Letter Attached to an Arrow

“My body is fine.”

Anna felt a little more relieved at the firm voice.

It was the same voice as usual, but his thick hand fidgeted beneath hers.

That behavior—showing a weak side while still appearing as the unwavering commander—was just like the commander she knew.

Anna felt sorry for him.

“That’s a relief.”

Anna had no intention of prying into his inner thoughts.

She just wanted him to know that she understood.

“…I need an explanation of what happened.”

Looking around, the commander checked his condition, and Anna released his hand and stood up.

She regretted withdrawing her hand from his, but prioritizing duty over personal desire was a soldier’s responsibility.

“I will report.”

Anna straightened her posture and began to speak.

“……”

The man silently focused his gaze on the woman’s lips.

“As you know, Commander, we were ambushed by enemy forces while detouring to intercept them.”

“Hmm….”

The commander narrowed his eyes as if trying to recall the events.

“I’m not sure if our route was discovered, but judging by the number of enemies, it seems they already knew.”

Anna continued.

“What happened next?”

“Yes. You said that we couldn’t proceed as the enemy intended, and you personally led the charge to break through their encirclement. You were injured in the process.”

“……..”

Had he recalled the memory? The commander’s face slightly contorted.

Anna, who had been delivering her report without pause, paused for a moment.

She carefully examined his face. He seemed to be contemplating something.

“Commander… I’m sorry, but may I say something?”

After some deliberation, Anna looked directly at the commander with a determined expression.

“…?”

As if asking what she was about to say, the commander looked at Anna questioningly.

Swallowing once, Anna opened her mouth. Unlike before, it was not easy to speak.

“Personally, I believe our cavalry’s stealth movement is the best on the continent. But the fact that our position was discovered from the start…”

“Means there was a leak of information?”

The commander took over Anna’s words.

Anna bit her lower lip and briefly closed her eyes.

“From the beginning, it was an absurd mission to send only our cavalry to intercept the Imperial army.”

“……..”

“Commander, you must acknowledge it now. The kingdom has abandoned us. You must know that they intend to hand you over to that greedy woman of the Empire.”

Anna pressed him, seeing his silence.

“…Why me? What crime have I committed?”

And then came the absurd question. Anna could only press her throbbing head.

“…Are you pretending not to know, or do you really not know? You must be aware that the Emperor of the Empire is obsessed with you, aren’t you?”

It was endearing to see the usually stern commander looking at her with such clueless eyes, but Anna was more frustrated.

“…Um, I knew.”

“You’re lying.”

I’ve been with you for years, Commander. Anna glared at him, and the commander subtly averted his gaze.

The commander remained silent, as if trying to recall his conversation with Anna.

Anna, feeling awkward for revealing more of her inner thoughts than usual, aimlessly chased dust particles in the air.

Her conversations with him were never long.

He would ask, and she would answer. They talked more about the cavalry than about personal matters.

Therefore, this silence was no different from usual.

“So, what’s the situation now?”

“We’ve set up a temporary camp in the forest. There’s a possibility of fire attacks, but we’ve determined it’s safe because the forest is large and we’ve secured escape routes.”

Anna, who had been momentarily lost in thought at the man’s question, straightened her posture.

“We can’t stay long.”

The man muttered.

Anna’s gaze turned to the commander’s body. The body of the commander who had been on the verge of death until just now.

Dawn would break soon, and they had to move.

“Yes, it seems best to move as soon as dawn breaks.”

Will he be alright? Anna had to say something different from what she truly felt.

“I was going to ask….”

Just as the commander was about to speak.

Someone hurriedly entered from outside.

“Commander!”

It was Yohan, who had the loudest voice in the cavalry.

“Yohan. The commander has just woken up and needs to rest. I won’t tolerate any disturbance.”

Anna glared at Yohan, but he ignored her and approached the commander.

“A letter… from the Empire…!”

In his large fist, he held an arrow.

A piece of paper was neatly attached to the center of the arrow shaft.

Anna detached the letter from the arrow and unfolded it.

The letter was densely filled with writing.

“Commander.”

Anna’s eyes wavered.

“Read it to me.”

The commander calmly requested.

Inho. When I call your name, I feel flowers blooming in my heart.

Perhaps, you don’t know what you mean to me.

…I heard you were injured. I hope you weren’t hurt too badly.

Perhaps, you might think that I caused you harm?

You are my treasure. I would never be foolish enough to mistreat my own treasure.

I have dealt with those who harmed you.

They disobeyed the Emperor’s orders and damaged the Emperor’s most precious treasure, so they deserved to die.

So, you don’t have to worry about anything.

I heard you went into the forest.

I believe you are receiving good treatment, but as a human, I want to see with my own eyes that you are safe.

That’s why I’m writing this letter.

Come to the entrance of the forest tomorrow afternoon. Let’s enjoy a simple tea party.

After spending time with you, I will send you back to that shabby camp.

I promise in the name of this Emperor that there will be no schemes or traps.

Then, I will be waiting.

-Your Emperor.

“Crazy bitch.”

Anna said after reading the letter.