Chapter 5

Chapter 5 – The Attack

On the way home.

After carrying me to the carriage, Lias quickly mounted his own horse.

He really loves horses.

Aidan, perhaps exhausted, slept in the nanny’s arms.

I took a deep breath and steadied myself.

—Now, this was the critical part.

My body was tense with anticipation.

The journey home would take another hour.

Since I remembered the road from earlier, I had a rough idea of the route.

We had already passed the halfway point.

The temple was on the outskirts of town, so the carriage circled along the streets before heading out.

I wasn’t sure if Lias was still following us. Even in the novel, he had separated midway. Perhaps he was gone already.

Still, I had arranged the knights’ positions to the absolute maximum.

Ten in total, surrounding the carriage.

Ideally, I would have brought fifty, but mobilizing more than ten required a lot of paperwork. Armed forces, after all.

Aidan was still asleep.

If nothing happened from here on out…

Suddenly, a violent jolt stopped the carriage.

—It’s happening—!?

A warning whistle sounded. I had instructed the knights to blow it if we were attacked. One of the knights, riding a little distance behind, spurred his horse to call reinforcements to the estate.

I didn’t think that alone would be enough.

“—Lord Orencia, take Aidan.”

“Yes.”

Lord Orencia received Aidan from the trembling nanny and peered out the window.

“How many are there?” I asked.

“The enemies… roughly equal in number, maybe slightly more. Likely bandits, but skilled ones.”

If we fell behind, they would need to charge immediately.

“I don’t understand fighting. I leave judgment to you. Priorities were explained.”

Lord Orencia’s face darkened.

The same expression as when I had instructed him before.

—“I will protect my lady as well.”

I had pressed him firmly.

—“I will rely on other knights for myself. This time, you are Aidan’s knight. You understand the significance, yes?”

He had nodded firmly then. I knew he understood.

“It’s taking longer than expected.”

I swallowed hard at Lord Orencia’s words.

“And my husband?”

“…He does not appear to be here.”

Ah. I see.

“Nanny, secure Aidan with Lord Orencia.”

“Yes, my lady.”

Using the straps the nanny had prepared, Aidan was secured.

At least one hand free to draw a sword. They had trained with weights many times before.

“I never imagined your fears would come to pass.”

“Ha. Truly… Well, follow the plan.”

“Yes, my lady. We will ensure his safety—and yours as well.”

I nodded slowly.

Lord Orencia timed his movement perfectly and leapt from the carriage. I saw him mount his prepared horse from the window.

The remaining knights, all skilled, surrounded the carriage. The attack would not be unopposed. We might make it out.

A thud rattled the carriage.

Immediately, the smell of smoke.

—Fire.

“Nanny! Move!”

“B-but… outside is dangerous…”

“Better than burning alive.”

We stepped out, keeping our bodies low to escape the flaming carriage.

The knights, noticing me, surrounded us to protect us—but the smell was awful.

Clanging metal, shouts, objects toppling, dust.

“My lady, this way!”

I stumbled slightly but followed the knights.

Before me, knights formed a protective line.

White uniforms stained with blood.

No time to think.

I raised my hands, casting healing magic on anyone injured. I was out of the fight myself; this was all I could do.

“—My lady, please, you mustn’t do that for us.”

“Can you still fight? I need you—please.”

These were Pencilnia knights. The enemy should have been easier to handle. But they struggled more than I had imagined.

Overusing healing drained me. My vision swirled.

—Ah… this might be bad.

“My lady—hold on!”

My consciousness faltered.

Hooves clattered.

Reinforcements must have arrived.

Faster than I expected…

I must have lost consciousness.

When I came to, I was being carried—on horseback.

“Ah—!”

I tried to sit up, but my waist was pressed down.

“Dangerous. Please remain calm.”

The horse shook violently. I bit down hard to avoid biting my tongue.

Held tightly, I could maintain posture—barely—but the motion was relentless.

I clung desperately.

Thankfully, it didn’t take long. The horse stopped.

Still weak, I clung to whoever was holding me. They dismounted gracefully, holding me the whole way.

—Lias.

He began walking with me in a horizontal cradle.

The estate. Familiar scenery. Relief flooded through me.

“I… I must have fainted…! —Ah! Aidan!”

“He is safe. The knights ran and brought him; I went to meet him once the situation was understood.”

Thank goodness…

So he had returned ahead and met us at the estate.

He had left us behind so quickly.

“Unbelievable.”

Our eyes met sharply.

“How could you leave us?”

After all, we had been in grave danger. A man famed as the kingdom’s sword—and he hadn’t protected his wife and child?

Lias froze, stiff as stone.

Even his expression had hardened.

Huh? Just a complaint and he’s frozen solid?

“Lias…?”

What if he dropped me out of anger?

I called his name nervously. Lias tightened his grip, then began walking again.

He carried me straight to a room, setting me gently on the sofa.

Even if I had been asked to walk, my legs wouldn’t have obeyed.

After placing me down, he knelt before me.

“—No matter what is said, it cannot be helped. Please forgive me.”

“Huh?”

“For this failure… it is entirely my responsibility.”

He apologized. His face was stern, but the tension showed real regret.

Indeed, he bore responsibility.

But at that moment, I couldn’t think of much else.

Perhaps from horse sickness, my head spun. Thoughts piled, but I felt heavy, nauseous, utterly drained.

“—Ugh.”

I pressed a hand to my mouth.

“My lady!!”

Maia rushed in, horrified by my state.

Was it really that bad?

“Ah, my lord… this is too much…”

She supported my collapsing shoulder. Her soft, sturdy form was comforting.

“My lady… you could barely walk…! Such… such…”

Maia cried too much. I forced a weak voice.

“Maia, don’t cry.”

“I must…”

—Already leaving?

Lias rose fluidly, bowing without flaw.

“You would rather not see me.”

And truly, he departed.

What was that? Sarcasm? Seriousness?

“Ah… I can’t take it.”

Too exhausted.

I lay down on the sofa, unable to move.