A short while later, when a fork in the road appeared in the distance, Grace commanded.
“Jesse, inform everyone that I have moved.”
“Yes, Princess.”
“Don’t get hurt. Once you’re finished, regroup at Richmond straight away.”
The bridge of her freckled nose twitched.
“Don’t worry. I’ll finish the task in an instant and return even faster than you, Princess.”
Grace nodded as if to say she trusted her, and Jesse leaped out of the carriage.
“Huh?!”
Joseph raised his voice in surprise, but Jesse quickly moved away, waving her right hand above her head. Grace watched her receding back and spoke to the two men.
“Jesse will regroup with us after completing what needs to be done.”
Though it was only the entrance to the rugged mountain range, Jesse moved literally like the wind and soon disappeared from sight. This was not movement one could attribute to a mere maid. She was clearly someone who had received proper training.
‘Just as Your Highness waited for the right time, so too have I waited for mine.’
Walter turned to look at Grace. Her grape-green eyes felt harmless no matter how many times he looked at them, but the plan she had recited with that pale face was elaborate yet bold.
Besides, they shared a common enemy. Walter had no choice but to hold onto her.
‘A blade is not merely what meets the eye.’
Grace Taylor and a blade.
‘A blade too sharp instead cuts the one who holds it.’
As the aged knight’s advice flitted through his mind, a soft sensation seemed to tickle his lips. Walter turned to the front and rubbed his lips with the back of his hand.
The wind passing through the forest carried a faint, bloody metallic scent. Walter opened his eyes slightly and focused his attention. Far in the distance, he saw the Richmond Knights waiting for him.