Octavia watched the scene unfolding before her with a resolute expression. She was not someone trained in combat, yet she was astonished by her ability to remain calm amidst such chaos. Quickly, she stole a glance at Arthur, hidden within the Thornshell, and thought:
'Did Lord Arvan anticipate all of this? He's truly not an ordinary man.'
Having received direct instruction from Arthur, he had trained her on how to act during sudden incidents. His most important advice had been: "Strike first, think later."
And that's exactly what she did—acting quickly, she attacked the nearest soldier. Surrounded and protected by the recruits, she felt a surge of safety and courage, and launched a second strike when she saw the Vice-Captain of the Guard drop his defense.
