Apologies for the delay. I'd like to inform you that we'll be doing a mass release today and tomorrow, as my midterm has ended today. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
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As the leader of the fleeing group, Reji actually did not "retreat" quickly. The Eagle Mercenary Group and Princess Sophia, who followed behind him were anxious and wished they could have started running earlier, unlike Reji, who seemed to be taking a leisurely stroll.
But none of them dared to speak out, let alone suggest leaving Reji behind and running away on their own, even though they had already exited the venue.
The venue was not the only place engulfed in turmoil; the entire royal palace was ablaze with fire. What was supposed to be a peaceful night was now filled with the sounds of fighting and screams.
This indicated that the massacre at the grand hall was just the tip of the iceberg.
The royal palace of Ilinor was now a river of blood everywhere.
No one dared to bet on whether skeletal soldiers or some other more terrifying creatures, might suddenly emerge from the shadows.
Indeed, Princess Sophia knew this best.
The skeletal soldiers were not the Five Flowers Alliance's only trump card. In Madam Lisa's hands, there was an even more terrifying killing machinean undead warrior.
Now that she knew the Five Flowers Alliance was merely using her as a hunting target, Sophia was terrified. The only source of security for her now was Teacher Reji in front of her.
However.
This sense of security for the young princess was now facing a significant crisis.
It wasn't because a new creature had appeared.
But rather
Whizz!
Whizz
!
A whooshing sound came from the path they had taken, and a streak of green light rapidly approached. The figure from the night sky landed, and it was Vielsia.
The elven girl had already changed her outfit, putting on the cloak given to her by Reji once more.
"I just saw that there are still many adventurers holding out against the skeletal monsters. Let's go back and help them now! It's not too late!"
Vielsia was thinking of going back to save people.
This time, the ones she wanted to save were not the royal family or nobles, but the adventurers who were with them.
How should I put it?... Maybe she needs another push...
In Reji's view, it was a progression, at least, but not enough.
However, to everyone else, Sea Tiger first frowned, then quickly shook his head at Vielsia.
"I'm sorry, Miss Vielsia, but for me, the members of the Eagle Mercenary Group are the most important. The first thing I must ensure is our own safety. Unfortunately, we really can't afford to assist Miss Vielsia."
"I"
The elf girl was at a loss for words for a moment, having naively thought that everyone wanted to save others just like she did. But she soon realized that wasn't the case.
Vielsia then looked towards Reji.
Sea Tiger and the rest of the Eagle Mercenary Group did the same.
Everyone knew that Reji's opinion was the most important here. If Reji said to go back, Sea Tiger would probably follow, albeit reluctantly.
But,
Faced with Vielsia's hopeful gaze, Reji shook his head and calmly asked:
"Vielsia, what is important to you?"
"What is important...?" The elf girl repeated, confusion and perplexity written all over her face.
Reji continued, "For me, Vielsia, you are my student. Your safety is above everything else. You are the most important, incomparable to anyone else. If I could exchange the lives of strangers for your safety, I would do it without hesitation."
After saying this, Reji no longer paid attention to Vielsia.
He turned around and continued walking forward.
The members of the Eagle Mercenary Group were silent, especiallyit's leader Sea Tiger.
If before, he merely respected Reji as an intellectual and a formidable Teacher, now, Sea Tiger felt a sense of identification with Reji, elevating his esteem for him by several notches.