The scene returned to the Great Forest. After Radeus finished dealing with Giles, Rudeus came running, following the trail.
"What happened?"
Rudeus looked at the wreckage strewn everywhere, his eyelids twitching.
"Yo, you got here pretty fast! I thought you'd take a little longer."
Radeus raised a hand to greet Rudeus.
"I was using the toilet when I felt that oppressive mana you unleashed. You scared the hell out of me! How could I not hurry?"
Rudeus looked at Radeus reproachfully. He had nearly splashed himself.
"An accident, an accident. Never mind that!"
"Gyes is behind you, right?"
Radeus awkwardly changed the subject.
"He's behind..."
Barely had Rudeus finished speaking when Gyes appeared beside them.
"This is..."
Gyes's pupils contracted slightly at the bodies scattered across the ground and the clothes they wore. He immediately realized something.
"These smugglers launched a surprise attack? That disturbance to the south was meant to lure us away?"
"Pretty quick on the uptake, aren't you? Hard to believe you're Ghislaine's brother!"
Radeus gave Gyes a surprised look. He had thought he would have to spend some time explaining, but Gyes had understood at once. No wonder he had become the warrior chief.
"Hey, drag that guy over here!"
Radeus called out behind him.
"As you command!"
A figure emerged from the woods behind him, dragging someone along, and slowly approached Radeus, stopping about a meter away.
The newcomer set Giles on the ground, knelt on one knee, pressed his right hand to his left breast, and bowed his head, awaiting orders.
"This is Giles! Know him?"
Radeus nudged the man on the ground with his foot as he spoke to Gyes.
"It's actually this guy? Didn't he know we were here?"
Rudeus was somewhat shocked when he saw the man's face clearly. He had