“Really? So, my lady has returned?”
“Yes, Master. I just received news that she has successfully completed her reconnaissance mission.”
Polena reported that Vicer Andreas had returned. Hearing this, I began to feel a sense of relief.
“That’s a relief. To be honest, I was a bit worried, but everyone made it back safely.”
I was well aware of Vicer Andreas’s abilities, so I wasn’t overly concerned. However, one could never predict what could happen on the battlefield. If, by any chance, Vicer Andreas was kidnapped like the Queen, things would surely become complicated. Thus, I felt relieved that we had made it through without any significant issues.
At that moment…
“Um, excuse me, Master.”
“Huh? Why? Is there a problem?”
“Actually, Miss Vicer captured some prisoners during her reconnaissance. And those prisoners are, in fact, Paladins.”
“…Paladins?”
Polena had shared an unexpected story. Right after hearing it, I began to entertain a hunch, and Polena continued speaking.
“Yes, it seems they are two quite skilled Paladins. From what I gathered, it could have been quite dangerous had Freddy not been there.”
“Hmm…”
Two talented Paladins. As I listened to her, I started to think of someone specific.
“I mean, it’s unlikely those two would be the ones, right? The world is vast, and there are many Paladins. I haven’t even seen the face of the protagonist Paladin yet.”
Thinking that way, I started to focus more on the information they might bring rather than the Paladins themselves. However…
“Two Paladins… Could it be them?”
“Cazerose… No no, darling, isn’t the probability a bit low? How many Paladins are out there in this world?”
“That’s true, but it’s not like there are many who are recognized as exceptionally skilled among them. I heard they can even materialize their auras, which means…”
“Hmm…”
Unlike me, Cazerose was showing considerable curiosity about the Paladins. Watching her this way, I couldn’t help but smirk slightly but also felt the desire to satisfy her curiosity.
“Well, I suppose it wouldn’t be a problem if we went to see them.”
After all, it was also appropriate for the two of us to welcome those who had traveled a long way. With that thought, I began to head out with Cazerose and Polena to welcome Vicer Andreas.
*
“Welcome back, Vicer. Are you hurt anywhere?”
“Yes, I have returned safely, Father.”
“Good, you’ve worked hard. I heard you captured some Paladins? You not only completed a difficult mission but also took care of this matter—truly impressive.”
“Thank you for your kind words. As your daughter and a commander, I simply did what I was supposed to do.”
Although she sounded humble, the joy was clearly expressed on Vicer Andreas’s face. After finishing the praise, Count Turun’s attention turned to the witch, Freddy, who was standing next to Vicer.
“I want to thank you as well. I heard you helped my daughter. I truly appreciate it.”
“…Yes. Thank you, Lord…”
Freddy replied with a slightly trembling voice. Seeing her reaction—clearly nervous—Count Turun assumed she wasn’t used to such situations and brushed it off. Then, the Count’s interest shifted to the bound Paladins in the back.
“Are these the Paladins captured from the Emperor’s camp?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Based on their abilities, they are presumed to be of a high-ranked Paladin class. We believe they’ll provide significant information.”
“That would be the case. Given the current situation, important details should arise. Have them taken away and interrogated thoroughly.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
With the simple follow-up report and permission to the lord completed, soldiers began to escort the Paladins to the prison. However, most people in that moment failed to notice something.
The silent communication that had taken place among the four of us during the brief praise and report just moments ago…
*
In the front yard of the Lord’s Castle, Count Turun welcomed Vicer Andreas. However, in this moment, Cazerose and I were utterly oblivious to their conversation.
It was only natural.
At this moment, in our eyes, those two Paladins were…
The very individuals who could greatly influence the fate of both me and this world were now visibly clear.
“Nune… and Tine…”
“I can’t believe those two really…”
Honestly, it was a scene I could hardly believe, even while seeing it with my own eyes. Paladin Nune and Tine, the very people who had once caused a ruckus right after I had been exiled, driving me to completely turn my back on the church.
Seeing those very same individuals being brought in as prisoners filled Cazerose and me with a strange feeling.
“Should I be happy about this or not? Out of so many, it had to be those two…”
“Honestly, all I can think of now is how they’ve become our nemeses. However, it complicates my feelings to see them like this.”
Bound up like a couple of fools, the two were captured. Compared to when they blocked my path after my exile, they looked far worse now. Surely they had to recognize us, yet they couldn’t even manage to make eye contact.
As the awkward atmosphere continued, the two were led away to the underground prison per my father’s orders. Watching them, Cazerose and I couldn’t help but recall how we had been dragged away by those very two back then, feeling a strange mixture of emotions.
“Who knows how the world will turn out…”
“Seriously… I can’t believe this stuff happens…”
*
In the end, Nune and Tine were being dragged to the underground prison of Bohemia Castle. At that moment, despair cast a shadow on their faces.
Although they had once attempted to escape from the Paladin Order and had briefly visited Bohemia Castle, the situation was now completely different. Back then, they had entered with a sense of hope and expectations, but now, despair was the only thought occupying their minds.
“Damn it… How did things end up like this…?”
“Of all places, to be dragged to the one where that Santana guy is…”
Given the history of misfortune they had faced, they had little difficulty predicting that their future wouldn’t be smooth sailing.
However, at this moment, the figure that was more sharply imprinted in their minds than the cold-faced Santana was Cazerose Sophia.
A Paladin like them, just a few years ago, she had been in a position not much different from theirs.
Yet, the Cazerose they had just seen was entirely different from that.
No longer a poor Paladin, she was adorned in a luxurious dress and beautiful jewelry, looking every bit the noble lady.
Witnessing this, thick currents of regret flooded the minds of Nune and Tine.
“If only… we had given Santana just a little help back then… we wouldn’t have ended up like this…”
“Perhaps, it could have been us in Cazerose’s place…”
Despite not knowing the full story, it was clear that Cazerose was receiving considerable treatment in Bohemia. By now, it wouldn’t be surprising if she had become Santana’s wife.
In stark contrast to the two of them locked away in prison, Cazerose was living a different life.
But now that the carriage had long since departed from the station, all they had left was regret, and they had to make the best choices they could for survival.
“If that Santana guy shows up in front of us…”
“Then… we’ll act without hesitation…”
Separating regret and anguish from the thoughts they had been mulling over throughout this entire ordeal, the two once again began to lament their miserable circumstances.
