EPISODE 5

EPISODE 

Third Person's Point of View 

Under the clear morning sky, with the clock having just passed seven o’clock, forty-nine warriors marched along the broad road that stretched through the heart of the marketplace. 

As they passed, the townspeople greeted them with courtesy and respect. 

Some offered polite bows, while others smiled and stepped aside to make way for the group. Store owners standing at the entrances of their shops paused from their work to acknowledge the warriors, recognizing them as protectors of the town. Their presence naturally drew attention, yet none of the warriors seemed interested in the admiration they received.

Instead, all eyes were fixed on the woman leading them.

A few paces ahead walked Angelicca.

She moved with calm confidence as she continued forward without slowing her pace. 

None of the warriors knew exactly where she was taking them.

Walking beside Jace, Linox finally voiced the question that had been weighing heavily on his mind.

His expression turned serious, and his brows furrowed with concern as he glanced.

“Sir, were you able to ask Miss Angelica where she intends to take all of us?” Linox asked in a low but earnest voice.

Several nearby warriors subtly listened for Jace's response.

“We'll find out sooner or later,” Jace replied. “I've actually been curious about it for quite some time now.”

As they continued their conversation, Kaiser's expression immediately changed at the mention of Angelicca's name. A nervous chuckle escaped his lips as he rubbed the back of his neck.

“Speaking of her,” he said with a laugh. “It's honestly terrifying to make a mistake around Miss Angelicca.”

“...no offense, but I'd rather be ordered around by the high-ranking commanders than herself,” Kaiser continued. “She's a full-blooded Severian. That's already enough reason for me to stay on my best behavior.”

His laughter faded as he recalled a recent incident. “Just look at the condition of one of our fellow soldiers,” he added. “He's still lying in the infirmary. The guy can't even move his neck properly, and several of his bones are broken. That's how badly he ended up.”

"She looks harmless enough as long as you don't trigger her,” Jace replied casually.

“I think Miss Angelicca is actually a kind person,” he added.

Kaiser stared at him as though he had just heard something unbelievable.

“A kind person?” he repeated incredulously.

Jace merely shrugged.

“I don't think so,” Kaiser replied, letting out a nervous laugh again. “I'm still scared of her, honestly. I just hope this is the last mission she'll personally assign to us because working under her feels incredibly stressful.”

“Your perspective is the complete opposite of mine, bro.” Linox casually slung an arm around Kaiser's shoulders as a grin spread across his face.

“Miss Angelicca is unbelievably beautiful.”

His eyes practically sparkled as he spoke.

“Seriously, have you looked at her properly? Even when she's wearing men's clothing or warrior outfits, she still looks amazing. In fact, I think it makes her look even cooler.”

Linox shook his head in admiration. “There's something fierce about her beauty. It's hard to explain. She's elegant, intimidating, and attractive all at the same time.”

He chuckled to himself before continuing.

“If you ask me, she's the one we should be serving instead of the commanders. Damian was right... Working becomes a lot more enjoyable when a beautiful woman is around, don't you think?”

“Of course, that's what you'd focus on.”

Ignoring the remark, Linox nudged Jace with his elbow and flashed him a mischievous grin.

“Am I right, Sir Jace?” he asked teasingly.

The group's attention immediately shifted toward Jace.

As the conversation continued, the group's attention gradually drifted toward Angelicca.

Almost simultaneously, they stole glances at the woman who was still walking several paces ahead of them. A noticeable distance separated her from the rest of the group.

For a brief moment, they watched her in silence.

Then, to their surprise, Angelicca suddenly turned her head.

Caught red-handed, everyone quickly averted their eyes and faced forward as though they had never been looking at her in the first place. Some straightened their posture, while others pretended to be focused on the road ahead. Their movements were so abrupt and synchronized that they might have looked suspicious to anyone paying close attention.

An awkward silence settled over them as they continued walking.

Fortunately, Angelicca only glanced in their direction for a moment before returning her attention to the path ahead. Without a word, she continued leading the way as if nothing unusual had happened.

Only after she looked away did the others allow themselves to relax.

A few of them quietly cleared their throats, attempting to recover from the brief moment of panic.

“See?” Kaiser said in a low voice.

He let out a nervous chuckle and shook his head.

“That's exactly what I'm talking about. Her gaze is always so sharp. Every time she looks at us, it feels like she could cut us down alive.”

Kaiser lowered his voice even further before continuing.

“And I've heard stories about her,” he added. “Apparently, she's already killed a lot of warriors.”

“You should be more impressed by the information I found out,” Jace said calmly. “Miss Angelicca has apparently killed a large number of werewolves. That's what I find truly remarkable about her. Honestly, that's more than enough reason for me not to hesitate to remain under her command.”

The group continued their journey, their footsteps echoing softly along the road.

As they walked from one destination to another, Angelicca remained the center of their conversation. The warriors exchanged stories, rumors, and personal opinions about the woman leading them. Some spoke of her overwhelming strength, while others discussed the tales they had heard regarding her exploits in battle.

Before long, they arrived at their next destination.

Without wasting any time, the warriors resumed their assigned duties. Each member of the group quickly settled into their work, carrying out the responsibilities they had been given. Having already visited several locations throughout the day, they moved with efficiency.

Hours passed as they traveled from place to place.

Eventually, they reached the final stop on their route, a tailor's shop.

The modest establishment stood among the neighboring buildings, its front adorned with neatly displayed fabrics and finished garments. Through the windows, bolts of colorful cloth could be seen stacked along shelves, while various sewing tools occupied the worktables inside.

As the others remained outside or attended to their own assignments, Jace accompanied Miss Angelicca into the shop.

Without hesitation, he followed her through the doorway and into the tailor's establishment, curious about the purpose of their visit and prepared to assist her if necessary.

The small bell above the entrance chimed softly as they stepped inside. 

“Good day, Madame!” the young seamstress greeted cheerfully the moment Angelicca entered the shop. A bright smile spread across her face as she hurried over to welcome her customer. “Your timing is perfect! I've just finished all the sets of clothes and undergarments you commissioned from me!”

“That's good to hear,” Angelicca replied. “I'm glad everything was completed on the agreed date.”

“Of course!” the young woman said proudly. “Just give me a moment. I want to double-check everything one last time!"

Angelicca gave a small nod.

The seamstress immediately disappeared into the back of the shop, eager to make sure every item was accounted for before handing over the order.

While waiting, Angelicca allowed her gaze to wander around the tailor's shop.

Shelves lined the walls, filled with neatly folded fabrics in various colors and textures. Rolls of cloth occupied one corner of the room, while sewing tools and unfinished garments rested atop several worktables.

Near one side of the shop stood a wooden display rack adorned with beautiful dresses.

The garments varied in color and design. Some were crafted from soft pastel fabrics, while others featured rich, vibrant shades that immediately caught the eye. Decorative embroidery shimmered subtly beneath the light, showcasing the seamstress's remarkable craftsmanship.

For a brief moment, Angelicca found herself looking at the collection.

Standing nearby, Jace noticed where her attention had settled.

Following her gaze, he looked toward the colorful dresses hanging on display before turning back to her.

“Are you planning to buy one?” he asked.

There was genuine curiosity in his voice.

“No,” Angelicca replied without hesitation. “I’m not particularly fond of wearing clothes like these.”

Her gaze lingered briefly on the colorful dresses hanging before her.

“I still prefer wearing men's garments."

As she spoke, her fingers brushed lightly against the soft fabric of one of the dresses. 

“I think any outfit would suit you, Miss Angelicca,” Jace said respectfully.

For a brief moment, Angelicca glanced at him.

Before either of them could continue the conversation, an energetic voice suddenly echoed from the back of the shop.

“Madame! The ten boxes are ready! I've already double-checked everything!”

The young seamstress emerged from one of the rooms, her face bright with satisfaction.

Moments later, several other female tailors followed behind her. Each woman carried a large box in her arms, moving carefully as they transported the finished order into the main area of the shop.

The boxes were neatly arranged on the floor.

There were ten in total.

The sight immediately caught Jace's attention.

Without wasting any time, he turned toward his comrades and called them over to assist.

At his signal, the other warriors immediately stepped forward.

They lifted the heavy box, adjusted their grip, secured the boxes properly, and carried them with disciplined efficiency, ensuring that nothing would be damaged during transport.

Once everything had been accounted for and securely loaded, the group completed their final transaction with the tailor’s shop. The seamstresses bid them farewell, still visibly satisfied with the successful delivery of their work.

Shortly after, the warriors exited the establishment.

The road ahead stretched, leading them toward their next destination.

As they traveled, Jace gently urged his horse forward until he was riding beside  Angelicca. Maintaining a respectful distance, he matched her pace so he could speak without disrupting their formation.

“Miss Angelicca,” he called out politely. “Do we still have any stops left at the market?”

Without turning her head fully, Angelicca responded in a calm, composed voice. “No,” she said simply. “We will head straight to the village.”

Jace gave a small nod in acknowledgment.

“I understand,” he replied.

“I’ll go ahead of you. Just follow the trail.”

Without waiting for a response, she gave a light flick of the reins attached to her horse.

The stallion beneath her immediately reacted.

With a powerful snort and a surge of energy, the horse broke into a swift gallop, hooves striking the ground with increasing speed as it surged forward. Dust and loose earth scattered behind them as the animal accelerated, carrying Angelicca farther down the path in a matter of moments.

Within seconds, her figure began to shrink in the distance.

The group of warriors watched in silence as she steadily became a small silhouette against the road ahead.

Kaiser squinted slightly as he observed her disappearing form.

“A village?” he repeated, turning to the others with a faintly puzzled expression. “Are we heading to the Severia Clan’s village?”

Jace, still watching the trail Angelicca had left behind, gave a small nod.

“Probably,” he replied calmly. “It seems that way.”

Without further argument, the warriors adjusted their horses and began following the path she had taken.

The trail they followed was easy to recognize, clearly marked by the passage of a single horse. However, as they continued forward, the ground became noticeably softer and more uneven. In certain areas, the soil was damp and slightly muddy, bearing the distinct impressions of Angelicca’s horse hooves.

The deeper they traveled, the more the terrain shifted from well-trodden road to a more rugged and less maintained path.

Eventually, their journey led them upward.

The trail gradually inclined into a higher stretch of land, forcing the horses to slow slightly as they climbed. The sound of hooves against dirt and stone.

When they finally reached the top of the elevated path, the group came to a natural halt.

The warriors pulled on their reins, causing their horses to slow and settle into place.

A brief silence followed.

Then, almost in unison, each of them lifted their gaze forward.

What they saw from the elevated vantage point caused them to pause completely.

The view before them stretched far beyond the trail they had been following, revealing a wider landscape that had been hidden from sight until now. Whatever lay ahead immediately captured their attention, leaving them momentarily silent as they took in the sight unfolding before them.

“Wait a minute…”

Jace’s voice dropped into a low murmur as he narrowed his eyes, carefully studying the distant landscape ahead. His gaze sharpened with recognition. The further he looked, the more certain he became that he had seen this place before.

“This place… feels familiar,” he said.

A faint unease crept into his expression as he continued observing the horizon.

Beside him, Linox followed his gaze and quickly reached his own conclusion.

“Yeah,” Linox replied after a brief pause. “This is the abandoned village, right?”

The mention of the abandoned village immediately shifted the atmosphere among the group.

Kaiser frowned slightly, his earlier casualness replaced by a more serious expression as he looked ahead.

“What is Miss Angelicca doing in a place like this?” he asked.

Jace did not answer immediately.

Instead, his eyes remained fixed on the distant ruins as pieces of the situation slowly aligned in his mind. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, “Let’s find out,” he said seriously. “But I already have a rough idea of why she’s here.”

Without further delay, the group urged their horses forward once more.

The sound of hooves resumed, echoing faintly as they continued along the trail that led toward the abandoned village. The warriors exchanged brief glances, their expressions tightening as they approached the outskirts of the settlement.

 Jace allowed his gaze to drift across the settlement before them.

What once might have been a functioning village now stood in a state of deep neglect. The buildings were weathered and worn, their structures barely holding together. Many of the walls were cracked or partially collapsed, exposing the faded brickwork beneath. Roofs sagged under years of damage and decay, with several completely missing sections that left the interiors open to the sky. 

Despite its ruined appearance, it was not completely empty.

As the group continued forward, movement suddenly caught their attention.

From between the broken paths and damaged houses, a group of children began running toward them. They were noticeably thin, their small frames showing signs of hardship, yet their steps were quick and full of energy as they hurried closer without hesitation.

Their faces lit up with excitement as they approached.

“Yay! Angel is here!”

“Angel is hereeeeeee!”

“She’s baccck!”

As the group continued deeper into the village, more residents became visible.

Among them were individuals with various physical conditions. Some with visible disabilities, others weakened by age or illness, yet despite their circumstances, many of them wore broad, sincere smiles. They turned their heads to follow the group’s movement, their eyes filled with recognition and something that resembled gratitude.

Elderly villagers, struggled out of the dilapidated homes. Some leaned on walking sticks or supported themselves against crumbling doorframes, just to catch a glimpse of the approaching carriage and riders.

There was something almost ritualistic in the way they gathered to look.

As if the arrival they were witnessing was not an ordinary visit, but something they had been waiting for.

“This is worse than I expected…”

Marti’s voice dropped into an uneasy tone as his eyes slowly scanned the surroundings of the abandoned village. The more he observed the broken homes, the frail residents, and the overall decay of the settlement, the more unsettled he became. A nervous laugh slipped from him shortly after, but it did little to hide the discomfort behind it.

“So this is where people from different clans end up being dumped… It’s pitiful,” he muttered.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if even discarded warriors ended up here,” Marti added after a moment.

Kaiser let out a slow breath, his expression hardening as he listened.

“You’re not wrong,” he said bluntly.

His eyes remained forward as they continued moving through the village, taking in the sight of its struggling inhabitants.

“The leaders don’t like wasting resources... money, time, or effort... on people who’ve already fallen behind in life.”

“Let’s just find Miss Angelicca,” Jace said in a calm, composed voice.

After several minutes of travel, they finally caught sight of Angelicca's familiar figure in the distance. Even before they could get any closer, the warriors were greeted by the sound of high-pitched, energetic voices carried by the wind.

The excited shouts of children echoed throughout the area, creating a lively atmosphere that immediately drew their attention.

“Welcome back, Angel!”

“We missed you!”

“What gifts did you bring us this time?!”

The children's voices rang out one after another, overlapping in their excitement. Some waved their arms enthusiastically while others jumped up and down, eager to catch her attention. Their faces were filled with joy and anticipation, as though they had been waiting for this very moment since her departure.

The warriors slowed their pace, their eyes instinctively settling on Angelicca's back as she stood facing the crowd of children. 

“Don't worry,” she replied with a reassuring smile in her voice. “Everyone will get a share. The carriage is already here.”

At her words, the children's excitement intensified. Their eyes immediately lit up as they turned toward the approaching carriage.

Slowly, Angelicca turned around to face them.

The moment she did, the warriors finally caught sight of the bright, radiant smile gracing her lips. 

It was a smile so warm and unexpectedly captivating that, for a brief moment, they all fell silent. Mounted on their steadily moving horses, they found themselves staring at her, momentarily forgetting everything else around them.

The lively atmosphere seemed to fade into the background as her smile drew their attention.

"Damn..." Kaiser muttered under his breath, unable to hide his amazement.

Beside him, Jace stiffened. 

He quickly cleared his throat, forcing himself to look away as if trying to regain his composure. Without saying a word, he urged his stallion forward, causing the powerful horse to move ahead of the others at a faster pace.

A few moments later, he pulled on the reins and brought the stallion to a halt. In one smooth motion, he dismounted, his boots landing firmly on the ground.

Meanwhile, Angelicca began walking toward him.

The cheerful laughter of the children continued to echo throughout the area, their excited giggles filling the air and adding warmth to the scene. 

“Jace, take the pastries and candies out of the boxes. Help me hand them out to the children,” Angelicca said softly, her gentle voice carrying a warmth that immediately drew everyone's attention.

“We can take care of it,” Jace replied without hesitation. Angelicca glanced at him for a moment before giving a brief nod of approval.

As soon as she agreed, Jace turned to his comrades and began issuing instructions. The warriors quickly moved toward the carriage, where several boxes had been stored during their journey. Working together, they carefully carried the boxes outside and placed them in an open area where the children could gather.

The moment the children realized that treats were being distributed, excitement spread among them like wildfire. Despite their enthusiasm, they obediently formed a long, straight line, waiting patiently for their turn. Some children bounced on their feet with excitement, while others whispered happily to their friends about the pastries and candies they were about to receive 

The warriors opened the boxes, revealing the colorful assortment of sweets and freshly baked pastries inside. 

While helping hand out, they noticed that they were no longer surrounded by children alone. Several elderly villagers had begun approaching from nearby houses and pathways. Men and women of different ages slowly gathered around the area, drawn by the cheerful commotion.

The older villagers stood at a respectful distance, their weathered faces softened by warm smiles as they watched the children. Some exchanged conversations with one another, while others simply observed in silence.

“Miss Angelicca, these children seem very obedient,” Jace remarked in a formal tone as he came to a stop beside her, making sure to maintain a respectful distance. His gaze drifted toward the long line of children waiting patiently for their turn.

“Just look at them,” he continued, a faint smile appearing on his face. “They formed a line without us even having to tell them what to do. It seems you've been doing this for quite some time. They're remarkably disciplined.”

Angelicca followed his gaze and observed the children. 

“Yeah,” she replied with a small nod. “This has been part of my routine for years. I'm only continuing the duty my father once carried out.”

Jace slowly nodded in understanding.

“That explains it,” he said thoughtfully.

As his eyes wandered across the crowd, however, he noticed something that caught his attention. Most of the children appeared healthy and energetic, but a handful stood out from the rest. Their bodies were noticeably thinner, and there was a certain frailty in their appearance that contrasted sharply with the healthier children around them.

“I noticed something,” Jace said after a brief pause, his expression growing more serious. “Some of the children seem rather thin. Not all of them, but a few look different from the others.”

He narrowed his eyes slightly as he continued observing.

“I'm guessing they only recently moved here,” he added.

“Yes, actually,” Angelicca said. “It's truly heartwarming to see children who were once confined to their beds now running around full of energy.”

She then turned her head and met Jace's gaze.

“Would you like to see the people under my care?” she asked.

“Of course,” Jace replied politely without hesitation.

Before leaving, Angelicca turned her attention to the warriors and recruits who were still busy unloading the remaining provisions.

“Make sure every household receives their proper share of the rations,” she instructed firmly. “Distribute everything fairly and don't leave anyone out.”

The warriors immediately acknowledged her order and returned to their tasks. Without delay, the recruits began organizing the supplies and delivering them throughout the village. Some carried sacks of food, while others loaded boxes onto small carts to make the distribution easier.

Satisfied that everything was under control, Angelicca motioned for Jace to follow her.

Together, they left the bustling gathering behind and walked deeper into the village. As they moved along the dirt pathways, several villagers greeted Angelicca with smiles and respectful nods. She responded kindly to each one, clearly familiar with everyone they passed.

After several minutes, they arrived in front of a large house situated near the quieter edge of the settlement.

Jace instinctively slowed his steps.

“These are the ones we rescued who were in critical condition.”

Angelicca's voice grew noticeably more serious as she stood beside Jace at the entrance of the building. They remained near the wide-open sliding door, where the interior of the large house was fully visible before them.

Jace found himself unable to respond immediately.

His eyes slowly traveled across the spacious room, taking in row after row of beds neatly arranged inside. Occupying those beds were patients of various ages, each bearing visible signs of illness, injury, or prolonged suffering. Some lay quietly beneath blankets.

The atmosphere was vastly different from the lively scene outside.

“These are survivors of abuse,” Angelicca continued softly. “Most of them suffered severe physical and psychological trauma. Their cases are often the most difficult to treat.”

Jace's expression darkened.

As Jace silently observed the room, something else caught his attention.

The moment Angelicca stepped inside, the atmosphere subtly changed.

Patients who had appeared tired moments earlier suddenly brightened. Several smiled warmly at her. Others raised their hands in greeting despite their weakness. Some called out her name softly.

“Miss Angelicca!”

“Good afternoon, Miss Angel!”

“You came back!”

Warm greetings echoed throughout the room from different directions. Despite their suffering, the patients' faces lit up with genuine happiness at seeing her again.

Angelicca responded to each greeting with a gentle smile too, speaking to them by name whenever she could.

Jace watched quietly from behind.

The respect he already felt for her continued to grow.

Eventually, Angelicca made her way toward one of the beds near the far side of the room.

Lying there was a young boy who appeared to be around twelve years old.

The sight immediately caused Jace's chest to tighten.

The child was alarmingly thin, so thin that his bones were visible beneath his pale skin. His face was gaunt, and his body seemed far too fragile for someone his age. Even the simple act of breathing appeared to require effort.

A weak smile slowly formed on his lips.

“Miss Angel...” the boy whispered softly.

His voice was barely audible.

“I've been waiting for your visit... I'm glad you're here again...”

Before he could continue, a faint cough escaped his lips. His frail body trembled slightly from the effort, and he struggled to regain his breath.

Without hesitation, Angelicca sat beside his bed and gently placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Reaching out carefully, she brushed a few strands of hair away from his forehead before gently stroking it with tenderness.

“Later, some warriors will come here,” Angelicca said softly. “I'll have them bring ready-to-eat meals for all of you.”

“You really didn't have to go through all that trouble,” he replied in a faint voice. “We're already happy whenever you come to visit us... even when you don't bring anything.”

A gentle but firm smile crossed Angelicca's lips.

“That won't do,” she said. “You need proper food to regain your strength. So you'll accept it, alright?”

The boy managed a small smile before giving a weak nod.

From several steps away, Jace continued observing the exchange.

He remained silent, choosing not to interrupt.

The more he watched Angelicca interact with the patients, the more he began to understand why everyone in the facility looked at her with such affection. .

After spending a few more moments with the boy, Angelicca rose from her seat and moved to the next bed.

She made her way through the room patiently.

At each bedside, she stopped to check on the patients personally. She asked about their condition, listened attentively to their concerns, and offered words of encouragement whenever she could. Some patients eagerly shared stories of small improvements in their recovery, while others simply smiled at her presence.

Then Jace noticed something.

Several women dressed in simple working clothes approached after being summoned by Angelicca. They appeared to be the shelter's caregivers and attendants, women who helped look after the patients on a daily basis.

“Please gather for a moment,” Angelicca called

The women quickly responded and assembled near her.

“This is the budget for this week, including the emergency fund,” Angelicca said as she retrieved a small leather pouch from her bag and handed it to an elderly woman standing among the caregivers. “Is there anything left from the funds I gave you last week?”

The elderly woman accepted the pouch with both hands, treating it with great care before nodding respectfully.

“Yes, Miss,” she replied. “Very little of it was spent. We still have most of the remaining funds.”

A look of relief crossed Angelicca's face.

“Good,” she said with a satisfied nod. “That's good to hear.”

One of the younger female caregivers hesitated before speaking, “Miss, have there been any new rescues today?”

“For now, none,” Angelicca answered. “I'll try to travel later if I finish my work here early.”

The caregivers nodded in understanding.

The discussion continued for several more minutes as Angelicca reviewed expenses, supplies, and patient needs with the caregivers. She listened attentively to every concern and offered instructions whenever necessary.

Eventually, the meeting came to an end.

The women dispersed to return to their duties, while Angelicca remained standing for a moment to ensure everything had been addressed.

Only then did she turn and walk back toward where Jace was waiting.

Jace straightened slightly as she approached. He cleared his throat, releasing a formal yet slightly stiff cough as he gathered his thoughts. 

“I never imagined you were this busy,” he said at last.

His gaze lingered on the rows of patients and caregivers moving throughout the facility.

“Honestly, I find it remarkable that you're able to manage responsibilities of this magnitude. What you're doing here is far more demanding than the duties of many of our leaders.”

“I do have people helping me,” she replied modestly.

“Especially the caregivers. They're the ones who spend every day looking after the patients. I simply pay them for their work. The problem is that our resources are always limited. The funds are usually just enough to cover our basic expenses. Most of what I have goes directly toward the needs of the people living here.”

She glanced around the building, her eyes moving across the worn furniture, aging walls, and modest equipment that filled the shelter.

“That's why progress has been slow. I still haven't been able to provide proper housing for everyone. And many of the facilities and equipment we need are still lacking.”

“...for now,” she continued. "My main priority is food supplies.”

Her expression grew more serious.

“We're preparing for the famine that's approaching with winter.”

Angelicca folded her arms loosely as she stared toward the patients resting in their beds.

“If we aren't prepared before winter arrives, many people won't make it through the season.”

Jace let out a deep sigh. 

The place was far different from what he had imagined based on the stories he had heard. For years, people had spoken of the settlement with disgust and fear, warning others never to set foot there. They claimed it was filthy, dangerous, and crawling with disease. Yet now that he was finally standing within its borders, he realized how exaggerated those rumors had been.

His gaze shifted toward Angelicca, who had devoted herself to caring for the villagers despite their hardships.

“I wish there was something I could do to help lessen your burden,” Jace said sincerely. “This is actually my first time visiting this village. I've heard many people say that no one should come here because it's dirty and that anyone who enters might catch diseases from the people living here. But...” He paused and glanced around once more before meeting her eyes. “It’s not nearly as terrible as they make it sound. In fact, I can see that the reason it isn't is that you've been taking care of these people.”

“Yeah,” she replied. “That’s why, in a way, werewolf attacks can be a blessing.”

Jace blinked in surprise at her statement.

"Whenever there’s an attack, I make sure to kill as many werewolves as possible and secure victory for our side. The more enemies I eliminate, the higher the reward I receive. The extra money helps me provide for this village. To be honest, I've even been looking forward to the rumors about an upcoming war. I've already told Commander Sival to place me on the front lines as soon as the fighting begins.”

Jace's eyebrows immediately knitted together.

“So it isn’t just a rumor?” he asked, his voice turning serious. “I hope we'll be allowed to accompany you to the front lines, Miss Angelicca.”

“There’s no need to submit a request,” she said. “I’m taking all of you with me. Commander Sival already approved it.”

“That’s good to hear,” he said formally. “It would be a great honor for me to serve alongside a female warrior who is a full-blooded Severian.”

Angelicca stared directly into his eyes."

“Then, I’ll see you on the battlefield.”