Before we knew it, both of our voices had become loud. People around us looked at us in surprise and quickly moved away.

“Idrish! You’re the one being stubborn here!”

I eventually raised my voice. Whether I spoke or not, Idrish didn’t bat an eyelash.

“Cecilia, there’s nothing you can do there. You’ll only be a hindrance.”

Idrish pressed each word firmly.

I clenched my mouth shut. My heart sank like a heavy stone.

Even if I speak…

Who’s trying to be a burden? I’m going there to help.

Others may not understand our situation and might curse at me, but Idrish shouldn’t. Especially not like this when everyone is listening.

I tightly gripped my fist to avoid raising my voice. The voice that finally came out was trembling.

“It’s not like I wanted to stay by your side all the time! Did you think I’m going to the warzone just because I want to? I’m scared too, but if I don’t go, how will Idrish…!”

“Then stay here.”

Idrish abruptly cut off my words.

What’s this?

Today, I found Idrish’s monotone tone very unsettling. Is that all? Moreover, Idrish’s gaze looking down at me was extremely intense. Of course, he’s much taller than me, but still, why stare at me like that?

My chest boiled in an instant.

“Immediately take Cecilia with you.”

Idrish looked straight into my eyes and ordered the knight next to him.

“What did you say? Idrish!”

The knights and soldiers around looked at Idrish with astonishment. They seemed unsure whether to follow his orders. But what flew was Idrish’s command of disapproval.

“Is there anyone here not following my orders right before the war?”

Idrish made a face as if he would devour me immediately and looked around.

Only then did the knights who had rushed over grab my arms from both sides.

“What’s going on! Let go right now! Idrish! Release me. Quickly!”

I tried to reach out and grab Idrish, but my body was suddenly lifted off the ground.

“Let go of this!”

The knights started carrying me away. I kicked my feet to break free, but it was in vain.

“Hey! Fool! What are you doing leaving me behind! Idrish! Stupid cat!”
I showered endless curses at Idrish’s back, but he quickly distanced himself as if he couldn’t hear.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The 2nd division led by Terminus departed first. The damaged railway was unfortunate. Fortunately, the road to the Taurus territory was still in good condition, so they loaded steam cars with weapons and explosives.

On the other hand, the road to Pheus had no proper road left, making it difficult even to pull carriages. Therefore, Idrish’s 1st division was composed of elite cavalry who could handle horses like their own bodies. The number of cavalry was relatively small, but their momentum was as sharp as piercing the sky.

“Lord Idrish, all departure preparations are complete.”

Idrish perked up at the words.

The soldiers focused on Idrish. After a brief survey, Idrish sent a short departure signal. The lined-up soldiers began to move seamlessly. Idrish urged them forward.

Idrish didn’t look back at Cecilia. He only threw his gaze forward, where he needed to go.

However, behind the calm face, his mind was entirely different.

Cecilia’s face was constantly adult.

She had wounded eyes. Idrish could vividly feel how she was hurt, what hurt her words, and how much pain she felt.

In fact, everything I said was wrong.

Having Cecilia by my side was a great strength. The degree of the curse was significantly different when she was by my side and when she wasn’t.

Especially when using my abilities, it was heightened. Without Cecilia, I could use my abilities at most twice. If I used them three times without her help, I would become a corpse on the battlefield immediately.

But even so, I couldn’t take her with me.

The battlefield is a place where you don’t know when and where you’ll face death.

Now I wanted to stop seeing Cecilia in danger.

Every time, I felt like a dry fish burning above a roaring fire. My heart shrank, my body burned and twisted. Even if it became pitch dark in front of my eyes and my fingertips became ice-cold, there was nothing I could do.

I could only helplessly pray to a god whose name I didn’t even know. Even if I sunk into a swamp that wouldn’t touch the ground and mud crawled up to just below my chin, it wouldn’t be more frightening than that.

Knowing it was a choice with a risk, I couldn’t bring Cecilia with me.

I couldn’t even properly say goodbye, which made me regret a little.

I wish I could have seen Cecilia, held her, and kissed her even for a moment.

Turn away so coldly, why?

I regretted turning away so heartlessly, even if I could have hugged Cecilia once more.

Even if I couldn’t say these words with sincerity.

I worried that Cecilia might suffer throughout the long time we were apart.

‘Idrish, you crazy bastard, can’t you at least see her face before you go!’

For some reason, it seemed like Cecilia’s voice echoed in my ears.
Idrish slowed down as if he could read the thoughts of the rider on top.

“What’s the matter?”

“…No, just go.”

He spoke again quickly.