The archers took a step forward and hung arrows on their bowstrings. The archers, who dipped their oil-soaked arrowheads in the flame of the beacon fire, stood in line. A fire ignited by a thousand arrows. From a distance, it looked like a wall made of fire.
We cant show our shortcomings when it comes to welcoming someone special.
Velicia rushes in with a dusty wind. Whooo. Hearing their shouts, Edwin smiled. He gave a sign to Theodore, who was standing next to him.
Aim!
Theodore called out to the archers in a booming voice. The bowstring was drawn, and the lit arrowhead was hoisted high into the sky.
Scorching heat from the flames. And even more intense tension than that.
Edwins eyes, like a predator, narrowed. It was so quiet all around that he could even hear the needle drop. Like the peace before a storm. The moment when an instant feels as long as an eternity.
Edwin opened his mouth.
Let it rain upon their heads.
Thousands of arrows pierced the wind and soared high into the sky.
* * *
Knock, knock. There was a polite knock on the door. Herietta, who had been sitting by the window and looking out, turned her head. There was only one person in this place who could come to her separately. When she allowed the guest to come in, the door opened with a click.
Sir Jonathan.
Seeing the expected figure enter the room, Herietta stood up from her seat and gave him a slight bow. Jonathan also gave a knights salute toward her.
Miss Herietta. I apologize for suddenly coming without a message.
What do you mean? Come on in.
Herietta led Jonathan to the parlor couch in the middle of the room. He hesitated for a moment, as he had no intention of taking too long. But when she persuaded him again, he sat down on the sofa.
Would you like some tea?
Herietta asked, sitting across from Jonathan.
Its a tea brewed from inkke petals, and they say its excellent for stabilizing the mind and body. I also tasted it here for the first time, and although the scent is unique, I think the taste is pretty good.
Herietta tilted the teapot and poured tea into a teacup with petals on it. Pour. With a cheerful sound, the clear yellowish liquid filled the teacup.
Oh no. It seems to have cooled down already.
Noticing that white steam wasnt rising from the teacup, she let out a small sigh.
Sir Jonathan. Would cold tea be okay?
.
Ill just ask the maid to make the tea again.
Miss Herietta.
Jonathan called to Herietta, who was about to stand up. He was sitting with his upper body leaning forward with his clasped hands resting on his legs, and he raised his head. Dark and heavy eyes. A stiff expression.
I want to apologize for not being able to keep my promise to you.
Jonathan quietly apologized.
As promised, I planned to return within three days. From a distance perspective, it was quite possible. But on the way, I ran into unexpected obstacles, so I stopped.
Jonathan blurted out his words. Guilt lingered in his gray eyes as he looked at Herietta.
That obstacle would most likely refer to Lionelli, a knight of Kustan. Herietta shook her head as she remembered Lionelli lying in the woods with her leg wounded.
No need for apologies. Its not like you did it on purpose, its just that you couldnt help it.
Thank you for your understanding.
Of course. I was worried that something bad might happen to you, but Im glad to see you again in such an unharmed state.
Herietta said with a thin smile. And it was sincere, without any lies.
What could be more important than the security of his country to Jonathan Coopert, a knight of Velicia? She sure would have made that same choice had she been put in his situation. Besides, no matter what the process was, in the end, he and she both survived safely, so it was hard to expect a better situation than this.
Hearing Heriettas words, Jonathans face was more comfortable than before. He looked down at the teacup in front of him and opened his mouth again.
Actually, there is something else. I want to express my gratitude to Miss Herietta.
Gratitude?
Herietta asked with her eyes wide open. Jonathan nodded his head.
That day, I asked you a favor.
Get out of here and head to Arrowfield. And report this situation to the Lord of Arrowfield instead of me, and request that an emergency contact be made to the capital. Please.
This was his answer to her question: what she should do then if he did not return within three days. He wanted the capital to know what had happened in Balesnorth instead of him, who would have failed in his mission by death.
Honestly, I asked for a favor, but I didnt think you would really do it.
Sir Jonathan asked me so earnestly, and I cant pretend I didnt know.
Herietta shrugged her shoulders in response.
I owe Prince Bernard a debt.
By the way, Miss Herietta. Didnt you have something to do?
Jonathan said. He didnt know the details of what happened to Herietta. However, he has collected a lot of information for Bernard in the meantime. When he put this thing and that thing, one by one, he was able to guess the outline.
Bernard missed Herietta very much, and stopped her several times as she tried to leave. He wasnt just royalty. He was, in a way, a one-of-a-kind prince. She would be able to live a much richer and more leisurely life than most nobles.
It was Herietta who shook off his dissuade and set out on her way. What she wanted to accomplish in her hometown must have been as important to her as it was to him.
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