141 [2-75] Will heaven abandon us? (1/2)

”Miss ......, how are you feeling?

We'll carry you, won't we?

I'm fine. ......

I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea.

After escaping from Teiracaines, the group was heading south.

But their progress was slow. Most of them were non-combatants, physically and mentally exhausted. There were even a few noblewomen dressed unsuitable for walking.

It was fortunate that it wasn't snowing, but the piling snow and the blowing cold wind were taking away our strength and slowing down our march. If the forces of the ”Rose Princess of Hell” had come from behind us, we would never have been able to escape, but fortunately we were not attacked by anyone.

If you go south on the road, there is a town.

The question was whether or not they could reach it before nightfall.

We had no food, no provisions for camping, and only the Second Order's personal belongings. If the night continued to fall, it was certain that some of them would freeze to death due to fatigue.

Moving her legs mindlessly as if she were dragging her body, Catherine continued to think in circles, her mind foggy with fatigue and sleepiness.

She thought about the night that had seemed so long, as if years had passed.

Rene had tried to kill her?　The rage and sorrow she had seen in that moment, like the fires of hell. Was that Rene's heart?

His father's death, his brother's death, his sister's death...... why did he have to die? And, oh, the look of fear on Rene's face when he saw Catherine screaming with passion.

The holy beast began to attack the people of the city. Why would a holy beast that was supposed to be a messenger of God and belong to the allied army...

One of the knights had disappeared before he knew it. They were all dressed similarly, so it was hard to tell who had survived before their numbers dwindled. Was it Gislain, as Rene said?　If so, why did he disappear?

I don't know.

I don't know.

There was so much I didn't know.

The only thing I knew for sure was that I couldn't let this end like this.

Revenge on Rene for killing his family?　...... That's a little different. Catherine felt that things were no longer about Rene.

She just felt that she could not end her life without unraveling the maelstrom of fate that had engulfed her and settling it all.

In order to do so, however, he had to get out of this place first.

Her body felt as heavy as if it were made of steel, but she walked on.

All around her, the refugees had fallen silent. They had no energy to speak. Still, those who were with her in the chapel often gave her a caring look.

How long had they walked?

The sun was just beginning to set when she saw a shadow ahead of her on the street.

It was a large carriage full of goods, a group of people wearing splendid equipment and riding horses with an escort.

At first glance, they looked like a group of wealthy traders or something.

The guards looked quizzically at the group of refugees and stepped forward to protect the carriage.

Who are you?

The refugees stopped in their tracks.

The refugees stopped in their tracks.

I am Bertil Lagerbeck, Commander of the Second Royal Guard of the Kingdom of Ciel-Teira.

I was in Teirakainen, but the city was attacked by the ”Rose Princess of Hell” and fell. I've just taken refuge with the survivors.

The guards didn't move an inch when Bertil said his name.

That was a little odd. It was a bit odd, though, since Barthel's name was supposed to have that much power.

”I see you're a peddler.

I see you are a peddler. If you have any medicines, potions, food, etc., would you mind sharing them with me?

I can assure you in my name that you will be paid handsomely.

After a short pause, a well-dressed older man sitting at the head of the table instead of the guard answered.

...... Unfortunately, we are not peddlers.

We are transporting the property of Count August von Angermüller, a nobleman of the Kingdom of Lacrima, part of the Gireschachtal Federation.

Catherine was convinced.

The Federation looks down on Ciel-Teila. If that's the case, then it's no wonder they don't bow to Bertil, as they carry the property of the Federation's nobility.

At the same time, I wonder why they're even here. There was a murmur of questions from the surrounding refugees. Was it trying to escape its assets while the Noa Curio army was in retreat? The Teiracaines that lay ahead were now in ruins.

But if it's to save the lives of our people in Ciel-Teira, we have no objection to sharing our wealth with you. But if it's to save the lives of my people in Ciel-Teira, I can't say no to sharing my wealth with you. And if it's a request from the Second Knight Commander, I can't abandon you.

We have a few potions and military tents. Please accept them as a gift from Count Angermüller to you.

Everyone was astonished by his words.

They did not expect him to have the necessary supplies and to give them to them so conveniently.