I Ended Up Saving the Duke Who Was Meant to Die - Chapter 4.2
“Is it alright to let them leave like this?”
At Eliza’s question, Albert shrugged.
“There’s no information they could obtain.”
“I hope His Grace returns safely. And that nothing happens to Madam…”
“They say no news is good news. They’ll both be fine.”
Though Albert said this, he was anxious. He couldn’t imagine what reckless act the Imperial family might have committed this time.
But perhaps it would be fine since they were together. Albert had previously heard from the Duke about her abilities. That’s why when Eliza told him that Madam had secretly boarded the carriage, he didn’t stop her.
Though the Duke would be furious about this when he returned, Albert was willing to accept any punishment as long as they came back safely.
***
I frowned. These unmotivated people are supposed to be mercenaries?
Even when Severus was injured and weak, there was still life in his eyes. But the so-called mercenaries before me looked utterly useless.
“Severus, these people can’t be called mercenaries.”
“Irene, I’m the only one who will be of any use there anyway.”
“How is the country even functioning when there’s only one capable person on the battlefield?”
Severus smiled faintly and jumped down from his horse. Then he reached out his hand toward me.
“Please get down carefully. And from now on, you must not use your ability.”
As I descended, practically falling into his arms, I nodded at his quiet whisper. I pulled the cloak over my head and tied it tightly to ensure my hair wouldn’t show.
With each step I took, their gazes pierced into me. I clutched Severus’s collar tightly while ignoring their stares.
“I was worried you might not make it on time, but since you’re here, let’s depart.”
“Very well. Is this all for the mercenaries?”
“Yes, it’s a battle we’ll win anyway.”
One of the mercenaries snickered arrogantly. Surely they don’t think Severus alone can handle everyone? If so, there must be something wrong with their heads.
Even if it’s a battle they’ll win, it’s still a war. The Emperor who sends such unreliable people must be crazy too.
“So where do we go? I heard we need to head to the North Gate today.”
“That’s correct. If we continue on this path, we’ll reach the gate. They said we just need to secure their surrender, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”
I was speechless at this absurd situation. But Severus remained calm. He seemed natural, as if this wasn’t his first time dealing with such matters. Naturally, he and I walked to the front.
“Severus, something feels wrong.”
There must be some dirty trick. Otherwise, why would they walk keeping such a distance? Perhaps they won’t follow us once we enter the gate.
“Irene, I have no choice. Unless I turn back and stand against the Emperor, I am an Imperial citizen who must follow their orders.”
I didn’t like any of this. But I couldn’t encourage him to commit treason either. I had no choice but to nod.
‘Right, they must be using him because he has power.’
I just needed to stay by his side and protect him from danger. I gripped Severus’s hand tightly.
“Don’t ever leave my side.”
“Irene, that’s what I should be saying.”
I smiled brightly at him. Though there were restrictions, it wouldn’t be a problem as long as I could empower and heal him.
Soon after, Severus and I stood before the gate.
“What are you standing around for? Why aren’t you going in first?”
Severus stepped aside and spoke to the mercenary captain. He shrugged with a bewildered expression.
“You’re the Duke who’s supposed to lead us, so why should I go first?”
“If you received payment, you should do the work. The Imperial court didn’t send you for anything. I suppose it’s fine if I go back and report that you did nothing.”
“Kuk.”
“If you don’t go in, I won’t either, so think carefully. If you have more money to receive, you’ll need to push me through the gate.”
“That’s!”
Severus nodded slightly. The mercenary captain’s face twisted nicely as he stepped forward.
“Once all of you enter, I will follow.”
“How can I trust you, Duke?”
“Won’t it work if you and I enter together at the end?”
“…Promise me.”
“I don’t go back on my word.”
At his words, the mercenary captain nodded. Then, one by one, the reluctant mercenaries began forcing themselves through the gate.
Finally, only Severus, myself, and the mercenary captain remained. Severus let go of my hand and pulled me by the waist to kiss me.
The pleasant warmth of the moment was brief as a cold wind brushed past my lips. Somehow, distance had formed between us.
“My lady, please wish me luck. You must not come inside until I return.”
“Huh?”
At that moment, he suddenly pushed me away, grabbed the mercenary captain by the collar, and went inside.
The gate closed instantly.
Suddenly left alone, I quickly came to my senses and reached toward the gate. But it had already vanished as if it had never existed.
“Se-Severus?”
To think he planned this from the start! How could he recklessly go in alone?
I stood there dumbfounded, staring blankly at the reality before me. He had abandoned me and entered enemy territory alone.
“If you don’t come back alive, I won’t let you off easy.”
I clutched my skirt tightly. Looking at where he had disappeared, I clasped my hands together and prayed to God.
“If there is a God, please protect Severus from harm. Otherwise, I might break my promise to you.”
I would find a way to break the restrictions placed on me, no matter what.
***
Severus let out a hollow laugh at the situation before him. Not only the enemy forces, but even the mercenaries were showing hostility towards him.
“So when you said it was a battle you’d win, you meant yourselves.”
“You just figured that out now? Even in this situation, you’re still playing the gentleman for a woman’s sake. Once you’re dead, we’ll go out anyway. Do you think that woman will be safe?”
“Hehehe. That’s right. After all those wars, what countries are even left? Looking at it, maybe the Duke isn’t very bright.”
“Yeah, why make your grave in a place that’s fallen out of the Imperial court’s favor? Listen here, we’re just hired mercenaries, so don’t blame us too much.”
Severus smiled at those surrounding him. Though not the battlefield he expected, it was certainly a war zone for him. It would take quite some time to fight all these people.
‘This is troublesome.’
He couldn’t gauge how long Irene would wait for him. She was more impatient than him. He worried about what she might do if she grew tired of waiting and feared something had happened. Irene was different from others.
“What do you gain from this? If it’s money, I could offer that too.”
“That pocket change? We know how wealthy House Blake is, but what fool would betray the Imperial court for you when we’ll gain even more power and wealth once you’re dead?”
“Well, you’re not wrong. But that’s only if you manage to kill me.”
Severus drew his sword and steadied his breathing. Fortunately, his condition was good thanks to Irene’s power. He felt stronger than ever.
At his composed demeanor, the mercenaries flinched as they drew their swords. Even so, facing this many opponents wouldn’t be easy.
Severus wasn’t afraid of death. He was known as the demon who had returned from death’s door many times. In contrast, those before him, despite their numbers, clearly showed their fear of death.
