Rumors painted a picture of extravagance: she was supposedly building a grand castle, hoarding exotic goods, mingling in shady circles, and even dealing with slave traders. Allegedly, she brought anyone she fancied—man or woman, regardless of status or origin—into her private salons. The gossip didn’t end there. Some claimed she secretly cultivated poisonous plants, dabbled in sorcery, and even kidnapped people for rituals. Outrageous stories abounded.
“Rumors are just that—rumors.”
“But where there’s smoke, there’s fire!”
“Lucas, I appreciate your concern, truly. But let’s end this discussion here.”
“Tch. For a hero like you, any match would have been possible. How did you end up saddled with such a wicked woman?”
Lucas stormed off, leaving Helios to watch him go with a pained expression.
Later that afternoon, news arrived that an army from a southern pagan nation had crossed the border and was advancing toward Orway.
"Our unit will take the lead."
Godran explained that his team wasn’t scheduled to attend that evening’s victory celebration due to their status.
Indeed, the Unicorn Brigade, composed largely of foreigners and former outlaws, was often treated as second-class in the capital. Within Helios’s army, they were granted equal standing thanks to Helios’s respect for Godran and the unit’s contributions. However, some commanders still looked down on them.
The Unicorn Brigade also included members from the newly declared enemy nation. Godran himself, formerly a general and noble of the prestigious Shajabal lineage, hailed from there. If his brigade betrayed Orway after arriving ahead of the others, the fortified city would fall easily. Delivering the prosperous trade hub of the Western Seas intact could pave Godran’s way back to his former position in his homeland.
"Don’t insult me with such baseless suspicions. If you doubt me, leave your celebration and head for Orway yourselves."
Helios’s other units, composed largely of native soldiers, had just returned from a long campaign. Forcing them to march on unverified reports would have harmed morale.
"Godran, I leave it to you."
With those words, Helios decided. That very night, the Unicorn Brigade departed for Orway.
"I’m grateful for your swift arrival."
The Lady of Orway, walking along the parapet with Godran, spoke calmly.
The last time Godran saw Orway, it had been a smoldering wasteland. Now, it was reborn as a fortified city. The multi-layered star-shaped walls, equipped with protrusions for archers, made it a fortress difficult to breach.
Godran marveled internally. Even without reinforcements, Orway seemed prepared for a prolonged siege—perhaps even for years. The southern army, predominantly land-based, lacked the naval strength to block Orway’s ports. As long as maritime supplies continued, Orway would not fall.
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