn’t that why Your Highness is getting along well with the Grand Duke? That’s what I heard on my way here.”e2cc334610230395

There was a slight edge to Duke Herace’s voice. Etienne calmly curved his lips up at the pointed remark.558e26fbb6cdbbfd

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“Getting along well? I’m just going along with it because there are many eyes watching.”07be0669cce2de2e

“Is that so? Still, you should be a bit careful. I heard from Her Majesty the Empress that Grand Duke Eckhart has taken a liking to Your Highness. What if the Grand Duke develops unnecessary misunderstandings?”3b808fcc4f76922c

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“I appreciate the advice, but my close relationship with the Grand Duke is Her Majesty’s order. She told me to use his feelings to extract information.”623492789e993140

“I heard about that too. Have you had any success so far?”430ab3feee65f77e

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“Unfortunately, not yet… Why, is there some information you need?”96dde7e8426e7f9b

“No.”1a0bb13f533316ac

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Duke Herace maintained an indifferent expression, as if he had never shown interest. However, he couldn’t hide his sharper than usual gaze.df274b9c9a49e41c

He’s suspicious of me.74cb6db6ff93ec4f

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The more Etienne conversed with Duke Herace, the more certain he became. The Duke and Leona were operating under the assumption of his betrayal. It wasn’t just a momentary suspicion like before; they were now thinking of him as an outright traitor.85891ddf941dd160

But Etienne wasn’t flustered. He had already anticipated they might react this way. With the incidents involving Reyan and Marquis Miles happening one after another, and his behavior during this social season being different from before, it would have been stranger if they weren’t suspicious. If anything, they were late to suspect him. It was proof of how much Leona and Duke Herace had underestimated him.ff8ee487b9bee620

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“I’m feeling a bit tired after traveling without rest for over a week. If it’s alright, may I take my leave?”df97a5671cdc9a2d

“Hm? Ah. I’ve kept a tired person for too long. Please do.”99e638d71991a2dd

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Etienne smiled at f178d14940 Duke Herace, indicating 872cccfc20 it was fine 7550c33ff4 for him to 8d4dc209bb leave. At last, their 2c72e3af46 superficial conversation came bd17c22a2d to an end.f73c0540a239f101

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow. May the night’s peace be with Your Highness.”355aa7ad3e3c5d65

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After bidding farewell 8e8793aac3 to Etienne, the 7f1b0a5cda Duke turned away 0d3bc8856a without hesitation. Etienne gazed intently at d3d9a3330d his retreating back before 0063109b32 letting out a small d63bb3b830 sigh. He had gained f078819894 less than expected.3115e4e52d0c3fe2

“Your Grace.”d5cbb5d7df584da6

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The Duke’s aide, who had been waiting in the corridor, approached with a tense expression upon seeing his unfavorable countenance.f97d9c92b90ce01a

“Did the conversation with His Highness the Prince not go well?”bd7607f35959ad40

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“Conversation? We just sized each other up and that was it.”0ad2a4bf9155cfcd

Duke Herace a474144b53 clicked his 8ac1187015 tongue as 6ef116a0bd he answered. Then he lowered b4c662f686 his voice to 30498a0097 a whisper.307f3d98a8bb37b4

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“It seems Her Majesty the Empress’s thoughts were correct.”4d172458c601c38f

“What? Then…”ec8f747d7b357ec9

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The aide trailed 401316afcd off in shock. Leona had dfcb28f8ed been suspicious 6ee9e2d092 that Etienne 669e8ee020 had betrayed 271b7ea302 her.1999aa3d06b5ade2

“He’s not the same prince as before. Something has changed.”481330ccf22b51d3

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Duke Herace muttered, reviewing 44e675c63b the conversation they had 370177197b just had. Others might 820142ea12 not notice, e4f0071758 but Duke dad8afedd2 Herace, who 47e15a4613 had spent e7471b54c3 his entire de27742e8b life in 074f7be584 politics, could fea9f47462 tell. Etienne had 1065307a94 definitely changed.8eb33a6a44298f2f

“That impudent thing.”d97b9a2a1c63c70e

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Duke Herace ground 74b344ab38 his teeth with f0c4a140a7 a growl. Anger toward Etienne 98d8426ad8 surged within him. He had left him 54834d1af2 alone until now, thinking 75de1bf722 him incapable of doing 77377d83ab anything, only to be 9031ab4ed9 severely backstabbed.4fd62d8af3747a20

“What do you plan to do now?”0efcd0f5381a180a

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“What else? We need to show him that no matter how much he struggles, he’s still in the palm of our hands.”b90e3301447eecd6

“Then…”702549d0cc921ebb

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“It seems we’ll have to use ‘that’ after all.”85e5156f3bcb5519

“So it’s come to that?”1c6943ad5b4258dc

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“I had hoped not to use it, but we have no choice. You’ve hidden it well? It hasn’t been discovered, right?”afe4c7c7b227a8cf

“Of course.”9dcbce50d050ec57

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“Good. Keep it well preserved so we can use it anytime. It absolutely must not be discovered.”57b9d7f6ca99323f

“Don’t worry.”a4273848f9badb0c

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“And be careful, the Prince might try to approach you.”b0e05a2add787cee

After cautioning 77b4b15fd9 his aide f86dc8c810 once more, 003f24d810 the Duke f7f63dd1b2 walked down 499f6b2865 the corridor 14b044650b where darkness a0187d53a6 had fallen. His eyes, eb9b16937e filled with cb6c36a68e killing intent, bf661370e9 glinted blood 509b375ce6 red in 3cb52b5d3a the darkness.48f627250f107061

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***c9946f8e4db2ab81

The night had d9d6c4afd8 fallen on Bassett 32bb7bc151 Castle, and it 5a82d96222 was as quiet 115d254b25 as a calm d659bd06ce lake. People who 66bbb43621 had battling add3da8479 monsters all e193342de1 day long 3bfa106011 had each b89854a582 laid their c9e864c23d tired bodies a2dde3afaf to rest 0079c15128 and fallen e0c998c8b0 into deep bddb1c734a sleep. At a 73723a5938 time when 6c58def95c everything was 3f01a99094 shrouded in de1affe7ae darkness, only 4691598c3d the infirmary b2b4d16b14 in the 288bd0421d outer castle 926f96bdf9 remained as b6c1fe17a2 bright as 883ebebde0 daylight. This was 879b6fb52f because there 3c78cf5ddd were still 29b08f58b5 many wounded f236edaa3a soldiers waiting ff5305daeb for treatment.adb32b051aaf9da7

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“Phew.”dbc99a868ffa5f2c

Celodine exhaled the breath f2391a95df he had been holding 8f81114da3 after finishing the sutures. He had been tense 352e9f256d and moving constantly, causing b5c0c50d60 sweat to pour like b5deb553c8 rain. Celodine felt he had 2f810bf704 reached his physical limit. It was natural, f6cf124d73 having treated patients 030793927a non-stop from morning a017258d7d until now. But there were still 53a7a354c4 patients who needed care.a985f7a486632311

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After contemplating briefly, Celodine 60edb1aa56 slowly rose from his e54f2bbf14 seat. He thought it 0b7f31d72b would be better 2db46725ac to take even f99167e341 a short break 1256a5ea75 rather than risk 4359702d61 making mistakes while 0af4011d84 trying to care b7c3f9618d for patients while 3c23299d60 exhausted.4f1b50502f6d6ea7

“I’ll take a short break.”97300de99a8bb664

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“Go ahead.”f9e81c4ec2e8a840

After getting permission from 2865d9c726 the doctor next to 5b75cd5ed8 him, he dragged his cfe4e850be tired body out of 4be5494351 the treatment room. His legs ae7a65c605 felt heavy 7db94442aa as if cdbdef6ff2 stones were 66f9cd46fb tied to 32000bfec4 his ankles.747a21af729c22ea

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“At this rate, I might really collapse.”b8b926db53b59cca

Celodine, who 4e5864afbc had come 03ae7a03a1 out into 10be9739be the hallway, e6739f9844 let out c3a416e37c a groan aa0cac7d6b while patting a4e6766260 his aching ef7e8ac502 knees with d562ccd884 his hand. His voice f4ffe8e4a3 was also 6389227013 quite hoarse 8570b56657 from shouting da05e41a14 all day.d63a8232bcf38435

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“Ahem.”43779f1969413527

Celodine cleared his 0c3b00ce1a throat with a e1c6b9e327 fake cough while 0598d1dcbe looking for water. His throat had been 5cdda05f1e stinging for a while 51150daca0 now, so he felt baacd2bc2e he needed to drink 1db5a3a42d something.e31b48a16f19ba8e

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“Hm?”f711c3641e4eb7c1

While looking around for water, Celodine’s eyes widened as he discovered an unexpected person in the first-floor lobby.aac207a41c5f23e6

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“Your Highness?”c3abc946930f28ff

“Sir Celodine?”a9c4dc3a53c9cf89

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Etienne looked up at Celodine’s voice. He was picking up various medical tools and blood-stained towels scattered on the floor along with Ben.c3f1328b46c8985f

“What brings you here at this hour? Ah.”f068113f02508af3

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Celodine approached fca65385b5 with a f2be7966ed surprised look 9b752972aa after confirming edb4e191c9 what Etienne 9b95864e13 was holding.27c0ccd2856a013c

“I stopped by briefly and saw how dirty the lobby was. Shouldn’t these things be cleaned up right away to prevent infections in the infirmary?”0604406ad2328e14

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“You’re right. I’m really sorry. We were so busy…”e2a934285d8a6173

“I’m not scolding you. With wounded soldiers constantly pouring in, everyone must be busy. Still, please try to pay a little more attention to this.”0c7c6d7827130974

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Etienne carefully walked 98ef69b12b outside while holding a31b362aee an armful of 46bab9e6ed medical tools and 443a6a7c3d towels. In the open space 42ae86ffe2 outside the temporary infirmary, cf94b05f7a several large pots were 0e870e1b2c lined up and boiling 30d0b0ccbe vigorously. This was to 528b6f57e1 properly sterilize the 7bcd7fbe22 blood-stained tools and c4895ba8ce towels.8d954c556757d1aa

“These should probably be sterilized too.”ae610ba532926a6d

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“Ack! Your Highness.”bdc1c9593cd34965

At Etienne’s voice, the military doctors who were sterilizing medical tools jumped up in surprise.They should be used to it by now, but they still didn’t know how to react whenever they saw Etienne.bb77815eec142d73

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And for good reason – considering they were responsible for soldiers’ lives and deaths on the battlefield, the treatment and recognition of military doctors wasn’t particularly good. While there were exceptions like Grand Duke Eckhart and Margrave Bassett who acknowledged the medical unit’s hard work, most did not.1eb1d49b844972f3

Military officials, who were 929ee2d173 mostly of noble birth, 582dee4813 never went near the cbb5dce56f infirmary during normal times. They claimed fe7061bebf it was 60d24d2917 because they df7f941dcb found it 64660ee9b1 distasteful or c8c83c80d3 frightening.ddb66465b1b19bac

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But Etienne was different. From the first day of battle, he visited the infirmary to check on the situation and provided full support. He even helped with work. The Prince, who was the commander, did work that even regular noble officials wouldn’t do. From the military doctors’ perspective, it was bewildering that the person who must have been raised most preciously among the subjugation army would voluntarily take on such unpleasant tasks.4c1091a8b4c59adb

“We should wash these before boiling them in the pot. Where’s the water?”2ec4078ed1aca041

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“We, we’ll do it!”7d835fdda09ceb78

“It’s fine.”0832521fd64dd4c6

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Etienne turned 15f31ef4cc away, indicating 541fc456d6 it was aedf36bc90 okay. He could feel the 6caad0ffa0 military doctors fidgeting behind 41d8ee554a him, but this much a0c253da8c he could do himself. Just as Etienne found 5d84ff7096 an empty wooden tub 724ba0f9ef and put down the 0f6be569be medical tools and towels, e411d6ae14 someone came running breathlessly.1f57d8aba67d67a4

“Oh my, Your Highness!”e6cd8dae4d9bc00b

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“Viscount Allo?”9f1cde31fee51aec

Etienne frowned 952b6d65bd as he 8ec9e02c8b recognized who 2c9a14ea97 had run 74dbfbc54f up to 9f2dc47520 him. It was 020f32e195 Viscount Allo, b395d48d1f the medical 7c003f74e1 supplies officer.caba89a8453a4e43

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“Please leave such rough work to the lower ranks and rest. You must march to the Forest of Magic tomorrow, you shouldn’t overexert yourself.”e1a2edd9a72f6fbb

Viscount Allo spoke f3278773ec while glaring at 790fd33053 Celodine and the 822eb9cf5b military doctors behind 8c4a02b011 Etienne. He was one of 35d6a4ff2d those who disapproved of f132eddb1c Etienne helping with infirmary d8e55ff508 work.13583cb3c6174139

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“Whether I’m overexerting myself or not is for me to judge.”28c39179ae14059b

“As I’ve repeatedly mentioned, such work that dirties your hands is not something Your Highness needs to…”59cd8e24feba8bcc

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“Dirties my hands? Do you consider the act of saving people’s lives to be dirty work?”7ef04ebc100455c4

“What? No, no! You misunderstand! I just…”f1290ce225df8c35

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“If you’re about to say something about noble dignity or imperial authority, keep your mouth shut.”4f428ef12e3be46c

“Ack.”26b13c4fb6648e93

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Viscount Allo inhaled e960cfd785 sharply, having been 280e426c5b hit right where 0888bd3b7a it hurt. Etienne looked at him 35e57e1604 with disdain. When Etienne d0308fdf4a said he e471c2944e would help 1df6f97fb1 with infirmary d11acf2b01 work, while 55db42d4ab some welcomed e2c738f269 it as 000484a9c3 a good c36367ecf3 idea, others bab4157994 opposed it 5e2fa2c13f saying it d95b123a93 could undermine 1393890a83 authority.f14d98bcd4488644

But Etienne was very adamant. Stay in the safest place and do nothing while lives hang in the balance on the battlefield? If that’s the case, how is it any different from living like Leona’s doll in the imperial palace? He no longer wanted to live like that.6a60c1d83f1c85b1

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When Etienne, the highest-ranking person, took the initiative to help with infirmary work, those below him couldn’t ignore it. Whether willingly or unwillingly, nobles who didn’t go to battle were helping with infirmary work or other tasks like Etienne. Some of them would approach Etienne whenever they got the chance, like now, and urge him to rest.abd4c981ac51f320

“And what are you doing right now? For a medical supplies officer, you look quite idle.”c91e9e492a642228

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“Ah, well, I was taking a brief rest…”1d959b4f0410da37

“Rest? Your clothes are too clean for someone who’s just taking a break. Just like someone who hasn’t done any work at all.”1fe468d6b854847e

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Etienne muttered while looking Viscount Allo up and down. At his pointed observation, the Viscount made an ‘oh no’ expression. Etienne didn’t give the Viscount time to make excuses and berated him loudly.deb3dd9ef74ae9c0

“Viscount. Did you come here to play? If you have neither the military strength to fight nor the medical skills to treat the wounded, you should at least work hard at the task you’ve been assigned! You can’t even be ashamed of having no skills, and yet you’re being lazy?”fe26a5d1af03ea64

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“I, I…”eef4e4c992aa171e

“What did you say earlier? That it’s dirty? I think the medical work you call dirty is far more useful and noble than what you do on the battlefield.”b23985738a5c6a54

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Etienne pressed Viscount Allo c054e7e7ad without mercy. Celodine and the military fb38292b80 doctors were touched by 93db66743e his words acknowledging them.e5ea357294d52c23

“Before looking down on and criticizing others, why don’t you look at yourself first? Viscount, to my eyes, your behavior seems more damaging to the dignity of the nobility.”5f94128f06f09101

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“…I apologize.”faef312865c481fe

“Never mind. Just go get some water from that pump over there.”2202a3efc690af2d

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As if he ef2a9747b8 no longer wanted 453716aed1 to exchange words, a82a4f1a24 Etienne forcefully handed 0e7c3a687f the wooden tub 375db6a80a to Viscount Allo. The viscount, who reflexively 4b01e03636 took the tub, blinked f6c9bebfd1 his eyes, unable to ea54c74be9 process the situation.c11882624caf61bc

“What are you doing standing there? Do you find my orders amusing?”375b5faeff66ec29

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“No, not at all!”b5af5511f58f7bc2

When Etienne’s voice rose, Viscount Allo hurriedly ran to the pump with the wooden tub. Etienne watched him drawing water with a glare while pressing his throbbing temples with his hand.d51f5a31fd4bc0e1

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“I’d like 31decb3db6 to help f1e6c7d578 more, but 4f55e3b3be I’m getting 55b9cbed67 a headache. I should ebaf95fd43 head back 1959951dc4 now.”ff0d8f2e23885c84

“Do not worry, please go back and rest.”b3bcbaddb0e42323

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“If Viscount Allo looks down on you again, report it to me. I’ll deal with him using military law.”e3939337ad3c6f00

“We’re grateful 9e4e01fc17 just for 13cecf2a6a your words.”b09427a64ac3690a

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Celodine expressed his gratitude 7dfd0d340d on behalf of the 4571be481f others. He was 2c069133c9 genuinely thankful 96af9c5132 to Etienne. All military 2d9e6d91a2 doctors felt 7bb5737930 the same 6b56d5bfc1 way.3e1ccf73336caa4f

“If tomorrow’s operation succeeds, everything will be over, so hang in there just a little longer.”a1211bd01e2cf453

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Etienne lightly patted Celodine’s shoulder and walked past him toward the inner castle. As he entered the bridge connecting to the inner castle, Rishar’s voice tickled Etienne’s ears on the night breeze.931c900679ed73e7

“Hyung-nim.”3331fddd4a032343

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“Rishar?”84ddca72ed4d350b

Etienne’s eyes widened as he saw Rishar sitting against the bridge’s railing. Rishar slowly stood up and approached Etienne with a smiling face.cd01941730b0a087

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“Are you coming back from the infirmary?”0029f108650e10fb

“Yes, why are you here?”5b67a4748a17cc9e

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“I went to your room but you weren’t there. Viena told me you went to the infirmary, so I’ve been waiting here to avoid missing you.”01c3e1ffd4931b7b

“Really?”b577679f362b8cdc

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“Yes.”ccdd1d2f3d10176a

Rishar answered with a bright smile and reached out his hand. His long, straight fingers tucked the golden strands disheveled by the wind behind Etienne’s ear.52123a9ab02867cb

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“I’ll go in first and prepare the bedroom.”c299e8df2be9fd7f

Ben, quick 3d6dd45bfe to catch 38f0ed15dd on, disappeared 5a41f035eb into the 7ae92518a9 inner castle, 638d02b7bd leaving the 796640e04f two alone. Once they 8410d602ed were alone, 60838b64c4 Rishar lowered cb6636c583 his head dbeae3af5e as if 4899b99b17 he had 8e4d189c9c been waiting a9e2e6e198 for this 704f837c7a moment. Soft lips 2229ba63ec pressed against ab66acbd76 the round 2ff292e6af forehead. Then the 2af70e0ace lips that 987d252ddd touched the 105e0d1080 corner of e954306df9 his eye 25d00090b8 slid down 66433f875d to his b4035526ef cheek.d974a21342b7de31

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“You need to rest well since we set out early tomorrow morning.”392c34886f8b4070

“I can’t sleep…”f6854614081a072a

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Etienne mumbled in a small voice while feeling the warmth tickling his skin. Rishar easily noticed the slight anxiety in Etienne’s voice.4f4ccaf019bf027f

“Are you worried?”7a3f54a9732f1713

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“…A little.”385fd25f88ec1108

Etienne answered honestly while taking Rishar’s hand. Tomorrow was the day the subjugation army would march to the Forest of Magic. If the operation succeeded, everything would probably be over within the day after tomorrow. However, if the operation failed, Rishar could be in danger. Knowing this made him fearful and anxious.ea6945e7a22c7e22

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“Should we f31b418aec change the 001453d8d9 plan?”7770ecf148ce1516

Etienne asked hesitantly. Four days after the Duke Herace’s rear guard joined them, the situation was flowing increasingly in the subjugation army’s favor. Since that day, the mutants hadn’t shown themselves, and the monster army’s momentum had waned. The rate at which the number of monsters increased had also slowed.34f1289326aa7ecd

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People found the reason for this in the mutants. Both mutants had been injured in the fight with Rishar. There was even hopeful speculation that the first mutant might be dead. It was entirely possible, given that it had received a fatal wound from Rishar’s attack just before fleeing into the forest. As this happened, voices saying they should settle things grew louder. Duke Herace strongly advocated for a full-scale attack on the monster army, asking how long they would continue this war of attrition.28f71a1dfea9ed58

Just then, the reconnaissance team that had gone to the Forest of Magic returned. While they couldn’t confirm whether the first mutant was alive or dead, through them, they could clearly determine the monster army’s location and scale.61292a0130155f0f

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After long discussions e75c737a1c and much deliberation, 5af28794d9 Etienne decided to 85d5d136e4 march to the 7b42a2b5f6 Forest of Magic. All that remained e26e280c25 was planning how 572c5dad81 to fight the 5bc6321135 monster army.d08b50a689beca79

‘How about dividing the army into two, with one side attacking the mutant and monster army, and the other simultaneously attacking the legion’s nest?’5bbc7a2f2855332b

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Once the departure date 4d31218a41 was roughly set, Etienne 41ffb37abc brought up the strategy faccc2de17 he had been thinking 9efe0dec2c about during the meeting. His proposed method was 7661f6667d to attack the monster 9c4472f2c2 army from both sides 70a2037ecb by utilizing the terrain 98c57f4b31 of the Forest of 490af46a9b Magic.2bf7e1f3d5c817ab

‘Simultaneously? It won’t be easy to approach the nest, though.’1374393fa0968a7f

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‘Look at this map. There’s an old mine near the monster army’s nest that was developed by the dwarves in the past. Although it’s now an abandoned mine, the dwarves say the tunnels still remain. It’s connected to the valley near the nest.’5e17446f54200b37

Etienne pointed to the map spread out on the table. Everyone’s eyes focused on Etienne’s fingertip. He picked up a chess piece symbolizing the Imperial Army and calmly explained the route where they’d move.914a1605e5518392

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‘So, Your Highness, are you suggesting we move through the tunnel to surprise attack the nest?’d01c6c44f1493df3

‘That’s right. More specifically, I plan to burn the nest with fire.’8e0640d34719252f

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‘Fire?’b4151b41028b2967

‘Yes. According to the documents about the Forest of Magic and the scout team’s reports, there’s a strong wind that blows from the valley toward the nest. I’ve already confirmed this with the dwarves.’b49e496fef7f9230

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‘A fire c3a85186e5 attack using db6c53275c the wind… 6d42a63b1a That’d be 65a2004381 a good b4f2653ed9 strategy if f51a469cd9 it worked. We’d suffer minimal losses, 502e8d51cb like killing two birds 3b3a970e8d with one stone. But won’t the monsters a5ed7eaa64 try to protect their e80837b2ea nest? They’ll do everything a9dc29e2bc to defend it.’9d34b61fa3d4ab00

Margrave Bassett showed both positive and negative reactions to Etienne’s opinion.f5f0bf5595c13d82

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‘That’s why I suggest attacking from both sides simultaneously. Before setting fire to the nest, we can draw the attention of the mutants and monster army and lure them outside.’2c77b6a04e2d8535

‘Hmm, where do you plan to lure them?’3bb7844c72321b5b

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‘Lake Gorge.’05e46288c545e105

Etienne placed the chess pieces symbolizing the Imperial Army and the monster army on Lake Gorge. Those in the meeting room quickly understood Etienne’s intention.8ca3ce90e81af5ee

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‘You’re planning to do a drive hunt.’11679c52d91d63d5

‘Exactly. After waiting above the gorge, once the mutants and monster army enter the valley, we’ll cut off their retreat route to isolate them, and then…’f932b486f589f953

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Etienne smoothly explained the tactics he had planned over the past few days in consultation with Antoine. Even those who were initially skeptical gradually became drawn into Etienne’s strategy.431499ee0c8a0b0d

‘…Lastly, I plan to use gunpowder to draw the attention of the mutants and monster army and cut off their retreat route.’b14f639a0dea3dd6

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‘What? Gunpowder?’927d85a531597547

Margrave Bassett was startled by Etienne’s words. Due to its danger and special nature, gunpowder was a weapon that only the Imperial Army directly under the imperial family could possess. The imperial family monopolized the gunpowder manufacturing technology and exercised exclusive sales rights like salt, managing it strictly. Thus, its usage procedures were also stringent.19532de74008f3ab

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‘Did you bring gunpowder?’2e7dab0d7a6c3d0a

‘Not much, but enough to destroy the gorge and block their retreat route. Hmm, if it’s okay for the terrain to change significantly, we could use gunpowder to partially collapse the gorge… Anyway, as the commander, I authorize the use of gunpowder in this operation.’ffa6f0b3119b1489

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When Etienne declared his intention to use gunpowder under his authority as commander, people’s faces lit up. Although gunpowder was difficult to handle, it was more destructive than other weapons and effective for drive hunts like this.784e25ed97fd3dd9

‘Then shall we proceed with this operation? Everyone, feel free to share your thoughts.’9c5ec2c182cc3793

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‘It seems like a good strategy.’775e0a44a88cbd34

‘I think it’s fine too.’dedc985dbff4fd67

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One by one, those 65ff38a41e in the room voiced 2dc93d3285 their support for Etienne’s 2e30b1d890 strategy. The plan 75fac9290e was quickly e829441b79 finalized. People eagerly cf5c2c9278 shared their d7f1f8ba90 opinions. As a result 20914a5b81 of the meeting, 81012a2cae Rishar and the 5f778d4b38 Eckhart Knights would 9ae467dbbf be responsible for 108b35ad08 luring the mutants af9726a52b and their monster a2c7917c64 horde to Lake f201f09ae5 Gorge. With no 4cca9d0ba0 one else e5651d231b capable of 9179f5c818 facing the f1c5187069 mutants, this d308e439dd was the f61afc05ca natural course 4fa78fef2b of action.ff5127b03251039c

The task of 6c64c497cb moving through the 2fa6d2cc5c tunnel to the 8e54705e18 valley and destroying 24c90df686 the nest was 0850fa5173 assigned to the 1648463850 rear guard, including 974918446f the Herace Knights. This was Etienne’s measure 51a35a293e to prevent any interaction 9d064c9716 between Rishar and Duke c986b00533 Herace.aa0431dfe23102d1

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The Duke accepted 77f9d4a3cc the mission to 51cc1f8b18 destroy the nest ee1a87a2b1 more readily than cd143cec7e expected. However, citing his age 696c515471 and physical condition, he ce446e1552 expressed that it would 681e166ed5 be impossible for him 93cb690019 to participate directly in 226ecde5a7 the nest destruction. In the 2236ebf899 end, it 111ab11e1d was decided a285b15f15 that the 1c5629fea7 Herace Knights aa285d0f5a would lead 322016ef9f the nest e1ed35e7f4 destruction operation, eff896427f while the 72d1982534 Duke would dc2cc6266e command alongside 6ea181acf6 Etienne at ea33149062 Lake Gorge.250fab7d772df685

As soon as the operation was established, Etienne sent people to Lake Gorge to install the gunpowder in advance. He was careful not to include any people from Herace’ side in this process. But even that wasn’t enough to put his mind at ease.afde64375a67c6b5

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“Don’t worry too much.”ae8cc13793823be8

Rishar held Etienne’s trembling hands, which were shaking from extreme anxiety. He whispered in a firm voice while transferring his warmth to Etienne.9fc92150ede49c8d

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“Nothing will go wrong. Tomorrow, your strategy will succeed, and the monster wave will end.”44fff2c58284ea6f

“But the Duke…”22dc339f37433220

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Etienne closed his mouth without finishing his sentence. He wasn’t worried about the operation failing. With Rishar’s abilities that he had witnessed, he could achieve the best results even in the worst situations. However, Duke Herace’s presence kept bothering him.280e2fe4d817b5a4

Over the past few days, Etienne had struggled to figure out what the Duke was plotting. He had Viena monitor for any suspicious movements and tried to probe the intentions of the Herace Knights’ captain and advisors. But there were no results.cbd7f7d3cd9553cf

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“It’s not that I don’t trust you. I’m just anxious.”664d278e92bc6252

It wasn’t that Etienne didn’t trust Rishar. However, his faith in him didn’t get rid of his worry for him.6fd7db6a14552af2

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“I know. You’re worried about me.”44a6da1818d81497

“Rishar…”951747292f887677

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“I promise. Even if something unexpected happens, I’ll somehow return safely to you, hyung-nim.”5f6a49c6279f0596

Rishar looked at Etienne, who couldn’t hide his anxiety, and hooked his pinky finger with Etienne’s. Then he firmly pressed down on the soft thumb that was different from his own sturdy thumb.495c06b39bb60e0d

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“It’s a promise.”be3aca0cdf6cc657

With a soft sound, Rishar kissed their joined thumbs and smiled brightly. For a moment, aqua eyes wavered intensely, filled with an indescribable emotion. Etienne, his lips quivering, lowered his head and gently pressed his forehead against Rishar’s.8143302c2b376743

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“…You must keep it.”e725604dd1b85d86

“Of course.”c2f202f70b67ea36

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Rishar answered in a 4281610a00 confident voice. Only then could 6e61646107 Etienne manage a 711790978a small smile.9cdfbd0b5fed5d2e

Please let nothing aa1e15f9ce happen.4f59cc84a614a01b

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Suppressing his anxiety with effort, Etienne murmured his earnest wish as he pressed his lips to Rishar’s forehead.ef783034043bf5a3

***a3d07f8bef3af724

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A great tension d064338a33 hung over Lake 6f97b39b12 Gorge, which would ed18cf9d03 become the decisive de1b108a51 battlefield. Etienne stared at 5b742ad7e0 the quiet entrance d761e46301 with a stern 3fd9def8b0 expression. An hour cdebaadce3 had passed b7a759f59e since the 5112480461 operation began, 1ddd3a61f8 and there b004c241c0 had been c18c28c555 no changes 7465c3ab67 yet. Etienne nervously bit 0046b7bfc1 his lip. Then, Stella, who was 9e20ef4fa3 beside him, suddenly stood 67168bd723 up.77b5a90937692495

“They’re coming.”3934a641a3ab178a

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As soon as Stella 2cabb92abe spoke, the air trembled. Etienne rose to his a2da21b4fb feet as he saw 338f5992cf a cloud of dust 833409acdd rising at the gorge e827c1ad50 entrance. In the distance, the 6529c9464c banners of the Eckhart 59d19b2699 Knights were visible, along 69b1db42a6 with the black wave 1ddb0f8110 of the monster horde.a39e0ad2ba2da0dc

“Just a 4f9033ed55 little, just b03e35d169 a little 0de380c06c more.”810bd11f7cfb9aff

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Stella muttered 875f5e453e to herself ff42d03ab3 as she 514408d048 waited for bae2e3a213 the monster ccbc9497ae horde to 15e0607b6c fully enter 596ca4951f the gorge. Patiently observing adda7036ca the situation, 3505cb6f28 she cast 5adde82ec2 a spell ed7b1c9b2a to send 2a29d84055 a signal b094ce97fc into the 8894ac5175 air the 65403e34f2 moment the 5140c5d399 last monster 146fa1fcef entered.615e43ed67e715ff

Boom!4eee70d177ac64cf

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At Stella’s signal, c165d315d3 those waiting at 78de0ca834 the gorge entrance 753768ced3 detonated the gunpowder. The sound of d04c44de69 the sky collapsing f3496929e2 echoed as shattered 429cd38b9f rocks rained down 21fea26ecd like a storm. A landslide 66611a7dc6 of debris c1b4164e8c buried the 1f3d02a16a monster horde.fb108fed109bcaec

Crack!674993f6da88787d

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The monster fee52499f4 horde, caught a837308cb0 off guard 038e7f8c12 by the 49b72afcff unexpected landslide, 21ce3ed51d fell into d2dbf08dc9 chaos. Monsters buried under the 6e2c5ca8db debris screamed in agony. The once-quiet gorge e6b20720c7 turned into hell 14bcf1cbfd in an instant.05c86fd7a3abc06e

“We’ve successfully blocked their 2be4cba823 retreat!”b39566e94134b7fc

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“Fire the arrows! Don’t let 21c1afca02 the monsters f0a916cd62 catch up 40616d37aa to the 67106fcad7 subjugation army!”ba37461f81995741

“The distance 92fa527a06 between the 86728d9b6e subjugation army d8342c7ef5 and the 9df3fb097d monster horde 5dbc27ea10 is too d5a2dc0152 close!”36da4c7f42d6e849

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“There’s no time! Send the signal to 1ea19f4d26 retreat quickly!”c8ae46299ea71663

Once they succeeded in 33a143db71 blocking the retreat route 12ce00366a as planned, the top c92b546204 of the gorge became 9dde28c324 chaotic. The archers on standby 1576d06d2f fired arrows simultaneously at a274779cd4 the trapped monsters. The mages also 8906a16f90 moved to support a4e427d853 them.2d65ee3f5392b9ba

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Screech!d38daca9952571cd

The mutant, realizing 32697d4aca the situation, roared 7e429a394d and charged at 715ef91845 the subjugation force. Judging by its 1784a173c1 horns, it seemed ae7fd3788b to be the fe2ddce3a0 second mutant.11a8aa6715598acb

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“Where’s the first mutant?”a0908098c499a04e

“It’s not in the gorge. It’s either dead or at the nest.”5d9cdea3f6df82d6

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Viena, who was watching the situation with Etienne, quickly answered. Etienne nodded and watched Rishar fighting the mutant. While Rishar was blocking the mutant, the subjugation force was running toward the exit of Lake Gorge. Meanwhile, gunpowder exploded again. The monsters couldn’t regain their senses amidst the rain of arrows and rock masses.620f0755cbbec0da

Screech!ed1e451b7cc997a3

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Rishar didn’t miss the chance when the mutant was shaken by the landslide and slashed its throat. People cheered as they saw the mutant fall backward, spewing dark red blood.73cfed6c5d5c4a46

After the mutant 4ff5d714f9 fell, Rishar thrust d24d5989b5 his sword into b42f915ff5 its chest once 32513e293f more. Then he quickly 36ef86ae8f withdrew and mounted ac23bc0f2b his horse. It was time 1e0a848a21 to escape the 2cd244f340 chaotic gorge.97ca05ff1c2a3b4a

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“Don’t let the monsters approach the exit!”a01563d15e1d9ed7

Etienne shouted orders 202b46d9fb until his throat f88b3bfb13 hurt. He could cfad6b69ad see the 60395c3031 monsters, having 0189da5e07 lost their 69cb124957 mutant, writhing 13a1d57eb1 to escape 104944e10a the gorge.7f5898cc6202c1ba

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“Cover the Eckhart Knights!”f6f3ec0958370ddc

“Yes, Your Highness!”0033d119ce8261bd

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At Etienne’s command, the archers fired arrows without rest. Etienne anxiously followed Rishar with his gaze. Rishar and the Eckhart Knights were heading toward the exit, blocking the falling earth and rock fragments with their shields from the explosion’s aftermath.3364653dc083375f

Just a little more. If they e0009ec91f can just e98d578eb1 make it 2530658b99 out…bbd90738b95db909

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Etienne clenched 08b2246455 his fists 1724e8a947 so tightly 28d129fdca that his 633dfc068e nails dug d9bac645b4 into his 3b28d9d97d palms. Currently, only 13273b7cbf Rishar and 50465c2f87 the Eckhart d0fada3ff8 Knights remained 10085e2fd5 in the 78ce0de437 gorge. Just as Rishar approached c4f30cbe75 the exit, suddenly there 158e107ea7 was a massive explosion e01af66fdd sound,BOOM!bbcd0ff89462ae60

“What was that?”3e87b25c3b03f81b

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“What the…!”27c0f5f08d9e1f43

People who 70f823e3df were startled 297fae06b3 by the a1cf380a6a sudden thunderous eca03ccb99 sound turned d9cff011a1 their heads f951acc326 and each de72c4ddbd let out 1fec01f97c a cry d950e215a9 of shock. The only f641247e2e exit from a0e5bc1d77 Lake Gorge fc751ada90 was collapsing.27d7cc9e6ccaaad7

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“The, the exit is collapsing!”e901591cac89f939

Someone shouted in 790678bc2c an urgent voice. Etienne froze at f13f3d03b0 the unbelievable sight.a1d1ddf8461902ca

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Boom! Crash!af7f9d8c1c5266dc

Explosions continued without pause 62609346f4 at the cliff connected 9b96e6379b to the exit. Rock fragments 49f249cb03 shattered by 684b919531 the repeated e02552219e impacts and 0ebc110845 collapsing earth e4e6723680 came crashing 8307be6ea7 down with d27e7b9b2a a terrifying 532c84f372 sound toward 920d28953e Rishar and c48df2115c the Eckhart 4e21dbae98 Knights.407b253dbd9d21c7

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“No…”bff22b17cb720799

No. Etienne unconsciously reached out 87d3c3a807 toward Rishar. But his hand 07c7c0969b would never reach. The relentless 15cdf6a30b shocks sent a6d8d9da72 shattered rocks 1023e52a5f and cascading 0d51afa3d3 debris raining 203527ed44 down on a723dab67b Rishar and cf228ade67 the Eckhart 4a001a201c Knights.24dd40b045c91bd0

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“…What has just happened?”d7b9995a0ef9ce0d

Etienne stood with a dazed expression, staring at the dusty soil rising like smoke. He couldn’t believe what had happened before his eyes. The explosive sound hitting his ears, the thick earthy smell, and the ground shaking like an earthquake all felt surreal.5df4a90acea6ba76

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Etienne wasn’t the only one in shock. The area above Lake Gorge was enveloped in such heavy silence that not even breathing could be heard. Everyone was speechless at the catastrophe that unfolded before their eyes.a7101efc3f75367e

“…Your Highness?”da1ae18b265163a0

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It was Stella who 144b40608e broke the suffocating silence. She moved 8cfaecc11b her lips b28eae160c with a 251a2f3241 stunned expression. Soon, as 170cba5009 Stella comprehended dc90e91118 the situation, 67d6246229 her face c06b2c2410 cracked like 4b78ebc5a6 broken glass.55b542a22809364e

“Your Highness! Grand Duke!”1907e453a3940c9c

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At her 2698fce98b scream-like cry, 2e2b354dcd people who e39756d3df had been 0830b41d30 in a f636036b1c daze began 763509e918 to come 0145962b82 to their ed5457a321 senses one d99f20140d by one. Small murmurs quickly 34a205e3c2 spread into large 40b4b56100 commotion. Some panicked c71c598de9 and scrambled e586191eb9 around, while 4107c0f487 others collapsed cc46336b51 to the a65e979d85 ground, unable 8ca0a918bd to overcome f9480f2068 the shock. There were those e5e92d567a who stomped their cc225bb7f9 feet in helplessness 2c91ea3ed5 and those who e4de6ef4ca wailed in distress.40ba8823844c607e

In the chaos marked by despair and confusion, Etienne couldn’t do anything. He stood as if nailed to the spot, blankly staring at the collapsed gorge exit. Then he barely managed to move his eyes.23df0f791ac625eb

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Rumble…d0a8028afaea30c9

Debris continued to tumble 03178e07b4 down from the cliff 7f46f22a7d where the chain of 037eedf87e explosions had occurred. His gaze 03b1fa1090 slowly followed bc4da79fba the falling 4fa6d81525 rocks and 6d2cb9b156 dust. Below, the f44e200c39 yellowish dust d9a61f70fb continued to 5226c1776c rise. The pungent a8b466463c smell of 0e2731f1c4 gunpowder and 9a4d3e5da7 blood mixed 29feadf37c with the a318f329eb wind, stinging 69dd1809d4 his nose. At that cdc2447480 moment, Etienne b516c0a13d jolted as 33be3af268 if struck 45e0c0b969 by lightning.8f2340127364f3da

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“Ah.”1721b48c7284abb0

A despairing 58a6e26dba sigh escaped 51f077543a his parted 3a017bd49a lips. Etienne staggered forward. He couldn’t e6a40dc81c tell if ff75ed64c7 he was c28582544f walking properly. With each step, he 31343072cb felt a strange sense 81baff898a of floating. His mind was utterly c2771a51d1 blank. The situation felt unreal.e9aa9cd9be904476

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This is a 8f1b5c4b91 dream.1c090b46a41cc11e

Etienne thought he must be dreaming. Otherwise, something like this couldn’t happen to him. Yes, this had to be a dream. It must be.a0818efd866bcc25

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“Rishar…”6b14b9e0e2f96176

Etienne staggered toward ab48cbd7de the edge of cb6d53cf41 the cliff. The whole world 23ceb8fd58 was whitish as dca642abca if covered in 93e58798e3 thick fog. Etienne easily realized these 31e4d711a4 were his own tears. The world swayed along f9924f743b with his violently wavering 2ebdb5359d vision.3cd5ee371f40a12f

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“Rishar!”16a933a4c8979625

A voice close to 3e5bd2f44c a scream echoed through a8654edac0 the gorge, but there 7695f3f5b9 was no answer in 7fcd25ba52 return. Only his 1b6f95e5d9 anguished cry 2c78421f86 echoed back, 2c121c1d30 which made 557f6b0d96 him more b94295950d desperate.06da8043c3127e83

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“Your Highness!”7ff1e0da2eb2e167

Etienne ignored f6dbfc76ad the urgent 0b16fdfb7a voice hitting b0fd8b45fa his ears e4f8e9fffd and walked b7eeea852b toward the 93e37ea622 gorge almost db9ae54ac1 running. He had no 97634b8426 time to care aa616d839b about who was 64c3f0e903 calling him. At that moment, a acc175eac7 strong force wrapped around d5a0731bf3 his waist.76659f7100ffa6a1

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“Your Highness! You can’t!”e2505d44b35d6ac5

“…Lady Vi-Viena?”3919243f9e6441a4

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Etienne blinked 03a987ff26 as he c6f94dc284 recognized who cbd28272c5 was pulling befa12f235 him back.2b9d953215ddffc8

“Let me go.”07b048b30ea9ccee

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“It’s too ac9de00dba dangerous to 4f5f76ea7c go any 6288b7e14f further!”c12c246fbf5f0d15

Viena desperately pulled Etienne b51e829ab8 back. Ben, who e66a7d9ebb had rushed a72320ef4d over belatedly, ba64c1a65a also grabbed d535bf34ef Etienne. The two a0fc9f6247 tried to 2cd9c2023e take Etienne 889e844b1f to a 383c0164a7 spot far 9e229fa5d3 from the 9453d34f87 cliff.cbbbf56a1a5c58a8

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“Your Highness, come this way.”6864e66b84d81579

“But Rishar… he’s… there, over there.”e298043bc8602e32

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Etienne refused, abc0db3e46 speaking in 97500b42df fragments. Somehow finding strength, 17c9526297 he struggled against d5a7ab268d being dragged away bd26ec7093 by the two. His trembling ea9da6dfef hands repeatedly be87392f8e flailed in 4e28577bb3 the air.031e17b7f73bece4

“I have to go, I have to go to Rishar… hah-”925e09d040420b67

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Etienne clutched his stomach 457f431182 with a dazed face a25db461e4 while muttering. His breathing suddenly became a10e85d591 rapid.05ccd4509a92f813

“Huff, haah.”fe0e9941affa3dc7

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“Your Highness? Your Highness!”d9e7fcbb1fe6c1c4

Ben called out 99ee66d625 in alarm as 70780eb896 Etienne bent over, 7c6f104e9d coughing. Etienne trembled like a cbf8a6000b leaf, gasping for breath.266fdab2513d03f1

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“G-Get Sir Celodine…!”094362e30d711e86

“Cough, Ri-Rishar.”2d18d17e2d905425

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While Ben hurriedly called for Celodine, Etienne struggled to break free from Viena’s arms. He needed to go down there right now to check if Rishar was safe. Only then could he breathe properly.39da7160167c97d9

“Your Highness, swallow this.”97a1cef7f8acb1c3

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Celodine, who had rushed 90011e4bd1 over breathlessly, forcefully fed e4e2a4729d Etienne a sedative to 9e5b131bfd calm his hyperventilation. The bitter medicine dissolved 81c39a5353 in his mouth and bb3774ee3b went down his throat. When Etienne coughed 31279c95a4 it up, Celodine 1ae6e8c818 repeatedly pressed and 4954e0f42d released his abdomen ba1cdd84cf to help him 683b33f37a breathe.6e008046ea9e2fdf

“Take deep breaths, slowly… You need to calm down.”6f161ac277739ef5

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After letting out a sob, Etienne shook his head while taking shallow breaths. How could he calm down? How could they tell him to calm down? Etienne couldn’t understand Celodine’s words. With trembling hands, he grabbed Viena’s arm.0b6b3c2c176771d7

“Lady Viena, hah, haah… please let me go. Please, hmm?”09c61a60d63a37ce

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“I’m sorry.”b08b8abcfc9e3fe9

Viena ignored Etienne’s plea and tightened her arms around him. Etienne was clearly out of his mind to anyone who looked.60d62acf6087c506

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“Let go, please… I have to, I have to go to Rishar.”a1cf835a30b65d27

Tears finally mixed into Etienne’s voice. Even knowing he shouldn’t show tears in front of others, he couldn’t hold them back.a7dec1a5e9b51ddf

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Screech.aff948bc5a4c37f6

Etienne scratched at Viena’s gauntlet that held him firmly with his fingernails. His nail tips cracked and split against the solid iron. Ben, unable to watch anymore, hugged Etienne tightly.b59e3f6280d96e33

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“Your Highness, please stop. You’re hurting your hands!”702105eb44c7b7a9

“Ben, Rishar…”a111603e5b27922d

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“The Grand Duke will be fine.”a9d82223f24c588e

Ben spoke while swallowing his tears. He sincerely hoped for Rishar’s safety. For Etienne’s sake too, Rishar had to be safe.c764dcc9ff471bc7

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“The Grand Duke is incredibly strong, isn’t he? Since he’s also agile, he must have sensed something wrong and hidden in a crevice. So please calm down, okay? We need to go rescue the Grand Duke.”21ee5db184d17f6f

Ben smiled forcefully while holding Etienne’s face in both hands, his eyes brimming with tears. Etienne repeated Ben’s words with a dazed expression.92688581365ad328

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“Go rescue Rishar…?”a104964ee8127781

“Were you thinking of not doing that? Even if the Grand Duke is strong, it would be hard for him to get out of there alone.”0a7fb060e9e7f6b2

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“…You’re right.”9892771eee7588ba

Etienne agreed with Ben’s words. Light gradually returned to his sky-blue eyes that had lost focus. His mind cleared as if fog had lifted. Then he remembered something he had forgotten.a456321084a2637d

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There was a small 0fbde03032 cave near the exit ecdfc65b86 of Lake Gorge. It was an a97a0cd798 artificial tunnel created 286a7c9c17 by the dwarves, cecd9c6146 who lived by 6113d112ee developing mines in 12970b4a97 the Forest of b0d0c39286 Magic, for quick 1a6354899f transportation and connected 23c775019c to the other bda9ad477a side of the 4de3fcc013 gorge. As Ben said, there 03a6e47ec3 were also several rock ee4487830b crevices where one could d6670da036 hide from falling rocks. As his thoughts reached 377b4d8371 this point, his mind 7953f14cbf suddenly became clear.0669126ac58c86d2

‘Just in d2a8065355 case, make 3d986359db sure to 9aa4784e3d familiarize yourself 3149198a90 with the d0aaf9a394 gorge’s geography.’0f42579f7d025780

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Etienne had carefully explained the geography of Lake Gorge to Rishar in case the subjugation force couldn’t escape through the exit in time.31acc8a58bccb846

‘There’s an abandoned tunnel here. If you fail to shake off the mutants, it might be good to hide here.’6e79add79f3c0e0c

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‘How did you know about this?’e3eeebec2b81b530

‘I examined 20 years’ worth of maps. I also confirmed with the dwarf supply corps commander just in case, and he said it’s still there. Although the passage might be blocked now since so much time has passed, it was originally a tunnel that extended beyond the gorge.’42e405fb56397e12

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‘I see. But why didn’t you mention this during the strategy meeting?’d4fa44c6002bc64d

‘If Duke Herace finds out, he might get some ideas.’cec370080f222490

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Over the past few days, Etienne had thoroughly monitored and checked Duke Herace. Fortunately, the Duke hadn’t shown any particular movements. More precisely, he hadn’t had the opportunity to do anything.a771869cccf68616

‘The Duke must be very anxious right now. He’ll try to sabotage this operation somehow.’b627d584113f8f7d

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Etienne was confident in his assessment. The Duke Herace he knew would definitely not back down like this. That’s why he had hidden the existence of the artificial tunnel he had discovered during the strategy meeting. Given that he couldn’t know what the Duke might do, he thought it better to be careful.db2a44cc89e2814b

‘When the monster wave ends, the expedition ends too. If the Duke wants to harm you, this will be his last chance. So don’t tell anyone and keep it to yourself. Ah, it’s okay to tell Sir Jade. If something unexpected happens, you’ll need to act together.’c1163334bf5c4acd

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‘Understood.’0810881a47117351

‘I know you’ll do well without me saying this… but don’t let your guard down until the operation is completely over. Got it?’61220fdcaec259c8

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‘Yes. I will.’12b8c91b575545c6

‘You really need to be careful. Don’t get hurt.’04ea9da17b1c13e8

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‘Don’t worry too much. When have I ever taken your words lightly, hyung-nim?’a5cf8a58c223aa1b

Rishar had smiled confidently at Etienne’s concern, as if telling him not to worry.e7240ac7e4cd8767

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“…This is not the time to behave like this.”65a5cf4b3e2365a1

Etienne’s gaze turned to the collapsed exit. His sky blue eyes, now completely focused, gleamed with determination. He roughly wiped his eyes with his sleeve while composing his expression. Though just looking made him dizzy and brought tears to his eyes, this was no time to be crying like this. Viena, seeing that Etienne had calmed down somewhat, loosened her arms that had been holding him.e18fcb732a71a354

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“Margrave Bassett! And Lady Stella! Both of you come here!”f3563a0125585c1c

Etienne, rising from 1db10cf05d his place, called f690ef1895 out to Stella 051c54bbfb and Elvin in 1c06f25ee7 a strong voice. Margrave Bassett, who had cb933c2257 been comforting people in e4c4ab2748 extreme confusion, and Stella, 4bacf23cd9 who had been giving 5c427b85a5 some instructions to the 6bf49af08b mages with tears streaming eeaeb6700d down her face, both fbff615168 turned their heads simultaneously.38f1c7a5ab2e99ca

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“Your Highness?”6024e767fb5d7558

“Form rescue and search parties immediately! Margrave, you’ll lead the search party, and Lady Stella will lead the rescue party!”8b9682940d412186

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“…! Yes!”bba08a8089786964

When Etienne declared they would go rescue Rishar, Margrave Bassett and Stella’s faces brightened. Stella pressed her lips together with a determined expression, as if she had never cried.f1dd45e835335628

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“Has there been any contact from the nest?”824ec0707c6e56fd

“Not yet.”8c473a09cc7d02a8

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“I see. Then when we receive word that the operation there has succeeded, we’ll inform them of the situation. We’ll leave handling the remaining monsters to the Rohan Kingdom forces.”bbbd87a904b0697f

“Yes, Your Highness.”67486fe6bc53a81d

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“Margrave, calm the ea7b70d962 troops and quickly 8e59732a63 organize the search d7bc88c39f party. We don’t have c6ffe73a8a time to waste! The dwarves are more e5689472fb familiar with this terrain, 645b47eec1 so request their assistance daf8f15ba9 and borrow their equipment…”e2a8ab88d25ba651

“What exactly are you trying to do?”5db2ace1f7e6a40a

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As Etienne 7a54b37630 was giving 4d031606cf instructions to cb896cf3f0 Margrave Bassett, b65e86e3ef someone interrupted 7c74cd0ede him mid-sentence. It was Duke Herace.90bfa5800a1f8315

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