Chapter 75
The source of the voice was drawing closer and closer.
Wo-o-o-o-n… Wo-o-o-o-n…
“What is that!?”
The knights and assassins were both startled by the sudden appearance of a creature radiating an immense amount of magical power.
Even though their enemies were right before them, neither the knights nor the assassins could comprehend what was happening.
“Everyone, on alert!”
“Yes, sir!”
Dino barked a command to the startled knights, and the group quickly regained its composure.
Their expressions hardened as they assessed the situation.
(The assassins outnumber us more than two to one. If we have to face a magical beast here, then…)
Dino analyzed the situation calmly.
(What in the world is this creature? A magical beast? No, its magic power far exceeds that of any ordinary monster. Could it have merely seen us as prey? If so, can I protect the young lady?)
“No—! I am a knight sworn to loyalty!”
“Nicholas, you’re with me! We’ll focus on the beast. Everyone else, concentrate on the assassins! Protect the young lady at all costs!”
“Yes, sir!”
Following Dino’s orders, the knights steeled themselves for their duties even in this crisis.
All except Dino and Nicholas reengaged the assassins in combat.
『I am no magical beast.』
The creature spoke.
(It spoke!? A magical beast that can talk? No—then it’s not one!)
『Where is Tiana?』
(Lady Tiana!? Why is it looking for her?)
“I am Lady Tiana’s escort knight. What business do you have with her?”
(If it means to harm her, I’ll have to strike it down.)
“I am a divine beast. I came because I sensed Tiana’s life was in danger.”
(A divine beast!? But why would a divine beast be here?)
“Then, you have no intention of harming Lady Tiana?”
(Perhaps… it’s on our side.)
“I’ll ask once more—where is Tiana!?”
The being calling itself a divine beast suddenly released an overwhelming surge of magical power, radiating a terrifying killing intent.
(At this point, I have no choice but to gamble. The assassins outnumber us two to one—we’re being pushed back. I have to take the risk!)
“Lady Tiana is inside that carriage! But her life is being targeted by those people over there!”
“Gwa-o-o-o-n!!”
Fenrir let out a thunderous howl and unleashed his magic.
In an instant, a powerful gale swept through the area, knocking down all the assassins one after another.
Some were slammed so hard their arms were twisted, yet none were killed—all were captured alive.
“A-amazing…”
It all happened in the blink of an eye.
Just after Fenrir had defeated the assassins, the Duke’s party finally arrived—slightly too late.
“What in the world…?”
Gilbert was stunned, unable to comprehend the scene before him.
“Are the two of them safe!?”
“They’re still inside the carriage, sir!” Nicholas replied.
Hearing that, the Duke swiftly dismounted and rushed to the carriage where Tiana and Ellie were. He flung the door open.
“Tiana! Ellie! Are you hurt!?”
“Father! I’m fine—but Tiana… Tiana’s—!”
Tiana was still in the midst of hyperventilating.
“My lady! The Duke has arrived! It’s all right now—you’re safe!”
The Duke gently lifted Tiana in his arms and stepped outside. Then he knelt to the ground and held her tightly against his chest.
All around, her worried brothers and the knights stood watching in concern.
“Tiana! Tiana!”
Gilbert and Liam called out her name—but their voices did not reach her.
