The footsteps were unhurried, steady and powerful—the steps of a warrior accustomed to the battlefield. Every footfall was exceptionally firm, without a single unnecessary sound.
Gerald's gaze fell upon the approaching figure as it gradually emerged upon the shattered battlefield—
It was the sword-wielding general he had seen before.
A familiar blade gleamed with a cold, sharp light beneath the dark-red afterglow.
His gaze swept over the Bloodfiend Lord's corpse. Seeing the clothes that still retained a vestige of dignity scattered across the ground, his eyes did not stir. There was only a profound scrutiny, as though he were confirming something.
After a long while, Theresis stopped beside Gerald and spoke his first words since their meeting. "You killed him."
"He attacked first."
"And yet you still killed him." Theresis drew his sword. "The death of a lord of the Royal Courts will bring unknown changes to Kazdel."
"So you want to kill me?" Gerald steadied the sword in his hand and grinned. "Fine. Let me experience your swordsmanship, Regent of Kazdel."
"..."
Theresis was silent for a moment, then slashed several times at the clothes left behind by the Bloodfiend Lord, creating the impression that [he was responsible for everything]. Then he sheathed his sword.
"..."
Gerald fell silent for a moment, then slowly dispelled the sword in his hand.
Through the regent's gaze, he seemed to sense something familiar, though he could not quite put his finger on the feeling.
Oh, right.
It was much like the feeling Uncle Młynar had given off these past few years.
At the instant his consciousness returned to the Blood River, Duq'arael fixed his gaze upon the blood that had sprayed forth when his head was severed.
He quietly watched everything before him and said nothing more.
The next time he