The duel between Alex and Yerevan had ended.
Yerevan's lifeless body dropped to the ground as Alex released his grip, blood staining the soil beneath him.
"...Alex..."
A soft voice called out to him.
It was Sophia—her body still trembling from what she had just witnessed.
Alex's furious expression slowly faded. The rage in his golden eyes dimmed, replaced by his usual calm, unreadable gaze.
"Ms. Sophia… are you alright?"
He asked casually, his voice steady.
Sophia gave a small nod, her voice quiet.
"I'm… fine."
As they stood together, the morning sun began to rise, casting golden rays across the bloodstained ground and through the trees.
Alex glanced around the clearing, then spoke.
"Then we should leave this forest."
But as he turned, something struck him.
His eyes narrowed.
"Ms. Sophia, have you seen a girl, about fifteen, with long blonde hair?"
Sophia blinked, confused by the question.
She looked around again. There was no one else present—only Lady Clara, Marci, Lieutenant Cloe, and herself.
Then he said something even more mysterious.
"...I felt my sister's presence here. That's why I rushed to this location… and found all of you."
Sophia turned her gaze toward Lady Clara. She had blonde hair, yes—but there didn't seem to be any real connection between her and Alex.
Alex began walking toward Lady Clara, who was still sitting on the ground with Marci resting in her lap.
"...What? Can I help you?" Clara asked, surprised by his approach.
Alex leaned in slightly, his eyes studying her closely. Lady Clara blinked, startled by his sudden closeness.
"...I felt it from her," Alex muttered to himself. "But… she's not my sister."
Then he turned to Sophia.
"Ms. Sophia, who are these girls?" he asked, nodding toward Clara and Marci.
Alex hadn't realized Marci was a woman. Her disguise had been convincing—though now, with her wounded body resting in Clara's arms and her chest faintly wrapped in cloth, the truth was beginning to show. But he hadn't noticed. Not yet.
He also didn't know who Lady Clara was. After all, he had only arrived at the climax of the battle, just in time to stop the worst.
The only thing that truly surprised him for now was that. Lieutenant Cloe, was both a woman and beastkin.
Moreover, Alex noticed something else, Sophia didn't seem surprised by Lieutenant Cloe's appearance. She hadn't questioned her being a woman, or even a beastkin. It was clear now... Sophia had already known.
After taking a short break and exchanging information, Alex sat down with Sophia and told her everything—what had happened to Mr. Hex and Sir John.
Sophia listened in silence at first, but as Alex continued, her hands trembled. Tears welled in her eyes as she heard what those two had gone through before they finally returned to heaven.
She covered her mouth, eyes glass
"They suffered so much… and still fought until the end..."
Lady Clara, sitting beside Marci, gave a respectful bow and spoke softly.
"My name is Clara... and thank you. All of you, thank you for saving me."
Her voice shook with sincerity.
After exchanging information and catching their breath, the group agreed it was time to leave the forest and return to their horse carriage.
The mission was completed faster than expected…
But it had come at a terrible cost.
It was a hellish, brutal experience—one none of them would ever forget.
They had arrived just yesterday.
And in a single night, they had managed to find and rescue Lady Clara—while also eliminating every assassin sent after her.
Now, it was time to go back.
Alex took the lead, carrying both Cloe and Marci.
Lieutenant Cloe was unconscious, her arms gently tied to keep her steady as she rested against his back.
Marci, still weak and unresponsive, was cradled in his arms at the front—her head leaning gently against his chest.
Behind him, Sophia and Lady Clara followed in silence.