My Ruin to You - Chapter 215

[It seems to be a messenger.]

Edan, who was standing near the rear keeping watch, spoke. Hearing this, Merrick, who had been sitting near Roseline observing their surroundings, began crawling on his belly toward the back. Some quick-witted knights once again bit the donkey’s back. Startled by the sharp pain, Giorno jolted and leaped up.

A few mice tumbled and rolled, and Roseline herself was flipped over, but she was saved from falling by Armenia grabbing her. Merrick, who had flattened himself low to the ground and barely regained his balance, let out an unintelligible sigh.

Hee-haw…!

The donkey’s bray tore through the dark forest. It was impossible to tell if it was a cry of pain or if he was trying to say something. Having given up on communication, Giorno turned himself in a full circle to face the direction the messenger was coming from.

[Damn it.]

As the donkey’s head blocked his view, Edan muttered in frustration. Merrick, who had gone to the trouble of crawling to the rear, clenched his tiny fist and thumped it down on Giorno’s back. It seemed to be a scolding gesture. Unfortunately, his dainty front paws couldn’t deliver even the slightest impact to the massive donkey. While they were struggling, the presence of the messenger continued to approach rapidly.

[We need to let the messenger know we’re here.]

[Let’s use mana.]

[We can’t. If we use mana carelessly and startle the horse, it might bolt, putting the messenger in danger.]

The meeting resumed on his back. The knights each offered their opinions. Roseline, who had been sitting still with only her ears perked, tilted her head.

[Listen carefully. I think the horse’s speed has slowed down.]

Though her words were directed at Armenia, who was sitting back-to-back with her, everyone heard. The mice, who had been voicing various opinions, shut their mouths tightly and focused on the sound and vibrations. The sound of hooves was getting closer, but compared to the terrifying speed it had been approaching with, as if on urgent business, its pace had noticeably decreased.

After entering a position about thirty paces from where Giorno stood, it slowed to a virtual walk. As if it was scanning its surroundings.

“Huh, that’s strange. I’m sure I heard screamer mice.”

The messenger slowly advanced towards them, shrouded in darkness, looking around. Because the screamer mice’s resonant cries were echoing through the quiet forest, he had slowed his pace, worried his horse might spook. He needed to deliver the Grand Duke’s message urgently, but he thought he’d also heard a donkey’s bray, making him even more cautious.

This forest wasn’t a habitat for wild donkeys. That meant someone was leading it, and no one in their right mind would be traversing a combat zone at this late hour. So, the messenger heightened his alertness and moved forward very slowly.

Hee-haw…!

It was then that a donkey’s bray came from close by.

“…Whoa.”

The messenger pulled on his horse’s reins and peered intently in the direction of the sound. Not far away, a donkey, silhouetted against the moonlight, was plodding towards him.

“…Huh?”

Contrary to the messenger’s expectation, there was no one leading the donkey. Even craning his neck to look past the donkey and around the area, he could only see the donkey wagging its tail vigorously; he couldn’t sense any other presence. As the messenger, speechless at the bizarre scene, gripped the reins again—

Kkyuek-kkyuek!

A sharp cry from a screamer mouse rang out from behind the donkey. The startled horse snorted heavily and shuffled uneasily. The messenger’s brief attempt to soothe it by gently scratching its neck was futile. Cautiously, the messenger dismounted and approached the donkey. As he did, the donkey wagged its tail even more vigorously, as if delighted.

But compared to the dozen or so screamer mice huddled together on the donkey’s back, the tail spinning like a windmill was nothing.

“G-good heavens.”

It was a truly bizarre sight. Facing the screamer mice, all looking exactly alike, the Grand Duke’s cold voice flashed through his mind.

‘Given the high likelihood they transformed into inconspicuous small animals, pay close attention if you see any small beasts moving in groups.’

The messenger quickly rubbed his eyes and counted the mice. As his trembling finger pointed at each one, the mice, as if understanding his intent, stood up on their hind legs, puffing out their short, plump bodies in response. There were eleven. The vanguard had consisted of twelve members, so the number was roughly similar.

A terrifying assumption suddenly dawned on him, making the messenger’s heart pound. If these were truly the vanguard… what if the one missing was the Grand Duke’s beloved?

“…Is… is Young Lady Celodienne here?”

When the messenger asked, one of the screamer mice, positioned near the middle, shot a short arm straight up. Not stopping there, it even cast a protective shield over the messenger.

“Oh, my goodness. Thank you…”

The tension drained from the messenger, and he staggered slightly, muttering words of gratitude repeatedly.

◇◇◇

Generally, messengers were selected for their quick wits and agility. Today’s messenger was no exception. Although he belatedly realized the donkey was also one of their party, the relief of their survival was separate from the vexing problem of how to manage the situation.

The messenger pondered seriously. If he turned his horse back to the Grand Duke, he could deliver the good news faster, but the risk of missing him on the way was high. Since the Grand Duke had left the camp some time ago and likely taken the plains route instead of the forest path, heading to the front lines was the better choice.

In a hurry, the messenger untied his cloak and fastened it securely across his shoulder and chest. He then transferred a few mice into the pouch made by his cloak and distributed the rest into his saddlebags. Roseline ended up in the more stable saddlebag.