The Duke's Passion

"Tell the knights to fall back and prioritize the safety of the people. We will go to our estate," I said, after discussing the plans with them. We didn't have a long time to spare to discuss everything other than important matters at hand. 

Currently, the knights who were supposed to guard this place were wiped out by the chief knight. Hence, we were short in hand. But I had the perfect person to send this message to everyone on our side. I marched towards the chief knight, searching his lifeless body until I found what I was looking for. His command insignia. 

I stared at it in my hand before clutching it, standing up to face everyone. I took a deep breath and sauntered towards the shattered window, peeking my head out to see everyone looking up. Their faces brightened up as soon as they saw me, but I ignored them. 

"You are all capable men on your own. Jumping from here wouldn't be a problem, right?" I looked back at them, pleased when they all nodded. "Since that is the case, take up your weapon and prepare yourself to fight to death. If you wish to flee on your own, suit yourself."

I paused as I looked at each of them coldly. "But engrave these words in your head. If you flee to save your own skins and luckily survived once this is over, I will find you and will make you pay. But if you survived while fighting alongside me, I will give you a lighter sentence."

There was a dead silence momentarily, gravitating their options. These men were wise enough to know which rope to hold on to. And right now, I was their best option for their survival. There were more formidable opponents that prowled the street of Minowa at this time and they would all die on their own. 

"If that is clear to you, let's move. Adam, come here." I waved, motioning Adam and he walked towards me. I squatted down, carrying him on my back, before standing up. 

I glanced back at them for the last time. "I will not wait for any of you," I said as I stepped on the windowsill, jumping down without a second hesitation. The people outside stepped away on instinct, giving me enough space where I could land.

"Madam Roux, are you alright?" asked Bey, making me turn my head to her and then to Law in her arms. I smiled weakly, nodding.

"I'm alright," putting down Adam as it would be riskier if I carried him myself. "Lady Hazel, please look after the Earl."

I gazed down at Adam and nodded encouragingly before handing him to Lady Hazel. At the same time, Jaime, along with the council of the south already landed around us. I looked at them, seeing them holding swords with their determination flashing across their eyes. 

'Good thing they already made up their minds,' I thought because more fighters, even they were weak, was better than having just myself and Glory. I didn't dwell on them anymore as I walked two meters away from them, facing this small group.

My eyes landed on the knight, who healed after five minutes. "You, bring this and tell the knights to fall back. Prioritize the townsfolk and escort them to the Roux estate." I tossed the commanding seal of the chief knight, which the knight caught.

"Madam Roux, about the chief knight..."

"He's dead," I answered him before he could finish his question, causing his eyes to dilate. Well, the chief knight was the strongest one I had faced so far, but considering I used to spar with Rufus, he was like a child. Only then did I appreciate Rufus' heart as a knight and his strength.

"Execute this command discreetly. Can you do that?" I asked, my eyes on the knight we picked up on the way. 

He clutched the little seal and nodded. "Yes, Madam."

"Be safe," I said, jerking my chin away. "Go."

"Yes!" 

Just as the knight took three steps away, he turned around and faced me. My brows raised when he placed his fist across his chest and bent down on one knee. He didn't say a word as he stood up, raising his chin. 

"Take care, Madam Roux." He turned around, walking, then jogging until he disappeared into the dark. If I remembered correctly, that was a stance of the knight in the south to show their acknowledgment, respect, and submission. 

My fist tightened as the weight on my back felt heavier. That knight's gesture just reminded me that many lives were on my hands and making a mistake would cost everyone's lives.

I huffed as I faced the people that were left. "Jaime, this is your estate. Lead us to the safest exit you know."

"Yes, Madam Roux. This way." He didn't argue with me or any of the sort as he faced a certain direction. 

"All those able will protect these ladies and children. I'll be on the front with Jaime. Glory and the rest on the back and the side. Don't ever dare think of breaking our formation."

"Yes, Madam Roux!" 

They all answered in unison, making me flinch a little because even the ladies replied. A stiff smile appeared on my lips as I nodded, glancing at Jaime to lead the way. So he did, and we started following in his tracks. 

*****

Meanwhile, somewhere in Minowa, a figure was watching the town burn and fill with terror, cries, screams, and desperation from the roof of the church. His crimson eyes flickered with excitement, pleased at what he was watching. 

"Tristan, will you look at that?" said the man, turning his head at the person standing behind him clad in a cloak. "I bet Her Majesty, the Empress is very pleased as blood floods her path once again."

The corner of Zero's lips stretched into a wide grin until his fangs showed. "The people in the south were too dumb. I just told them I will help, and they all danced just as they were told! But who's even stupid was that His Majesty left his wife and son in here! Haha!"

"This is what happens if one is too complacent with their power. Minowa is indeed impregnable from attacks from the outside. But… that's all they are. Thick skins with nothing inside."

Zero nodded at Tristan's remarks. "Anyway, let's go back to the fort. I will meet Lilou later and tear her son apart right in front of her to settle score with her. I can sense a beast coming in this way."

"As expected of that butler. He finished the people you planted in his shadows early."

"Well, he wouldn't gain the title of a devil incarnate in the mainland if he isn't one." Zero waved, putting on his hood as he walked away, jumping from the roof with ease.. Tristan followed behind as they left the scene before the agitated Fabian reach them.