Chapter 52
There had been a time when she’d agonized over such thoughts. But now? Look at me. After everything, just when she thought she might finally live freely, she’d run into her ex-lover at the crossroads of life and death.
“We’ve checked the window frames, Your Grace. If we lower a rope, we can escape through the windows and avoid a prolonged fight.”
“Even if we tear down all the curtains, we won’t have enough length to reach the ground.”
“All the knights here are elite. That height is manageable, Your Grace.”
When Roseline stepped back into the drawing room, Valen and the captain were debating their escape. Unlike the study, the drawing room was brightly lit by lamps and a chandelier—yet, for some reason, the furniture barricading the door was charred black, as if scorched by fire. The knights, too, looked visibly exhausted.
Roseline quietly approached and sent healing magic their way. The light emanating from her hands seeped into the knight, reviving his dull, fish-like eyes. Having unintentionally slept deeply, her magic reserves were full. Not enough to fully heal everyone, but sufficient for moderate use. Valen, leaning against the window, glanced at Roseline. His jawline, looking sharper after the night, tilted slightly.
“The problem is we don’t just have knights here.”
Perking up at the mention of herself, Roseline whirled toward the window, meeting his cold, displeased gaze. Sensing her presence was complicating their escape, she cautiously raised her hand.
“…Um, I’m not a knight, but I’ll be fine. I escaped just fine yesterday.”
“Where were you?”
“Near the square, probably.”
“The square?”
“Yes, since I was at the square that night, I couldn’t get far.”
For some reason, sighs came from all around. What? Puzzled by the strange atmosphere, Roseline looked around, but the knights suddenly started stretching or preparing to leave as if nothing had happened.
“If the lady says she’s fine, then there’s no problem. Prepare.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
With his command, things progressed smoothly. As the knights tore down and braided curtains from the drawing room and study into ropes, Roseline returned Valen’s cloak. Contrary to her expectation that he might refuse, he accepted it silently. Then he tossed it to the knights weaving the rope and ordered them to incorporate it. Following their lord’s example, all the knights added their own cloaks to the rope.
Thanks to the multiple layers, the rope reached the ground with room to spare. The only notable moment was when the knights who’d descended first tactfully turned their backs as Roseline came down, but otherwise everyone landed safely.
“We’ll escort you now, Your Grace.”
The captain bowed and stepped aside. True to his status, Valen took the lead while Roseline found herself placed in the middle. Not what she’d wanted, but that’s how it turned out. Optimistically, it was protection. More cynically, surveillance.
“Sir, what about the horses?”
Roseline stole a glance at Valen’s retreating back before asking the knight beside her.
“There won’t be any.”
“…Do they drink animal blood too?”
“Yes, they do.”
Those things will eat anything, huh?
Swallowing her scathing remark, Roseline made a face. Then a sudden thought struck her.
“Then how do you manage the stables?”
“The stronghold is protected by magic barrier stones. The stones’ energy was nearly depleted, which greatly concerned His Grace, but fortunately…”
Though the knight had said “greatly concerned,” he gave a slight shudder as if he didn’t even want to recall that time.
“Do you happen to know why His Grace came personally?”
“My apologies, my lady. That’s not a question I can answer.”
“No, I’m the one who should apologize for putting you in an awkward position.”
Roseline offered a genuine, faint smile. The earnest knight flushed red to his ears and turned away. It was then that Valen suddenly glanced back. From his vantage point half a head taller than the others, he caught sight of the knight’s slight smile and bashful reaction. Instantly, Valen’s gaze twisted strangely. Following his cold stare, the captain spoke up.
“He’s tight-lipped, Your Grace.”
“What a pity.”
“……”
“Scouting seems necessary. What are your thoughts?”
The captain turned to look behind them again.
“I’ll see to it immediately.”
There was only one possible answer.
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