Crunch, crunch.
The sound of boots on snow echoed as our group walked along the path, the light layer of snow softening each step.

Leading the way was Belle, her dog-like ears perked up, bounding ahead with so much excitement that her movements practically made little "boing boing" noises.

Sometimes she tried to look dignified, but her innocent curiosity took over whenever something interesting caught her eye. She couldn’t hide how much fun she was having.

“Belle, slow down. The others can’t keep up.”

Despite my warning, Belle’s boundless energy didn’t waver. Watching her, I let out a sigh.

If it were just the two of us, I wouldn’t mind her antics. But with the knights following us…

I glanced over my shoulder to check on them.

The Vice Commander and Knight Commander were tense, keeping a cautious eye on Belle’s every move.

Behind them, the knights clung together, their eyes wide with fear, casting anxious glances at Belle.

It wasn’t surprising—they were watching a being who could destroy all of Lontan in mere seconds frolic around as though she had no care in the world.

“Human! Look over there—a tree with a funny shape!”

“…Belle, you’re scaring people.”

“Ehh?”

Belle turned back to look at the knights.

Tilting her head like a confused puppy, she studied their faces, then shifted her gaze back to me with a puzzled expression.

“The humans’ faces look weird, woof.”

Hearing her innocent comment, I barely stopped myself from slapping my forehead.

Was she genuinely clueless, or just pretending not to understand?

“People are worried you might get lost because you’re running around too much. So let’s walk calmly, okay?”

“Hiiing…”

Belle’s expression fell, her ears drooping as she looked down.

I felt a pang of guilt.

She’d been so excited about this “walk,” and now I was taking away her fun.

As I tried to think of a way to make it up to her, Belle suddenly stretched her arms toward me.

“Hmm?”

“Then carry me!”

Huh.

Was this her way of making up for the lack of freedom? For a dog-like deity, she sure knew how to get the most out of every situation.

“Alright, come here,” I said with a resigned sigh.

After all, the others already saw her as some kind of bizarre, otherworldly entity. What harm could it do?

Though carrying her felt a little like abandoning my dignity, I remembered Grandfather’s advice not to create unnecessary grievances and decided to go along with it.

With that, I scooped Belle up into a princess carry.

Even though she looked human, her canine traits seemed to extend to her weight. She felt surprisingly light.

“Aah, Senior Tantan is sacrificing himself for the mission!”

“His bravery must not go to waste—we cannot fail this mission!”

…Well, I’d expected some reaction, but I hadn’t anticipated cheers.

They were treating me like some self-sacrificing hero, which left me feeling a little flustered.

Still, I suppose it was better than complaining. Maybe I could use this as leverage to get the Vice Commander to buy me dinner later.

…Belle’s panting seemed to grow heavier.

She looked happy, though, so I decided to just let it be.

+++++

Belle, nestled in my arms, excitedly pointed the way with her paw-like hand as we trudged through the snow. We followed her guidance without hesitation.

At first glance, it seemed like she was leading us deeper into a secluded area, but faint traces of footprints confirmed that someone had passed through here.

The area was dangerous, potentially the territory of a deity who wouldn’t take kindly to intruders. Coupled with the Hunter followers’ enhanced senses, it made sense why they’d choose this route to evade detection.

“They must’ve come this far to avoid the knights’ patrols. Cunning bastards. No wonder we couldn’t find them no matter how thoroughly we searched,” the Vice Commander muttered, exasperated.

The situation felt bizarre. Why were they risking their lives to forge alliances, and what could they possibly hope to gain?

Even I couldn’t make sense of it.

This level of cooperation reminded me of the large-scale bandit invasion we faced before, but the circumstances were entirely different now.

Back then, they had a valid reason—rumors of the Knight Commander’s incapacitation gave them enough justification.

But now the Commander had regained his memories, and the Hunters were stronger than ever.

What on earth were they planning?

“We’re almost there, woof!”

Belle, still playful despite the tension, wriggled out of my arms. I set her down, and she darted off without a sound.

“Let’s follow her,” I said.

The knights immediately tensed, assuming combat stances. I waved them off, pointing in Belle’s direction and leading the way.

They’re the ones who kept calling me the “expert trainer,” yet here they were, looking ready to bolt at the slightest provocation.

As we moved, I felt a faint warmth in the air—a soothing heat that eased the mind.

It wasn’t natural. It had to be from the fires bandits used to keep warm.

Ahead, Belle crouched behind a rock, staring intently at something. I crept up behind her, keeping my presence as quiet as possible.

Peeking over her shoulder, I finally spotted them—the bandits.

Gathered around a fire, they huddled close, whispering conspiratorially.

The distance made it impossible to catch their words, but that didn’t matter.

Because I wasn’t the only one with ears.

Belle’s ears perked up, twitching as she focused on their conversation.

“Tantan,” the Knight Commander whispered, stepping close.

“Shh,” I hissed, signaling for silence. He nodded and relayed the message to the rest of the group.

I tapped Belle’s shoulder, and she turned to me, her ears twitching. Using my fingers, I mimicked tapping my head, signaling her to telepathically share what she heard.

Belle nodded and turned back toward the bandits.

「They’re complaining a lot, woof. Especially about humans. They’re badmouthing you the most, woof.」

I sighed.

It seemed like they were taking a break from scheming to vent.

Poor timing for us.

Still, why me?

I’d only ever directly harmed bandits during the conflict with Candle or the Knight Commander’s rescue.

The grumbling left a bitter taste in my mouth.

“What are they saying?” the Knight Commander asked.

“…Apparently, they’re badmouthing me,” I replied.

“Eh?”

The Knight Commander made an odd noise, visibly taken aback.

Well, sure. Even during planning sessions, soldiers occasionally vented about their enemies—or their comrades.

I waited for Belle to pick up more, but her ears suddenly twitched violently.

「Woof?! Human, we need to move! Now!」

Before I could fully process her warning, I instinctively grabbed the Knight Commander and Vice Commander and leaped back.

A deafening explosion shattered the air.

BOOM!

Thankfully, only Belle, the Commander, the Vice Commander, and I had been close to the rock, sparing us any injuries.

But the good news ended there.

“Are you alright?!”

I quickly checked on the Commander and Vice Commander, who nodded to confirm they were unharmed. I rose to my feet, turning to assess the situation.

The bandits had spotted us.

They aimed their weapons, ready for combat.

It seemed the Hunter followers had sniffed us out long before, allowing them to prepare.

Wait…

Did they know we were here the whole time?

And still had the audacity to trash-talk me?!

I clenched my fists in irritation.

“There’s a Watcher!” one bandit shouted, pointing at Belle.

The others recoiled in visible pain, collapsing to their knees.

Belle’s oppressive presence, warped by the Second Princess’s power, caused severe psychological distress to humans, rendering them incapacitated.

“Above their heads! Swing your weapons above their heads!”

At the barked order of the strangest-looking bandit, the largest among them swung his weapon over their heads.

A strange snapping sound echoed, and the bandits quickly recovered, regaining their composure.

How…?

How did they know that?

Even Hunters would have trouble discovering such specific information.

The odd-looking one had to be a Hunter follower.

“It seems a fight is unavoidable,” the Knight Commander said, drawing his weapon.

“Knights! Charge!”

“AAAAAH!”

At his command, the knights surged forward, rushing toward the bandits.

I followed close behind, ready to strike when someone gently grabbed my shoulder.

Turning, I found Muyeon, her face slightly flushed.

Now? What could she possibly want in the middle of this chaos?

“Tantan,” she said, her tone oddly firm. “Will you grant me a request?”

Pressed for time, I nodded hurriedly, urging her to get to the point.

What she said next froze me in place.

“When this battle is over… I’ll confess my feelings to you. Be ready for it!”

And with that, she darted toward the fight, leaving me stunned.

Wait.

What?!

That’s a death flag, you idiot!

Panicking, I bolted after her, determined to keep her alive at all costs.