THE guards and knights are rolling the former assistant and other captives onto the supply wagons. I think they could fit more if they lined the prisoners up properly, but they’re just carelessly tossing people into big piles like firewood. I’ve been watching them from behind a tree near the drive but can’t figure out how to get closer.
“…My lady.”
“Shh! Shh!” I motion Tabitha to hide behind me, and she steps to the side.
They’ve brought all three wagons from behind the stable and yoked them to both our horses and local ones. Each wagon is tied to four horses, and—oh, that corner by the third wagon looks perfect!
“Come, Abby.”
“Yes!”
My lord husband has called for me without even a glance in my direction! Maybe he’ll bring me along after all! It must be, it must be! I’ll be useful!
“Do you know which path the dragon is likely to take?” he asks.
I study his map. The forest is ringed by mountains, but if we head straight to the tree line from the manor, we’ll soon come to a clearing. The dragon is still in its usual territory, and I trace its route toward the clearing for my lord husband. Its path is partially flyable, clear-cut with no obstacles.
“I see. Thanks.” He kisses me on the top of my head.
Tabitha calls for me then, and I turn to see her both smiling and frowning. “My lady, all the men are busy. Do you think you could help me with the packing?”
“Yes!” I can help her! She’s always working so fast that I’ve never had the chance before!
She teaches me to wrap precious objects in soft cloth before placing them into wooden crates. I make sure to pack other items around our matching couple’s cups and the glass cloche that holds my flower candies so they won’t jostle and break. Perfect!
The servants and guards from our household help us load the crates into our own supply wagon. We had only just arrived, so most of our luggage is still unpacked, and we complete the task quickly.
When I return to the front drive, the Longhurst wagons, my lord husband, and all the others are gone.
How can it be?!
“Erm… Viscount Noel has entrusted your care to me, my lady. We should depart soon,” the fourth prince says to me.
“Okay. Please be careful!”
I cast my senses in the direction of the forest, searching for my lord husband. Oh, I see him. He’s galloping at top speed toward the woods’ edge; the supply wagons move so fast with four horses attached.
“N-No, my lady,” says the fourth prince timidly. “Viscount Noel has instructed some guards to stay behind to escort us, and my knights are here too, so you’ll be very safe… Let’s go on first, my lady. I’m sure he’ll catch up to us soo— Wait, why are you hoisting your skirt?!”
“N-No, my lady!” Tabitha pounces on me just as I’ve gathered the hem in my hand and pulls it down again.
“But it’s difficult to run like this.”
“You were planning to give chase?!” shouts the fourth prince.
“The master is very strong, my lady. He’ll ride back once he’s done and catch up with us quickly,” Tabitha says in a coaxing tone.
“I don’t know the details, but he’s doing whatever’s necessary to delay the stampede. He’s a successful military officer, and not just because of his fighting ability, but also due to his quick thinking and decision-making. Please trust him and come with me, all right?”
I know he is strong. I don’t need convincing to believe that!
The fourth prince winks and the guards start to close around us. I see Haggis as well as the five veterans. Two of the new guards are with my lord husband. It’s not fair. I should be able to accompany him too. I try to lift my skirts again, and Tabitha snatches the fabric from my hands. Wow! She’s so strong!
What’s this? My heart feels so uneasy… Oh.
“My lady?”
A strong wind begins to blow, buffeting the trees around the manor… The dragon is on the move.
The forest edge is pitch-black, and the moon and stars dye the sky above the color of my lord husband. I squint as Tabitha releases my skirt and wraps her hands around mine.
The dragon is able to fly but travels much quicker on foot. It is definitely running, loping down the mountain toward the forest and Longhurst.
“Viscountess Noel…?”
My lord husband and his men are moving fast. I can run fast too if I use a lot of magic.
But I won’t get there in time.
“We’re just following Master’s orders, my lady. Please come thi—”
I duck underneath the guards’ arms as they reach for me. My fingers slip through Tabitha’s.
“My lady!”
I bend to pick up my skirts.
The treetops rustle louder and louder, the roar of sound foreshadowing the dragon’s.
Around the manor. Through the back garden.
When humans enter the forest, monsters will inevitably attack them.
When monsters enter human settlements, they’ll inevitably be attacked in turn.
The Monster King made the mistake of heeding the villagers’ requests. It didn’t respect those unavoidable rules.
That’s why the Monster King was ambushed.
…But I’m a human now!
“My lady!”
“Huh, wait! What?!”
I leap into a swaying mulberry tree. Grab a branch. Kick against the trunk. Pull my body upward. Grab the next branch. Kick again.
Colorful particles of light rise into the sky near the tree line. Tabitha has followed me, is clinging to the base of the mulberry tree. Oh, the fourth prince is down there too!
I plant both feet firmly on a bough. When I lived in Longhurst, I used to sit there eating mulberries.
I take a deep breath. The magic spins fast and strong inside me. Then…
“Cut!”
The fourth prince screams. “Ah, waaaaah—!”
My roar is louder, mightier than the dragon’s, causing all the nearby mulberry and acorn trees to tremble.