Forgotton

Chapter 6="Whispers of the Heart: Delving into Hidden Histories"

Arshina remained seated at her desk, engrossed in her work with the afternoon sunlight streaming through the window. Suddenly, piercing screams shattered the tranquility, sending a shiver down her spine. They weren't human; of that, she was certain. Before she could investigate further, Martha burst into her study, her breath ragged from haste.

Startled, Arshina rose from her seat to face Martha.

"What's going on?" Arshina demanded, her concern evident in her voice.

Martha took a moment to catch her breath before launching into an explanation.

Martha's explanation revealed a troubling situation unfolding outside the mansion's walls. Under the cover of light, the barrier protecting the estate had been breached by an unknown force. With the mansion nestled near a dense forest, monstrous creatures had seized the opportunity to launch an attack, descending upon the guards stationed at the gates. The knights valiantly fought back against the onslaught.

Gazing out the window, she witnessed the chaos firsthand. Packs of massive werewolves, their crimson fur bristling, prowled menacingly. Their golden eyes gleamed with primal ferocity, a stark contrast to the tranquil surroundings. It puzzled her deeply;Two years ago, I eradicated these beasts, driving them into hiding with the power of my mana. How dare they return, and who dares to break through the protective barriers I painstakingly erect?

Arshina looked out the window and saw packs of large werewolves. Their fangs gleamed menacingly against their crimson-colored skin, their eyes a fierce golden hue that matched their aggression. It seemed someone had provoked them. I had eradicated these creatures two years ago, driving them into hiding with the power of my mana. They were terrified to even come near where they could sense my presence. So how had they ventured outside the mountain, and who dared to breach the mansion's protective barriers? No one in this world should have been able to break through the defenses I meticulously set up, not even the previous master of the Ivory Tower. she was seething with fury.

The mansion's knights were locked in battle with the werewolves. From her vantage point, it appeared they might prevail. She stood watching, doing nothing as Andrey, the second-in-command of the Northern Army, skillfully handled the situation. Hours passed, the numbers of wolves swelling alarmingly. If they continued pouring in, the knights would soon be overwhelmed.

"Keep going! We can win this! There are only a few left!" Andrey's voice rang out with determination as the werewolf numbers dwindled rapidly. Soon, not a single wolf remained standing.

But then, a sudden fog? From afar, she saw fog approaching. How could this be? The mansion was not small; from her second-floor vantage point, she could clearly observe the exhaustion and weariness of those below. They were seated on the ground, depleted from the battle. As the fog drew nearer, it became apparent-it was the King of the Werewolves leading a horde towards them. In the duchy, there were no magicians left, and few knights remained. Most had gone either east to build the orphanage or accompanied the Duke or Victor. With so few knights here, and all exhausted, it seemed hopeless. I had to act, or chaos would ensue.

She flung open the window, Martha's voice piercing through, "Duchess!"

Just as she was about to leap,she hesitated. My tenth magic circle is still upgrading, and I hadn't completed it. To prevent accidental mana usage, I had locked my mana circulation. They are approaching my lavender garden-I can't allow that. Barefoot, she leaped from the window and landed gracefully on the ground. Grabbing a nearby metal sword, she sprinted towards the oncoming horde of red-skinned beasts.

With each stride, the distance closed. As a werewolf lunged at her, she slashed it in two without hesitation. Blood sprayed, but she pressed on, her focus solely on defending her home. "Andrey! Areta Knights!" she shouted as she slashed through another attacker.