Atop Crusader Gate, rows of purple banners emblazoned with bows and trees stood planted in full, snapping loudly in the wind.
Elizabeth stood at the edge of the gate, looking up at the vast plains of the Hori Kingdom. She wore a pure black gown, with a white flower pinned to her chest. Her gaunt face remained motionless in the wind, making her look exceptionally cold and hard. Behind her, several soldiers waited quietly at a distance, their backs ramrod straight.
"The garrison at Cru Town has all fled. As long as you send out the troops, you can take it now." Suddenly, a figure emerged from the stairs and slowly approached, delivering his report calmly.
As he spoke, the man stopped beside several soldiers. He then reached out and lightly patted their shoulders, giving them a meaningful look. The soldiers nodded in understanding, said nothing, and turned to leave the top of the gate.
Elizabeth turned around as well.
"I don't know how to thank you..." she began slowly. "Miles, without your infiltration, I don't think we could have broken through Crusader Gate's defenses even with far more troops. The Wood Family owes you a favor."
Miles gave an ambiguous smile at that.
"The duke's final wish—I naturally had to give it my all. Consider it repayment for the kindness your family showed me in the past."
Elizabeth nodded too, seeming lost in thought. "Yes, Father's final wish..."
"I'm afraid even he never imagined that all the preparations the duke had made would only truly come to light after his death." Miles sighed softly, then suddenly lowered his head and said, "Miss Wood, I am deeply sorry for your father's death. No one could have foreseen things developing this way."
Elizabeth came back to herself, but no sorrow appeared