The next morning, after riding all night without rest through secret paths Hugo had mapped out, Livia, Hugo, and Valen successfully cleared the borders of southern Seriyan and western Vanadias. Hugo and Valen trailed behind Livia. Hugo seemed lost in deep thought, looking confused and a bit shaken—a shift that didn't escape Valen's notice as she rode beside him.
"What's with you, Hugo?" Valen asked.
"Hmm... before I die... how about we get married?" Hugo asked out of the blue.
Valen nearly jumped out of her skin. She stared at him as if he'd grown a second head, stunned by the absolute bombshell he'd just dropped.
"What are you talking about, you idiot? Why on earth do you think you're going to die?" Valen yelled, her face turning beet red.
"No... I just think... everything I saw in my visions is coming true. The King and the two Queens have arrived; they're real, and one is right in front of us. I've started to believe my visions are accurate, and if they are... that means the ending is accurate too," Hugo said.
"The ending?" Valen asked, having not heard this part yet.
"In the final part, we're all fighting an undead army behind a wall... then an axe flies right at my face and everything goes dark. It means... I die in that war. And I don't even know when that war is supposed to happen," Hugo replied, looking down with a faint, weary smile.
Valen went silent. She studied Hugo's face, seeing the genuine fear masked by that thin smile. Suddenly, Livia slowed her horse to pull up between them, startling Valen.
"I heard everything. If that's really what you saw in your dream, it means you have to prevent it. When the time comes, do not let your guard down," Livia told Hugo.
"Hmph," Hugo muttered. He looked completely resigned, his shoulders slumped in defeat.
"What you saw is what will happen only if we do nothing to change it. Don't dwell on it, Hugo," Livia added firmly.
"I get it, Livia... but still, I saw it so clearly. And... if I'm being honest... I'm a little scared," Hugo admitted.
"Fine, I understand. If you're truly afraid and don't want to join us in conquering Libelia and fighting the undead army from the north, that's okay. I won't force you," Livia replied.
Hugo looked up to see Livia watching him with a soft, encouraging smile. Her face showed no sign of fear, looking fresh despite riding all night. He also saw Valen leaning forward, her expression practically saying, "You aren't the Hugo I know." Hugo suddenly grinned and slapped both his cheeks hard.
"You're right, Livia. As long as I don't give up, I have nothing to fear. Thank you. And please, don't ask about it again—I'm definitely staying with you, Leon, and Lucia," Hugo said, his cheeks glowing red from the slaps.
"Thank you, Hugo. Now, let's pick up the pace," Livia said.
Livia took off toward the distant city of Knightdom. Hugo and Valen spurred their horses to keep up.
"Hey, Hugo!" Valen yelled over the thundering hooves.
"What?" Hugo shouted back.
"If you're still scared when that war happens, let me stay by your side. I'll protect you!" Valen screamed.
"Huh? What?" Hugo asked, the wind whipping her words away.
"When that war comes... I'll protect you! I'll stay right next to you and knock that axe away, you got it?" Valen yelled at the top of her lungs.
Hugo watched the movement of Valen's lips and understood exactly what she said. He smiled and nodded at her, and she smiled back. They both turned their eyes to the road ahead, racing to catch Livia.
"Maybe I only felt down because I'm short on sleep from riding all night... come on, Hugo, don't lose your nerve... but that fox can actually be pretty sweet... hmm... marrying her wouldn't be so bad after all," Hugo thought to himself, a private smile crossing his face.
They continued to gallop at full speed toward Knightdom, determined not to be late for the assault.
***
Meanwhile, at the same time in the harbor of Hargar, Lucia, Theo, Gwen, Mariana, Lulu, Calvin and Isabel stood on the pier. They waved goodbye to Leon, who was already on his ship, heading for Steelhold with 300 troops and eight warships from the Black Continent.
Once the fleet had sailed far out of the harbor, Theo, Gwen, and Lulu turned to look at Lucia. She stood in their midst, looking absolutely radiant, refreshed, and satisfied. Theo immediately pulled Gwen back a few steps, and Lulu followed.
"Our Queen looks pretty satisfied, doesn't she?" Theo asked.
"Yep... Calvin is more impressive than I thought," Gwen whispered back.
"Sssh... Lucia will hear you," Lulu hissed.
"Don't worry, I heard everything," Lucia replied, her eyes still fixed on the sea.
Theo, Gwen, and Lulu froze and stared at Lucia's back as she watched the fleet disappear into the distance.
"So... sorry, Queen... uh... Lucia," Theo, Gwen, and Lulu stammered in unison.
"It's fine... the truth is, I am satisfied. Now, let's get to the front. Our enemy will be here any moment. Lulu, get your archers in position on the cliffs. Organize the city archers at the inner fortress and have them ready to fire upward. Theo, I want you to lead the troops with me. Gwen, you stay on guard inside the cliffs with Mariana and Isabel... Calvin, you wait in my room," Lucia ordered.
"Understood, Lucia," Theo, Gwen, and Lulu replied.
"Um... do I have to stay in the room? I want to fight too," Calvin said.
Lucia turned to look at Calvin, then smiled and approached him. She kissed him squarely on the lips, causing Mariana to jump in shock. Lucia then wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled.
"I don't want you to get hurt. But if you really want to help, I would be very happy. You can stay with Mariana and Gwen," Lucia replied.
"Alright, thank you," Calvin said.
"Take care of him, Mariana," Lucia said, glancing at the nun.
"O... okay, I understand," Mariana stammered.
"Let's move out," Lucia said.
Without delay, Lucia turned and headed toward the city to exit through the main gates. Calvin watched her from behind, touching his lips.
"I think... I'm in love," Calvin murmured to himself.
Theo, Gwen, Lulu, Mariana and Isabel immediately whipped their heads around to stare at Calvin as if he'd grown two heads. Feeling their intense gaze, Calvin looked down in embarrassment, realizing he had accidentally spoken his thoughts out loud. Theo immediately whispered to Gwen.
"Our Queen's plan worked. He's completely fallen for her," Theo whispered.
"Exactly. This way, no one can use him for a rebellion, and no one will trick him into becoming our enemy... he's safe now, our task is completed," Gwen whispered back.
"So... that was Lucia's plan. Poor Calvin," Mariana remarked.
"Huh... Lady Mariana?" Theo and Gwen jumped in surprise, realizing Mariana was listening in with Isabel behind her.
"Even if this is for the sake of our cause... I still feel bad about manipulating his feelings," Mariana replied.
"I agree...it's cruel," Isabel added.
"Don't worry about it. I'm sure Lucia loves him too. I could see it in her face and the way she kissed him. They love each other, just let it be," Lulu added, having also joined the eavesdropping.
"Hey... why are you all still talking about me? Move it!" Lucia shouted.
The five of them jumped in surprise and ran to catch up with Lucia, while Calvin was already at her side. As they walked together, Theo spoke up.
"Sorry, Lucia, but I have to ask—why are you so sure our enemies are coming?" Theo asked.
"You came here because you saw my lightning, right? I didn't just throw that bolt to call our allies; I used it to call our enemies as well. So come on, let's defend this city," Lucia said.
"Yes, my Queen," Theo, Gwen, Lulu, Mariana, Isabel and Calvin replied, smiles of determination lighting up their faces.