Chapter 184: Belated Regret 1

“So? Our sister has returned?”

“Yes, my lord. We just received word. She has admirably accomplished her reconnaissance mission.”

Upon Polena’s report of Baiken’s return, I felt a sense of relief.

“Thank goodness, I was a bit worried, but I’m glad they all made it back safely.”

Well aware of Baiken’s capabilities, I hadn’t harbored grave concerns.

Yet the battlefield always risked the unexpected.

Moreover, if Baiken had been abducted following Queen, the situation would have grown exceedingly complicated. So from a pragmatic perspective, I could breathe easier knowing no major issues arose.

Then…

“Pardon me, my lord.”

“Hmm? What is it? Some problem?”

“Actually, Lady Baiken reportedly captured prisoners during her reconnaissance. And those prisoners are said to be holy knights.”

“…Holy knights?”

Surprised by Polena’s unexpected disclosure, I began to wonder as she continued:

“Yes, apparently two highly skilled holy knights. From what I’ve heard, had it not been for Freddie, they could have posed considerable danger.”

“Hmm…”

Two capable holy knights.

As she spoke of them, two specific individuals automatically came to mind.

‘But…the chances of them actually being those two are slim. The world is vast, with many holy knights. In fact, I’ve never even seen the protagonists’ faces.’

Dismissing that notion, I grew more interested in the potential intelligence from these prisoners rather than their identities.

However…

“Two holy knights…could they perhaps be those two?”

“Cazeros…well, my dear, is that really likely? There are so many holy knights in this world…”

“True, but among them, how many could be considered elite enough to materialize auras? From what I heard, that’s apparently possible for these two, which means…”

“Hmm…”

Unlike me, Cazeros displayed considerable curiosity about these holy knights.

Seeing her interest, I managed a wry smile, deciding to indulge her nonetheless.

‘Well, no harm in us greeting them directly.’

As a matter of courtesy, we would have to welcome the returning party in any case.

Thus, I departed with Cazeros and Polena to receive Baiken.

“Welcome back, Baiken. No injuries, I hope?”

“No, I’ve returned safely, Father.”

“Good, you’ve worked hard. I hear you brought holy knight prisoners? Accomplishing such an arduous mission while also securing valuable assets – truly commendable.”

“You honor me with your praise. As your daughter and a commander, I merely fulfilled my duty.”

Despite her humble words, undisguised joy radiated from Baiken’s expression.

After commending her, Bohemia’s sovereign Count Turen turned his gaze toward the witch Freddie beside her.

“I must also extend my gratitude for aiding my daughter. I’m told you assisted her – you have my sincere thanks.”

“…Yes. Thank you, my lord.”

Freddie’s slightly trembling reply hinted at her nervousness in such unfamiliar situations, prompting the count to dismiss it casually.

His interest then shifted to the bound holy knights behind them.

“So these are the ones captured from the imperial camp?”

“Yes, my lord. Based on their displayed abilities, they are estimated to be highly-ranked holy knights. I believe we can expect to extract considerable valuable intelligence.”

“I’d imagine so, given the current circumstances. Interrogate them thoroughly.”

“As you command, my lord.”

After that brief report and subsequent orders, the soldiers escorted the prisoners to the dungeons.

Yet in that moment, most present failed to notice the unspoken exchange between the four of us during those fleeting praises and updates…

As Father welcomed Baiken in the castle courtyard, Cazeros and I paid no heed to their conversation at that moment.

Understandably so, for our eyes were utterly transfixed by the unmistakable presence of those who had played pivotal roles in altering both my fate and this world’s trajectory.

‘Nune…and Tine…’

‘I couldn’t believe it, but those individuals are truly…’

Frankly, even with them before our very eyes, the sight remained nearly incredulous.

The holy knights Nune and Tine – the catalysts who had instigated my excommunication, firmly setting me on a path to utterly renounce the Church’s forces through their outrageous conduct.

That those very individuals now arrived as prisoners triggered profound, conflicting emotions within Cazeros and myself.

‘I don’t know whether to welcome or lament encountering those two out of so many…’

‘Truthfully, the term “fateful enmity” is the only fitting description now…yet seeing them like this stirs complex feelings.’

In a pathetic, disheveled state as shackled captives – a stark contrast to their arrogant obstructionism when I faced excommunication. Despite surely recognizing us, they could not even meet our gazes.

Then, following Father’s orders, they were led underground to the dungeons.

Watching them being taken away rekindled the memory of our own past incarcerations due to those two, evoking an indescribably surreal sensation within Cazeros and me.

‘The ways of the world are truly unpredictable…’

‘Indeed…such occurrences do happen…’

Ultimately, Nune and Tine found themselves confined in Bohemia’s underground dungeons.

At this moment, their faces were etched with utter dejection.

They had briefly visited this very castle before, attempting desertion from the holy knight order. But their current circumstances differed completely from that time.

Then, they had entered with some hope and expectations. Now, only despair dominated their minds.

‘Dammit…how did things end up like this…’

‘Of all places, to be brought here where that bastard Santana is…’

Considering their extensive ill-fated history, they could easily foresee their prospects being anything but smooth.

However, at this moment, one presence loomed larger in their minds than even Santana’s cold reception:

Cazeros Sophia.

A fellow holy knight who, until just a few years prior, had been in a similar impoverished plight.

Yet the Cazeros they had just witnessed bore no resemblance to that former self.

No longer a downtrodden, destitute holy knight – but a noble lady adorned in luxurious dress and exquisite jewelry.

Beholding her aristocratic radiance triggered profound pangs of regret within Nune and Tine.

‘If only…we had helped Santana back then, even a little…we wouldn’t be in this wretched state…’

‘Perhaps we could have been in Cazeros’ position…’

While unaware of the specifics, Cazeros undoubtedly enjoyed considerable status in Bohemia.

Given enough time, she might have even become Santana’s wife.

A stark contrast to their own dungeon confinement.

However, that ship had long since sailed. All that remained for them was regret.

Now, they had to make the best of their dreadful circumstances – and survive by any means necessary.

‘If Santana shows up before us…’

‘Then…without hesitation, we must…’

Separate from their remorse and bitterness, a particular course of action had lingered in their minds throughout this ordeal.

Steeling themselves to execute it, the two inwardly lamented their miserable plight once more.