Ten days had passed since Léon Benning's death.

The aftermath of the battle progressed, not quickly but steadily. Identifying and recovering the dead and injured proved arduous and meticulous. Despite the complexity, First Princess Michelle Loire personally oversaw every detail, ensuring no one was neglected. Only after all the fallen were laid to rest in their graves was an official memorial service held.

“…He was a knight of noble purpose, and his unwavering commitment demonstrated his loyalty to the kingdom and its king. He was an exemplar of selflessness, a model of true knighthood who gave his life for his comrades and country.”

Michelle’s voice was calm as she read the eulogy, though her red-rimmed eyes betrayed the toll of the tragedy. Tears had stained her face, and for good reason. Seventy-eight knights, 522 soldiers, and 131 other palace staff had perished in the chaos orchestrated by Léon Benning. Forced to confront the sheer number of lives lost, Michelle wept.

“The forty knights who gave their lives alongside him will forever be remembered as the protectors of this kingdom.”

With those solemn words, Michelle concluded the eulogy. The sky, in a cruel jest, was clear and bright. No snow, no clouds marred the expanse above. Steam escaped from the mouths of those gathered, resembling the spirits of the dead lingering briefly in the frigid air before dispersing on the wind. Though the crowd was silent, the occasional glint of a tear being wiped away could be seen.

Nearby, Charlotte and Dennis struggled to stifle their sobs, their throats tight with suppressed grief.

“….”

Christine observed them with a downcast expression, wanting to offer words of comfort but unable to find the right ones. Instead, she lifted her gaze and met Theodora’s eyes. A moment of awkward silence passed before Theodora averted her gaze.

The mourners turned as a commander of the knights, clad in black, stepped forward. His face was obscured by a deeply drawn hat.

“In salute to Vice Commander Aaron Cisse and the forty knights, attention!”

There was no rallying cry. The commander’s voice cracked as he gave the order, and dozens of knights raised their hands in a final salute to their fallen comrades.

Theodora’s thoughts lingered on the members of the Black Crow Knights who had perished. She silently recited their names in her heart. A low note from a trumpet sounded, resonating through the solemn air.

“Do you truly have to leave, Louis?”

Michelle’s question was met with a firm nod from Louis, his demeanor resolute. He looked like a man whose spirit had been emptied in exchange for fleeting peace. Beside him, several knights of the Second Guard, disguised as adventurers, loaded provisions onto horses. Behind Michelle, Count Agon and the Border Marquis observed the scene from a distance.

“The public sentiment isn’t favorable, Michelle. Staying in the palace would only hinder your path forward.”

Due to the smear campaign orchestrated by Léon Benning, Louis’s reputation had been irreparably tarnished. To the citizens, he was no longer a legitimate heir but an illegitimate son of a concubine, painted as a disgrace who had sought the throne by threatening his siblings.

“It’s made your ascent to the throne much smoother, at least,” Louis said with a bitter smile.

Michelle hesitated, unable to refute his words.

“I’m not leaving the kingdom forever,” Louis continued. “But until you secure your authority, it’s better that I stay away. Who knows what parasites might latch onto me or what snakes might whisper in your ear to have me eliminated?”

He glanced at the knights preparing to follow him and shook his head in exasperation.

“They don’t need to come. If it’s discovered that you assigned knights to protect me, it’ll only cause trouble for you.”

“I can’t concede on this point. Besides, those knights have sworn their lives to serve you faithfully. How can I dismiss them so easily?”

Michelle’s tone was as obstinate as a younger sister throwing a tantrum at her elder brother. Louis chuckled and patted her head, causing her to flinch at the unexpected warmth.

“Thank you for your consideration,” he said softly.

Michelle still seemed disgruntled, her lips pressed into a thin line. Louis sighed.

“And, Michelle, I want you to know I’m not leaving simply because I’m being pushed out. There are things I want to do, places I want to see—especially with this.”

Louis’s hand rested on the hilt of a simple iron sword at his hip. It wasn’t a royal blade or a masterpiece forged by a renowned artisan, but a common weapon issued to foot soldiers. Michelle frowned at the sight.

“Maxime put strange ideas into your head,” she muttered.
“That strange idea saved my life, you know.”
“True, but still…”

Michelle trailed off, her brow furrowing. Something about Louis’s words struck her as odd.

“Louis, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you refer to someone as ‘that fellow’ before.”

Louis raised an eyebrow.
“I have friends I can speak casually about, you know.”
“I’m not sure Maxime would see it that way.”

Michelle’s mischievous remark earned a laugh from Louis. Unable to resist, she joined in, their laughter ringing out unrestrained and clear.

“I’m sorry, Michelle,” Louis said, his mirth fading into a quiet apology.
“There’s nothing for you to apologize for,” she replied firmly. “And since you’ll return eventually, it doesn’t make sense to act like this is a final goodbye.”

Fair enough.

Louis chuckled again, turning to glance at the open western gate of the capital. Beyond it, the road stretched endlessly. With a practiced motion, he mounted his horse, no longer the novice rider he had once been.

“At least write to me from time to time,” Michelle called after him.
“I will,” Louis promised, giving her a nod.

No further words were exchanged. They didn’t need to be. Each knew what the other wanted to say, but voicing it would only make parting more difficult.

“Time to go,” Louis said. Michelle reluctantly handed him the reins she had been holding.

“Give my regards to Maxime and the others in the Second Guard.”
“…I will. Travel safely.”

Louis spurred his horse into motion. Michelle turned away, unwilling to watch him leave. The clatter of hooves grew distant, followed by the softer rhythm of two more riders trailing behind.

In the cemetery, Theodora lingered among the graves. Nearby, Dennis and Charlotte stood in silence. Dennis broke it first, his voice choked with emotion.

“Thank you, Theodora.”

Charlotte kept her head bowed, unable to meet anyone’s gaze. Dennis wrapped an arm around her shoulders, his touch steadying her.

“I’ve lost comrades before, but the vice commander… It feels like I’m saying goodbye to a part of myself.”
“I didn’t know him well,” Theodora admitted, “but I could see he was an exceptional knight.”
“He was. Not as single-minded as the commander, but easily one of the most admirable knights I’ve ever known.”

Dennis sighed, his gaze drifting to the skeletal branches of a tree standing sentinel over the graves. A breeze stirred the air, making the tree shiver.

The memorial came to a quiet close. Theodora exchanged brief words with acquaintances before turning her attention to a lone figure standing in the distance.

Clad in black, with striking white accents on her mask and hair, the woman stood silently. She didn’t seem sad, merely contemplative.

“…Hello,” Theodora said softly, making her presence known.

The masked woman lifted her head, and her deep blue eyes locked onto Theodora’s.