CHAPTER 222: CHAPTER 221: COME WITH ME

"They really see you as protectors," Liraeth murmured, her eyes lingering on the smiles around them.

Lumberling only gave a small shrug, though a hint of pride flickered across his face. "We’ve helped when we could. Food, safety... that’s all they want."

Liraeth’s gaze shifted toward the crowd of refugees gathered near the square, many with torn clothes and tired eyes. "The city is getting overpopulated," she said softly.

Baron Roland, standing nearby, dipped his head. "I couldn’t turn them away, Viscount. Every day more come seeking shelter."

Liraeth’s lips tightened, but she said nothing.

Lumberling stepped in. "It’s alright, Baron. We’ve found a solution." He turned toward Liraeth, his tone carrying more ease than formality. "Viscount Liraeth, could you take some of these people to your territory? At least a portion of them?"

Liraeth tilted her head, lips tightening as she considered the request. Her gaze flicked toward the crowd, then toward the maps she had memorized in her head, routes, supplies, available accommodations.

"It isn’t simple," she murmured, almost to herself. "Transport, provisions... ensuring safety... it will take careful planning."

Lumberling gave a small, patient smile. "I trust your judgment. You’ve managed far more complex matters before. This is just... people needing a home. I’ll help you with the transport and guarding."

Liraeth tilted her head, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "You certainly know how to hand off responsibility, Lord Lumberling."

Her eyes softened slightly at his words, the weight on her shoulders easing. "Very well," she said finally. "But you owe me one for this."

"Yeah, yeah," Lumberling replied with a smirk.

Baron Roland blinked at the casual exchange between the two. He wasn’t used to nobles speaking so lightly to one another, especially not with a Viscount. Still, his heart lifted with relief. "Thank you, Viscount Liraeth," he said, bowing low.

"It’s not just for you, Baron," Liraeth replied, though her gaze lingered on Lumberling for a beat longer than necessary.

The Baron noticed and wisely kept the thought to himself.

...

Lumberling made his way through the hall where Krivex and Eldric waited. Both men stood as he approached.

"How are things here?" Lumberling asked, his tone steady but carrying a weight of expectation.

Krivex spoke first. "Nothing too dangerous so far, but..." he paused, rubbing the back of his neck, "we’re running low on funds. Feeding this many refugees takes more than we planned."

Lumberling nodded, not surprised. "Don’t worry. We’ve secured some gold recently. Use it to cover the needs of the people."

Krivex’s shoulders eased. "Thank you, my Lord. I’ll see to it."

Beside him, Eldric shifted uncomfortably. He looked down, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Sorry, Lumberling. I was the one who brought you here... and now the burden of feeding and protecting everyone falls on you."

Lumberling shook his head firmly. "Don’t be. We help if we can, that’s all there is to it." He straightened, his voice clear. "For now, we’ll be heading home for a while."

Krivex gave a respectful nod, while Eldric placed a hand over his chest in quiet agreement.

.....

Later, before their departure, Lumberling gathered Skitz and the captains at the city gates. The goblin’s sly grin was already in place, as if he had been waiting for orders.

"You’ll continue our mercenary service while I’m gone," Lumberling said. "Guard the city. Capture enemies if you can, and don’t kill those who are worth devouring. Keep them alive. I’ll return to deal with them myself."

Skitz gave a sharp-toothed smile, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Alright, I’ll handle things here." Then, leaning closer with a chuckle, he added, "Enjoy your time with your new girl, my Lord."

Lumberling gave him a flat look, but the faintest twitch at the corner of his lips betrayed amusement. Liraeth, standing a few steps away, raised a brow, clearly having overheard.

...

Together, Liraeth and Lumberling traveled back toward the goblin village. The road was quiet most mornings, broken only by the crunch of boots on gravel or the distant call of birds.

One morning, as the mist still lingered low over the fields, Liraeth glanced at him.

"What did Lady Thalia tell you when you spoke with her?" she asked, her voice casual, though her eyes were sharp with curiosity.

Lumberling smirked. "Secret."

She narrowed her eyes. "Do you like her?"

He chuckled. "She’s a holy maiden."

"And does that change anything?" she pressed.

Lumberling shook his head, laughing. "No. But that’s not what we talked about."

"Then what was it?" she asked, tilting her head.

He grew a little more serious. "She told me about the cursed land... said there’s a weapon of God buried there. She warned me, either help her stop those people from claiming it, or get far away from the empire since it will fall into ruin."

For a moment, Liraeth forgot to breathe. Her heart thudded once, hard, as the thought sank in. This wasn’t just about borders or supply lines anymore. If Thalia was right, the empire’s fall wouldn’t come from politics, it would come from something that could unmake everything she thought she understood.

Her steps slowed. "Do you believe her?"

"Yes,"

"What do you plan to do?"

"I’ll see it for myself first. If it’s really that dangerous, then I’ll run." He glanced at her. "And you? What will you do then?"

She hesitated, her hand tightening on the reins of her horse. "I... I don’t know. I’ve lived my whole life in this empire. I can’t imagine where else I’d go."

He shrugged lightly, as if it were nothing. "Well, then... come with me."

Her eyes widened in surprise, the reins tightening in her hands. "Wait-what?"

"I mean it," he said, tone firm now, dropping the casual edge. "If things get dangerous, I’m taking you with me. I’ll make sure you’re safe. No discussion."

The words settled between them, heavier than a vow.

For a heartbeat, Liraeth only heard the rush of her own pulse, the silence stretching taut. Then, slowly, she nodded, not just in answer, but in surrender to the weight of his promise.

.....

They traveled through the familiar stretch of Blackroot Forest, the thick canopy dappling sunlight across their path. By the time the stone walls of the village came into view, a sense of homecoming hung in the air.

Outside the gates, a young girl on the back of a massive wolf appeared, with several smaller wolves running behind her like a pack of shadows. The moment she spotted their group, she urged the beast forward, speeding toward them.