"Marquis Landen, yesterday on the battlefield, I forgot my place and took Red Dawn back to the Basin..." Honnier lowered his head, unable to see Landen's expression. "It was entirely my fault, and I'm willing to accept whatever punishment you deem fit."
In her eyes, fleeing the battlefield was a capital offense for a knight. Even if Landen was generous, it would still be a fatal stain on her career as a knight.
"It's all right. Don't dwell on what happened yesterday." Landen helped Honnier to her feet and smiled. "Lord Zoleika already told me. You successfully rallied at least ten Retainers who were being held in reserve and brought them back to camp to protect Mentor Rosef. That was far more useful than staying here at the pass."
Landen had known that Honnier Gallop held a position of influence among the Cat Tribe, but he hadn't realized she'd grown up with nearly all the Retainers. Her influence was strong enough to make them move at her command like livestock.
"You did your part. We'll have plenty of dealings with the Forest Cat Tribe in the future, and we may need you to step in again."
"I'd be honored to serve!" Honnier saluted and was about to take her leave when the door to the lord's room opened, revealing the huge head of the Magic Pattern Tiger.
"Landen, come quick! Look who's here!"
As soon as Landen entered the room, he saw the pet who had been missing for over a month, lying in the Magic Pattern Tiger's arms: the leopard-spotted Big Cat.
"Meow~"
"Oh, my dear pet! You're finally back!"
With the war over and his pet home again, Landen's mood finally improved. He leaned against the tiger's belly and started petting the cat.
As he stroked her, Landen