The young lord stepped forward, moving between the bodies. His voice carried both curiosity and quiet alertness.

  "What happened here?"

  Cain struggled to his feet, fury blazing in his eyes.

  "You scared off my prey, you useless brat! What are you even doing here?"

  Before the tension could explode, Albert stepped in. With swift precision, he struck Cain in the stomach with the sheath of his sword. Cain dropped to his knees, gasping for air.

  "I do not tolerate disrespect," Albert said coldly. "Ignorant or not, you will not insult my lord."

  A heavy silence fell over the group—broken only by the approaching thunder of hooves. More than two hundred knights surrounded the area, escorting Lusian.

  Lusian raised a hand calmly. His mere presence was enough to ease the tension.

  "Everyone, calm yourselves," he said evenly. "We're simply passing through."

  Iris let out a quiet breath of relief, her shoulders relaxing.

  "Thank you for coming, Your Grace. You've saved our lives."

  Lusian shook his head modestly, his pale eyes distant.

  "I've done nothing. There's no need to thank me."

  Yet behind that detached expression, his thoughts were calculating. This could have been the perfect opportunity to gain Keitaro's trust—the avenger who had once destroyed the cult responsible for his wife's death. But the chaos unfolding before them disrupted any carefully laid plans.

  Emily looked around at the carnage, her voice trembling.

  "What happened here? Why are there so many bodies?"

  Keitaro instinctively stepped in front of Iris, protective without even thinking.

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  "We don't know," he replied through clenched teeth. "We were hired to inspect this village. People had gone missing."

  Cain straightened slowly, still clutching his stomach.

  "The moment we arrived, those… creatures attacked."

  Emily turned to Lusian, determination replacing her fear.

  "Can we help search for the missing villagers?"

  Lusian frowned, weighing the situation.

  "As long as no one leaves the village boundaries, it's fine. Adela, stay with Emily during the search."

  Emily moved through the houses with steady steps and sharp eyes. Adela followed closely, and soon Aureus began scratching insistently at one of the walls.

  Curious, they pressed their ears to it—and heard quiet sobbing.

  After breaking through the wall, they found several children huddled together, trembling with fear.

  Emily knelt before them, her expression gentle and reassuring.

  "It's alright. We're here to help. We won't hurt you."

  One little girl, tears streaking her cheeks, whispered,

  "Please don't hurt us… we'll do whatever you say."

  Emily took her hands softly.

  "You're safe now. We're here to protect you and find a solution. You don't have to be afraid."

  After giving them food and a moment to recover, Emily brought the children to Lusian. Between sobs, they explained that men dressed in black had arrived and taken the villagers away. They had only survived by hiding.

  Emily turned urgently to Lusian.

  "We have to help them. Their parents were kidnapped."

  Lusian's expression hardened.

  "This isn't our responsibility, Emily. It falls under the king's authority. We inform Baron Aritz and fulfill our duty."

  But Emily did not yield. Her gaze pierced through him, resolute.

  "Please. We can help them. If we don't rescue their parents, these children will be left alone."

  Lusian tried to reason, but his words faltered under the strength of her conviction.

  "Do you understand what you're asking? Men in black robes. Black magic. There's only one group that comes to mind. Our excursion ends here. We return to Dreville."

  Iris stepped forward, her eyes shining with determination.

  "It is the duty of every noble to protect the helpless and defend the kingdom's citizens. Your Grace would demonstrate true greatness by aiding these poor souls selflessly."

  Lusian looked at her in surprise, carefully measuring the wisdom—and risk—behind her words.

  Keitaro moved instinctively to shield Iris.

  "We are but humble adventurers, my lord. Forgive my wife's boldness."

  Emily stood her ground.

  "But she's right, Lusian. As nobles of the realm, it is our responsibility to act."

  Lusian felt, not for the first time, how ill-prepared he was for the unwavering resolve of determined women. Emily's gaze did not plead—it demanded justice.

  At last, he exhaled.

  "Very well. We will assist in the rescue. But if we encounter a threat beyond our capacity, we withdraw immediately. Understood?"

  Emily's face lit with relief. She squeezed his hand gratefully.

  "Yes, my lord. Thank you, Lusian."