More than thirty years ago.
In a valley somewhere on the border between the Empire and the United Kingdom.
The rugged terrain here was unfit for marching, and all kinds of unknown Monsters meant even spies rarely chose to pass through.
Yet at that moment, there were two figures in the valley.
Sigismund had wrapped himself up tightly, his hood pulled very low, revealing only a small stretch of pale chin.
He supported the weakened Ina as they passed through the woods, stopping from time to time to listen and make sure there was no other movement behind them.
They reached the lakeside where they had agreed to meet.
The water was calm, reflecting the sun hanging high in the sky. Sigismund glanced up, then tugged his hood even lower.
A sound suddenly came from ahead. Sigismund's hand instantly went to the iron blade at his waist, but once he saw the person stepping out from behind the tree, his hand moved away.
"Alama."
"Sigismund!"
The two youths hugged. Alama's fist patted his back, then he stepped away, his gaze quickly falling on Ina.
At that moment, Ina was leaning against a tree trunk, her face as white as paper, her lips bloodless, her eyelids half lowered, as though she might faint at any moment.
Alama hurried forward to check on her and asked, "What happened to her?"
Sigismund came to the side. "The Count finally made up his mind to use Ina's ability to control his superior. To test the limits of her Charm ability, he had someone give Ina a drug that stimulated her potential, and the dose wasn't small. The aftereffects aren't light, but she won't die."
Alama slammed a fist into the tree trunk. "That beast."
Sigismund nodded. "That's why I suddenly asked you to come