The Villainess Lives Twice

In the early morning of that day, Cedric covered the bodies of the dead knights with a handcrafted white cloth.

“The people from the stronghold will come separately.”

“Yes.”

The village chief bowed his head.

A short condolence ended with silence and salute. A proper funeral will later be held in the stronghold afterward.

Four beacons of fire and smoke erupted into the dawn sky in the distance. It was a signal from the fortress at the Thold Gate.

“At the end of the day, there was a problem in Thold too.”

The knight said so.

“I have to go.”

Cedric sighed.

One beacon signifies the border, two beacons signify a local conflict, and three beacons signify that a large army of Karam is coming.

And the four beacons mean that decision makers' instructions are needed right now.

“Is it a war?”

Asked Artizea. Cedric replied.

“I'm not sure. Rather, I think there is a high possibility that there may be a problem inside Karam. If so, then it won't be possible to come with an all-out war to our side either.”

“From the inside?”

“There are several forces inside Karam, so there is a conflict. I know that for the past few years, there have been those who have held the dominant power…”

Cedric said so, and gently patted Artizea's cheek.

“Don't worry too much. It doesn't mean that the war has erupted yet. Go to the stronghold. I’ve only taken a temporary measure, so please take care of it.”

“Yes.”

“I have to go to the Thold Gate.”

“Yes…”

“You can leave military matters to Agate himself.”

Artizea nodded her head.

Cedric called Lysia this time.

“Lysia.”

“Yes.”

“I believe in you. Stay with Tia.”

Lysia bent her knees and raised a salute.

“Morten's daughter will take the order.”

Cedric finally put his hands on Artizea's shoulders. Then he bent his head to meet her eyes.

It was as if he was trying to engrave her gaze in his eyes.

“Tia, I trust you, so you trust me too.”

“Lord Cedric….”

“Everything you do is my responsibility. Don't forget.”

She heard it before. However, the weight was different from when she heard at that time.

The heavy addition seemed to fall over her heart

“We’ll be able to find the right way when we go together.”

Artizea did not nod her head. She couldn't.

Cedric hugged her once and let her go.

“I'll be back.”

He said so and put his hat on. And climbed onto the horse.

Five knights followed him on horseback. Six horses ran toward the north like a flurry.