Chapter 200

Max felt her throat tightening. She couldnt believe those were his parting words to her; so plain and cold. It was as if the time they spent on the ship was a whole lie. Riftan turned, his face calm and collected as he walked away from the chapel. The knights beside him lowered their heads toward her and followed the commander.

We will be back soon and take the Lady back to Anatol, so dont worry too much.

Yulysion said confidently before turning around, and Max went out with the priests to see them off. Dozens of wagons and armed knights filled the courtyard beneath the stairs. At the forefront were the elite Knights of Livadon and the Remdragon Knights. Maxs heart pounded violently inside her chest as their flags fluttered from the wind blowing from the west.

She watched with inexplicable heaviness as Riftan mounted his horse. He soothed Talon, who whinnied and led him through the lines to make sure everything was in order. Then, he urged his warhorse towards the front of the line. The knights all began to move and follow Riftans lead.

Max watched the entire scene with a grim gaze when, suddenly, Riftan came to a halt. The knights who followed him stopped with him and began talking among themselves about what was going on. Riftan yelled something at Hebaron and didnt seem to care about the commotion, then jumped off his horse and started striding back to the temple.

Just a moment

He hurriedly ran up the stairs and grabbed his wifes forearm. Before she could respond, he led her under a beautiful, large tree located next to the chapel. Max struggled to keep up with him, stuttering, unsure of what to say.

Ri-Riftan all of a sudden, why?

Although I know this is damn foolish, but

He turned around and gazed down at her as he muttered incoherently. Max was puzzled by the conflicted expression on his face. He stood stiff and awkward for a long time, before pulling something out of his pocket and holding his hand out. She looked down blankly at the thing in his hand. In the middle of his palm was an unevenly discolored piece of shekel that was slightly dented along the edges.

Take it and keep it.

Max felt unsure and blinked at it. It was a simple copper coin used by commoners. She had never seen or touched one in her life. Unaware of his intentions, she looked at him in confusion and noticed that his face was noticeably tense. Without saying another word, he took her hand and handed her the coin.

You must keep it with you at all times.

W-Why?

Riftans mouth twisted, as if hesitating, and finally relented with a sigh.

I received it after completing my first quest when I joined the mercenaries. They say that it brings good fortune to carry it around. Even though Its just a stupid superstition among mercenaries, I couldnt bring myself to throw it, so I kept it

Riftan blurted out the last sentence as if he was embarrassed to have dwelled on such superstition.

Its true that I rarely get injured when I have this, so I carried it around with me ever since.

Max quickly returned the coin back to him as if she was burned by it.

Then if thats the case Ri-Riftan, you should keep it!

I dont need such a thing as luck now. Im