UNDER THE OAK TREE

Chapter 309: Chapter 70

Maxi squinted up at the knight silhouetted against the sun. Though she could not make out any details, she could tell he was fairly youthful.

Kuahel sheathed his sword and said coolly, “Is it the Bolosé misfit?’

She looked at the paladin in puzzlement before realizing he was referring to Livadon ‘s knightly order. Lifting her head toward the ravine’s edge once again, she caught the darkly armored knight’s jaunty wave.

The knight lowered his visor and called out, “I’ll be right down, so look after my spear, will you?”

He nimbly leaped onto his large, gray warhorse and nodded to his men. There must have been a path on the other side of the rock face, as the Bolosé Royal Knights soon retreated from the edge and disappeared.

“I did not expect Sir Sejuleu himself,” Elliot remarked, walking up next to Riftan with his horse in tow.

“Sir Sejuleu?’ Ulyseon exclaimed. ‘The Sejuleu Aren, Livadon’s greatest knight?”

Not bothering with a reply, Riftan yanked the gilded spear from the fenrir’s neck and passed it to Hebaron. The weapon reached an entire kevette (approximately 30 centimeters) above the burly knight’s head.

Hebaron pursed his lips in a silent whistle as he inspected the bloody tip. “You have to hand it to the man — his aim is always true.”

“We should move further along,” Riftan said, turning to Kuahel. “Bringing the wagons down here will be a task.”

The paladin gave a curt nod of assent before ordering his men. “Dispose of the carcass.”

The Temple Knights used their divine magic to burn the fenrir’s corpse. As the smell of scorched lean meat filled the ravine, an intense hunger rolled through Maxi’s stomach. She scowled in self-disgust. Even if she were not in her right mind from starving all day, she could not believe that the stench of a burning corpse could rouse her appetite. Appalled, she tore her gaze away.

Once they had reduced the monster to ashes, the group led their overworked horses through the ravine. After a while, the narrow passage widened into an area large enough to set up camp, and they promptly stopped to rest.

The Royal Knights of Livadon appeared one by one from the other end. Maxi breathed a long sigh of relief. The supply party was here.

“It’s been a while, Riftan.”

The knight leading the supply party hopped from his horse and strode over.

Maxi was crouched on the ground, patting Rem’s neck. She peered curiously up at the man.

His strapping physique rivaled that of her husband’s. He removed his helmet and held it on his side before genially resting a hand on Riftan’s shoulder.

“You had me worried when you went and disappeared in the Pamela Plateau.

Though it appears my concern was highly unnecessary. You look fine, Sir Riftan. Gallingly so.”

“I apologize for being unscathed,” Riftan replied, brusquely shoving the man’s hand away.

Sir Sejuleu did not seem to mind the Remdragon Knight commander’s frosty response. He grinned and handed his helmet to his squire behind him.

“I must admit, I’m happy to see you despite your testy manner. Surely that’s a testament to just how worried I was.”

Maxi grew wide-eyed at their familiar banter. As Sejuleu turned his head to take in the others, she was able to get a better look at him.

Despite his uninhibited way of speaking, the Livadonian commander had an aristocratic bearing. Dark, black- brown curls gently framed his tanned face. While the drooped corners of his eyes gave him a mild impression, they sat at odds with his lips and jawline, both of which suggested he was a man of uncompromising gravity.

Sejuleu’s eyes landed on Maxi and Sidina sitting on the ground with their backs against the rock face.

“Oh my, I was unaware there were ladies present. ‘

He regarded their haggard appearances with sympathy before commanding his men, “Start setting up camp. I hoped to wait until we were out of the ravine, but I don’t think we’ll be able to hold out that long.”

Throughout the exchange, Kuahel had been standing a short distance away, wrapped in silence. He spoke as Sejuleu’s men launched into action.

“How are you here and not the party we sent ahead?”

Sejuleu’s face lit up as he registered Kuahel’s presence. “My word, how many years has it been? Have you been keeping well?’ “Does it look like I have been keeping well?’

Sejuleu sighed at the paladin’s barbed reply. ‘What poor reception you all show me when I have rushed to your aid. ‘

When Kuahel replied with a snort, Sejuleu continued resignedly, “Very well. To answer your question, the party you sent ahead is currently at Eth Lene Castle.

I dissuaded them when they tried to leave right away. They were all in desperate need of rest. ‘

“Were they unharmed?” said Riftan.

Sejuleu nodded. ‘Yes, all of them reached the castle in one piece.”

He tilted his head at his men, who were setting up tents and a makeshift stable with perfect efficiency.

“I know we have much to discuss, but you should eat first. I’m sure it’s been a while since you had a decent meal.”

His words were music to Maxi’s ears, but she knew that the horses were in greater need of sustenance. Though her exhausted mare refused to budge from her spot on the ground, Maxi managed to coax her to her feet and lead her to the long trough prepared by the royal knights. As soon as one of the Bolosé knights filled the trough with fodder, the horses eagerly began nosing through it.

Maxi’s eyes shone with pity as she watched the animals. She removed the saddle from Rem’s back, took a blanket from her bag, and wrapped it around the mare’s neck. Right at that moment, someone grabbed her arm.

“Livadon’s knights will look after the horses. You come over here.”

Riftan led her away to where the knights were lighting a fire. She obediently followed and settled before a blazing brazier. Removing his cloak, Riftan draped the garment over her shoulders and handed her a cup of warm, mulled wine. Leaving the preparations to his subordinates, Sejuleu approached as she took her first sip.

“Surely this is no ordinary lady for you to be tending to her with such care.

Might I ask for an introduction?’

Riftan replied without even looking at the man.

“Piss off.’

“Then I suppose I’ll have to do it myself,” said Sejuleu, unfazed by his cold response.

He smiled at Maxi. Her eyes widened as he knelt before her and skilfully removed her glove.

“Forgive me for the late introduction, my lady,” he said, kissing her hand. “I am Sejuleu Aren, commander of the Bolosé Royal Knights. Might I know who it is I am addressing? If that’s all right with you, of course.”

“I-I am… M-Maximilian Calypse,” Maxi muttered dazedly.

Sejuleu gave her a gentle smile as though he had expected as much. “I am honored to make your acquaintance, Lady Calypse. Your loveliness exceeds my expectations. ”

As soon as Maxi’s cheeks flared into a deep blush, Riftan moved like lightning.

He pried Sejuleu’s hand off hers. “That’s a hell of a long greeting!’

Sejuleu slowly got to his feet.

“I was merely expressing my admiration for Lady Calypse’s bravery.” He then turned to Maxi with a deferential expression. “Forgive me if I’ve breached some

Wedonian proprietary, my lady. It was not my intention to offend.”

“P-Please do not apologize, sir. Your manners were impeccable,” Maxi replied, hastily shaking her hands.

His eyes crinkled gently. ‘That is a relief.”

Riftan was still beside them, observing their interaction. Running out of patience, he snarled, “I’ve had enough of your smirking, so I’d appreciate it if you would take your leave.”

Maxi scowled at his rudeness, but Sejuleu merely shrugged as though he knew it well.

‘Your jealousy is unnecessary, Commander. As is the hostility. I would never do something as despicable as seducing a man’s wife.”

A flush crept up Riftan’s neck. “It is because I’m sick of your insolent face!”

“It saddens me to hear that my attractive visage makes you so uneasy,” teased Sejuleu, smirking.

Growing more incensed, Riftan stepped forward as if to swing his fist. Hebaron intervened just in time.

“Let’s stop this childish squabbling, eh? WeVe only just reunited. Come now, both of you. Let’s not waste our breaths.”

Sejuleu backed away in an exaggerated show of decorum. Maxi’s lips tugged into a smile. She had to admit, she was quite fond of the man’s brazen manner toward Riftan. Though mischievous, his words and actions indicated he held

Riftan in high regard.

‘You seem to have taken a liking to him,” Riftan said after studying her expression for a moment.

She ducked her head to hide her smile. As Sejuleu had pointed out, her husband was jealous. Maxi pretended not to notice.

“I-I was just a little surprised, that’s all. I didn’t know someone so courteous and well-mannered could reach the rank of commander of a knightly order. Bending down, Riftan asked in a low voice, “What’s that supposed to mean?” Maxi batted her eyelashes at him, feigning innocence. “What do you think?”

He narrowed his eyes. Just as he was about to lash out, there was a bustle of activity as the Bolosé Royal Knights began distributing food. She clambered up. It could not be a more timely interruption.

She settled close to the brazier and relished every bite of the thick, greasy ham, thinly chopped onions, soft bread, and fruits preserved in honey. It was only after she had sated her hunger that it dawned on her — they had safely gotten out of the Pamela Plateau.

Her eyes brimming with tears, she scanned the faces of the people gathered around the fire. She still could not believe they had managed to slip out of that dreadful place with no serious injuries. There certainly had been some nerve-racking moments, but in the end, they had done it. Her chest swelled with a sense of accomplishment.

A content smile curled her lips. In a few days, they would be at Eth Lene Castle.

Their adventure was coming to an end..