The young man stepped forward among the bodies and asked, his voice laced with curiosity and alertness:
—What happened here?
Caín straightened with difficulty, his piercing eyes locking onto him. Anger crackled through every muscle in his face.
—You scared off my prey, you useless brat! What are you doing here?
Before the situation could escalate, Albert stepped forward. With a swift motion, he struck Caín in the stomach with the sheath of his sword, sending him to his knees, gasping.
—I do not tolerate disrespect —Albert said, the firmness in his voice contrasting with the other man's humiliation—. Ignorant or not, I will not allow you to insult my lord.
A tense silence fell over the group, broken only by the sound of approaching hooves. More than two hundred knights surrounded the scene, escorting Lusian. He raised a hand calmly, his presence alone enough to ease the tension.
—Everyone, calm down —he said in a steady voice—. We're just passing through.
Iris let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
—Thank you for coming, Your Grace. You've saved our lives.
Lusian shook his head modestly, his clear eyes reflecting a certain distance, as if unwilling to claim credit.
—I haven't done anything. There's no need to thank me.
But behind that apparent indifference, Lusian was calculating. This was the perfect moment to earn Keitaro's trust—the avenger who had eliminated the cult responsible for his wife's death. However, the chaos and uncertainty diverted his plans.
Emily, worried, looked around and asked, her voice trembling with helplessness:
—What happened here? Why are there so many bodies?
Keitaro stepped in front of Iris, forming a protective barrier driven more by instinct than strategy.
—We don't know —he said, clenching his jaw—. We were only hired to inspect this village because people had gone missing.
Caín slowly got back to his feet, clutching his aching stomach.
—As soon as we arrived, we were attacked by those… things.
Emily turned to Lusian, determined.
—Can we help search for the missing people?
Lusian frowned, evaluating the situation.
—As long as you don't leave this village, it's fine. Adela, accompany Emily during the search.
Emily entered the houses with firm steps and an alert gaze. Adela followed her, and soon Aureus, her canine companion, began scratching insistently at a wall. Curious, they approached and heard the sobbing of several children. After breaking down the wall, they found the young ones hiding, curled up in fear.
Emily knelt down, her eyes gentle and reassuring.
—It's okay, we're here to help you. We won't hurt you.
A little girl, tears streaming down her cheeks, murmured:
—Don't hurt us… we'll do whatever you say.
Emily took her hands gently, conveying safety.
—Everything will be alright. We're here to protect you and find a solution. You don't need to be afraid.
After giving them food and a moment of comfort, Emily brought the children to Lusian and told him what had happened. The little ones explained how men dressed in black had arrived in the village, kidnapping the inhabitants. They had only managed to hide and survive.
With urgency, Emily turned to Lusian:
—We have to help them. Their parents were taken.
Lusian frowned, cautious.
—It's not our responsibility, Emily. This belongs to the king. We must inform Baron Aritz and fulfill our duty.
But Emily did not yield. Her gaze pierced him with conviction.
—Please, we can help them. If we don't rescue their parents, these children will be left alone.
Lusian tried to reason, but his words lacked strength against Emily's resolve:
—Do you understand what you're asking? Men kidnapping people, dark magic… only one group comes to mind. Our trip ends here. We return to Dreville.
Iris stepped in, her eyes shining with determination:
—It is the duty of every noble to help those in need and protect the citizens. Your Excellency will show true greatness by helping these poor souls selflessly.
Lusian looked at her, surprised, weighing the certainty and wisdom in her words. Keitaro stepped forward, shielding Iris with a firm gesture.
—We are humble adventurers, my lord. Forgive my imprudent wife.
Emily supported her words, firm and persuasive:
—But it's true, Lusian. As nobles of the kingdom, it is our duty to help in this situation.
Lusian felt his inexperience against such determination laid bare. Emily's gaze did not ask—it demanded, with justice. Finally, giving in:
—Fine. We'll help with the rescue. But if we face a danger beyond us, we return immediately. Understood?
Emily smiled, relieved, and squeezed his hand gratefully:
—Yes, my lord. Thank you, Lusian.