Crest of the Strongest Knight

Chapter 92 - Mysterious Pain

Getting past the guards wasn't exactly difficult.

All they had to do was flash the medallion that Eirlys had given them, proving that they were on an imperially sanctioned mission in the duchy. The real problem was having revealed their presence so early on. This wasn't exactly a clandestine mission, nor did anyone even consider the fact that the duchy might be planning a rebellion.

Had it not been for Marilyn's letter, this would've just been a simple routine check-up to confirm Duke Revelo's supposed health issues and to requisition a number of knights in his duchy's employ to serve on the front lines.

It didn't take long for Medrauta and Viviane to figure out that something had indeed gone awry within the duchy's territory though. After following the road from the gate, the carriage passed through another checkpoint, though this time much more relaxed.

Viviane cast a troubled gaze out the window of the carriage as the vehicle continued down the paved road. The road was paved and smooth, preventing the carriage from rattling too much. For a small town built on the duchy border, the buildings and public facilities were well-maintained.

In other words, the Revelo duchy was prosperous and its people were happy.

Had she just been visiting, Viviane probably would've believed that and not thought too much about her surroundings. However, she couldn't overlook the fact that this was all nothing more than a facade. Despite the town's beauty, its most important element was missing completely.

"Medrauta... Where are all the people?" Viviane asked as she continued staring out the window. No matter how many buildings the carriage passed by, there wasn't a single person in sight other than the odd patrolling guard or two.

"You know, I've been wondering the same thing myself..."

"This is strange. We've passed by an entire block of houses, a shopping district, and even market stalls, but we still haven't seen anyone. Well, anyone but soldiers."

Medrauta simply nodded in response, a heavy frown creasing her brow. Could it be...? Is that bastard rounding up his citizens for use in Amelia's damned ritual!?

She shook her head, dismissing the very idea. That couldn't possibly be the case. Betraying his country and killing his own father was one thing, but to sacrifice the citizens of his own realm for a witch? Surely he couldn't do something so utterly cruel and wicked.

Ironically, the more she tried to convince herself that Bastiche couldn't have done something so evil, the less she was inclined to believe he hadn't.

Medrauta turned to Viviane. The noblewoman's eyes were darting to and fro, probably in the hopes of spotting a wandering citizen or perhaps even a clue to Sakura and Riku's whereabouts. "Viviane," she said. "Let's make a brief stop."

"Did you see something?"

"No, but... There's something I need to confirm for myself, otherwise I'm going to have nightmares for days."

Viviane nodded. "That's fine, but before that, do you mind telling me what it is?"

"...Alright."

Medrauta wasn't exactly keen on adding another burden to Viviane's already growing list, but she had no other choice here. In any case, she would've needed to have this discussion with Viviane eventually, especially with the current state of the duchy.

"Do you remember what Dame Marilyn said in the letter?" Medrauta asked. "The part where Bastiche first commanded Ritya to attack her while Lady Sakura and Sir Riku were being captured.

Viviane frowned, sifting through her memories. "Something about a promise?"

Medrauta nodded. "That's right. He said he needed to fulfill a promise and prepare a 'circle.' Whether that means a witch's circle or a ritual circle, I don't know."