To make sure I could handle things alone, the maid carefully taught me how to put on the clothes.

I know all this. Even though I am the leader of Erijo, I’ve been dressing alone for a long time.

I tied my hair neatly so that it wouldn’t dangle, and I carried the arrows and bow I received from Terminus on my back. Just in case, I also attached a dagger to my waist.

Finally, I looked at myself in the mirror. I didn’t want to look like a naive noblewoman who went to the battlefield without knowing how to fight.

Alright. This way, I might be able to protect myself. At least I shouldn’t cause any trouble.
Even the blood in my body seemed tense, and my hands felt cold. I clenched my fist and forcefully exhaled a final breath.

I can do it. I can come back safely.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

When I finished all my preparations and went outside, the assembled soldiers were already gathered in full force. Everyone seemed as tense as I was. People checking weapons, horses, carriages, and cars appeared busy.

Should I walk? Yeah, Idrish will be commanding from the front, so I can’t ride with him. But I can’t ask anyone for a ride either.

I should hide inconspicuously somewhere.

I tried to estimate where I should be. Since they would be standing in formation, it seemed best not to interfere and stay towards the back. Or should I transform into a hedgehog and stick close to Idrish? Yeah, that might be better. It could prevent the curse from getting worse.

At that moment, Idrish entered my field of vision.

He was busy, loudly giving orders. His sharp presence was intimidating. Terminus was by his side.

Idrish commands the 1st army, and Terminus commands the 2nd army, right?

Until the departure, Idrish has to oversee and take care of both units, so he’ll be incredibly busy and distracted.

Yeah, my residence isn’t urgent right now. I should stay quietly for now, I thought, and terrifyingly, Idrish’s gaze locked onto me.

I smiled. In my mind, I thought, “I’m fine, don’t worry about me; just do your job.”

But Idrish’s face hardened. Then, his eyebrows rose menacingly.

“Huh? Why, why are you here?”

Idrish’s large figure approached me at a frightening speed, like a grim reaper coming to kill me. The surrounding soldiers silently parted like the sea.

Suddenly, a shadow of anger darkened Idrish’s face as he stood in front of me.

“Why, why?”

“What’s wrong with my appearance?”

Idrish’s voice was stern. Even though I hadn’t done anything wrong, my shoulders shrank for some reason.

How does my appearance look to him? Does Idrish dislike women wearing pants? Could he be that conservative?

“Is something weird? It may not be pretty, but I prefer comfortable attire. It’s hard to run properly in a skirt. If it’s dangerous, I should at least be able to run, right?”

Idrish’s Adam’s apple bobbed heavily. It seemed like he was barely holding back what he wanted to say. After exhaling deeply, he slowly opened his mouth.

“So, are you saying you’ll follow to the battlefield right now?”

I tilted my head playfully.

“Yes, of course.”

For a moment, Idrish’s Adam’s apple visibly relaxed. It seemed like he was barely holding back what he wanted to say. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth slowly.

“No, absolutely not. You will stay here. Change back into your original clothes immediately and come.”
“No, absolutely not. You will stay here. Change back into your original clothes immediately and come.”

Idrish turned around abruptly. My face wrinkled against the cold wind, and I grabbed Idrish’s arm as he tried to move away. Idrish looked down at me with a stern face. I lowered my voice so only he could hear.

“What are you talking about? I’m not staying behind. You know the reason why I have to go, even if others try to stop me.”

The curse. How can he endure and fight without me?

There were too many people around, so I couldn’t speak loudly, but I believed Idrish would understand what I was trying to convey.

Without me, Idrish wouldn’t be able to fight to his full potential, and he might even feel the threat to his life from the curse.

However, Idrish seemed to have a completely different perspective. The anger he had barely suppressed on his face a moment ago resurfaced.

“We made a promise last time. You said you wouldn’t follow me recklessly like this again.”

“But the circumstances are different this time. We don’t know how long it will take.”

“I don’t care how long it takes.”

“How can you not care? If it takes too long, I’ll be in immediate—!”

Idrish shook off my hand. Even though I didn’t exert any force, it felt strong to me. I was surprised, and my eyes widened.

“You not going is helping me. Don’t you get it?”