After turning the corner, Qin Ran saw a squad of soldiers.
Unlike the city guards, these soldiers were far more elite—not only in their weapons and equipment, but also mentally. Though they were afraid and nervous upon seeing him, they had not forgotten their duties.
"Remnants from Thunder Fortress and the royal palace guards?"
Qin Ran guessed.
Thunder Fortress had three thousand professional soldiers stationed there permanently. Back then, he had only charged through the checkpoint and had not slaughtered all three thousand.
The palace guards, on the other hand, were clearly loyal to James VIII.
Although that Jane James had nearly held absolute power in Lerdri back then, a small number of people still remained loyal to the true king.
Even if... there were truly very few of them.
But for Qin Ran, it was rare good news.
If he had truly needed to rely on those city guards, Qin Ran could not think of anything useful besides carrying out a decapitation plan.
With good news at last, Qin Ran's steps became lighter.
Although he could clearly sense the soldiers' hostility beneath their fearful and nervous gazes, Qin Ran remained perfectly composed.
But when he saw Mary at the end of the formation, the corners of Qin Ran's mouth curled upward, revealing a rare smile.
Mary wore a white knight's uniform. Her golden hair was still gathered and tied behind her head, just as Qin Ran remembered.
Her long, narrow blue eyes showed a maturity far beyond her age.
The short sword at her waist made that maturity seem valiant and heroic.
It was difficult for a girl to possess such a bearing.
Therefore, even if she were not beautiful, she would still shine brightly.
"Good day, Mary."
Qin Ran greeted her.
Mary nodded. Her mature bearing carried a