Aftermath (Part 1)

Almost at the same time

In a stretch of wilderness, a group of human soldiers held weapons and rode warhorses as they carefully patrolled this small area. Any unusual occurrence would be met with their heavy blow.

This human army crisscrossed as they patrolled, riding their warhorses through the wilderness at an unhurried pace. Wherever the squads passed, hoofprints were left behind.

"What kind of mess is this? The demon business hasn't even been sorted out, and internal strife has broken out again. If not for the Viscount's foresight in noticing that those two Barons were up to no good, there would probably be two more Baron Fiefs plunged deep into war by now." Under the somewhat scorching sun, a cavalryman who appeared to be the leader wiped away his sweat and cursed.

"Captain, I heard something major just happened in a city of a neighboring country. I don't know exactly what it was, only that things are in complete chaos over there now. Do you think our country might..." A cavalryman riding behind him suddenly spoke in a low voice, barely loud enough for the captain to hear. The others were slightly farther away, and with his voice so quiet, they could not make out what he was saying at all.

This cavalryman was likely one of the captain's trusted men. If it had been anyone else, they would never have dared speak such taboo words.

Only a subordinate with an exceptionally close relationship with his superior would discuss matters—or offer reminders—in such a manner.

Sure enough, the captain's first reaction upon hearing him was shock.

"Don't talk nonsense like that again," the captain said, glancing at him.

His eyes were filled with warning. This concerned the situation between two countries. Even if there were no such incident, casually