Chapter 291

Chapter 291Previous

Hes even more handsome whenever hes immersed in his craft like this

Her heart throbbed again as soon as that thought passed her mind. By now, it was a familiar occurrence, but pain was still pain.

Ed stopped his hand when he saw Lils frown.

Why? Are you cold?

No.

Then?

At first Lil thought about concealing it but then remembered Eds advice to be honest about her feelings.

Its just that When I think of you, my heart aches Why am I like this?

Is your heart pounding that strongly?

Lil put her knees up and wrapped her arms around them. When she felt Ed approaching, she looked up at the sky and said,

When I was young, I was really curious about what love was, but now that Im experiencing it, Ive come to realise it isnt always as beautiful as I thought.

Is it not beautiful?

Im selfish. And although I know Im selfish, I cant seem to change that.

What do you mean?

Ed grabbed her waist and made her face him.

I didnt understand a word of what you just said.

Im

At that moment, someone knocked harshly on the door.

Sir Edgar!..

Lil and Ed looked at the door at the same time. Even though Ed already responded by asking what was going on, the banging on the door didnt stop.

Is everything alright? Sir Edgar?!

Ed assisted Lil down from the window before turning around to head for the door.

Whats going on?

Lil instinctively stepped away from the window. Listening with her back against the wall, she gasped as the soldier explained the reason for his visit.

Its said that assailants have invaded the village.

Are they bandits?

Were not sure yet, but if so its better to avoid them.

But if theyre bandits, they wont enter buildings and kill people, right?

Well they ran into the patrolling soldiers. There was friction, and several of them are on the run.

Are there any injuries?

In the end, it was resolved when Linhardt decided to accompany Levi himself. Picard, who had been impatiently waiting for their argument to end, quickly added.

Thats not the end of it. The Paradis Inn, where a group of merchants are staying, was completely trashed, too. They said they were robbed of all their belongings. From what I briefly heard, the game that was caught yesterday is also gone.

The Roahn guards who had helped catch the game sighed.

How could they take all of it? Looks like only the bandits will be well-fed now

Everyone nodded at what that soldier muttered.

As Linhardt had put himself on escort duty, Ed unintentionally became the conductor and stood up with half his will. He wanted to bring justice to the village that hosted him, so he felt the need to somehow help resolve this tragedy. In addition, this luxury inn was left vacant by the villagers specially for them. And as everyone naturally thought that way too, not a single soldier complained about the atmosphere.

Ed asked as he pulled up a map depicting this area.

Where are His Majestys troops stationed?

Picard, with a relieved smile on his face, pointed at the edge of the map.

The nearest place is Niord.

Please deliver an accurate damage report to Niord. It would be best to leave for the city immediately. Since there are casualties among the civilians, well use your mansion as a temporary treatment centre and move the patients. Levi will be stationed there.

Yes, yes! I will order my servants to open the hall. By now, the villages vigilante group is chasing them, but its difficult because the bandits normally appear sporadically. The bases currently identified are here, the eastern forest, and

Lil looked carefully at the spot Picard pointed. Since the map was unfamiliar to her, she instead visualised the terrain while listening to Eds instructions.

Theres a forest encompassing the northeastern part of the village, and beyond that, the Risch Mountains begin. To the south and west is the Great Trade Route along the sheer cliffs.

Lil decided to tag along with Ed to patrol the border of the village, while the others split into smaller groups to join the vigilante group to search for the assailants that escaped within the village walls.

Picard let out a huge sigh, feeling extremely relieved to receive help. He wiped his forehead as though he finally had the chance to do it.

Its fortunate that the Marquess is here at a time like this. If it were just us I dont even want to think about it Those shameless people act so boldly

Theres no time to waste. Lets get on with it and keep moving.

Oh, yes!

As soon as the order was issued, the noise of weapons being prepared roared. About ten soldiers moved in unison. Lil quickly tied up her hair and put on her gloves. From outside, she could already hear the sound of neighing as the horses were brought to the lodge.

Stepping out the door, Lil felt the near-dawn chilly air. Her ears, exposed by her tied hair, felt cold all over again.

Lil quickly got on top of Lumiere. Meanwhile, Ed asked after turning to look at her.

Are you going to be okay?

Lil nodded her head.

Without asking a second time, Ed rode his horse straight forward, Lil and Shail following his lead.

Torches were lit all over the village. The vigilantes were knocking on doors in order to evacuate the residents to the square. The square was filled with crying children, adults holding them, as well as people yelling and arguing with the vigilantes. Some were even holding pickaxes and torches to guard those who were gathered in the square. The dark tension looming around the place was in stark contrast to the festive activities from only a few hours ago.

Their group first headed to the border of the forest. Because Ed needed to receive constant reports, they followed a set route. Shail, who followed, updated them about the current situation.

Identity verification wasnt thoroughly carried out due to the many merchants passing through the village.

Lil, who was looking around the square, suddenly asked back.

Does that mean this group of bandits couldve infiltrated the village beforehand?