Inquiry (1)

Supported by a Great Warrior under his command, Habakkuk struggled through the gates of Fokas Fortress.

His steps were unsteady. Bandages covered nearly his entire body, leaving only his face exposed, and every breath carried heavy pain.

This place was still far from Byron Fortress, yet he had no other choice—

In his current condition, he simply could not return directly through a Magic Teleportation Array.

The healers of Fokas Fortress had already been waiting after receiving word. They brought Habakkuk into a room for preliminary treatment.

Habakkuk forced himself upright on the bed and looked toward his loyal subordinate at his side. His voice was weak, but his tone resolute.

"Return to Byron Fortress immediately and report my condition to the family exactly as it is... Tell them I want Joan to come here personally."

"My lord, your injuries—"

"Enough. I don't need you worrying about me right now. I need you to get things done."

The warrior did not dare disobey. He could only bow to accept the order before hurrying away.

The other guard warriors exchanged looks, and the atmosphere grew heavy for a moment.

They wanted to tell Habakkuk that they were now in Fokas Fortress, not Byron Fortress.

If the family higher-ups learned that he had led men across the border to provoke another side on his own authority, the consequences would likely be far more serious than a single defeat.

But no one dared remind him at a time like this.

They could only bury those words deep in their hearts and stand silently at the side.

That afternoon, Joan finally arrived at Fokas Fortress with her people.

She wore a gray robe, her expression cold and her steps firm.

The moment she entered the infirmary, her gaze fell upon the bandage-covered Habakkuk on