Julie looked forward as her platinum hair whipped behind her from the sheer force of their movement. Above her, Skadi spread her arms wide, her silver locks also fluttering wildly in the wind.

“WOOHOOOO!!” Skadi howled, throwing her head back, completely ecstatic. “It’s like I’m riding a dragon!”

Julie, despite herself, found her own lips twitching at Skadi’s pure joy. But then her gaze shifted, and her stomach dropped at the sight.

Aisha, unlike Skadi, who was soaking in the thrill, and unlike herself, who was merely awestruck, looked pale, and she looked absolutely terrified.

Julie’s sharp eyes immediately picked up on the way Aisha’s fingers gripped Cassius’s sleeve tightly, the slight tremble in her shoulders, and the way her breath was hesitant like she was walking on a tightrope.

Her poor strategist.

Unlike Skadi, who was an adrenaline junkie, and unlike herself, who was used to high-speed movement, Aisha had never experienced something like this. And from the way she looked, she wasn’t handling it well at all.

Julie’s heart leaped into her throat.

If this kept up, Aisha was going to—

“Cassius, stop!”

She was about to yell it.

She was just about to tell him to stop before this turned into a horrible mess. But before she could even say a word, he stopped by himself in an abrupt and effortless manner even though he was moving so fast.

One second, they were moving at a speed beyond belief. The next—absolute stillness.

And while Julie was wondering why he had stopped all of a sudden and Aisha was letting out a shaky breath, looking like she was regaining her senses, Skadi suddenly jumped off his head.

“We’re here!” She announced cheerfully, stretching her arms out. “That was so awesome! I can’t believe I actually moved so fast that it felt like I was flying!”

Julie blinked at her statement, and then she quickly turned her head, her eyes scanning her surroundings, and sure enough—

Cassius’s mansion stood right before them…They were mere walking distance from the entrance.

Julie’s stomach tightened as this was supposed to be a fifteen-minute walk, but somehow Cassius had turned it into a ten-second sprint.

She swallowed hard, the realisation of his ridiculous speed that made it even difficult to know where he was when he was on the move settling in.

Cassius, feeling her tense slightly, glanced down at her with a knowing smirk.

“Surprised?” He mused, tilting his head slightly as he thought that even though she was a hardened warrior, her body was still incredibly soft.

Julie inhaled, trying to keep her composure.

“…A little.” She admitted it.

“Just a little?” Cassius chuckled. “I must not be trying hard enough.”

Julie, still a bit rattled, simply gave him a look.

Meanwhile, Skadi bounced eagerly, her tail wagging as she grinned up at Cassius.

“Master, that was so cool!” She said excitedly. “I wanna ride you again!”

Aisha, still recovering from her near-motion sickness, immediately snapped her head toward Skadi.

“Phrase that differently.”

Cassius, however, simply smirked. “Anytime you want, Skadi.” He replied to Skadi’s joy of having such a fun master, unlike her old master, who was just a stinky old man. “I’m always happy to give you a ride.”

Cassius then shifted his gaze down to Julie, who was still securely cradled in his arms, as a teasing glint appeared in his crimson eyes.

“You know…” He said, as he looked at Julie, who looked even more beautiful with Aisha right next to her, like a pair of roses. “I was thinking of dropping you off nearby, just to spare you the humiliation of your squad seeing their esteemed captain being carried like this.”

Julie’s brows twitched.

“But of course…” Cassius continued as he cradled both of them like they were babies. “If you’re fine with them seeing you like this, I wouldn’t mind carrying you all the way in.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Julie moved with fluid precision, immediately shifting her weight and slipping out of his hold as if she had never been there in the first place.

Aisha, still dizzy from the breakneck speed they had travelled, barely had time to react before Julie reached for her, supporting her as she carefully set her down.

Julie then adjusted her stance, brushing down her uniform with practiced elegance, ensuring there was no lingering sign of how she had just been carried like a princess.

Skadi, finally noticing how pale Aisha looked, tilted her head. “Hey, Aisha.” She said after a moment, her silver ears twitching slightly. “Why do you look so weary? Are you actually going to puke?”

Aisha, who had just regained a fraction of her composure, gritted her teeth.

“S-Shut up.” She muttered, stepping closer to Skadi and clutching onto her for support since her knees felt weak. “I’m already feeling sick; the last thing I need is a dog barking in my ears.”

Skadi huffed, flicking her tail dramatically.

“Let me tell you that if you dare puke on my fluffy tail…” She warned, narrowing her eyes. “…I won’t hesitate to bite you and sink my fangs into you. I just combed it recently!”

But despite her words, she still held onto Aisha tightly, making sure she wouldn’t actually collapse. Julie, watching the interaction unfold, allowed a small smile to form on her lips.

Some things never changed.

But then, she turned back to Cassius since he was too silent and was surprised to find him already walking away.

“Where are you going?” Julie’s eyes narrowed slightly in surprise.

Cassius, noticing her gaze, glanced back over his shoulder, his expression calm yet unreadable.

“Me? Well, I have to make some preparations.” He replied. “You know, to save you all from the plight you’re in now.” His eyes flickered with something indiscernible. “So I’ll leave you here for the time being and handle things on my end.”

Julie immediately tensed. Her entire legion’s survival depended on this man. How could she possibly just let him walk off alone?

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Without thinking, she stepped forward, her voice carrying the unmistakable weight of authority.

“Wait.” She called, her emerald eyes sharp. “If this involves our fate, I should—”

Cassius turned back fully, his gaze locking onto hers with absolute certainty.

“There’s no need.” He said simply, his tone even but firm. “I can handle it all by myself.”

Julie stilled.

“And you should relax for now. I’m pretty sure you’ve already exhausted yourself both mentally and physically after everything that’s happened today.” He added, his smirk softening slightly, but his eyes held unwavering conviction.

Julie wanted to argue.

She wanted to say that wasn’t possible. That she couldn’t just sit back while her entire legion’s fate rested in his hands.

But then—

She saw his expression.

That unshakeable assurance.

A look that spoke of certainty, of a man who never wavered once he had decided something.

Seeing this, Julie inhaled deeply, forcing herself to pause. And after a long, tense moment, she let out a slow breath.

“…Alright.” She said finally, her voice calm but measured. “I’ll trust you and stay here.”

Cassius’s smirk widened, but this time, there was a hint of warmth beneath it.

“Good.” He said with a kind gaze, like he was grateful that she was willing to trust him with her squad’s lives, and added, “I’ve also prepared a little party for all of you, so I hope all of you have a good time, even though it’s not as grand as the banquet you would’ve attended in the past.”

And then immediately after, he vanished without saying another word.

Julie’s breath stopped, her eyes widening just a fraction. Even though she had already seen it before, his ability to disappear instantly was still something she couldn’t get used to.

She then let out a slow breath, trying to steady herself. And just as she was wondering what exactly Cassius meant by ‘a little party’.

A cheerful voice suddenly called out to her.

“Captain Julie!”

Julie’s ears perked, and she turned her head sharply toward the sound, and from the direction of the mansion, she spotted a figure sprinting toward them.

As the figure approached, Julie finally got a clearer look—and immediately recognised her.

It was Isabelle.

Cassius’s dedicated personal maid.

She was running toward them in a hurry, her neatly tied blonde hair bouncing with each stride, her uniform pristine despite her rush. She was also holding what seemed to be small glass vials that were full of a golden liquid that seemed to be glowing.

Julie’s brows furrowed slightly as she observed her. She knew quite a bit about Isabelle from the reports she had gathered on Cassius over the years.

By all accounts, Isabelle was probably his most beloved and loyal maid.

But at the same time—she was also the very same maid who had once tried to assassinate her own master.

That was something Julie had found particularly intriguing in her reports.

According to intelligence from the Holyfield household, Isabelle had attempted to kill Cassius because of the dark rumours surrounding him—rumours that painted him as a monster, a villain, a man who preyed upon innocent girls.

And yet, in a bizarre turn of events, the same woman who had tried to end his life had somehow become his most loyal follower.

Julie’s mind briefly wandered.

Had Cassius truly been so charming that he managed to convert his own assassin into his most devoted servant?

It was a strange, almost unbelievable story.

But regardless of what had transpired between them, Julie held a good impression of Isabelle.

Because despite her initial actions, Isabelle had tried to sacrifice herself to save the girls she believed were in danger—girls she had thought were Cassius’s future victims.

She had acted on her beliefs, willing to lay down her own life to protect the innocent.

And beyond that, Isabelle’s record was flawless.

A dedicated, strong, and sincere person with no history of wrongdoing. She had even participated in several charitable drives organised by the Holy Guard, working to provide aid for those in need.

Julie respected that.

So as soon as Isabelle reached them, still slightly out of breath from running, Julie took it upon herself to greet her properly.

“Isabelle.” She said coolly, nodding at her.

The maid stopped abruptly, her posture impeccable, the small glass bottles in her hands clinking softly together.

Julie continued with her usual composed elegance. “I’m Captain Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane, the leader of the Holy Guard. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

There was a brief pause, and then Julie tilted her head slightly, her gaze calm but inquisitive. “I assume you’re the maid Cassius sent to assist us?”

She waited for a response.

And yet—

Nothing came.

Isabelle didn’t say a word. Instead, she simply stared at her in a daze.

Julie felt the shift in the air immediately as she witnessed the maid’s pretty blue eyes locked onto her face.

It wasn’t out of shock. Nor was it out of fear.

No, this was something else entirely.

It was the kind of silent, awestruck gaze that people only gave when they were seeing something unbelievable before their eyes.

Something legendary.

Julie blinked. “Isabelle?” She called again, her voice softer but still firm.

Still, no response. The maid continued to stand there, staring at her as if she were some untouchable divine figure.

Julie’s brow furrowed slightly, confusion flickering across her otherwise composed features.

“Is something wrong?”

And finally, the sound of her voice seemed to jolt Isabelle back to reality. Her head jerked up, her hands tightening around the bottles as if suddenly remembering they existed.

Then, she frantically shook her head, her entire face turning a deep, burning red.

“N-No! Not at all!” She blurted it out, her words almost tripping over themselves.

Julie raised a brow as Isabelle sucked in a deep breath, trying to regain her composure, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her entirely.

“I just…” She hesitated, then let out a tiny, overwhelmed sigh. “I just never imagined I’d be meeting you in person.”

Julie’s lips curved slightly in amusement. “You’ve heard of me?” She asked, tilting her head slightly.

Isabelle’s eyes immediately brightened, her previous nervousness replaced with pure enthusiasm.

“Of course I have!” She exclaimed, stepping forward slightly, her voice carrying undeniable excitement.

“There isn’t a single girl out there who doesn’t know the name of the beautiful and powerful Julie Nikolaevna Hellbane, the founder and leader of the people’s knights the Sacred Guard!”

Julie’s eyes widened slightly at her own introduction.

That was…a rather bold statement.

And before she could interject, Isabelle continued, her voice now overflowing with admiration as if she were looking at her idol.

“You are the pride of all female warriors!” She declared, practically radiating admiration.

Julie blinked again.

Aisha, standing nearby, let out a quiet snicker even though she was exhausted.

“The strongest woman in the Holy Guard! A commander feared by your enemies, but beloved by your people! A knight whose grace and strength surpass even the highest nobles!”

Julie, for the first time in a very long while, felt herself caught slightly off guard.

It wasn’t that she wasn’t used to praise. But this was…something else.

“You’re an idol to little girls everywhere!” Isabelle continued passionately, her eyes shining.

“A warrior who proved that women can stand at the top! Who fought her way through a world of men and never backed down! Your very existence is an inspiration!”

Julie’s cheeks grew just the slightest shade warmer as she cleared her throat softly, a rare moment of flustered surprise flashing through her expression.

“That’s…quite a lot of praise.” She murmured, her composed demeanor briefly wavering.

Isabelle immediately shook her head. “It’s all true!” she insisted, eyes gleaming.

“You are everything a commoner girl like me aspires to be! Strong, independent, intelligent, and—” She suddenly clasped her hands against her chest, her voice overflowing with passion—

“Beautiful beyond words!”

Julie felt her cheeks warm slightly at Isabelle’s exaggerated praise, though she kept her composure as best she could.

Compliments weren’t uncommon for her, but this level of pure, unfiltered admiration was enough to make even someone like her a little self-conscious.

Her gaze then flickered to Isabelle, who was practically glowing as she spoke, her expression so genuine that it was impossible to dismiss her words as mere flattery.

‘She really is just as peculiar as her master.’ Julie thought, repressing a sigh.

However, before she could find a way to redirect the conversation, another voice—one far less delicate—cut through the moment.

“Wait, wait, wait.” Skadi said, grinning mischievously as her tail wagged. “This is the assassin maid, right?”

“…The one who actually tried to kill her own master and got exposed in the process?”

Julie’s smile instantly faded. Her sharp green eyes snapped toward Skadi, a flicker of disapproval flashing through them.

“Skadi.” She said in a low, warning tone, but Skadi merely tilted her head, completely unbothered.

“What? It’s true, isn’t it?” She shrugged. “I mean, it’s kinda ironic, don’t you think? An assassin turned to a loyal maid who’s still allowed to cook for her master, even though she used poison to try and put him down?”

“…And to think that she’s also a fan of yours as well. How hilarious.” Skadi chuckled without a care in the world.

Julie pinched the bridge of her nose, wondering if all the people of the Fenrir race were like this or if it was only Skadi who spoke her mind without a care in the world…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep