Chapter 287: 287

Inside the carriage, the mood was cramped—and quickly growing combustible.

Kael glanced at the three women around him and finally sighed, breaking the silence.

"I apologize... If I had known you were all coming with us, I would have brought another carriage."

Jess turned to him with an arched brow and a playful smirk.

"As a man, shouldn’t you be the one riding outside and braving the world?"

She leaned forward slightly, voice still soft but biting. "How can you sit here while ladies ride horses in the rain?"

Kael’s face twitched. He knew this question was coming.

But damn it—this woman was bold. Too bold. Was she trying to shame him into becoming a gentleman hero?

He glanced at his mother, hoping for backup.

Emilia was busy gently brushing Elfie’s soft fur. She barely raised her head. "Let him sit here."

"But My Lady," Jess protested, her eyes flicking from Emilia to the narrow space, "aren’t you feeling cramped? This carriage was clearly made for three. Look at how we’re squeezed in here."

She cast a pointed glance at Kael—half glare, half judgmental pity.

Kael blinked, staring at her.

’What the hell is with that look? Why are you staring at me like I kicked your cat?’

Even Elfie turned to look at him with innocent gold eyes, blinking once.

"Papa... should go out and have fun. After all..." she tilted her head, "this is girl space."

"WHAAAT?!" Kael shot up. "Who told you to speak like that?!"

His raised voice startled Elfie, and the tiny dragon whimpered, then teared up instantly.

"M-myy... Who made Elfie cry?" Emilia asked, mildly alarmed.

"It’s Papa... he scolded me..." Elfie sniffled, curling into Emilia’s lap.

Kael gaped, speechless. He turned to Lyria, seeking help.

She only glanced at the window and pretended the landscape was fascinating.

Surrounded. Outnumbered. Outgunned.

Finally, Kael’s patience snapped. "Stop the carriage! I’m getting out!"

The driver screeched to a halt, and Kael stormed out of the cabin, slamming the door behind him. But before stepping away, he shot one final glare at Jess, who only smiled smugly and waved her hand.

...

As the carriage moved slowly behind, Ariana and Seraphina rode ahead on the narrow mountain trail, their horses kicking up mist and dew along the edges. The silence between them was thick—not hostile, but curiously observant.

Ariana, sitting with perfect poise, kept her eyes forward, but she felt the weight of Seraphina’s gaze.

’She’s been eyeing me for a while now.’

Seraphina narrowed her eyes slightly, her violet hair gently trailing in the breeze.

Now that they were riding side by side—now that the noble daughter of Salvatore could see the stranger up close—her initial annoyance had been replaced with something far more intense: unease.

’She’s no ordinary knight.’

From her aura, her effortless grace, to the absolute stillness in her core—it reminded Seraphina of elite warriors, the kind trained not just in technique but in the art of killing silently.

Seraphina could see it clearly now: Ariana was dangerous.

"You’re strong," she said suddenly, her voice quiet.

Ariana raised a brow but didn’t respond right away. She gave a calm nod. "You’re not bad yourself. Ranked?"

"Thirty-four on the continental list."

"Impressive."

Seraphina tilted her head. "And you?"

Ariana smiled faintly. "Nowhere."

Seraphina frowned. "That’s impossible. You’re at least—"

"I was off the grid," Ariana said simply. "I don’t have any affiliations nor allegiance. I have been in the dark honing my skills and have recently ventured out.’

The response made Seraphina’s breath hitch ever so slightly. She’s one of those... the hidden mercenaries? Shadow-ranked?

"...And now you serve Kael?" Seraphina asked.

"I do," Ariana said. "By my own will."

The two women rode in silence again, only the wind whispering between them. But now the tension had changed—less dismissive, more wary... and oddly, respectful.

Then Seraphina spoke again, this time more carefully.

"Do you trust him?"

Ariana thought about it. Her past life, the bloodshed, the betrayal, the regrets. Then she looked toward the carriage, her eyes lingering for a moment too long.

"...More than most."

Seraphina nodded slowly, though the weight of those words lingered.

’This one... she’s not just strong. She’s seen war. She’s survived it.’

And somewhere, deep in her heart, Seraphina realized—

If she ever had to fight Ariana... she’d have to be very careful.

Right then, a loud screech interrupted the growing tension as the carriage stopped behind them, and Kael marched toward them, sulking.

The two women exchanged a quick look.

"...What now?" Seraphina asked hanging in the mountain air.

Up front, Ariana and Seraphina were already side by side on horseback. Both turned in surprise when the horses behind them neighed and the carriage abruptly stopped.

Then they saw Kael trudging toward them in a sulk, reins in hand, dragging a steed behind him.

"What happened, My Lord?" Ariana asked as he mounted the horse.

Kael grumbled, "I was kicked out."

"..."

Both women stared blankly. Seraphina blinked. "...Kicked out?"

"I mean what I said," Kael muttered darkly, cheeks puffed with quiet indignation.

Ariana chuckled softly. "I see."

Kael marched ahead on horseback, leaving a trailing air of silent fury behind him.

---

As they moved forward, the fresh air and green hills began to calm Kael down. The wind cooled his head, and the mountain trail opened up with vast golden fields and chirping birds.

But then his eyes narrowed.Kael looked around and closed his eyes.

His senses expanded multiple times covering several kilometres with him as the centre and started to perceive all short of sensory information.

In the distance, the trees rustled. The birds flew off feigning disturbance but amidst all this subtle as it was, Kael noticed several unnatural presences that were closing in.

Sneakily in between the forest they travelled alongside.He then looked up and saw several hawks,owls and other birds flying around.

"I see."

’...Hah.’

His hand flexed.

’I wanted to vent anyway... and now you’ve handed me the perfect target.’

’Good. Very good.’

He smirked coldly."Let’s play, then."

Kael’s horse slowed to a crawl, its hooves padding softly against the dirt trail. The rhythm of movement broke, prompting Seraphina and Ariana to pull up beside him.

Seraphina frowned, tugging at her reins. "What’s wrong?"

Kael didn’t answer immediately. His sharp eyes scanned the tree lines, his back straight, posture calm yet coiled like a drawn bow.

"There are people," he said flatly.

"Huh?" Seraphina blinked, glancing around with a puzzled look. "I don’t feel anyone."

Kael didn’t respond. He turned toward Ariana. She took one look at him, nodded, then gently closed her eyes.

A moment passed.

When her eyes opened again, a chilling sharpness glinted in them like frosted glass.

"Eighteen," she said. "We’re being trailed. Quietly. Eighteen distinct presences. Three A-ranks. The rest, all solid B-class fighters."

Seraphina’s jaw tightened as she looked at Ariana with disbelief. Then she turned to Kael.

’What the hell... How did they even sense that?’

Kael tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Assassins?"

Ariana shook her head. "Can’t say for sure. They’re keeping their distance. But to travel this close with that level of strength... this isn’t some rogue mercenary squad."

He immediately raised a hand and gestured sharply behind him. A moment later, Gare galloped up beside him.

"My Lord?"

"We’re being watched," Kael said without lowering his voice. "Possibly ambushed. Eighteen of them. Get the men in formation and quietly prepare for conflict. Don’t cause panic."

Gare’s eyes flickered with surprise but he gave a sharp nod. "Understood."

He turned and rode off swiftly, barking soft commands to the nearby knights.

Kael held his horse steady and forced himself to wait.

He imagined their stalkers, hidden in brush or tree, whispering, smug with their secrecy—until the moment they realized the hunted had noticed.

That moment.

Their faces, twisted in shock.

That’s what Kael craved.

His lips curled faintly.

But an hour passed.

Still nothing.

The escort continued along the winding forest path, silent save for the clop of hooves and rustle of wind. Kael had even deliberately exposed a few vulnerabilities—faked fatigue, allowed gaps in formation—but still the shadows didn’t strike.

Kael’s brow twitched. A thick vein rose along his temple.

"What’s going on?" he muttered, nearly growling. "They’re watching us... just watching. Are they seriously this patient?"

Ariana, riding to his left, looked thoughtful. "They might not be assassins. Could be sentinels. Scouts."

Seraphina frowned beside them. "They’re not ours. I’d know if Father sent anyone."

"You’re sure?" Kael asked skeptically.

"I’m sure. I swear on my family name."

Kael paused, considering the circumstances. Then he looked at Ariana.

"We can’t have shadows hanging over us the entire trip. It’s better to act than wait. I’ll break off and hit them myself when I get a read on their location."

Ariana narrowed her eyes. "Wait. I’m coming with you."

"You don’t have to—"

"I insist." Her tone was resolute. "If they’re organized, I might recognize the signature or faction. And even if I don’t... someone has to guard your back."