Chapter 618: Confession
Chapter 618: 618: Confession
After discussing the situation with Duke Lancelot for quite a while longer and exchanging a few final words regarding the current state of the war, Ethan finally prepared to depart alongside the troops under his command.
The Duke personally accompanied him toward one of the large military teleportation facilities that had been established within the duchy many years ago, and because the Empire was currently facing a national crisis, the entire area had become heavily fortified while hundreds of soldiers stood stationed around the perimeter and several powerful mages continuously monitored the formations to ensure everything operated smoothly.
The enormous teleportation gate glowed brightly with a deep blue light while countless ancient runes rotated slowly across its surface, and waves of magical energy spread from it continuously.
Duke Lancelot stood beside Ethan with his arms folded across his chest while observing the preparations calmly.
"Once you arrive at the capital, the military will arrange the rest," he said in a steady voice.
Ethan nodded.
"I understand."
The Duke remained silent for a few moments before finally sighing.
"Be careful out there."
"You too, Father-in-law," Ethan replied.
Duke Lancelot snorted.
"Hmph. Worry about yourself first."
A faint smile appeared on Ethan’s face after hearing that.
Soon afterward, Ethan stepped onto the teleportation platform alongside the Order of Eternal Blade while Marverick, Noel, and Randall followed closely behind him, and several military officers quickly activated the formation.
The runes beneath their feet immediately began glowing brighter and brighter while a loud humming sound filled the surroundings.
The magical energy rapidly intensified.
Then the next moment...
FLASH!
A brilliant light swallowed everything.
When Ethan opened his eyes again, he found himself standing inside one of the largest military districts of the Imperial Capital.
The surroundings were filled with activity.
Large groups of soldiers continuously moved between different barracks while officers issued orders one after another, and endless supply wagons loaded with weapons, armor, food, medicine, and magical resources traveled across the roads.
Everywhere Ethan looked, preparations for war could be seen.
The entire district resembled a gigantic machine that had already begun moving toward battle.
Without wasting much time, Ethan and his troops were immediately escorted toward the military barracks assigned to them.
After arriving there, a military officer quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Your commanding officer is waiting for you, Lord Marquise."
Ethan nodded calmly.
"Lead the way."
A few minutes later, he stepped inside a large command building and entered one of the command rooms.
The moment his eyes landed upon the figure standing near the giant battlefield map, his expression changed slightly.
"Duke Osantra?"
The elderly Duke slowly turned around and a faint smile appeared on his face.
"Well, well."
"I was wondering when you would finally arrive."
Ethan genuinely looked surprised.
Out of all the people he expected to meet after arriving at the capital...
Duke Osantra was certainly not among them.
"Looks like fate enjoys playing jokes," Ethan said while shaking his head lightly.
The Duke chuckled.
"It certainly does."
The two quickly exchanged greetings before discussing troop assignments, military responsibilities, and the current state of the frontlines.
The conversation remained straightforward and professional.However, just as Ethan finished speaking and prepared to leave...
His eyes suddenly landed on another familiar figure standing near several stacks of documents.
A young woman with long purple hair slowly lifted her head from the paperwork she had been reviewing.
The moment their eyes met...
A beautiful smile appeared on her face.
"Hello, Ethan."
Ethan blinked.
"Regalina?"
The young woman smiled brightly before walking toward him.
"What are you doing here?" Ethan asked almost immediately.
Regalina carefully placed several documents aside before answering.
"I am currently helping with military logistics."
Ethan stared at her.
Then he looked toward Duke Osantra.
Then back toward Regalina.Question marks practically appeared over his head.
Duke Osantra only chuckled knowingly before excusing himself.
"I’ll leave the two of you to talk."
Without waiting for a response, the old Duke quickly walked away.Ethan could only stare helplessly at the retreating figure.
Meanwhile, Regalina stepped beside him.
The two slowly walked through the military barracks together while soldiers continuously carried supplies around them and officers shouted orders in the distance.
As they walked, Ethan quietly observed her.
Compared to a few years ago, Regalina had changed considerably.
The youthful and somewhat inexperienced girl he once knew had become much more mature.
More importantly...
Her strength had risen tremendously.
Ethan could clearly sense that she had already stepped into the Mythic Stage.
That level of growth was impressive even by noble standards.It was obvious she had not wasted the past few years.
After walking in silence for a while, Ethan finally looked toward her again.
"Seriously."
"What are you doing here?"
Regalina smiled.
"I volunteered for the war in place of my brother."
"??"
Question marks immediately appeared on Ethan’s face.
"Isn’t your father enough?"
"He is."
"Then?"
Regalina’s smile immediately became slightly bitter.
"It’s because if I didn’t step into the war, I would be forced to marry."
Ethan paused.
"My mother is currently searching for a groom."
Her voice carried obvious frustration.
"The situation is already dangerous enough and she still keeps bringing up marriage every few days."
Ethan almost laughed but barely managed to suppress it.
"So you escaped?"
"I escaped."
Regalina nodded firmly.
"Coming here was easier than sitting through another marriage discussion."
Ethan rubbed his forehead helplessly.
"That might be the strangest reason I’ve ever heard of volunteering in a war."
Regalina giggled softly.
The atmosphere briefly became lighter.
But only for a moment.
Gradually, the smile on her face disappeared.
Her expression slowly turned serious.
Then she suddenly stopped walking.
Ethan stopped as well.
For several moments neither of them spoke.
The sounds of the military camp continued around them while soldiers moved back and forth in the background.
Then Ethan slowly lifted his head and looked directly into her eyes.There was no hesitation in his gaze..
"I will prove it."
She blinked."Prove what?"
Ethan took a small step forward."By the end of this war."
His eyes never left hers."I will prove that I am the best."
He paused briefly and then she shook his head.
"No."
A resolute expression appeared on his face."I am the only one suitable for you."
The wind blew softly through the military camp while strands of crimson hair fluttered around her face.
For a brief moment...
Everything seemed to become quiet.