Qin Ran carried the captive into a tent Mary had specially selected.
The felt was thick enough to provide decent soundproofing, and the tent was not far from hers.
Meanwhile, Mary received Bosco in her tent.
James VIII's private adviser was still flexing his hands and feet as he entered. They had gone numb from poor circulation after being bound for so long.
"At this rate, I doubt I'll live to see my two darling daughters married!"
"Your Highness, I hope you'll assign me a more dependable guard!"
After airing his grievances, Bosco looked at Mary expectantly.
"No matter the circumstances, relying on yourself is better than relying on others... I'll write an order transferring you to the front lines at Thunder Fortress. Once you've experienced life and death, I'm sure you'll find these difficulties easier to handle."
Mary spoke coolly.
"Any hardship is but a trivial test before my loyalty to His Majesty and Your Highness. Even through blades and fire, I would brave death without hesitation. But my mission in Lerdri is not yet complete! Your Highness, nothing should be abandoned halfway, especially when it concerns the common people!"
Bosco spoke with righteous conviction.
"Very good!"
"Since you're so mindful of the common people's welfare, I have an urgent mission for you-take this secret letter to Will County and deliver it to Old Earl Weir!"
Mary handed the sealed letter to Bosco.
Bosco froze.
Then, as something occurred to him, a fine sheen of sweat began to form on his forehead.
"You haven't written anything like 'If you don't send reinforcements, I'll let the Steppe People march south' in this letter, have you?"
Bosco asked shakily.
"Yes."
Mary nodded.
"Your Highness, I still have two unmarried daughters!"
"My greatest wish in life is to stand beside them on