Gilbert exchanged glances with Lionel, and together with Count Kelvim and the members of his private army, they headed towards the church where the injured were being brought in, seeking to assess the situation. Approaching them was a member of the clergy, who had been tending to the wounded, wearing a troubled expression.
“The injuries on that individual were not caused by an Undead Beast,” he stated.
“…Is that true?” Lionel asked, his brow furrowing.
“Yes. There was nothing that required purification; only cuts and bruises, as if they had been struck. The leg injury seems to have been sustained from jumping down from a height.”
“Could it be that they fought someone, or perhaps suffered some form of assault and fled?” Gilbert pondered aloud.
“Is it possible to speak with them?” the clergy member inquired.
“They are in a severe state of weakness and have yet to regain consciousness,” came the reply.
A heavy sigh escaped from everyone present.
“…If it wasn’t an Undead Beast, then what could have happened?” Lionel mused.
“The northern checkpoint has been sealed off, but if we head south, there is a much larger commercial checkpoint. That area has always been a hub for northern trade. It is unlikely to be deserted,” Count Kelvim noted.
“Then we should set out first thing in the morning,” Lionel decided.
Count Kelvim nodded at the suggestion from the private army members. He then turned to face Lionel and the others.
“…We have received unsettling news, but for now, we must focus on resolving the immediate issue at hand.”
“Of course. We will wait for more information regarding the situation in Jiemeld,” Lionel agreed.
With determined nods exchanged among them, they set off once more to prepare for the extermination of the Undead Beasts.
As a light rain began to fall, they arrived at a location about half a day’s journey from the town of Kelvim, where a barrier set up by the clergy contained a horde of Undead Beasts. These creatures bore a resemblance to aquatic beings, reminiscent of those that had attacked the settlement.
In the midst of the unsettling uncertainty surrounding Jiemeld’s movements, the morale of the private army members, mercenaries, and clergy was high as they participated in the extermination. Their meticulous preparations paid off, and the Undead Beasts were eradicated much sooner than anticipated.
“…So, Dolf, what is that weapon of Gilbert’s?” Lionel asked, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Dolf, who stood beside him.
Meanwhile, Gilbert was being congratulated by his comrades, reveling in the successful eradication of the Undead Beasts. The battle axe in his hand crackled with small arcs of lightning, glowing faintly against the dim, rainy backdrop.
“Well… did something happen?” Dolf replied, feigning ignorance as he looked away.
“…Well, it’s not something I need to ask, but you could have told me,” Lionel remarked.
“My apologies. Careless words can worsen the situation. Even if it were you, I hesitated to speak of it. …Still, one cannot keep a lid on the truth forever. It will eventually come to light,” Dolf replied.
In the distance, among the jubilant crowd celebrating their victory, many were casting curious or questioning glances at the battle axe Gilbert held. The mercenaries, aware of the circumstances, skillfully diverted the conversation, but it wouldn’t be long before the truth surfaced.
“…Indeed,” Lionel conceded.
His gaze fell upon Gilbert, who was approaching with a proud expression, and a bittersweet smile crept onto Lionel’s face.
“I realize now that in prioritizing the protection of our people and the situation at hand, I overlooked something else that needed safeguarding.”
His voice was low, tinged with regret as he acknowledged his own shortcomings.
“There are limits to what one person can protect. Do not be too hard on yourself,” Dolf offered, attempting to comfort him.
Lionel remained silent in response.
“We still do not know the intentions of His Majesty or the movements of Jiemeld. For now, we must do what we can with our own hands,” Dolf concluded softly.
Finally, Lionel nodded in agreement.
As for Gilbert, he seemed to genuinely believe that Dolf had done something special to the battle axe. When told to leave it be, Lionel could only chuckle. Upon returning to the carriage, he playfully ruffled the hair of his half-brother, who was blissfully unaware and eagerly anticipating the dinner Flora was preparing.
With the safety of the northern Kelvim territory secured, the carriage made its way back to the town where Flora and the others awaited.