Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 18

Mila's mind raced as she recalled the sparse information she knew about Ambrose Graves from her previous life. He had been a figure rarely spoken of, especially when he reached the age of sixteen. 'They say he was born with a birthmark that covered half of his face, and he was even born without any hair,' she remembered. 'He was also born mute, so many have never heard his voice or seen his face. The rumors said that he was sent to war by the king when he turned sixteen, right before the war with the Maedda kingdom. He died shortly after being sent to the front lines.' The thought of his tragic fate filled Mila with a sense of pity and urgency. 'It would be good to befriend him now, to ensure he's remembered somehow, and maybe even change his fate.'

She continued to watch Ambrose as he battled the Psychic Crystal Mayfly. Despite his concealed appearance and the mystery surrounding him, his skill in combat was undeniable. With precise movements and unwavering focus, Ambrose managed to defeat the Mayfly. He didn't need to speak to it; the creature already understood the unspoken rule of the wild—defeat meant either death or submission. The Mayfly chose the latter, surrendering itself to Ambrose in the same manner that the Thunder Eagle had to Prince Leroy. A soft glow enveloped the creature as it formed a contract with its new master.

As the battle concluded, Mila felt a surge of admiration for Ambrose. Without hesitation, she ran over to him, her small figure dwarfed by his imposing presence. "Nice battle!" she exclaimed, giving him a thumbs-up. Her voice was bright and encouraging, a stark contrast to the solemn atmosphere that had surrounded the fight. Ambrose, however, remained silent, his expression hidden behind his cloak and mask. He simply stood there, observing the short girl who had suddenly appeared before him.

Realizing she might have come off too strong, Mila quickly corrected herself. "Sorry! My name is Mila Noble. It's nice to meet you, Lord Ambrose!" she introduced herself with a polite bow, hoping to make a positive impression.

Prince Leroy, who had been watching from a short distance, walked over to join them. He looked between Mila and Ambrose, noting the quiet but respectful interaction. Ambrose returned the greeting with a silent bow, acknowledging both Mila and Prince Leroy without uttering a word.

"You don't have any royal knights with you?" Prince Leroy asked, his tone concerned. It was unusual for someone of noble birth to be without protection, especially in such a dangerous environment. Ambrose shook his head 'no,' confirming that he was indeed alone.

Prince Leroy sighed, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Let's continue heading back. Perhaps we'll meet another carriage along the way that can offer us some assistance," he suggested. His voice carried a sense of authority and assurance, the mark of someone who was used to taking charge.

With a nod of agreement, Ambrose fell into step beside Prince Leroy. Mila found herself positioned between the two boys, shielded by their presence. It was an unspoken arrangement, but one that offered her a sense of security as they made their way through the dense forest.

As they walked, the silence between them was comfortable, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Mila glanced at Ambrose from time to time, still curious about the boy who had already faced so much despite his young age. She wondered if there was a way to change his fate, to ensure that he didn't meet the same tragic end as before.

For now, though, she focused on the path ahead, knowing that the journey was far from over. The forest still held many dangers, and they needed to reach the main location where the other nobles and their guards would be. But with Prince Leroy and Ambrose by her side, Mila felt a sense of determination and hope that they would all make it through this together.
***
Emmett stood over the lifeless body of the imposter who had dared to impersonate a royal guard. His sword, still wet with the man's blood, gleamed dully in the fading light. The battle had been fierce, but Emmett's skill and determination had prevailed. However, the victory was hollow, overshadowed by a gnawing fear that gripped his heart—Mila was missing.