Published: July 3, 2025
"That's not possible... Greenstorm is ineffective."
Captain Meredith’s report was filled with bitterness.
However, Duke Loris of Inberri could also see that all the Greenstorm attacks were failing to have any effect.
"Commence the attack from the castle walls."
There was no longer any vigor in the command.
It was only natural.
After all, it was his own orders that had led to the death of the most elite unit.
Stanley, the knight commander and the most trusted military commander, was already gone.
There was no longer any chance for a reversal. He had been forced to understand that.
"Your grace."
Someone called out to Loris in a low voice from behind.
It was Chief Chamberlain Kurna of the ducal house.
"Escape the city, leave the country, and recover the duchy from abroad."
"B-but..."
Abandoning the country, abandoning the people, and fleeing abroad to save oneself was a proposal that even Loris, in his current state, hesitated to consider.
"If you remain safe, there is hope for the restoration of the duchy. However, if something happens to you, when the lords who are enduring through this time rise again, whom will they rely on?"
Surviving for the sake of the future citizens who dream of restoring the country… those words were enough to solidify Loris's resolve.
Taking his family and fleeing abroad.
But was that even possible?
"There is an escape route prepared from this city, provided by Lord Gecko. It leads to the edge of the basin and into the forest. Provisions have been prepared for you to hide there for a while. We will create a diversion in the city, allowing you to slip away from the basin when the enemy's watch is relaxed."
"I see, Gecko…"
Gecko, the merchant of the Duchy of Inberri.
He had brought supplies into the city of Fion and fortified it as the final stronghold, even preparing an escape route in case of emergencies.
"Has Gecko already…?"
"Yes, as per your orders, he left the city just before you and is probably hiding near the kingdom's border…"
"I have troubled Gecko as well."
Saying that, Loris let out a deep sigh.
Then he spoke to Chief Chamberlain Kurna.
"I understand. We will escape."
Thus, Duke Loris of Inberri escaped from the city of Fion with his family and those who accompanied him.
Two kilometers west of the city of Fion.
Loris and his party found themselves in one of the forests scattered throughout the Fion Plain.
They had traversed a long underground passage from the city and, after emerging to the surface, entered deeper into the forest, finally able to take a breath.
There was a considerably large cave that could shield them from the wind and rain.
Even if light leaked out, it was constructed in such a way that it would be difficult to see from the direction of the city, indicating a highly meticulous design.
Inside the cave was vast, with enough food prepared to sustain twenty people for well over a month, showcasing Gecko's capabilities.
The battle in the city of Fion was still ongoing.
However, the castle gates had already been breached, and its fall was merely a matter of time.
The sight of smoke rising from various parts of the city could be seen even from this forest, two kilometers away.
And Duke Loris of Inberri could not tear his gaze away from the city.
Those who were fighting, sacrificing themselves for his escape.
Those who refused to accept the fall of their country and continued to fight.
And those who had decided to make the city their battleground and fight to the death.
He, who was supposed to take responsibility for all of them, had been the first to leave the city.
Of course, he understood logically that surviving was his duty.
He understood it, yet emotionally, he still could not accept it.
Furthermore, there were practical concerns.
"Will the kingdom truly accept my asylum?"
Loris's murmured words were too quiet for anyone else to hear.
Two hours later, the flag of the duchy that had been hoisted in the city of Fion was lowered, and in its place, the alliance flag was raised.
That night, six shadows approached the cave where Duke Loris of Inberri was hiding.