Volume 9, Chapter 56 – The Reunited Trio

After Yisi and Camilla brought Red and Purple back to the Duchy of Chloe, the sun was already nearing the western horizon. Dazzling sunlight dyed the sky orange-red, and coupled with the withered autumn forest, the dim colors evoked the image of a twilight elder.

Settling Red and Purple into empty rooms in the mansion, and then storing the [Imperial Gift] Camilla had brought back into her storage—Camilla’s storage magic space was limited, and she couldn’t just leave an Imperial object lying around the courtyard—Yisi stepped out of the room and opened her [Omniscient Map]. Besides Edith and Refina, Laxy, Mary, Tiffany, and Tina were all in the mansion. Edith and Refina were also on their way back, perhaps already at the mansion gate. “Onee-sama, should I go inform Laxy that you’ve returned? It’s already evening; time to prepare dinner.”

“Yes, please do, Camilla. I’ll go to the main gate.”

“Okay.”

After nodding, Yisi and Camilla split up, heading towards the first-floor main entrance and Laxy’s room respectively.

Following the familiar corridor and stairs, Yisi arrived at the first-floor courtyard. She looked towards the entrance silhouetted against the setting sun. Just as the map showed, Edith looked like she had just come from battle. Her silky white hair was dusted with dirt, and her black formal dress bore splatters of blood. However, judging from her natural gait, Pepe wasn’t injured, just heavily drained.

“Pepe!”

“Hoh, knew I was coming back, so you came out specially to greet me?” A satisfied smile appeared on her doll-like exquisite face. Edith handed Gungnir to Refina. “You’ve certainly developed the awareness of a wife.”

“I only came out because I saw you were heavily drained! But since you’ve been in battle, does that mean the Empire did indeed launch an offensive while I was gone?”

“They did launch an offensive, but it was merely probing attacks. Without siege engines, if they want to breach a walled city, they’d have to attack non-stop day and night for several days just to see a glimmer of hope. Well, thanks to that, I could fight without any worries. The Empire’s Griffin Knights are nothing special. Let me see… Refina, how many did I take down?”

“Including the one who was startled by your aura and fell to his death, eleven in total.”

Edith shrugged at Yisi, her expression, tinged with a relaxed smile, seeming to say, “That’s how it is.”

Eleven Griffin Knights?

If Griffin Knights were equivalent to Wyvern Riders, then Pepe, at level 27, killing eleven of them was definitely quite an impressive feat. But this also indirectly indicated that the situation might not be as Pepe described—the Empire merely launching probing attacks. Griffin Knights ranked half a level higher than court magic casters in the Empire. That Pepe could take down eleven meant the Empire’s offensive was considerably fierce.

Perhaps many Duchy soldiers died on the walls.

Yisi’s expression darkened.

Edith frowned in displeasure and poked Yisi’s cheek with her index finger, creating a shallow dimple.

“That expression is too ugly. I don’t like it.”

“…How many died on the walls?”

“Worried about casualties? No wonder you made that face. I don’t know about the other gates, but at the one I was at, casualties were less than a hundred, and most were caused by the Griffin Knights. Compared to the Empire’s losses, the soldiers of this small country should be proud. Lacking tools to scale the walls, the Imperial soldiers could only try to approach the gate by piling up corpses, ultimately being repelled by us. If you go outside now, you can still find a few warm bodies.”

“I see.”

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Yisi quietly sighed in relief. Pepe’s personality disdained lying. Since she put it that way, it could only mean the Duchy’s losses were indeed minimal. She could relax slightly.

Gesturing for Edith to proceed, Yisi took the first step towards the mansion, then looked as if she suddenly remembered something.

“Ah, right. What about the Empire’s powerhouse beyond the hero’s domain? Did he not appear?”

“Precisely because he didn’t appear, I called it a probing attack. However, I think it’s more likely that the magic caster is afraid of Lin. When both sides have someone beyond the hero’s domain, the one who reveals their position first is more likely to die. Especially since he’s a magic caster with weak physical abilities, if Lin successfully ambushes him, this war would be over.”

“There’s such a saying?”

This is the first time I’ve heard of it.

Edith smiled provocatively.

“Exactly. What about your side, Yisi? No, since you have the leisure to come greet me, it means you’ve brought Red and Purple back already. Asked a redundant question. Setting that aside, Yisi, the truly tricky part is what comes next. I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I don’t feel you saved their lives. When you told me the plan last night, Yisi, I wanted to say: rather than calling Red and Purple human, they’re more like puppets controlled by the Gospel. Like livestock, not knowing why they live or why they die… Since they’re becoming livestock, they might as well become blood slaves providing blood for me. At least I can grant them pleasure.”

“If they heard what you said, Pepe, they would definitely fight you.”

“Because I speak the truth, they get angry out of shame.”

“No… I don’t quite think so.” They just feel their faith was insulted by Pepe. Yisi couldn’t help but smile wryly. “Well, I’ve tentatively prepared a way to handle this outcome. Although it might not be 100% successful, it should at least have some effect.”

As for how effective it would be, that depended on fate.

“I just hope you don’t say things like taking responsibility for them again.” At this point, Edith glanced at Refina beside her, then back at Yisi. “Though perhaps I’m not qualified to say that about you.”

“I know, I know. I have no such thoughts about Lin and the others. I’m already very satisfied with how things are now.”

“Hmph.”

Tilting her head up slightly and snorting softly, Edith walked ahead of Yisi. The three entered the main building.

◇

A day passed quickly.

Sunlight streamed through the window, rendering the bedroom golden. Specks of dust danced in the sunbeams. The quiet air felt as if time had stopped flowing.

Things went as Yisi expected. Even after a full day, Tina showed no signs of waking up. Red and Purple had only just regained consciousness. Additionally, the Empire launched two offensives during the night, both ending in failure. It was worth noting that last night, the Empire dispatched a hero-domain individual in an attempt to breach the city gate. However, because Atwood, also in the heroic domain, joined the battle, the Empire still gained no ground.

Tap tap tap.

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Slightly urgent knocks sounded on the door.

Yisi, who had been leaning over her desk thinking, was startled awake.

“Who is it?”

Previously, Laxy would have opened the door at times like this, but now, needing to watch over Tina, Laxy wasn’t here.

“Yisi, it’s me.”

“Lin? Understood.” Getting up and opening the door, Yisi looked Lin up and down. Perhaps due to rushing overnight, Lin, standing before the door, looked travel-worn. Not only was her hair messy, but her black gauze dress wasn’t properly arranged, and there was even a smudge of dirt on her scaled cheek. “Lin, you’re…”

According to the plan, Lin, responsible for burning the supplies and siege engines, should have taken two days. Returning now, coupled with her disheveled appearance, Yisi subconsciously assumed Lin had encountered a strong enemy. She quickly made way, inviting Lin into the room, but Lin just stood at the doorway, her eyebrows slightly knitted, seeming anxious about something.

“Yisi, during the time I was gone, did that Imperial magic caster appear?”

“Wait, Lin. You didn’t rush back because you were worried I couldn’t protect the capital, did you? Without even completing your mission? That was a task assigned by the Gospel.”

“No. I encountered the Imperial baggage train slightly ahead of the planned location. They didn’t have many guards. Burning the siege engines and supplies took less than half an hour. After finishing, I rushed back immediately. I saw corpses at the city gate on the way. Did the Empire launch an offensive while I was gone? How were our casualties? What about that Imperial magic caster?”

Lin spoke extremely quickly. Yisi felt that if Lin weren’t exercising restraint, she would have grabbed her shoulders and shaken her while asking.

No wonder she looks so ragged. This girl hasn’t rested properly the whole way.

Yisi couldn’t help but sigh.

“That magic caster didn’t appear, fearing your ambush.”

“Really?”

“Really. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Atwood. No, after returning, the first person you should look for is Atwood anyway.”

“Uh.”

Yisi’s words made Lin stiffen. Yisi was right; the first person she should have sought was indeed Atwood. Yet she had rushed straight to Yisi’s mansion without a second thought. No matter how one looked at it, it was strange.

Maybe it’s because Yisi gives me more of a sense of security? That feeling of being able to rely on her anytime… It was too captivating.

Wait, what am I thinking?

Lin’s face flushed slightly, and she subtly averted her gaze from Yisi.

“Anyway, that magic caster beyond the hero’s domain didn’t appear. You can rest assured, Lin.”

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The taut string finally relaxed. The tension in Lin’s expression quickly dissipated. She let out a long breath and rubbed her forehead, slightly drained.

“Yisi, thank you.”

“Rather than thanking me, Lin, you should get some rest. The reason that the Imperial magic caster isn’t appearing is because he fears you. If you fall, the Ducal Capital of Chloe is finished.”

“Wait a moment. Although the Imperial magic caster didn’t appear, letting you and Atwood defend the city violated the Gospel’s will. I want to check the Gospel first before resting.”

“Umm, Lin, the Gospel is on you, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then looking at it later won’t be too late. Let me take you to a room first.” Yisi stepped out of her room. As she walked alongside Lin, she hesitated for a moment. “Red and Purple… they’re back.”

Before the words of refusal could leave her mouth, Lin froze on the spot as if struck by lightning.

“What?”

…

Soon, urged by Lin, Yisi brought her to the door of the room where Red and Purple were staying. Although both their HP and MP had been restored to full, it didn’t mean they could move freely yet, especially Red, who was more seriously injured and had lost a lot of blood; getting out of bed required a maid’s help. After Yisi informed Atwood she needed maids, he immediately summoned maids from within the Divine Religion to Yisi’s mansion.

“We’re here.”

Yisi stepped aside, indicating for Lin to open the door herself. Lin, her face filled with joy, subconsciously reached out. But just as her hand was about to touch the door, she stopped for some reason, turned her head to look complexly at Yisi. Her expression, confirming like a small animal’s, made it completely impossible to associate her with a powerhouse beyond the hero’s domain.

“Yisi… are Red and Purple really behind this door?”

As if touching a fragile dream, Lin’s voice held a trace of fear. Lin probably didn’t notice her hand before the door was trembling slightly. Yisi had no choice but to place her own hand on the doorknob and say helplessly, “Would I lie to you? Didn’t I say I’m stronger than the Demon Lord? While you went to burn the Empire’s baggage train, I brought them back. See for yourself.”

With the click of the lock, a clean guest room with two beds appeared before Yisi and Lin. On these beds lay Red and Purple, both awake. Perhaps discussing something happy, smiles covered their faces, as well as Camilla’s, who was standing in the room.

Noticing the door opened, Red and Purple subconsciously looked over. Upon seeing Lin, their smiles were quickly replaced by surprise and ecstasy. Purple immediately tried to stand up to greet Lin, but because her body hadn’t fully recovered, she stumbled awkwardly back onto the bed, ultimately managing only an embarrassed smile.

“Lin… Sorry, I can’t stand up to greet you right now.”

“Hahaha! I never thought I’d see you again, Lin! No, Lin, what’s wrong with you?”

“Uu…”

A sound uncontrollably rumbled in her throat. Lin stood frozen on the spot, unable to utter a word.

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What a crybaby.

Yisi couldn’t help but pat Lin’s back encouragingly.

“Go on over. You cried once at parting; you should smile at reuniting.”

“Yes.”

Frantically wiping her face with her sleeve, but only smearing the dirt around because of the tears, making her face even messier… Lin didn’t care. She first took a few slow steps, then quickened her pace, finally ending in what could only be described as a pounce, tightly embracing Purple who was trying to sit up.

“Purple! I thought I’d never see you again… This is wonderful… wonderful…”

Startled momentarily by Lin’s action, Purple then softened upon feeling the trembling figure in her arms. Like an older sister, she gently stroked Lin’s back.

“I thought I’d never see you again either, Lin. It’s like a dream.”

“Hey, hey, Lin! Don’t play favorites! I want a hug too!”

“Okay.”

After Red’s words fell, Lin stood up and gave Red a hug in the same manner she had hugged Purple. However, compared to Purple’s composure, Red seemed flustered. Although she had always considered Lin a friend, she knew in her heart they were merely Lin’s attendants, separated by a vast difference in status. Even after the emotional farewell, Red never thought she would be treated so intimately by Lin. What she said about ‘not playing favorites’ was just a habitual joke; she never expected Lin would actually hug her. But now, she could clearly feel Lin’s heartbeat. The warmth from the physical contact gave Red the feeling that she was finally standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Lin.

Awkwardly averting her face, Red muttered as if sulking, “This makes me look like a child…”

However, the response she received was only a tighter embrace.

Watching the three figures bathed in the window sunlight, tears of joy on their faces, Yisi, standing by the door, couldn’t help but smile.

After this incident, Lin probably won’t let go so easily again. These three finally didn’t have to be separated anymore. Honestly, as an observer, seeing Lin’s lost appearance after losing Red and Purple had made her heart clench.

“Onee-sama, should we start now?”

Camilla asked, having quietly come up beside Yisi.

Yisi made a hushing gesture.

“Let them just stay like this for a while.”

“Okay.”