As expected, albeit with a mix of unease and anticipation, the letter from the north was indeed from the hero’s party.

…What came as a surprise, however, was the unexpected guest who accompanied it.

“Miss Luke?”

“It’s been a while, Lady Lilith, and Lord Blackwood.”

…I’d heard about the letter, but no one mentioned a guest.

What’s more, it was strange for her to be away from Seraphine. Normally, Luke was practically glued to Seraphine’s side, like an inseparable extra character in every scene.

“Are you here as a messenger?”

“Yes. At Princess Seraphine’s command, I was summoned from the …