Instead, she knelt down in front of Bernard without saying a word. She then took his hand, which was resting on the handle of the chair, and lightly laid her cheek on it.

Warmth passed over the back of the cold hand.

.

Before long, Bernard, who was sitting like a doll, was breathing hard. A suppressed moan escaped from between his chapped lips.

He lowered his head helplessly. His body, which hadnt even moved, trembled slightly.

Drop, drop.

Hot tears fell drop by drop on Bernards leg. Emotions once burst were like a collapsed dam. A grown man cried like a child in the dark.

A man who has lost the person he held close, loved and cherished with all his heart.

The man who stood in the most noble position after the king in this country.

A rest for the dead.

A peace of mind for the living.

Herietta, who had listened to Bernards muffled sobs, let out a long sigh and closed her eyes.

The sound of the wind was no longer heard.

* * *

I will go to Siqman.

Bernard, who was looking out of the window with his hands behind his back, declared quietly. Herietta, who was sitting behind him, looked at his back. Like the disheveled look he showed a few days ago never existed, his outfit was spotlessly clean and tidy.

They say the troops that survived the Butron battle are currently stationed there. It seems that most of the people who could serve as commanders have died and they are having a hard time.

Does Your Highness intend to lead them personally?

Well. Well have to see the situation, but maybe.

Hearing Bernards answer, Herietta lowered her gaze. Then she looked at her hand, which was placed neatly on her lap.

It was an answer she had already expected of him to some extent. There was no reason to be surprised now. Rolling her eyes as she thought of this and that, she opened her mouth.

So, when are you leaving?

The day after tomorrow. Im leaving as soon as were ready.

Bernard turned to face Herietta. Stretching his hands slightly behind him, he leaned against the window sill.

Herietta.

Bernard called upon her name. She waited patiently for his next words.

Do you still want to go to Brimdel?

.

Or do you want to remain here, at Arrowfield?

Herietta was silent.

Tell me. Whatever decision you make is fine.

Bernard, who interpreted Heriettas attitude in a different way, urged her to answer in a more subdued voice.

Its fine with me. I will do whatever you want.

Your Highness.

Herietta lifted her head and looked straight at Bernard, who was standing by the window. HIs eyes, bathed in sunlight, were as clear and bright as amber.

Please allow me to go to Siqman with you.

To Siqman?

Bernard was quite surprised by the unexpected request. Did she accidentally say something wrong? However, Heriettas gaze at him was firm. He frowned.

But why?

Bernard asked.

Siqman will soon become a battlefield. A chaotic and terrible hell will unfold, life and death can be determined by a single tilt.

.

Herietta. I dont know why you ask me to do that, but I want to object to it first. Besides, if you go there, I wont be able to pay attention to you. I will be very busy just taking care of the tasks given to me.

It was a battlefield that anyone who was still alive wanted to avoid. The road to hell stretched out above the ground. Those who participated in the war did not suffer from trauma for nothing.

No sane person, with common sense, would ever ask to be taken there. Especially if they have at least a little will to live.

Then think again.

Bernard straightened himself up.

That is not a place to go lightheartedly.

No, Your Highness. You are wrong.

Herietta, who had been quietly listening to his words, smiled slightly.

I am not asking you this lightly.

She thought about it for days and days and thought about it again. She still didnt know what was right or wrong. The feeling is like swimming alone in the endless open sea.

Ciela. This is the last time I pass on it as a coincidence.

A scene from the past that had been buried in her memory came to mind.

But if I run into you again after that.

After that.

At that time.

The mans warning, which was so cold that it gave an eerie atmosphere, seemed to echo in her ears. A murderous energy so intense that her hair stood on end. Followed by deep fear.

Herietta clenched her fists. Then, she looked at Bernard with the most determined eyes and said,

Im asking you because I have to go there no matter what.

Somehow, she wanted to see him again.

The man who had kindly warned her that if he ever saw her again, he would undoubtedly cut her throat.

* * *

Siqman Fortress.

Designed three hundred years ago under the direction of a famous architect, the fortress was unusually built right under a sheer cliff.

Open tawny wilderness and head-breaking cliffs. And even the huge gray architecture created by humans.

It was a combination that anyone would say to be unnatural. Its really strange nonetheless. Herietta thought the scenery created by the combination of these three was very attractive.

Creak, creak.

As the pulley turned, the massive gate that had been closed began to open. Waiting for the gates to fully open, Herietta, sitting on the horse, glanced around the fortress walls.

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