Chapter 90.1 - Interlude - Princess Knight (1)


    The Targe Foresty far to the west of Serene, about 10 days'' journey by carriage.


    It was an expansive forest stretched from the Sanok Mountains, known for its rich flora and fauna as well as the prevalence of monsters.


    This had earned it a reputation for frightening the neighboring residents and attracting numerous adventurers.


    At the entrance to this forest, a crowd had gathered.


    Most were soldiers d in uniform leather armor and weapons, while others were adventurers with a variety of equipment.


    Their total number was close to fifty.


    Leading them was a young girl on horseback, possibly around 15 years old.


    She wore a well-worn white leather armor, and her sharp gaze peered out from beneath neatly trimmed bangs, focused on the forest.


    Behind the girl, a middle-aged woman on horseback apanied her.


    She wore chainmail and a deep blue cape, with a small sword hanging from her waist.


    Without a word, time passed in silence.


    Soon, the middle-aged woman shifted her gaze.


    The sound of rustling bushes prompted over fifty soldiers and adventurers to ready their weapons.


    A single adventurer emerged, gasping for breath, and knelt before the girl''s horse.


    "I got it!"


    As the girl nodded, the forest creaked and let out a scream.


    The restless soldiers and adventurers were calmed by the girl as she unsheathed her sword.


    "Prepare for battle, everyone!"


    At hermand, the soldiers sprang into action.


    What emerged next was a massive tree. Countless branches writhed, and hanging vines sought prey. It had no head or face, but there was a gaping hole near the top of its canopy.


    The abnormality and size of it swallowed the soldiers.


    However, the girl held her ground, her sword aimed forward.


    Everyone else hesitated and tightened their grip on their weapons.


    "It''s bigger than expected."


    The middle-aged woman''s horse advanced, positioning herself alongside the girl protectively.


    "It''s Pandu, isn''t it?"


    "Of course.


    The girl swung her sword and gave the order.


    "Spear unit, forward!"


    The soldiers rushed forward in unison, forming a spear formation.


    Pandu moved its branches as if probing, letting out a roar like a tempest.


    Several soldiers were blown away by the swinging branches.


    But the remaining ones bravely fought back with their spears, slowly retreating.


    Waiting for Pandu toe out of the forest, the girl swung her sword again.


    Rear units nked left and right, throwing oil jars behind Pandu.


    "Release the fire!"


    Without further ado, a barrage of [Fireball], [Firebolt], and countless ming arrows soared from the rear.


    The giant body twisted and trembled.


    The falling embers ignited the oil, creating a wall of mes between the forest and the giant.


    Whether there were soldiers there or not, Pandu didn''t care.


    It thrashed wildly, trying desperately to escape the raging mes.


    "That''s it! Everyone, charge!"


    With onemand, the girl kicked her horse''s belly,unching a sudden assault. The middle-aged woman panicked.


    "Princess She!?"


    Amidst the screams, over 50 people leaped into action in response to the girl''s charge.


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    On the gentle spring breeze, the scent of charred remnants lingered in the air.


    People were busy attending to the wounded, checking for any remaining sparks, and tidying up after the battle.


    Pandu hade to a halt, its massive form exposed on the grassy in. One of the soldiers chuckled and gave it a yful pat.


    Everyone had bright expressions, but the reality of casualties couldn''t be ignored.


    Five soldiers and two adventurers had fallen.


    Around the fallenrades, friends and fellow fighters had gathered.


    She praised their courage, and those who remained, on the verge of tears, listened to her words while forcing smiles.


    No one med her.


    Everyone present had chosen to be here willingly.


    ming her would be like mocking those who had lost their lives.


    Behind She, the middle-aged woman, Dariya, wore a discontented expression.


    She had instinctively dodged and avoided the attack, but She herself was on the verge of joining their ranks.


    Observing the crowd thinning around her, Dariya spoke up.


    "Princess She."


    "I know. I was reckless."


    She replied in a hushed tone.


    However, Dariya''s expression remained unyielding.


    She, this young girl, repeated the same actions.


    She believed it was her role, and was trying to convince herself of it.


    Dariya, her protector and wet nurse, was a former adventurer.


    She knew well that such an attitude meant throwing away one''s life.


    Staring at She''s slender back, Dariya reaffirmed her determination.


    If there was no stopping her, then she would have to die first.


    The She Annihtion Squad returned to Vokur town a few momentster.


    The Vokur Barony was one of the lords in the southwestern region of the Arsis Empire.


    It was a small regional lordship with only one town, Vokur, and a vige that served as a rest stop.


    Their return was met with cheers.


    The entire town''s poption had gathered.


    As they responded to the cheers, the Annihtion Squad proceeded down the main street.


    "Princess!"


    A young girl perched on her father''s shoulders waved to She.


    Her voice was echoed from all around, "Princess," "Lady Swordswoman.".


    Even She, who usually wore a stern expression, had a smile on her lips.


    Dariya, who apanied her, also smiled, but her feelings wereplex.


    Not long ago, these words had beenced with mockery.


    This tendency was particrly strong among the soldiers, those who risked their lives in battle.


    It was due to She''s behavior, which didn''t fit her role as the daughter of a baron, and couldn''tpete with the presence of those alongside her.


    The change hade when She started going to the battlefield.


    She didn''t hesitate to face death to protect her subjects.


    Witnessing such a fighting style, the perspective of soldiers, adventurers, and townsfolk began to change.


    Before they knew it, She''s poprity had surpassed not only her eldest brother, Pykes but even Lord Tortus, the ruler of the barony.


    The Annihtion Squad arrived at the square.


    In front, the deceased were covered in cloths, and She recited their names.


    She then praised the fallen and those who survived and raised arge emerald magical stone high into the air.


    "Thanks to everyone''s efforts, Pandu has been defeated!"


    The crowd shook Vokur with their cheers.


    Several soldiers held up thick branches, and the apuse grew even louder.


    "Now, I hereby disband the Annihtion Squad! Everyone, you fought well! We have set up a celebration, so feel free to drink as much as you want!"


    Soldiers and adventurers raised triumphant shouts that matched the crowd''s enthusiasm.


    The Annihtion Squad disbanded, and each member headed toward the celebration, rejoicing in each other''s safety.


    Watching over this scene, She returned a bitter smile.


    In her line of sight was a civil servant.


    "Princess, His Excellency requests your presence."


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