The people of the mansion were glad to hear the news.

Alice clapped her hands.

Great! I should let the chef know! He must prepare a nice dinner!

Maybe His Highness will come to your room, Madam. Oh, now that it reminds me, some coal powder was dropped under Madams fireplace. Shall I go clean it up? Ah, also the cat may have returned and done its business!

The maids seemed more excited than Laritte.

Its natural for coal power to be at the bottom of the fireplace. Also, Butterfly knows how to cover her toilet. I dont think she would make any mistakes all of a sudden.

Of course, she was happy that Ian was returning. It was all the more so because he came back without having to encounter the dragon.

Should I go out to meet him?

The answer came immediately, overshadowing her thought.

Of course.

She planned to surprise him. Meanwhile, on the other side, Ian received goosebumps down his arm.

What the-?

However, Laritte needed someone to go meet Ian, so she asked Alice,

Where can I find Lady Redra now?

If a lot of people followed her out, Ian wouldnt be surprised. So, she decided to take only Redra.

She might be training in the field, Madam.

Laritte stood up and headed toward the said destination.

Knights were seen swinging swords in groups under Masons command.

Up! Down. Up! Down.

Good. Well do it like this a hundred times.

A hundred times?!

The knights were shocked at Masons words.

Among them was Redra. She observed the posture of the knights.

Temporary Deputy General, looking at how intense todays training is, shouldnt the soldiers get to drink some fail ale at night?

The other knights strongly agreed with her.

After everyone pledged allegiance to Laritte, their relationship with Redra seemed to have improved.

Redra flashed a fierce smile.

Seeing that you dared to say that, you still have energy left.

There was a rule for the Knights of Reinhardt to quit drinking.

Alcohol was not good for the body.

As expected of your pride. Should I say two hundred times so that they dont forget? What do you think, Mason?

Even though Redra was ranked the highest in the Order, she gave up her choice.

Mason laughed out loud.

Well, in that case, theyll gain more muscles.

Mason and Redra began to argue, even after they resolved their misunderstandings.

Mason thought she was too young to be kept in power. While Redra thought he wanted to take control because of his simple greed.

The knights went pale.

Two hundred will be too much! Well fall sick!

Why was there no savior for them?

Meanwhile, Laritte made her entry.

It must be hard.

She murmured calmly, but all the knights heard her. Basically, they all had keen five senses.

Redra bowed to her without waiting any further.

Did you sleep well, Madam?

Yes. I need Lady Redras help, but she seems busy.

Thats fine. Please name it.

As she walked away with Laritte, the eyes of the knights shined toward Mason. They pleaded to reduce the training since Lady Redra wasnt there anymore.

Mason smiled.

Seems like I dont have any other choice now that Her Highness is worried.

The knights hearts gleamed with joy due to Laritte.

Laritte was seen loitering around under the shade of the poplar tree. It appeared as if a criminal was trying to smuggle something in secret.

Redra gulped.

What kind of secret work does she have for me?

Laritte explained her plan only after she made sure that no one was listening.

Lady Redra. Ian is returning this afternoon. You havent received this news, have you?

No, I havent.

Redra replied, nervousness cladding her tone. Thats how serious Laritte looked.

I thought.. itll be fun if I go out and greet him before he gets here.

Pardon?

I plan to hide somewhere and jump in front of him to surprise him. What do you think?

Redra smiled only because she was relieved to hear this. Luckily, her Madam wasnt harmed in any way like how she feared.

Laritte continued,

I want Lady Redra to take me on a horse to a nearby road. Would it be alright?

Of course, theres nothing I cant do. However, there seems to be.. a flaw in the planning.

It wouldnt be dangerous because she would take her somewhere close to the mansion. However, it was Ians five senses as a Swordmaster. No one could ever approach him secretly.

Laritte didnt know that.

Even ghosts couldnt deceive him now that he was armed and in a tense state.

Captain will notice any sound.

Then I shall hold my breath and hide.

Laritte innocently mimicked the posture to cover her nose and mouth.

Redra knew she couldnt be stopped.

Well, it was cute and there was no room for problems in that.

She nodded, giving in to Larittes stubbornness.

The Captain will notice before that anyway.

Redra guided Laritte to sit in front before she climbed up to take the horses reins.

Giddy up!

Beyond the large gates made of stone and iron guarded by knights on both sides, was a cool region. Redra searched for a place to hide in the surrounding terrain.

How about behind that tree?

The huge tree trunk probably a hundred years old was large enough for two people.

Okay.

Ill hide my horse somewhere else.

Not long after the two hid behind the tree, the ground began to shake.

Pebbles began to dance with the rhythm of hooves hitting the ground as the squadron appeared beyond the horizon.

The elite soldiers.

Ian in a pitch dark uniform was seen riding his horse in the front of them, carrying an indescribable dignity.

Laritte looked up at Redra like a 10-year-old happy child.

She was going to surprise him when he reached the tree.

Ian seemed quite excited, unlike his calm appearance.

He spent the entire journey concerned about her. It was more so when all the aristocratic knights returned. Needless to say, the memorial service was conducted in his absence.

Finally.

He could see the mansion from afar.

But he felt something was wrong.

Accompanied with the pounding of hooves on the ground, was the sound of someone breathing. It was so faint that only Ian could hear it.

An assassin.

How did he hide here?

The expenses of the Duchy were at the highest level of the Empire. The defense of the mansion was much stronger. He even received support from the Reikla family for Laritte.

Perhaps the assassin thought he had his chance today. Perhaps he couldnt find a way to get inside the mansion yet, but Ian thought it was better to take care of it as quickly as possible.

We should get rid of things Laritte might find annoying.

He raised his shield without another word.

Captain?

The knights questioned as he slowly got off the horse. The next moment, he ran toward the place where Laritte hid.

Redra who was keeping an eye through the branches uttered seriously,

Hang on

Ians heavy armament shook the ground.

Nevertheless, Ian was just around the corner when Redra assessed him.

Cap-

Before she could even finish the word captain, she stood in front of Laritte as if to protect her.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep