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CHAPTER 80…………………………………………..
Robbie’s Secret Weapon
“Your Highness Mikrok, Captain! Please, come look at this!”
At Ralph’s urgent shout, Mikrok and William rushed toward the sound.
Mikrok and his knights were scouring the area around the monsters’ habitat, using the corpses and belongings of the missing people that the 4th District border guards had first discovered as clues.
At first, they thought the truth would be revealed after a day or two of investigation. But the situation had grown far beyond their expectations.
“Haa… It’s gruesome again.”
The bodies Ralph had just found were those of two children and an adult. Judging from the damage, it wasn’t simply a case of being attacked — they had clearly been devoured.
“Recover the remains and belongings carefully so they can be returned to the families.”
Biting his lip as he looked over the horrific scene, Mikrok gave the order in a heavy voice to the scouts accompanying them as guides.
Though his tone was calm and level, William could tell a storm of rage was boiling beneath his composed exterior.
“Judging by the footprints, it does look like the nearby monsters’ doing. But it’s strange — they usually only snatch crops or livestock. Why would they suddenly start eating people?”
The scout captain who had recovered the corpses shook his head in disbelief. He’d worked in the region for over ten years and had never seen anything like this.
“The area marked on the map — that’s definitely their lair, correct?”
“Yes, confirmed it just a month ago.”
“Scouts, return to the village. Knights, follow me. Today, we’ll wipe them out to the last.”
Though their numbers were few, the scouts trusted in their king and his knights. Believing everything would go according to his command, they hurried back to the village.
With eyes blazing, Mikrok and his knights swiftly advanced toward the monsters’ den.
Once they arrived, William and the knights poured barrels of oil at the cave entrance and loosed volley after volley of flaming arrows.
Fire instantly spread into the cave, and soon the heat reached deep inside.
Moments later, the cave echoed with what sounded like the shrieks of demons in hell as monsters, engulfed in flames, burst out one after another.
Mikrok and his knights struck them down mercilessly — not a single one escaped their blades.
“Your Highness Mikrok, it seems we’ve finished here.”
“Check the inner cave, then move to the next target.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Four knights entered the cave to inspect the interior. Soon, they emerged carrying a spear — a torn piece of cloth caught on its shaft.
“We found the remains of an adult and two children inside, along with this.”
“A spear, inside the monsters’ lair?”
Taking the spear from his subordinate, Mikrok furrowed his brow deeply.
“Will, do you recognize this weapon?”
“It’s one used by the knights of the Harun Empire.”
At that, Mikrok recalled something the retired Harun priestess, Poyna, had once said:
“In the neighboring village, and even at my orphanage, knights in armor came and took children away.”
Could Harun Empire knights be involved in this? But why…?
No one spoke, but everyone felt the same unease — if the Harun Empire was involved, this was far from a simple matter.
“There’s no time. Move to the next site immediately.”
“Yes, Your Highness Mikrok.”
Meanwhile, the work of treating Sir Pallet — my mentor — was taking far longer than I’d expected.
Following Lady Poyna’s teachings, I poured amplified healing energy into his body. I managed to repair torn ligaments, muscles, and external wounds without much trouble. But no matter how much energy I poured in, his consciousness would not return.
“Haa… How is he this time?”
Millie checked Sir Pallet’s condition and shook her head sadly. I bit my lip and tried again.
“Your Majesty the Queen, please rest a little. This is already the fifth attempt.”
“Just once more — let me try one more time.”
I closed my eyes and began drawing healing energy into my core once again.
“Wait—! Just now, his eyelids moved!”
At Millie’s urgent voice, I snapped my eyes open and rushed to my teacher’s side. Sure enough, his eyelids trembled, then slowly opened.
“Master… can you hear me? Do you recognize me?”
“…Le… ah… my… lady…?”
“Oh, heavens… yes! It’s me, Lea.”
Overjoyed, Millie ran off to tell Robbie the good news. I held my teacher’s hand tightly and pressed my cheek to it.
“What happened? Who did this to you?”
“…Where am I?”
“At the Stone Count’s estate. Robbie has been caring for you all this time.”
Suddenly, his expression turned grim, and he gripped my hand tightly, anger flashing in his eyes. Startled, I looked at him.
“Hurry… you must get away from here. It’s dangerous.”
He spoke with difficulty, clearly trying to warn me of something.
“Don’t worry, Master. With Robbie here, you’re safe.”
He shook his head stubbornly, tightening his hold.
“Not me… you, Lady Lea…”
Just then, the door burst open — Robbie, Princess Shine, and Freddy entered the room.
“…Are you awake, Sir Pallet?”
Robbie’s voice trembled slightly as he stepped closer.
I tried to move aside for him, but my teacher wouldn’t let go. Instead, he pulled me closer and glared sharply at Robbie.
Robbie froze under that accusing stare.
“Why… why did you summon Lady Lea here?”
“…I had no choice, Master. It was the only way to save you.”
“You knew it was a trap?”
“I made preparations.”
The word trap made me flinch.
“Wait, what are you talking about?” I demanded, staring at Robbie. He met my gaze with guilt in his eyes.
“The one who did this to Master — who forced him to write that letter to you — it was all Hailey’s scheme.”
“What?!”
“For some reason, Hailey wanted to bring you to the Harun Empire. But don’t worry — she doesn’t yet know you’re here.”
Freddy immediately drew his sword and stepped protectively in front of me. Millie and Princess Shine glared at Robbie as well. But I wanted to believe him — to trust that he really had prepared.
“What’s your plan now?”
“I’ve secured a safe escape route. I’ll send Master to the Southern Continent.”
“How?”
Instead of answering, Robbie tugged a pull cord. Moments later, the butler, Hans, entered. He froze at the sight of the awakened Sir Pallet.
“He’s truly awake!”
“Hans, the carriage bound for Gilman Kingdom on the Southern Continent — is it ready?”
“Yes, my lord. We can depart at any time.”
“Hailey might use Master as leverage to manipulate Lea. You must take him somewhere she can’t reach.”
But Master still looked at Robbie with distrust. Robbie’s expression twisted with frustration.
“Please, for Lea’s sake. If you’re beyond Hailey’s reach, she’ll be free to act.”
Master glanced at me, then nodded slowly.
“…I won’t become a shackle to my beloved pupil.”
I met his eyes, filled with sorrow.
“When everything’s settled, I’ll send for you. You can spend your remaining years peacefully with me at Fritan Castle.”
He smiled faintly and tried to stand, but his legs gave out. Robbie rushed to help, but Master pushed him away and fell back onto the bed, breathing heavily.
“Why… why is Lady Hailey trying to bring Lady Lea to Harun?” he asked between gasps.
“I don’t know the full reason. But I’m certain she’s moving with the Emperor’s backing.”
I looked at Robbie — his eyes were the same earnest ones I’d known since childhood.
“Tell me your plan.”
“This place is being watched. They’ll soon realize you’re here. You and Millie must leave immediately and head for Fritan. And then…”
“And then?”
“Once you’re gone, I’ll send Hailey a letter — saying I’ve secured you safely, and she can come see you in the morning.”
“She’ll see through that lie instantly.”
“That’s why…”
Robbie glanced toward Princess Shine. She raised an eyebrow, then suddenly burst into laughter.
“So that’s your favor — you want me to act as her double?”
“Please. When I saw your silver hair, I realized it could work.”
“Hm…”
“Even if you just stroll through the garden, the spies will believe Lea’s still here. Just hide your face under a hat — your hair will be enough.”
But I didn’t like the plan at all.
If Hailey found out I’d escaped, she’d target Robbie — and Shine would be in danger for impersonating me.
“It’s too risky. Princess Shine, you’re coming with me.”
“I agree,” Freddy said, glaring distrustfully at Robbie. “Let’s go, Your Majesty.”
But Princess Shine only smiled and sat down leisurely.
“I’m looking for someone. If you, Lord Stone, help me find them, I’ll help you.”
“Of course,” Robbie agreed immediately. I frowned.
“Princess Shine!”
“Did you forget? I can change my appearance anytime.”
With a sly smile, she moved her lips — and her platinum hair turned black, her features morphing into a completely different face.
Robbie and Freddy both froze in shock. Then, with another shimmer, she transformed again — this time into me.
“You didn’t know about this trick, did you? Anyway, I like the plan.”
Everyone in the room looked back and forth between us — even I had to admit, she looked exactly like me.
“If things go wrong, I’ll just change form and escape. Don’t worry about me.”
Just then, there was a frantic knock at the door. A servant handed a note to Hans. As he read it, his face went pale.
“Lord Robbie — the knights of Viscount Ulphra’s house are on the move. They’ll be here any moment!”
“They’ve already caught on?!”
Robbie bit his lip in frustration.
