Sinclair’s hand trembled as he tightly grasped Elaina’s black hair.

…… This was a clear threat.

They intended to shake his heart in this manner and manipulate everything to their liking.

However, even as he thought this in his mind, he couldn’t control his emotions.

It was because he knew all too well how these petty and wretched methods would proceed, and also because the person being held captive was Elaina, who was more precious to him than his own life.

Next it would be her fingers or wrists.

And after that, another part.

And finally……

“……”

Sinclair stood still for a very long time without uttering a word or moving an inch.

Not even noticing the bright red blood oozing out, he bit his lips with all his might.

‘It’s all my fault.’

Schuler’s face, as he looked at Sinclair, was clearly filled with guilt.

If only he had grabbed Elaina at that time, even if it meant death.

If only he had sent her back safely to Sinclair…… this wouldn’t have happened.

Schuler couldn’t even fathom what to say, so he just silently stared at Sinclair.

It was the same for Duke Heswin, Count Wilter, and Rex. The group kept their silence with fallen faces.

“……”

After a long time, Sinclair, who had been stiff like a stone statue, silently stroked Elaina’s hair that he held in his hand.

Then he quietly put it in his bosom.

As if he were embracing the most precious jewel in the world.

‘No.’

And as if casting a spell on himself, his golden eyes blazed with rage as he thought.

‘I can save her.’

After losing Ellie, the most beloved person in the world, forever.

Every day without fail, Sinclair relived that day countless times.

And he made a vow to himself.

That he would never again put Elaina in such danger.

Even if the same thing were to happen, he would not lose her like he lost Ellie that day.

It was no different now. That vow, with the scent of blood, still filled Sinclair’s heart without fading.

“It’s half a day.”

Duke Heswin, who had been quietly observing Sinclair, finally spoke in a low voice.

“If we ride as fast as possible, we can arrive even earlier. The soldiers and troops can also march without any problems. So don’t worry at all. Her Highness the Crown Princess will surely be safe. Of course, the same goes for His Highness Prince Chaz.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Count Wilter, who had been standing still, also chimed in with Duke Heswin’s words.

“His Highness knows best, but she’s not someone who would be easily defeated, right? It was the same during the previous poisoning incident. Rather, she might be more worried about us.”

“…… Reorganize the formation.”

Eventually, Sinclair answered in a much lower voice than usual.

“Hister already knows that we are marching. We have already grasped the structure of the castle, but now we don’t know how it has changed. If we gather all our forces in one place, there’s a high possibility of needlessly falling into danger.”

“Yes, I understand what you mean. Then……”

Just as Duke Heswin was about to answer, a voice was heard from behind.

“Your Highness!”

At the sudden commotion, everyone’s gaze turned to one place.

The voice, which couldn’t be more urgent, came from the middle of the procession.

One of the soldiers gathered together raised his voice.

“Someone is drifting away over there!”

“…… What?”

Sinclair slightly frowned at the unexpected words. Then he looked to the right of the group.

More precisely, towards the river that flowed incessantly.

The soldiers were right.

On the river, which looked black due to its depth, there was a man struggling even at this very moment.

It was someone Sinclair knew very well.

Chaz.

“Si, Sinclair!”

There was no time to think anymore. Ignoring those behind him who called his name in a panicked voice, Sinclair began to run like a madman.

As Sinclair moved hurriedly, Count Wilter turned his gaze towards the river, still unaware of the situation.

“It, it’s His Highness Chaz!”

Then, as if he had lost his mind, he began to shout loudly.

“Save him! We must save him! Hurry!”

With those words, Count Wilter also followed behind Sinclair. Duke Heswin, grasping the situation, quickly gave orders, and at the same time, numerous people ran towards the river.

“Chaz!”

Sinclair, who had jumped into the river without a moment’s hesitation, called out Chaz’s name in a loud voice.

However, as if he had already begun to lose consciousness, Chaz, who had been weakly struggling, shuddered slightly and then eventually went limp.

“No, Chaz!”

Sinclair, who had already reached the middle of the river, desperately reached out his hand. And with difficulty, he barely grabbed Chaz, who was about to drift further away in the current.

As Sinclair grabbed the motionless Chaz like a corpse, the troops who had jumped into the river following him gathered like a swarm of bees.

Thus, with Sinclair’s help, they finally managed to pull Chaz out, but Chaz still did not regain consciousness.

“Oh, no…… Lord Chaz!”

Count Wilter, who had turned pale, screamed and began to rub Chaz’s limbs, which had been laid on the ground.

“Chaz. Chaz!”

Sinclair was just as desperate. He called his precious younger brother’s name several times and desperately slapped Chaz’s cheeks, which were already full of wounds.

“Ugh……”

As if their earnestness had gotten through, a faint moan eventually escaped from between Chaz’s lips. Chaz tightly closed his eyes with a pained expression, then coughed up water while gasping.

“Si…… Sinclair……”

Chaz, who had regained consciousness, looked up at Sinclair with a pale face that couldn’t find a single trace of blood. With dazed eyes as if he were dreaming.

But as if to prove that this was reality and not a dream, Sinclair embraced Chaz with all his might.

“Bro, Brother……”

At that warm warmth, tears quickly welled up in Chaz’s eyes, which had been blankly unfocused.

“Lady Elaina…… is still in the castle……”

And Chaz looked at Sinclair, sobbing in a low voice.

“I’m truly sorry. I should have brought her here no matter what, no matter how……. Hister’s soldiers, the soldiers……”

“……”

“Lady Elaina said that since her legs are not well, if she can’t escape together anyway, she would be the decoy. And she let me, let me escape……”

No further explanation was needed. Just those few words were already enough to understand. How Chaz had escaped from the castle. And also with what feelings Elaina had protected him.

“It’s my fault. I’m really sorr……”

“No, it’s not your fault.”

Eventually, Sinclair spoke in a low voice as if to comfort him, and Count Wilter made a surprised expression without realizing it.

…… He thought Sinclair might resent Chaz for escaping alone. He might even blame him. Especially if the Crown Princess, whom he sincerely loved, was left alone in the castle.

However, surprisingly, in Sinclair’s golden eyes…… such emotions couldn’t be found at all.

“So you don’t have to feel apologetic or sorry to me.”

“Bro, Brother……”

“The fact that you came back alive like this is enough for you to have done your part.”

At Sinclair’s words filled with affection, Chaz began to shed even more tears than before.

“It’s okay, Chaz. I will safely rescue Elaina.”

“……”

“Count Wilter.”

“I’m listening. Please speak.”

“Take Chaz and return to the imperial palace right now.”

“Pardon? Bu, but……”

“Chaz is badly injured, so call the imperial physician immediately. You will also feel more at ease being with Chaz. Don’t worry about going, as Duke Heswin will remain.”

“N, no! Brother! I can fight. I must fight. Lady Elaina helped me escape alone, so……”

“Yes. Lady Elaina helped you escape alone. I can’t put you in the same danger again.”

Sinclair said, patting Chaz’s shoulder.

“Besides, you have already fought well. More than enough. It’s already overflowing.”

“So, sob……”

“Wilter, hurry.”

“…… Yes. I will return to the imperial palace right away.”

Count Wilter slowly moved his lips.

“But I will leave all the troops except the minimum personnel to take charge of the escort. After returning, I will check if the nobles remaining in the imperial palace are cooperating well and send people to you.”

“Alright.”

“And I’m really…… really grateful, Your Highness.”

Sinclair didn’t answer Count Wilter’s words. He just lightly brushed Chaz’s hair that was soaked with water……

He hesitated for a moment and asked in a low voice.

“You must have escaped through the underground waterway, Chaz.”

“Yes. Lady Elaina also said that method would be the best. Although I ended up like this after being swept away by the current……”

Sinclair seemed to be thinking about something for a while, and not long after, he stood up, supporting Chaz.

Before long, Chaz and Count Wilter paid their respects to Sinclair and began to return to the imperial palace.

Sinclair silently watched Chaz’s group riding away with sobbing sounds, then slowly parted his lips.

“Heswin.”

“Yes.”

Duke Heswin, who quickly approached him, responded with a short answer while gazing at Sinclair. Sinclair spoke to him in a low voice.

“We’re changing the plan.”