Chapter 51
As she headed towards the castle gate lost in thought, Amber spotted soldiers rushing towards her. Their uniform’s colored ribbons indicated they were the watchmen monitoring the skies from the towers.
The soldiers halted almost tumbling, panting as they delivered their report.
“Madam! The Phantom Breed has appeared!”
“What, what should we do? Three have appeared at once!”
The loathsome Phantom Breeds hovered above, ominously surveying from the sky.
Others who noticed the appearance of the creatures were also thrown into panic.
“Everyone, calm down.”
Amber quickly assessed the situation and issued her instructions calmly.
There was no need for hesitation. The plan was to follow the predetermined procedures.
“Stamp your eyes with chicken blood. Help those next to you if they can’t apply it themselves. We’ve prepared defenses, so the creatures won’t be able to enter or cast illusions easily.”
The chicken blood stamp was Amber’s innovation.
It was impractical to carry around bags of blood. Even if the leather was waterproof, the blood would eventually seep through and spill.
But by soaking cotton just enough with blood and placing it in a small, glazed container, it was possible to reapply as needed, much like portable cosmetics.
“If you see anyone under the influence of an illusion, tie them up at all costs! Until the knights deal with the Phantom Breed, don’t die.”
Her voice wasn’t loud, but it carried well in the silence with her good pronunciation and clear tone.
Those listening to Amber promptly applied the chicken blood to their eyes and held the hands of their loved ones tightly.
Although Amber had no one to hold hands with, she didn’t feel sorrowful.
She was the Mistress of the North.
Her duty now was to stand firm and stare down those creatures.
Just her presence that was unyielding and visible, was a comfort and reassurance to the people.
‘The most dangerous disease in a closed environment isn’t anything physical. It’s fear.’
So Amber didn’t cower.
She had spent enough time in the safest inner chambers but never felt secure even there.
But strangely, even with three Phantom Breeds currently hovering overhead, Amber felt safe.
‘It’s amazing how a change in attitude can transform a person.’
This realization struck her anew.
As Amber maintained her composure, the people inside the castle managed to suppress their own anxiety.
“Bodies will fall. Please stay indoors.”
It was then that Raphael appeared, leading the archers.
Amber stepped back without protest. She had played her part as a pillar of strength. Now, not hindering the knights was more crucial.
‘I wonder if Igmeyer is safe.’
Before going indoors, Amber glanced at the distant sky.
He must be facing those creatures right now.
Was he hurt? What if something serious happened?
When she didn’t care for him, she had no concern. But now, her heart was in turmoil.
* * *
Thump.
At that moment, the furious Igmeyer, who had pulled his sword from between the muscles, kicked away the carcass of a monster.
Everything was taking too long, longer than he had anticipated. The damage was greater than he had expected.
No matter how much the castle prepared, it was futile if people disregarded it as nothing.
Of course, most heeded the castle’s warnings and set up shelters properly. Some villages even conducted evacuation drills, with the village head and youths leading the efforts.
But in some less united villages where everyone fends for themselves, entire communities were annihilated.
On the way to Hayim, how many strangely empty villages which were emptied by death had he passed?
Thanks to Amber’s foresight in sending relief teams with the knights, those who survived didn’t perish from cold or hunger.
“The Madam is truly wise.”
Deputy Knight Commander Gallard Luntstgen subtly praised Amber.
He knew the magic word to immediately lift Igmeyer’s plummeting spirits was ‘Amber.’
Despite seeing through Gallard’s intentions, Igmeyer couldn’t help but smile.
Amber was indeed remarkable. Admiring someone for their greatness was only right.
Thinking of Amber, Igmeyer’s irritation melted away like snow. He cleaned his sword but didn’t sheathe it. Keeping it on his shoulder was less bothersome, knowing he’d draw it again within five minutes.
“Go on.”
“Did she foresee all this in her dreams? When she ordered separate doctors to be gathered at the castle, I honestly doubted her intentions… Ow!”
Thump!
A more vigorous kick than before. Gallard, who took the hit, rubbed his backside while making a pained face.
“I had doubts, but not anymore! I now realize that every action taken by Madam has a justified reason!”
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