Year 141_Keireki Era_Spring/08
The sound of hoofbeats was gone.
I ran straight toward the castle gate.
At the entrance, Gadvar's junior lay against the wall.
It is a heavily damaged corpse, a testament to his desperate fight to defend this place.
… There was nothing I could have done, even if I had been here.
Believing I could have helped him would disrespect the dedication he showed in fulfilling his duty.
The castle gate was open.
I entered and proceeded into an alleyway.
If enemy infantry were to come in, the first priority would be to lose them.
Though this appears to be a residential area, there were no signs of life.
However, it was not entirely devoid of human presence.
Occasionally, there was the faint sound of something shifting.
Perhaps the noise comes from tightly shut windows or doors, someone cautiously checking outside.
This situation offers a sliver of relief—it suggested the enemy was not indiscriminately massacring civilians.
Yet they have shown open hostility toward adventurers.
What has become of the Adventurers’ Guild?
The smoke rising from the city seemed to target military-related institutions, but could the guild have been included?
Damn it.
If anything has happened to Iserina, I will never forgive them.
I haven’t even apologized yet for betraying the promises and decisions I made with her.
I still owe her for setting me on the path of an adventurer with Gadvar.
I dash toward the Adventurers’ Guild.
Taking the shortest route means crossing main roads, which would be dangerous if the enemy has infiltrated the city, but time is of the essence.
The Adventurers’ Guild.
My beloved home.
The exterior showed it has not been completely destroyed, though faint wisps of smoke rose from various windows.
The source of the smoke I saw earlier didn’t seem to be here, but it’s only a matter of time.
I was too late.
At the very least, the building has been tampered with.
But what about the people inside?
Gadvar, Nichirin, Roam... Nasda and Thomas, who should have returned earlier.
And Iserina.
"Leave at once!"
Just as despair began to consume me, I heard Iserina’s voice from within the building.
No explanation is needed.
I rushed inside.
The interior was not yet engulfed in flames, but small fires burned in several places.
It was only a matter of time before they grew larger.
Even so, it doesn’t matter.
The source of the voice, Iserina, stood in the center of the floor, glaring at the infantrymen.
"The Adventurers’ Guild is an organization that maintains a friendly alliance with all nations and cities where its facilities are located! Even if this is enemy territory for you, this place is protected under treaty!"
"Like hell we care!"
"The Adventurers’ Guild in Biumode no longer exists!"
"What… I’ve received no such report."
"Of course not! The guild in Biumode is now a direct arm of the Count!"
They were too engrossed in their argument to notice me.
I grabbed a handful of utensils lying haphazardly on a nearby table.
"Eat this!"
Knives, forks, spoons, and those sticks from the demon country—what were they called? Chopsticks?
Whatever they’re called, I threw them with all my might.
The three soldiers facing Iserina were hit one after another, collapsing.
Some of the projectiles were ineffective, but the knives and forks did their job well enough.
"Iserina! Are you okay!?"
"Yes, Vi. Are you hurt? Is there anything—"
"I’m fine, really. There’s a lot to report, but—"
"Hey! What’s going on down there!?"
A voice called from upstairs.
It’s clear they were not allies.
If they were, they’d be helping Iserina.
"Let’s get out of here, now!"
I grabbed Iserina’s hand and pulled her outside.
Once we’re out, what next though?
If Biumode’s forces have entered the city so easily, then as a fortress city, it’s as good as finished.
Is the castle still holding?
If so, should we head there?
No, the southern army belongs to Luluciette, so that seems more reliable.
Thoughts whirl around in my head, but I doubt I’ll arrive at the best answer by overthinking.
For now, we need to find an empty house to hide in and figure things out.
Iserina is much smarter than I am; she’ll surely come up with a better plan than me fretting endlessly.
Ah, damn it.
I truly am foolish.
If I had been more proactive about learning, maybe I could have thought of something.
… No, stop it. Self-loathing can wait.
Negativity will only cloud important decisions.
We made it outside.
But before I could focus on making a crucial decision, I realized one option had already been blocked.
The main street in front of the guild.
A well-dressed knight stood there alone.
The guild was behind us. To the left stood the knight.
To the right, the path was clear, but that way leads to the castle gate—and by extension, the infantry that followed behind the cavalry.
I had no way to effectively fight a knight in armor.
Running might work for me, but Iserina wouldn’t make it.
And leaving her behind isn’t an option.
Meanwhile, the soldiers inside the guild, likely the ones who set the fires, were probably headed this way.
I need to make a decision before the situation worsens.
First, I need to avoid being attacked from behind.
I slowly edged toward the path to the right.
The knight took a step forward.
A full-faced helmet, complete armor.
An expensive-looking cloak draped over one shoulder, partially concealing him.
His weapon was a bow, though he hasn’t nocked an arrow.
A quiver hung at his waist, suggesting he was prepared to draw and fire quickly—a skill he likely has full confidence in.
"Lady Iserina."
But instead of a quick draw, the knight removed his helmet and performed what seemed to be a simplified salute.
I recognized that face.
Though time has etched itself upon him, it’s unmistakable.
"Count Biumode’s Household. Chief of the Knights Order, Yalbatzi. I have come to escort you back."
What do you think about this chapter?
