Early April in the Protos Empire.
The Northwest Province, Milford Border Territory.
Accompanied by wind that made the bells ring, a fine spring drizzle drifted down from the gloomy sky, blanketing every inch of Milford.
Two squads of finely armored knights stood at attention by Milford's city gates. Their gazes were firm and sharp as they checked the identities of everyone lining up to pass through.
This route leading into Milford Territory did not border the Aetherland Kingdom. It lay within the Protos Empire and was a commonly used trade route connecting other Protos city-states to the Milford Border Territory.
Taking advantage of the gaps in the border controls—the timing and route that Earl Milford had arranged in advance with the Goddess of Fate Church—Hughberlian had successfully infiltrated Protos Empire territory alongside an executioner, a priest, and a Holy Knight.
After taking a roundabout route, they were now about to officially enter the area within the City Defense Barrier of the Milford Border Territory.
Waiting at the back of the group, Hughberlian looked like the young heiress of a merchant guild. Her smooth, long hair spilled lightly over her shoulders, tied with a red ribbon. Paired with a black fitted top and a red checkered skirt, her light yet classically elegant appearance carried a hint of mysterious charm, while her eyes held an indescribable shrewdness.
Every one of her movements, whether a gesture or an instruction to the servants behind her, was filled with authority and confidence. She gave off the impression of being aloof and unapproachable, yet she still possessed the softness and grace unique to a woman.
Born into a duke's family, she naturally possessed a noble air. Coupled with her exquisite acting, it was impossible to see any discrepancy between her and the persona she was portraying.