Under the Oak Tree

Chapter 352  Chapter 113

The majority of the remaining soldiers were elite knights representing the various kingdoms. Each order marched with their respective banners held high, all led, of course, by the Temple Knights. Behind them were the Wedonian and Livadonian royal knights, followed by the knights of Arex and Balto.

Though the army was nearly a quarter of its original size, they still made an awe-inspiring sight. Colorful banners danced in the wind, armed soldiers marched onward by the thousands, and hundreds of wagons laden with spoils of war rolled along the path.

A throng of eager spectators, hundreds strong, gathered to witness the triumphant army's journey southeastward. Among them were merchants, courtesans, beggars, and petty thieves, all drawn to the camp under the cover of night. To Maxi, the scene resembled one long boisterous parade.

Intoxicated by their recent victory, the soldiers reveled in their success, swaying from drink and their voices filled with boasts. Most of their superiors turned a blind eye to their unruly behavior, understanding the impossible task of reining in the desires of men who had faced hunger and death in the unforgiving wilderness for months. Even the mages, usually reserved and composed, seemed caught up in the lively atmosphere.

Maxi released a weary sigh as she watched the merriment unfolding around the campfires. The arrival of bards infused the air with vibrant melodies, while scantily clad women enticed the soldiers, leading them into barns, tents, or disappearing into the dense woods.

Pretending not to see them, Maxi guided Rem to the temporary stable.

"Allow me, my lady," said Ulyseon, rushing over to take the reins from her. "You should retire to your tent."

"I do not need your assistance," Maxi retorted, her voice dripping with icy disdain as she snatched the reins back.

She strode past Ulyseon, who slumped his shoulders like a dejected puppy. She led her mare to an empty stall, securing her and removing her saddle.

Undeterred, Ulyseon followed after her. "Please, allow me to handle the demanding tasks, my lady. Sir Riftan specifically instructed me to look after you."

"I do not require a servant. Go and inform Sir Riftan that his intrusion is unnecessary!" Maxi exclaimed, swinging her bag over her shoulder.

Just as she was about to leave, she ran into Ursuline Ricaydo, who was leading his own horse into the stable.

The knight looked at Maxi's stony face, then at Ulyseon's desperate one. "Good evening, my lady."

Maxi glared back. "I'm afraid I am not having a good evening, Sir Ursuline."

"How… unfortunate."

His calm reply only deepened Maxi's scowl. Though she longed to grab the man by the collar and give him a piece of her mind, she refused to stoop to such unladylike behavior in front of everyone. With a piercing look directed at Ursuline's well-groomed face, she turned away, determined to show that she had no intention of engaging with him. Ursuline sighed and chased after her.

"How long must I endure your wrath, my lady?" he called out. "I was unaware that there was tension between you and the commander. He rushed to your side as soon as he received word that you had left Nornui, leaving only a brief message for me. Given all the commotion, I assumed you two had reconciled by—"

"I-I do not recall chastising you in any way," Maxi interrupted, her cheeks flushing.

Ursuline seemed intent on continuing this painfully uncomfortable conversation as if desperate to air his grievances. "You have been glowering at me as if I were your sworn enemy, simply for interrupting your time with your husband."

Maxi felt her anger and humiliation fueling the rush of blood to her head. She could not believe his audacity as he continued, "As I was merely putting my duties first, I ask that you cease this unjust treatment at once."

"Fine! Then explain to me what this important duty was. If I am convinced of its significance, I shall set aside my resentment, as you so boldly suggest."

With a defiant tilt of her chin, Maxi regarded Ursuline with animosity. Deep furrows formed on Ursuline's brow. Catching the faint hesitation on his face, Maxi fixated her gaze on his mouth, eager to hear his response.

"What's going on here?" said a deep voice. It sounded close.

Maxi turned her head toward the source and saw Riftan glaring at them stonily.

"We were having a conversation," Ursuline replied with a sigh.

Riftan shot him a warning look before shifting his attention to Maxi. "It's not safe for you to be wandering about. Go back to your tent."

"H-How is that any concern of yours?" Maxi snapped, but her face flushed with regret as soon as the words left her mouth.

Despite her determination to treat him with the same cold detachment he had shown her, her temper had gotten the best of her. Biting her lip, she attempted to regain her composure. "I am perfectly capable of assessing the dangers myself."

Riftan remained silent, his eyes boring into her. A painful tightness constricted Maxi's chest as she met his unwavering stare. How was this man capable of such coldness? She was beginning to wonder if the blind affection and dedication he had shown her in the past had been nothing but an illusion.

Maxi whirled away when she felt tears welling in her eyes. She was afraid that she would end up embarrassing herself again.

"I must go now," she managed to croak.

She hurried away as if fleeing and made her way to where the mages were gathered. Ulyseon dutifully followed to serve as her escort.

Ignoring the nervous young knight, Maxi entered the dark tent and crawled into her bedroll. She strained her ears, listening for any sign of Riftan, before realizing what she was doing. Overwhelmed by misery, she pulled the blanket over her head.

Frustration set in as she scolded herself for continuing to harbor hope despite her vow to let it go. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried to clear her mind.

The following day, the coalition army passed through a region called Lindell and arrived at the old capital of the Roem Empire.

They climbed a hill dotted with scraggly trees, which offered a view of the grand basilica's towering spires beyond the city's ramparts. As Maxi led her mare along the gentle slope, she gazed at the massive entrance with a peculiar expression. It felt like years since they had departed through this very same gate for the Plateau.

"Sound the kopel!"

As soon as Kuahel's command rang out from the front, the soldiers heralded their victorious return with several resounding blasts of their kopels. The sound was reminiscent of a mighty beast's roar. Within moments, the city gate swung open to welcome the army. Maxi followed the knights through the colossal doors towering at least forty kevettes(Approximately 12 meters.) high and urged her mare into a trot. The largest crowd they had encountered thus far cheered from both sides of the broad, well-paved road leading to the basilica.

When Rem startled at the noise, Maxi gently reassured her while she scanned the exuberant faces in the crowd. Dried petals fluttered all around them. It seemed more people had flocked to Balbourne since their departure.

When they finally reached the expansive grounds of the basilica, Anette complained with a groan, "How tiresome."

"Stop grumbling and try to enjoy it," Sidina said, chortling. "When will we ever receive such a reception again? I, for one, am slightly disappointed that there won't be more."

"You needn't be disappointed."

The three women turned to see Sejuleu Aren, adorned in the full regalia of the Bolosé Royal Knights. A bright smile played on his lips. "A grand celebration awaits us at the basilica. Throughout the talks, there will be daytime events and, at night, the most extravagant banquets in history to celebrate our victory. Nobles from each of the Seven Kingdoms will be in attendance. You will be afforded a hero's reception, to be sure."

"That sounds terrible," Anette grumbled with a frown.

In contrast, Sidina's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she maneuvered her horse closer to Sejuleu's. "Are commoners permitted to attend the banquet as well?"

"Of course! You are the heroes who saved the Seven Kingdoms," Sejuleu replied smoothly. "I'm certain that nobles will be lining up to hear your tales of valor. If you allow me, I would be honored to provide you with gowns for the banquet."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Ulyseon, riding a few paces behind, hastened forward. "Why would you offer her ladyship clothing? Her gowns will be provided by Sir Riftan. Your unnecessary kindness is not needed."

"Kindness is never unnecessary," Sejuleu countered, his smile unwavering despite Ulyseon's hostility. He added nonchalantly, "I would not have stepped in had Calypse fulfilled his duty. Based on my observations thus far, it seems that's not the case. I can no longer bear to see the disappointment on her ladyship's beautiful face. I wish for her to enjoy herself while—"

"Enough!" Maxi shouted irritably. "I will not be attending the banquet, so I ask that you cease this pointless argument at once."