🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 06
Christian looked at Amelie with a slightly displeased expression.
“Come up here.”
“Yes.”
Amelie stepped onto the platform, rising to a position where she could see all the knights clearly. Murmurs immediately broke out again.
“Whoa.”
“Oh!”
“Silence!”
“H-Hyuk!”
Only after Christian raised his voice did the knights finally quiet down. Slightly embarrassed, Amelie took out a small mirror and checked her face. Was something on it?
She’s just cute.
Christian pointed at her and said,
“This is Lady Amelie Wintepool, a witch dispatched by the Emperor’s order to participate in the ‘Broken Rift’ subjugation alongside the Pegasus Knights. All of you, welcome her.”
A thunderous round of applause erupted. Wearing her uniform, Amelie gave a knightly greeting.
“Knights of the Pegasus Order who protect Bellerophon, I am Amelie Wintepool. I look forward to working with you.”
“Likewise, my lady!”
Contrary to her worries, the atmosphere was warm.
Taking advantage of the good mood, Christian immediately proceeded with the briefing.
“Now I will begin the operational briefing for the ‘Bellerophon Broken Rift Subjugation.’”
He began explaining the contents of the documents provided by Gerard.
“From 6 a.m. tomorrow, we will march for half a day to the territory of the Broken Rift. Upon reaching the outskirts, I and First Unit will clear nearby monsters, while Second Unit sets up temporary tents.”
Judging by the need for tents, this was clearly not a battlefield that could be cleared in a single day.
Amelie tightened her fist nervously.
“Once the tents are set, Second Unit, myself, and Lady Wintepool will proceed first toward the core of the Broken Rift. Lady Wintepool will scout from the air to find a safe path, and Second Unit will clear the route as we advance.”
Christian’s gaze briefly fell on Amelie’s broom. If it was truly a flying tool, it would be very useful for the operation.
“After the tents are ready, First Unit will join Second Unit. Since no priest has been assigned to this mission, any injured personnel must be treated by Lady Wintepool before rejoining combat upon reaching the core.”
“…Excuse me?”
“What is it?”
Amelie, who had been listening quietly, was startled.
She had no healing abilities. She was a witch.
In a subdued voice, she said,
“I am a witch.”
“I was informed that your abilities include healing.”
“That’s only by using healing potions, so there are limits…”
“…I see.”
The knights’ faces stiffened. The atmosphere turned cold in an instant.
Their previously warm gazes shifted. Now they looked at Amelie with discomfort.
“So that’s it…”
“Potions are expensive. She probably can’t even use many.”
Murmurs of dissatisfaction grew louder.
Naturally, Christian would not let this stand.
“You lot.”
“!”
His voice was not loud, but it carried an overwhelming pressure that silenced everyone instantly.
His grey eyes turned sharp and dangerous.
“Have you all lost your minds?”
“N-no, sir!”
“We apologize! We misspoke!”
“Please forgive us, Lady Amelie!”
The knights quickly bowed deeply toward Amelie.
Christian exhaled sharply, clearly displeased, then turned to her.
“Lady Wintepool.”
“Yes.”
Amelie looked up at him.
Seeing her blank expression, Christian hesitated slightly.
He wanted to ask why she was so indifferent after being insulted, but instead he spoke calmly.
“The ones who insulted you are under my command. As their superior, I will allow you to punish them as you see fit.”
“Punish them?”
Amelie, who had not taken the insults seriously, was more confused by his reaction.
What is this? Is this a test? If I punish them too harshly, do I fail?
Of course, it wasn’t.
Still uncertain, she hesitated.
“Well… just intensive training should be enough.”
“As you wish.”
“…!”
The knights turned pale.
“If the commander personally conducts intensive training…”
“No one will survive…”
“We’re doomed…”
But Amelie wasn’t thinking about that.
The only thing on her mind was:
He got angry for me.
Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Christian. He, however, was already reading documents and did not notice her gaze.
Even so, her heart was racing.
The idea of someone like him getting angry on her behalf overwhelmed her completely.
“Any other objections?”
Christian asked.
“No…”
“None…”
The knights replied weakly.
Then—
“I have an objection.”
Amelie raised her hand.
All eyes turned to her again.
“Speak.”
“First, I appreciate the recovery support, but I feel my role is too limited to scouting and support. So…”
Her red eyes burned with determination.
“I want to fight alongside Your Grace.”
“…!”
“…!”
Everyone froze.
“Alongside me?”
Christian repeated.
The implication was clear—she intended to remain in continuous combat without rest.
Before anyone could object—
“Lady Wintepool, perhaps we should reconsider—”
“Proceed as Lady Wintepool suggested.”
“….”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The decision was made instantly.
After the briefing, the meeting was dismissed.
As Gerard walked beside Christian, he complained,
“You’re giving someone half your size such a heavy responsibility?”
“She is a witch. She likely has abilities we don’t fully understand.”
“But you already had to change the plan once because it failed—”
“Gerard.”
That single word silenced him.
“I have already once made a remark that dismissed her.”
“…Pardon?”
“I unknowingly made a discriminatory remark about witches.”
“…Well, Your Grace, someone who stays cooped up in the ducal estate wouldn’t know much of the outside world.”
Christian’s expression remained heavy.
“So I intend to trust whatever she does.”
His tone was firm.
Gerard bowed respectfully.
“Understood, my lord.”
