"Your Highness... may we take a break?"
An old man asked Piña, his voice barely above a whisper.
Everyone looked exhausted, and she understood their feelings, but she also knew the importance of their task. She turned an annoyed look toward the old man.
"The bandits haven't given up yet. Once they regroup, they'll attack again. We can't rely on destroyed city gates or the knights and sorcerers to protect us. It'll be even more exhausting if we wait."
"But... but..."
They probably saw her as an unreasonable tyrant, but their perspectives were different. Expecting them to understand was a naive dream she had long given up on.
"I'm not asking. This is an order."
"Gray, how are the city gates? Can we repair them?"
"Your Highness, in my opinion, they're beyond repair. The bolt is completely destroyed."
"Then what should we do?"
"Why not tear them down and block the entrance?"
"Good. Make it happen."
Piña looked back, raising her head to the wall.
"Norma! How's it looking on your side?"
Atop the wall, Norma surveyed the surroundings with a bow in hand. "No enemies in sight so far!"
"And the sorcerers?"
Norma glanced over the wall before replying. "They seem to be watching the pyre burn the bodies."
Piña frowned. "Sadists... "Very well. Stay alert. Don't let your guard down; who knows when they'll strike again."
"Your Highness, welcome."
"Mm. Forgive me, but do you have anything to eat or drink?"
The butler, standing by, poured a silver goblet of wine for Piña.
"Your Highness, it seems we've been saved."
"Not yet. Those scoundrels will be back for another round."
"Do we really have to fight them? Maybe we could ask the sorcerers to help us more—they seem willing."
"Do you want to hand this place over and become their slaves?"
The butler sighed as Piña spoke.
"Then all we can do is fight, right? Negotiating with those animals is pointless. That's a path to destruction. All we can do is grit our teeth and resist to the bitter end."
She gulped down the wine but frowned after the first sip.
"Such a small amount... and bland, too?"
The head maid sternly shook her head. "Your Highness, when one is fatigued, the stomach weakens. Consuming rich foods in this condition would only harm your body."
Piña nodded, accepting the head maid's wisdom without complaint. After she finished eating, she wiped her mouth with a napkin.
"I'll go rest in a guest room. If anything happens, bring the messenger directly to me."
"What if you don't wake up?" the old maid asked.
Piña smirked. "Then, dump water on my head and invite me to rise."
Splash.
Cold water on her face jolted her awake.
"What happened? Is it the enemy?"
