Having received her orders, Hilda mounted her horse and galloped toward the North Gate.
Crowds of celebrating citizens lined both sides of the road.
They held wooden beer mugs aloft, the thick, malty scent of orange-gold ale wafting through the air. Though their clothes were simple and their faces weary, they couldn't hide their sun-bright smiles.
"The demon army has retreated!!"
"Drinks are on me today! Everyone, drink your fill!"
Cheers erupted from the taverns.
By the roadside, a young couple stood together. The woman wore a simple linen dress, her yellow hair cascading down her back, her expression a mix of shyness and joy.
The man before her gripped her hands, his face flushed with excitement.
"It’s wonderful! The demon army has retreated! They’re gone! We don't have to die!"
He swept the girl up in his arms and spun her around, drawing a startled yelp from her!
"Oh! Put me down! What are you doing in front of everyone?"
Joy spread through the streets. Everywhere she looked, Hilda saw the smiling faces of the common folk.
Infected by the merry atmosphere, a smile tugged at Hilda's own lips.
As she reached the city gates, the soldiers bowed as soon as they saw her.
"Greetings, Lady Hilda!"
"Yes. Where is Yuna? I need to see her."
Hilda dismounted, and a nearby soldier immediately stepped forward to take her reins and tie the horse to a hitching post. He turned back to her with a wide grin.
"General Yuna is up on the wall."
"What is she doing?"
Hilda began climbing the steps to the ramparts, but the soldier’s answer was somewhat peculiar.
"General Yuna looks very grim, as if she doesn't feel any joy at all. We suggested she take some rest, but the general refused, insisting on remaining at her post on the wall."
Hilda nodded without a word and headed straight for the battlements. Upon reaching the top, she spotted Yuna standing by the parapet.
Clad in light leather armor, Yuna’s short pink hair looked sharp and tidy. A silver cross rapier hung at her waist.
Hearing the approach from behind, Yuna didn't turn around.
"I already told you, I don't need rest. Go and get some sleep yourselves."
"Yuna, you’re as serious as ever."
Hilda shook her head with a wry smile. Among the eight Guardian Knights, Hilda and Yuna were the closest and understood each other best.
Startled by the voice, Yuna turned around.
She had a slightly round face with pleasant features. While perhaps not a peerless beauty, she was certainly attractive, with bright, almond-shaped eyes. When she realized it was her friend Hilda, a smile instantly broke across her face.
"Hilda! What are you doing here?"
Yuna ran over to her. Although she was significantly older than Hilda, she never bothered to hide her lively personality when they were together.
"What are you doing?"
"Watching the demon army retreat! I won't be at ease until I see them fully withdrawn. You know how I am!"
Her cheerful response was a stark contrast to her earlier tone. That was just how Yuna was—cold to outsiders, but as bubbly as a child with those she cared about.
"How could I not know you?"
Hilda’s expression stiffened for a moment as she noticed the bouncing weight of Yuna’s chest following her movements.
They really are huge.
Even as a fellow knight, Hilda couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.
"Hehe."
Yuna scratched her head sheepishly, her bright eyes fixed on Hilda.
"How is Her Highness the Saintess? Has that monster been slain?"
"The creature escaped, but Her Highness is unharmed and is currently in the Temple. I’ve come to deliver a divine decree from the Saintess."
At the mention of the Saintess, the smile vanished from Hilda's face, replaced by a solemn expression.
"Knight Yuna, receive the divine decree."
Yuna blinked, her innocent smile instantly replaced by a serious look. She moved to drop to one knee, but Hilda reached out to stop her.
"Don't. Her Highness emphasized that we must not draw any attention."
Yuna was taken aback again. After a moment’s hesitation, she stood up and pulled Hilda toward her private quarters.
Once the unnecessary attendants were dismissed, Yuna turned back to Hilda.
"What are the Saintess's orders?"
"The divine decree states that three guardian knights are to go to the Temple immediately for a secret meeting to discuss a matter of great importance."
"What kind of matter?"
A look of confusion appeared on Yuna's round face.
"I don't know the specifics. Get ready and try not to attract any attention. I have to head to the East Gate and South Gate immediately."
"Understood!"
Having received the decree, the serious look on Yuna's face melted back into a wide smile. She looked at Hilda.
"Then I’ll be going on ahead!"
"Wait, you should leave after I do."
Hilda was clearly more meticulous in her thinking. Yuna thought for a moment and nodded.
"Alright, you go first then."
"Mm."
Hilda nodded and turned to leave, but Yuna called out from behind her.
"Are we still going to the usual place tonight?"
"We’ll see."
Hilda hurried away from the North Gate. Less than ten minutes after her departure, Yuna also left.
Next, Knight Hilda visited the East Gate and South Gate. After speaking with Knight Nar and Knight Cain, she returned to her own quarters. Ten minutes later, she finally set out for the Temple.
Throughout the entire process, the four knights left no openings. Each of them had coincidentally returned home first before heading to the Temple.
When the four knights met at the entrance of the Temple, they exchanged glances. Hilda was the first to step inside.
The moment the doors opened, all four instinctively looked toward the saintess sitting on the bed, a holy smile on her face.
"There is no need for such formality, my knights."
As she spoke, Luo Li studied them.
Hilda, of course, needed no introduction.
The girl with the short pink hair standing next to her must be Knight Yuna. They were the only two female knights among the eight Guardian Knights.
Then there was Knight Nar.
He wasn't very old, barely fifteen, and was considered a rare genius knight in Brilliant City. His strength put him at the forefront of the eight Guardian Knights.
He was also blond-haired and blue-eyed, bearing a striking resemblance to Knight Adam.
Perhaps because he was facing the saintess, he seemed a bit shy and kept his gaze fixed on the floor.
Finally, there was Knight Cain.
This knight looked like a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard. His expression was somewhat sinister, with narrow, triangular eyes that were as sharp as sickles. With his prominent hooked nose and thin lips, he gave off a very difficult impression.
Judging by his looks alone, one would immediately peg him as a traitor.
He looked like a common thief, a shady merchant, or a local thug.
He didn't even need to act; he just had to stand there to fit the part.
However, Luo Li was not one to judge by appearances.
This was her guardian knight! Her life depended on them.
'Even if they were a handful, I’d gladly pay for their keep.'
"I thank you, my four guardian knights, for your dedicated protection of Brilliant City. On behalf of the people, I thank you for your service."
"We are not worthy of such praise."
Cain’s smile looked more awkward than a sob.
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