Chapter 1988 - 538: The Lion Leaves the Forest (4)

If the Holy Light Council of Elaric ends up laughing last, it would undoubtedly be the best outcome for him.

However, even so, he seems to gain nothing more than an additional title as a council member.

A guy who had already lost everything became the most relaxed spectator in this chess game. Having fallen to the bottom of the pot, no matter which direction he lies, it is an uphill road.

Thinking of this, Thelon instead loosened his furrowed brows, accepted the glass of wine handed over by the Governor with a smile, and finally displayed a composure befitting a victor.

If there's nothing left to lose, why worry about the winners?

Take it one step at a time.

...

While the Governor of Twilight City and the Earl of the Sparrow Wood Territory were joyfully drinking together, good news with wings flew into the attic of a certain inn in Twilight City.

When Theresa handed the letter from the rear to Erin, the latter immediately covered her mouth in excitement, her emerald eyes brimming with exhilaration.

"By Saint Sis…"

The Lion Heart Knight Order has retreated!

Honor returns to the Campbell Duchy!

Although she was in the attic and could not see the battles beyond, she could imagine that her brother must have done something to compel Theoden Devalu to make concessions!

However, more than the joy brought by military and political victories, she was more excited because she could finally take the soldiers who followed her into battle back home!

Surely they, like her, long for the sweet air of their homeland and are eager to bring honor back there.

Of course, what Erin misses goes far beyond the air of her homeland and the exquisite wine; there was also the figure that haunted her dreams.

At her most desperate moment, that person braved the seas to come to her side without hesitation.

Thinking of that gentle and handsome face, Erin felt her heartbeat skip and wished she could fly back to Thunder City right now.

"Congratulations, Your Highness."

Seeing the overjoyed Princess Erin, Theresa also displayed a genuine smile and proceeded to share more good news she had heard.

"As far as I know, Prince Colin is presently at Glanton Castle south of Rapids Pass. If we hurry, perhaps you might meet him at a banquet there soon."

Erin, whose thoughts were already on a certain someone, blushed instantly as her feelings were laid bare, turning as red as a ripe apple.

"Ahem… I am not that excited just because of him."

She coughed lightly in confusion, her emerald eyes darting furtively beneath her lashes like two flustered wild rabbits.

"I just… it's just that I haven't been home in a long time. Oh, and there's the grapes from Silver Pine Town… Ah, I do miss them, I wonder if they're ripe yet?"

"Your Highness, Silver Pine Town's grapes typically don't ripen until August, so it's a bit early to be thinking about them on the vines… You taught me that yourself."

Not exposing the inept disguise of the princess, Theresa wore a mischievous smile, while Erin's cheeks grew even redder.

Her expression was truly delightful, never losing its charm no matter how many times one saw it.

Now that Erin need no longer wait silently trapped in this small attic, Theresa felt sincerely happy for her, even letting out a long breath.

The burden on her shoulders had finally been lifted, and the days of impersonating "Erin Campbell" were coming to an end.

During this time, she had been mimicking Erin's demeanor and tone so closely she feared she might forget her original self.

By the window.

Sarah had her back to the two of them, silently packing her luggage.

The normally taciturn girl still maintained her aloof demeanor as she went about her tasks with practiced efficiency.

However, Theresa noticed a small detail: the cat ears poking out from Sarah's glossy black hair were gently and joyfully swaying.

Theresa couldn't help but smile, realizing that not just she and Princess Erin were excited about the mission's end—Lady Sarah was too.

It is said she loves fish, especially fresh sea fish, so her mind has probably already flown from Twilight City back to the fish market in Thunder City…

How nice.

She envied that simple, pure joy quite a bit. Unlike herself, who wanted to do so many things, she wouldn't know what to do with a slightly extended holiday.

Perhaps——

Start by lying in bed reading for a day?

Despite working alongside Sarah for nearly a year, Theresa and Erin still didn't fully understand the quiet girl.

Even though they had long become friends, Sarah never shared her inner thoughts with anyone.

At this moment, Sarah's mind was entirely with Lord Demon King.

Although she could see him every so often, meeting in secret and standing openly in his shadow were two very different things.

Thinking of that familiar scent, a soft arc formed at Sarah's lips, and her amber vertical pupils reflected warmth.

Having once again successfully completed His Majesty's task, perhaps this time upon returning, she could afford to make a little willful request…