A week later, the First Army Expeditionary Force and the witches finally reached Border Town. The mission had taken nearly half a month since departure, five days longer than originally planned.
The main reason was that when the fleet set off on the return journey, the fortress agent Perro Hermann sent a messenger to report the occurrence of an unknown epidemic in the Changge Fortress.
As Roland had warned Pei Luo beforehand, when the epidemic was detected, he immediately implemented quarantine measures, sealed off the entire affected area, and promptly notified Border Town.
Upon receiving the epidemic report, Roland immediately dispatched Maxie to head east along the Chishui River, searching for the fleet carrying the First Army soldiers. They were to divert at the river's fork to Changge Fortress, eradicate the evil plague, and then return to the town.
Roland led the remaining First Army members and the expeditionary team's families to the dock to welcome their triumphant return. To the sound of familiar military marches, the soldiers saluted Prince with fervor, while many mimicked Knight's salute by kneeling and shouting 'Long live!' After disembarking, they embraced their loved ones tightly. The timely sound of the ceremonial cannon created a jubilant atmosphere, drawing crowds of serfs and fugitives to witness the scene.
Back at the castle, Iron Axe gave a full report on the mission.
"You mean the Witch was among the First Army's enemies in this attack?" Roland mused. "That's unlikely to be the Rat's men." "Tassa agrees. He even suspects the Rat was dispatched by other factions—otherwise these scum wouldn't be moving around so freely. The only entities in the capital capable of commanding both rats and witches, besides Tefiko, are the Church," Iron Axe remarked. "Even the Great Nobles couldn't offer enough leverage to trigger the largest underworld organization's full mobilization." "But Tefiko's in the Eastern Frontier, and she dared send witches to fight alone. The Church seems more suspicious," Roland thought, recalling Wendy and Ash's ordeal. "Are you sure she's dead?" "The Nightingale struck her chest, shattering her ribcage," Iron Axe nodded. "We buried her in the wheat field where we found the sentry's body." The 300-strong unit suffered a massive rat ambush on their final day, resulting in one death and four wounded. The sole casualty was a Witch from the enemy. The four wounded were shot by enemy crossbows as they closed in, while the rapid-fire rotisserie rifle fire ended the battle before it reached hand-to-hand combat. The wounded were properly bandaged and, upon returning to Border Town, received immediate treatment from Nana Wa. Thanks to Lily's presence, the wounds were nearly infection-free. As long as the crossbow arrow didn't hit vital organs, the chances of survival were extremely high once the bleeding was stopped.
Overall, Roland was thoroughly pleased with the First Army's initial expeditionary campaign results. As for the infiltration through a hidden lookout, he knew little about it—only that a system of visible and concealed sentries should be established for mutual surveillance. The specifics, however, were left to Iron Axe to figure out.
"Thank you for your hard work. Tomorrow, I'll be holding an award ceremony right in the town's central square. Please inform all members of the First Army." After Iron Axe left, Roland let out a long sigh.
"Good job," he said, pulling a bag of smoked fish from the drawer and placing it on the table. "If it weren't for you, they might have been in danger." Nightingale appeared, accepting the fish with a smile. "Didn't I say everything was under my control before we left?" "How skilled was she?" "Agile, decisive—she must have been trained for years. If I hadn't entered the fog just as she turned to resist, I might've been hit by her choking powder." Nightingale shrugged, recounting the encounter in a matter-of-fact tone, though he knew it had happened in a flash. "I didn't mean to kill her... But when I saw her glare at Wendy, I knew nothing could stop her except death." "..." Roland paused. "Remember what you said to me after returning from the fortress after defeating Tefiko's militia?" Nightingale thought. "It wasn't your fault," he said. "Exactly," Roland nodded. "If she's a Witch raised by the Church since childhood, she'll see you as traitors and fallen. Without years of interaction, it's hard to correct her warped mindset... At least you saved Wendy and the others." Nightingale smiled. "Are you trying to comfort me?" "Uh..." Roland cleared his throat. "I genuinely believe so." "Rest assured, I won't grieve for the enemy. Though she's a Witch, her path diverges sharply from the future I envisioned—something I realized on the return voyage." Nightingale took a piece of dried fish and stuffed it into her mouth. "Down with the enemy, protect the sisters—I'm just doing my duty." "You're right to think so," Roland said with relief. He'd underestimated her, expecting her to feel lost after killing the Witch herself. Yet she had adjusted so quickly. Both mentally and in conviction, Nightingale had matured remarkably.
"But there is one thing I would like to ask you." She hesitated for a moment after swallowing the fish fillet before speaking.
"What?" "What's been going on between you and Anna lately?" Nightingale's voice faded, her eyes still locked on Prince. "...You know what I mean." Roland nearly spilled his cup. "Huh, why ask that? I've been busy resettling refugees these days—hardly had time to be alone with her." Her eyes suddenly lit up. "You're not lying." "Of course not. I'm—" Before Roland could finish, Nightingale vanished before him. Then he felt soft lips press against his own, the sensation fleeting, leaving only the salty taste of dried fish. It took him a long while to realize what she had done.
"Wait—" The words were cut short as two slender fingers sealed his mouth. Though he couldn't see the other, he knew the Nightingale was right beside him.
"I know what you're trying to say..." Her whisper reached his ears. "I don't intend to change anything, nor do I plan to interrupt Anna. I simply wish to stay by your side forever—that's all I ask. Please forgive my reluctance to reveal myself, for I'm unsure how to meet your gaze. Your Highness, you don't dislike me, do you?" "..." Roland opened his mouth. Disliking the Nightingale was unthinkable. The barrier within him stemmed from over twenty years of conditioning, not mere affection. On this point, he couldn't deceive himself.
"Since that's the case," she murmured softly, "then don't say anything. It's not your fault—I just did what I wanted to do."