Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)
Zalard Rita
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Rita let out a small sigh as she caught sight of the distant royal capital from the road. To avoid an ambush, she had deliberately scattered bait and escaped southward, then made a wide detour to circle around to the east. Those pursuing her were likely still wandering around the southern towns. At least for now, it seemed there were no pursuers at a level that warranted caution. In the worst case that Noris was caught, she had told Lux to reveal her destination. But she was almost certain Noris wouldn’t talk.
Is Noris safe…?
Rita felt guilty about what she had done to Noris. And to Lux as well. She hadn’t expected Baxwal to use such forceful methods. Perhaps they were more desperate than she had initially thought. With these thoughts, Rita gave a dry chuckle. To think she was now genuinely worried about Noris and Lux… She had initially considered them nothing more than cards to be used.
No matter how talented Lux was, it wasn’t a scout’s job to care for his younger sister. At most, she might have helped them find an apartment. The only reason Rita had given Lux special treatment was that the boy was an exceptional sniper, yet still naive and unsophisticated. Of course, she had never intended to use Lux to assassinate political enemies. Not really. Still, if the situation turned dire, she wouldn’t have hesitated to use any means necessary.
If it had come to that, she couldn’t have guaranteed Lux’s safety afterward. But instead, the push for a ceasefire had gained unstoppable momentum, thanks to Lux and the others. And Noris… Not only had he handled the household chores Rita was hopeless at, but his cheerful smile had lifted her spirits when she returned home, disheartened by the deadlock in the peace talks.
These two had slipped far deeper into her heart than she had realized during this entire escape. Even so, she couldn’t return to the academy now. She could protect them if she were close by, but…
As she pondered, a name surfaced in her mind.
Someone who was utterly incapable of keeping secrets, so Rita never tried to involve her. Unruly, impulsive, selfish, and a hopeless lightweight when it came to alcohol… but terrifyingly strong. No, the secrecy was just an excuse. The truth was, she didn’t want to drag that kindhearted friend into this mess.
“Lulu…” (Rita)
The whispered name vanished into the night, unheard by anyone.
—
“Oh, Rita! Thank goodness. I was worried.” (Slar)
“Hey, Slar. Sorry for worrying you. How are things here in the capital?” (Rita)
They exchanged a quick hug, relieved to see each other safe. Without further delay, Rita got straight to the point. Slar was a prominent official in the royal court and well-informed about the capital’s affairs.
“Well, the academy tournament is proceeding as planned, but the Deran Household has forced military nobles into the event. Our leader has been appointed as the host of the matches and will be stuck at the venue all day. Attending the peace talks will be impossible.” (Slar)
“I see. So Baxwal does intend to cause trouble at the academy.” (Rita)
“They’ve been meddling a lot with the venue preparations. Busy little schemers.” (Slar)
“What about Follet-sama?” (Rita)
“Same as always. Word of the incident at the academy has reached the capital, but the royal court remains quiet. Not a single whisper of rebellion.” (Slar)
So, Baxwal avoided stirring up trouble in the capital…
“Can you arrange a meeting with Follet-sama?” (Rita)
“I’ll see what I can do. Not tonight, though. Tomorrow night.” (Slar)
“Understood. I’m counting on you.” (Rita)
After gathering detailed intel from Slar, Rita sat in contemplative silence. Slar, noticing the time as he gazed out the window, saw that the sun had long since set.
“You’ll stay here tonight, right?” (Slar)
“Yes, but I need to step out for a bit.” (Rita)
Rita said this nonchalantly, prompting a worried frown from Slar.
“Rita, I trust your skills, but there are wanted posters of you all over the city. Overconfidence can be fatal.” (Slar)
“I’m not out for fun,” she replied with a wry smile. “There’s someone I need to see”.
With that, Rita slipped back into the night.
—
In a certain noble’s mansion…
The master of the house entered his room, collapsed into his chair, and exhaled heavily to shed the day’s fatigue. A cool breeze brushed his cheek, and he realized that a window had been left open. Muttering about careless servants, he stood to close it, only to freeze halfway. There was someone standing in the shadows near the window.
Just as he opened his mouth to call for the guards, the figure raised a finger to her lips in a silencing gesture. A woman, faintly illuminated by the lamp’s glow.
“You… you’re Zalard…?” (??)
Before he could finish, she pointed directly at him.
“Zedra Parady Duute-sama, correct? I’d like to have a little chat.” (Rita)
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