The battle raged in various places.
The clash of steel echoed through the courtyard, flames crackling in the background as knights fought against knights.
Fiona moved like a shadow through the battlefield, dodging strikes, disarming enemies, and taking them down without hesitation.
But her focus never left Marianne.
Because Aldric was getting faster.
Each of his strikes was heavier, sharper, and also more relentless.
She could see Marianne was struggling so badly,and she was not in a favor.
'Damn it! This stubborn girl!'
Fiona's fingers tightened into fists.
She had to be careful and could not afford to reveal too much.
But if Marianne fell, then none of that would matter.
Fiona was still busy to fight the Rogue knights when Marianne and Aldric was still fighting fiercely for a long time, until Marianne managed to kicked Aldric and forced him to step back.
"Your skills are improving again, Marianne. I thought you was holding back in the first place, but it seems that i am underestimating you too much.", said Aldric with a casual respect and a bit surprised.
"I should be the one who said that to you, Aldric, thought you haven't beat me everytime we are sparring", replied Marianne with the same expression.
"Well, this time it will be different, my old friend. I am more than ready to knock you down tonight."
"Oh? Then try me! Show me what you've got, Aldric!"
Their swords clashed again, sparks flying between them.
Aldric was a senior and elite battle hardened knight, just like Marianne. But what made him dangerous wasn't just his skill
It was his ruthlessness. He didn't hold back,fought like a man who had already made his decision. A knight who would kill his former friend if that was what it took to win and achieved his own goal that he believed.
Marianne blocked another strike, gritting her teeth.
"Damn it, Aldric, this is Madness!!" she spat. " I've never wanted to fight against you! Do you really think this is the answer?!"
Aldric's sword swung down like an executioner's blade.
She barely dodged in time.
"Like i said before, Marianne, you are too naive. This kingdom is rotting for too long" Aldric hissed. "And you're too blind to see it with your own eyes."
His next strike sent her stumbling back.
Fiona's eyes widened.
Marianne was losing ground, and Aldric knew it was the perfect opportunity to Knocked her down
He lunged for the final blow—
And that's when Fiona moved.
'Damn it, you little girl! You owe me a debt this time!'
It happened in a split second.
Aldric's sword was already falling.
Marianne was mid-motion, too off-balance to block in time.
And Fiona didn't even think.
Her body moved on its own.
A gust of unnatural wind blasted through the courtyard.
Aldric's strike froze mid-air.
It was small and barely noticeable. But for just a fraction of a second—the air itself seemed to bend.
And suddenly, Marianne was gone from Aldric's reach.
She had been pushed just slightly to the side—just enough to regain her balance.
Aldric's sword sliced through empty air.
"…What just happened ?! Impossible?!!"
His eyes widened in shock.
That was all the opening Marianne needed.
'So she really helps me, huh? Fine! I Will not let this chance to slip."
Mariannelanded swiftly. Her stance shifted in an instant.
She saw the opportunity, and she took it.
Her sword drove forward, catching Aldric completely off guard.
'Crap!! I can not Dodge it!!', Aldric cursed in vain.
His reaction was too slow.
The blade slammed into his armor—piercing through the gap at his shoulder.
"Gah—!"
Aldric staggered back.
His sword clattered to the ground.
Blood dripped onto the stone.
The battlefield fell silent.
The remaining knights froze, eyes darting between their fallen leader and Marianne, who stood tall, her sword pointed directly at his throat.
"…It's over, Aldric. You lose.."
Her voice was firm.
But there was no hatred in it, only disappointment and pathetic look towards him.
Aldric gritted his teeth and refused to look at her.
Then his knees gave out as he collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily.
The fight was over.
After Aldric's defeat, the rogue knight's morale collapsed and soon, one bye one surrendered to the guardian knights.
The battle had been short but brutal, and now, with Aldric had been defeated, they had no reason to fight.
The castle's forces secured the area, putting out fires and tending to the wounded.
Fiona stood to the side, watching as Marianne knelt beside Aldric.
"…You could have just walked away, Aldric.." Marianne murmured.
Aldric let out a bitter chuckle.
"You really know me well, Marianne," he said hoarsely. "I don't run, and i will never take back what i have said."
A long silence stretched between them.
Then, Marianne let out a heavy sigh.
She gestured for the other knights to take him away.
As they carried Aldric off, Marianne finally turned to Fiona.
"…And you."
Fiona tensed.
Marianne's eyes were sharp.
"…What the hell did you just do?"
Fiona froze.
'Crap. I know she will ask me this question.'
She hoped that Marianne did not notice her assistance and forget about it after fought with Aldric.
But Marianne's eyes were always looked at her, and she had felt it.
That strange push, unnatural movement.
It wasn't something a normal knight could do.
Fiona needed to think fast.
"…Heh! I don't know what you're talking about," she said, keeping her voice carefully neutral and tried to add a funny tone in it.
Marianne's stare bored into her.
For a moment, it felt like she was about to press further.
Then—she exhaled.
"…Just forget it for tonight.."
She rubbed her temples.
"I'm too damn tired to deal with this right now."
She walked away without looked behind.
'it seems that she's still thinking about him. I've never see her like this before.'
Fiona let out an internal sigh of relief. But She felt a strange feeling when she saw Marianne who had already far away.
'Is this what the Humans called simphaty??'
She touched her chest, and the feeling was never gone away.