Chapter 78: The Captain and Haina
“Hmm? Haina, what’s wrong?” Givia asked, tilting her head with a friendly smile. “You seem to want to say something.”
“She’s just shy, Your Highness. She probably wasn’t expecting so many strangers,” Alva said, her hand still covering Haina’s mouth. The mature woman, around thirty years old, her demeanor confident and capable, looked at Givia with a slightly embarrassed expression, then glanced at Flora and Abyss, her eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and suspicion. “We just arrived from the camp. Are these distinguished guests you brought back with you, Your Highness?”
“Yes, they played a crucial role in my successful acquisition of the potions. They are our allies,” Givia explained, unaware of the underlying tension. “This is Abyss, the mage, Leona, the knight, Flora, the healer, and Ray, the alchemist.”
She then turned to Abyss and his companions, introducing the newcomers. “This is Alva, Captain of my Royal Guard, and Haina, also a member of my guard. When I was plagued by nightmares, they risked their lives to steal an artifact from the Church’s sacred tomb—Saint Flora’s pendant. Oh, it shares your name, Flora. I believe it means ‘flower.’ It’s a beautiful, poetic name favored by the Western Empire. Thanks to that pendant, I could finally get an hour of sleep each night. I was on the verge of giving up…”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Abyss said, bowing politely, his voice calm.
He, of course, remembered them. They had been present when he opened Flora’s coffin. He still remembered the look of fear and confusion in Haina’s eyes. It had been quite amusing.
After stealing Flora’s body from the Church’s territory, he hadn’t seen any wanted posters with his face on them. This meant that Alva and Haina had kept their promise, not revealing his appearance. And the Church wouldn’t publicly announce the theft of a Saint’s body—it was too embarrassing. They could only conduct their search discreetly.
And thanks to Abyss’s dramatic entrance, smashing the tomb’s entrance, the Church’s attention hadn’t been focused on Alva and Haina. They had successfully returned, delivering the Fountain’s Draw to Givia.
Abyss had considered resurrecting their fallen comrades, but he had abandoned the idea, anticipating potential complications in their future interactions. Instead, he had soothed their souls, ensuring their peaceful rest.
“I’m glad you returned safely, Your Highness,” Alva said, saluting Givia. She wasn’t carrying a weapon, so she tapped her fist against her chest.
“Me too! I’m so relieved you’re alright, Your Highness!” Haina exclaimed, suppressing her confusion and nervousness, curtseying before Givia.
“Thank you for welcoming me. Alva, how are your injuries?” Givia asked, her voice filled with concern.
“I’m recovering well, Your Highness. My internal injuries were severe. The medic said it might take a few months for a full recovery, but I can walk and talk normally now. I’m currently training new recruits at the camp. At least I’m not completely useless,” Alva said with a smile.
“Good, I’m glad to hear that… If there’s an opportunity, I’ll take you to a Church healer. They might be able to prevent any long-term complications.”
“That’s not necessary, Your Highness. I appreciate your concern, but I can recover on my own. The Church’s healers are expensive. I wouldn’t want to waste the Restoration Army’s funds on such things,” Alva said, shaking her head, declining Givia’s offer. “You always say we should save our resources for more important matters, right?”
“Thank you for your dedication, Alva. You’re a loyal warrior. I’m fortunate to have you by my side,” Givia said, her voice filled with gratitude. She gently placed a hand on Alva’s shoulder, careful not to aggravate her injuries.
Alva smiled, her expression reassuring. Leona, observing their interaction, knew that the Captain of the Royal Guard would be close to the princess, willing to risk her life for her. It was a common dynamic—although Leona hadn’t been close to her own Captain of the Guard. With her strength, she hadn’t needed protection.
“And Haina? Has your magic improved?” Givia asked, turning to Haina, her voice gentle.
Haina nodded eagerly. “Yes, Your Highness! I’m a fifth-tier, second-grade mage now! I’ve advanced one grade! Soon, I’ll be strong enough to protect you!”
“You’re already strong enough, but I want you to become even stronger, so you can protect yourself as well,” Givia said, taking Haina’s hand. “You’re the youngest member of my Royal Guard, and the only survivor besides Alva. I want you to grow strong and become a valuable asset to our kingdom.”
Alva’s expression turned somber. “It’s my fault. I led the Royal Guard and a few other soldiers to raid the Church’s tomb without your permission, and… Your Highness, when will you announce my punishment? I’m consumed by guilt.”
“You’ll be punished, but not until you’ve fully recovered,” Givia said, sighing. “Your actions were reckless, but the Church’s defenses were too strong for you to overcome. You’re not entirely to blame—and the Fountain’s Draw you retrieved saved my life. Without your sacrifice, I might have succumbed to madness, or even taken my own life.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Alva said, bowing her head respectfully. “I accept any punishment you deem appropriate.”
Haina, flustered, also bowed. As she looked up, she saw Abyss, hidden from Givia’s view, beckoning her with a finger.
Although she was scared, she cautiously approached him.
The faint scent of sandalwood emanated from him, and he whispered, “Come to my room tonight. It’s important.”
“Eek!” Haina nearly burst into tears.
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