Escorted by the Wood Family, the Black Nightmare Army finally arrived at Cru Town.
They established a camp north of the town and put down roots there. They also retrieved the supplies and weapons they had abandoned in the valley during the retreat, storing them in newly built warehouses. Their nerve-wracking flight was finally over. The war continued, but at last they could catch their breath and sleep soundly.
Benjamin, meanwhile, entered Crusader Gate once again.
"...I didn't expect you to send troops over directly."
Standing by the stairwell door on the gate's rooftop, he spoke as he watched Elizabeth gazing into the distance.
"Miles told me." Elizabeth turned around, shook her head, and said, "He noticed unusual movements from the Kingdom Army and realized beforehand that The Church was going to launch a surprise attack on you. So he advised me to deploy troops and encircle them from behind. Unfortunately... The Church seemed to have caught wind of it too. They withdrew early, and we couldn't keep them here."
Benjamin nodded at this but said nothing.
...No matter what, the Wood Army had saved them. Otherwise, who knew how many more would have died under The Church's pursuit?
After thinking for a moment, he changed the subject. "I'm deeply saddened by the duke's death. They were about to leave the tunnel, but The Church detonated everything right then. We weren't able to find many of his remains. I hope you won't be too grief-stricken."
Elizabeth did not appear overly sorrowful. She merely lowered her head. "The dead are gone. Those still living can only carry their wishes onward, can't they?"
"That's true..." Benjamin nodded. After hesitating for a moment, he continued, "On behalf of everyone in the Black Nightmare Army, I thank you for your rescue. But may I