Chapter 46

Chapter 46

[Translator Clara]

[Proofreader Demon God]

The reports from the steward continued unabated. As Lara listened to the reports, she furrowed her eyebrows unconsciously, finding the content so difficult to accept that she wondered if it was some kind of joke.

More than twenty harpies suddenly attacked the outskirts of Hastins north gate. The harpies, as if searching for something, violently destroyed the surrounding villages. It was a situation where the guards deemed it unstoppable and were about to return to the castle to request reinforcements.

Suddenly, a knight appeared and charged at the harpy group. And he defeated them all, effortlessly. The events unfolded in less than five minutes.

Isnt this all too suspicious It was a situation that couldnt be doubted. Not only had a monster group invaded suddenly, but the arrival of a knight into the village without any prior notice seemed too orchestrated.

What should we do in a situation like this? Lara whispered anxiously to the steward. Judging by the stewards reaction, he seemed to think it was just as incongruous.

Typically, for nobles and expeditionary teams who have accomplished feats, its appropriate for the lord to personally acknowledge their efforts and bestow fitting rewards.

Then, should we do the same this time?

I just wanted to mention that its a precedent.

What about the knights identity and affiliation? Cant we find out which family he belongs to?

The guards at the north gate already asked about his affiliation, but the knight ignored the question. For now, he has been escorted to the audience chamber within the castle.

With a nod from the steward after finishing the report, Lara pondered for a while until a somber atmosphere emanating from the corner prompted a comment from a man.

My lady, please consider your choice carefully. Its not a good decision for someone to draw attention to you in such a situation. We cannot rule out the possibility that the knight may be a disguised assassin.

Upon hearing this, Lara, who had remained silent, slowly spoke up.

Bring the knight to me.

The man, who had thought the situation was far from alarming, was taken aback.

Just because he appears suspicious, does that mean his contribution to saving Hastin from danger should be disregarded? Or are we questioning the knights accomplishments? His merits remain intact. Acknowledging them is the duty of a lord.

The voice of the child sounded as if she was being stubborn, echoing lightly in the room. From Laras perspective, it was a small act of rebellion against the man.

As the man took a step back, unable to respond, his face became even darker. This time, a bystander who had been observing quietly suggested.N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

How about meeting the knight in the audience chamber with the castles soldiers present?

Thats what well do.

It didnt take long for the steward, whether permitted or not, to bring the knight. After relocating to the audience chamber and reaffirming their positions, Lara cleared her throat and sat down.

Eventually, the knight appeared from beyond the door. As the sound of his footsteps echoed on the red carpet, Lara looked at him.

The journey to Hastin hasnt been easy, and the fatigue isnt just for show. But merely standing in front of the esteemed count feels like receiving a reward for all the efforts.

The knight who greeted Lara first had a dignified air about him. He was fully clad in armor, not even removing his helmet as if he had no intention of revealing himself.

He raised his head and glanced at Lara, then knelt on one knee. A wandering knight presents himself to the Lady of Hastin.

As if he himself chose to be called a wandering knight rather than revealing his identity.

I am Lara Cinevier Etark, Countess of Hastin. I have heard that your courage and pride have defended Hastin. On behalf of all of Hastins people, I express my gratitude in the name of the Countess.

It is an honor.

The knight responded briefly to Laras brief introduction.

To which family do you belong?

Instead of answering, the knight bowed his head in silence. With a puzzled expression, Lara asked again, Then, what is your name?

Unfortunately, I am in a position where I cannot speak my name.

The countess asked once more, Are you sure that will be enough?

I came to Hastin to seek someone, but now is not the time. Inns are closed one after another. It cant be helped. After exploring a bit more, I plan to return. I already have some provisions, so two meals worth will be enough.

At the mention of inns closing one after another, the countesss expression darkened slightly. Patrick, noticing it, murmured meaninglessly, Hmm, capturing the moment.

The countess remained silent for a moment, then rose from her seat as if she had nothing more to say. Even after the countess left, Patrick remained kneeling. Glancing at Patrick before returning to her chambers, the countess seemed startled by Patricks voice.

Ah, come to think of it.

Patrick paused, just as the countess was about to leave the audience chamber.

Patricks voice was low, almost sinister.

The room suddenly felt heavy with silence.

The countess halted her steps. Her eyes widened, sweat forming on her body, unable to adapt to the sudden change in atmosphere.

Oh, truly an honest soul. You dont know how to hide your expressions.

From the moment he entered the audience chamber, there was a very unsettling feeling emanating from her. Perhaps the other party was also sensing it all along.

A feeling that neither Renee nor Devourer could sense.

A feeling that only Patrick, a Death Knight, an undead, could sense.

Empathy.

Patrick slowly raised his hand. His fingers covered in azure gauntlets pointed at the man who had been following the countess all this time.

Who are you, really?

The final words swallowed all the noise in the room.

* * *

[The countess must be even more cautious from now on.]

Confirming that the only door to her chamber was completely closed and she was alone in the room, Lara buried her face into the soft blanket.

Who was that knight?

There were more than a few suspicions. Moreover, despite insisting on meeting the knight, she hadnt learned anything. If anything, she had been played. Even her attempt to assert the countesss authority had backfired.

If rumors spread about food within the castle, it could complicate matters.

The mans advice certainly had merit. If the castles food supply leaked outside, it would be problematic. The request for food had to be declined. Thats the only way her current neglect of the town made sense.

When she accepted the mans proposal, he had told her something important: Lara Cinevier Etark was not the ruler the people of Hastin desired. If Lara didnt resolve the situation properly in the current disaster, she would surely earn everyones hatred. The man had advised her that if she could turn such a crisis into an opportunity, she could gain everyones love, proposing one simple but cruel method: Become their savior.

I want to live.

Just a little longer. If she could hold on a little longer, the man would bring salvation to Hastin as promised.

Lara was prepared to ally even with demons if it meant survival.

Outside the door, the man listening chuckled.

It was an eerie laughter, unlike any other.

Phase 6

[Translator Clara]

[Proofreader Demon God]

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