Chapter 238

Maxi had to ride a horse with Riftan as they couldnt find a carriage in the town of Genoa. She leaned against his chest and gazed out at the flowing landscape. The rice paddies swayed leisurely against the breeze and a few clouds floated on the dark blue sky, making her eyes shiver. Max leaned deeper into Riftans arms and watched from a distance how everything got closer and closer as they moved. After the sun set and then rose again a couple of times, the Knights passed through the vast fields of granary and into the Yudical forest in one day.

As they did not have a carriage, they were able to reach the Anatolian plains twice the speed of when they first did last year.

I was worried that the duke might send someone to chase after us our journey has been more peaceful than I thought it would be.

Gabel murmured as he turned while preparing to make camp in the middle of an open field. Max stiffened at his words as she climbed down the horse with Riftans help.

Riftan gave him a cold glance.

Are you perhaps afraid of the dukes knights?

Gabels face grew red as if his pride had been trampled over, he glanced at Max and shrugged.

It is better to avoid useless battles whenever possible. The lady can get hurt again

If you have time to talk nonsense, build a fire, Laxion.

Uslin, who was pulling down the loads on the saddles, exclaimed annoyingly. Gabel grunted and went to gather dry branches in the area. Max merely watched with Riftans arms around her as the knights released their horses to graze and pitch tents. As the campfire began to burn, Riftan placed a sleeping bag next to it for her to sit on.Throughout their journey, Riftan always held her, not leaving her even for a second. He did not even let Ruth nor the other knights approach her. Perhaps tired of his oversensitivity, the knights minded their own businesses.

Max wondered if they had learned all about her miserable plight. Did Ruth, Uslin, or Elliot let others know what they had seen at the castle? She was so flustered and embarrassed that she couldnt ask, but she couldnt bear it either because she was worried that the knights might take pity on her.

Come here.

Riftan pulled the disconcerted Max to his side. She sat close to his chest and hugged her knees, like a chick hiding beneath its mother hens bosom. When everything was finally set up in the camp, he took her into a tent, then laid her on a blanket, massaged her stiff back and waist, then fed her by hand. Max ate the bread and stew he gave her and crawled into a sleeping bag. In the darkness, the sound of rumbling horses, the echo of the wind, and the snapping of the bonfire sounded faintly. After a long quiet moment, Riftans voice broke the silence.

Dont worry about anything. Ill protect you.

Max realized he was talking about the Duke of Croix. Thousands of questions remained on her tongue. What will happen in the future? Will he really be able to stand against the duke? No matter how accomplished a knight was, if he attacked a duke, they couldnt let him go unpunished. She held her breath, remembering her fathers horribly crushed figure. If the knights hadnt stopped him, Riftan would have actually killed him, and as she remembered the sight of his half-dead body, her consciousness flew directly to the words Riftan had said that night.

Did he really mean those words? Did he say those words only because he felt pity for me?

Given the cold demeanor from the first time they met, it was difficult to believe that she had been on his mind for a long time. However, Max couldnt dare to utter those questions despite them almost escaping out of her lips. She was worried that this glass-like peace that surrounds them now would be shattered. She stirred, closing her eyes tightly to shake the thoughts out of her head. Then, Riftan wrapped his arm around her back and embraced her tightly.

Sleep well and tight. From now on, I will never let anyone hurt you ever again.

The tension from her stiff shoulders went away like a lie at his words that he uttered as an oath. She then wrapped her arms around his sturdy waist. When she was this close to him, all her worries went away as if she was enclosed in a huge, comfortable fortress. Max breathed in his scent and slowly drifted to sleep. The next day, they crossed the mountain in half a day and reached Anatol. The horses raced down the hill like the wind, making it to the front of the gates at once. After a while, the gates were pulled by its lever and became wide open.

They entered the lively city packed with buildings, completely exhausted after days of journey. Anatol was thriving as if some kind of magic was unfolding while they were away. Huge buildings that were not built before they left were now towering. The road expansion has since been completed and stalls selling rare items from the south were on both sides of the way. Those who were looking at the items with their backs turned and bent, noticed the knights arrival and all cheered at once. People flocked and flooded the streets.

Max was blown away by their enthusiastic cheers for the lord of the land. The citizens waved branches of Linden tree rich with red berries as the knights passed by. Riftan took the lead and led his horse through the crowds. Just when they had entered the square, a knight ran to the forefront of their procession.

Commander, I have ordered the gatekeepers to increase the security.

Max watched Riftans face with an anxious look. He nodded to the knight and spurred his horse. They passed through the welcoming crowds in an instance. As they climbed the steep hill past the birch grove, the knights who stood guard on the castle walls immediately lowered the bridge of the moat. When they crossed the bridge, she breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, they were home.

Leader!

As they passed through the gates, the knights who were on the training grounds rushed to meet them. All the knights who went to Livadon for the war have returned to Anatol, except Riftan and around thirty knights as they have gone to the dukes territory to fetch her. Hebaron, who led them and returned to Anatol first, patted the knights on the shoulders one by one. Max sighed in relief as she looked at him, who had regained his health to its perfect condition.

When he found her glued to Riftans side, he flashed her a soft, sad smile.

You have come back safely. Was the journey back difficult?

When Hebaron approached her, Riftans face hardened. He pulled her closer to him and gave him orders.

tighten the security right this instance.

Hebaron was visibly flustered. However, Riftan turned around as if it was too much to explain further.

Double the troops posted on the walls and restrict the access to the gates until further notice.

Then, as if to leave the rest of the instructions to be detailed by the other knights, he led her and strode towards the great hall. Max glanced at the knights faces as they hardened into serious expressions. She had been trying to pretend to be ignorant, but this time she couldnt help but ask.

Wh-what will happen now? Will a wa-war really

Its just preparation for precaution. That man would have no ounce of guts to lead an army and invade Anatol.

Riftan cut her off and quickened his footsteps. As Max stumbled, unable to keep up with his speed, he lifted her in his arms.

You dont have to worry about anything, all you need to do is focus on recovering your health. Ill deal with that man.

D-deal with him

Max wondered if he really would declare war. Riftan ignored her anxious gaze as he crossed the garden and strode up the stairs at once. As they entered the great hall, Rodrigo and the servants rushed out to meet their lord.

Welcome home, mlord, mlady. Its a relief that both of you have come back safel-

Please bring hot water and food. And clean clothes.

Riftan ordered, cutting short their welcome, and went straight up the carpeted stairs. He climbed the stairs two steps at a time, not even taking a moment to catch his breath nor did he need it. In the blink of an eye, Max entered the room and she looked around. The tension she felt melted away as she looked at the room that looked no different from the last time she saw it. Riftan strode over the cats that swarmed and rubbed their bodies against his legs then lowered her down on the bed.

Wait a bit. I