Even though the knights shot multiple arrows, the monsters still wouldn't budge like they were mindless creatures. They don't feel fear, and most certainly, they don't feel an inch of sentiment toward their kin.
The monsters are relentlessly getting closer to the fortress, so the knights must fight them head-on. Even with two ballistae, some monsters have larger stature, so it'll take three arrows to take it down somehow.
Fighting these monsters takes so many resources, and the Commander of this fortress didn't expect this to happen, so they may need more weaponry and troops to deploy. Fending them off with this number of monsters takes more than just a gate fortress.
I jumped in surprise when a monster scratched its claws on the walls. I covered my ears as it produced a high-pitched screeching sound which is unpleasant to the ears.
"It's best if we move to a safer place. We still have a lot to discuss, Adel," Averon said while covering his ear.
"But if the monsters persist in getting inside the fortress, do you think there's still a safe place for us? You said this has been happening for two weeks now! You saw the state of the knights here! They're almost reaching their limit, Averon."
"How come the fortress didn't receive any reinforcements from the Duchy?" I annoyingly asked.
"Because we needed to wreck the gate before the monsters could enter. We can't let those creatures enter the Northern Region."
I looked behind Averon and saw a man with a similar build to Count Vanidestine. His body is full of scratches, scars, and bandages, contributing to his menacing look. From the way he appears, he's the Commander of the fortress.
He bowed and introduced, "Greetings, Lady Adel. My name is Sebastian Alberton, the Second Commander of the Augustine Knights."
He gave me a genuine smile. "I heard about Lady Adel so much from Young Master Rupert and Beau. The knights and mages who came here two weeks ago also mentioned your toilsome journey coming here. It's good to know you're safe and sound, Milady."
His gaze turned toward the rope tied around my hands, and I saw his face grimace at seeing it.
"I sincerely apologize for how my knights treated you, Lady Adel. They committed a grave offense against a noble lady, but I kindly ask for your mercy towards them as they are only doing their duties."
I smiled. "I know that, Commander. I volunteered to be tied to lessen their suspicions about me, and it was also my fault for losing the Vanidestine Crest. Besides that,"
I bowed to the Commander and added, "You don't need to be so formal with me, Commander Alberton. You're far ahead of me in terms of status and power."
He shook his head. "That might be the case, but the fact remains that you saved both the Knights of Augustine and Vanidestine in the absence of Ethan, the Vice-Commander."
He looked at the monsters below. "I think it's best if we continue our discussion later. For now, let us handle this herd of monsters first."
After that, he commanded every action of the knights against the monsters. Averon untied the ropes around my wrists and escorted me inside.
Despite the gruesome state of the fortress outside, their interior is much more calming and warmer. You can feel the difference, as it doesn't give off any scent of blood.
Although maybe the reason for this comforting ambiance is that all of the knights are busy fighting for their lives outside. The air inside the fortress is what my five senses needed.
These days, I see bloodbaths, battles with the enemy forces, and trying my hardest to survive. There's no end to it! Even now, we have to fortify the fortress' defenses because it'll surely be the end of us if we give up now.
When can I rest adequately without thinking about what might happen in the future? I experience battle after battle with no rest!
"Let's head to the Commander's study room. It's better to avoid eyes and ears just to be safe."
I followed Averon to the Commander's study room. I could only see a few people inside. Despite the commotion outside, they can still offer some refreshments.
I looked at the tea and the desserts, and I could feel my stomach hurling from seeing them. Witnessing such bloodshed outside is enough to give me an upset stomach.
"How can you freely eat some snacks after witnessing the gruesome battle outside?" I asked as I stared at Averon munching on some cookies.
He shrugged. "You might never know that this will be my last meal, so it's better to eat something delicious before I die, right?"
I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, and the monsters might find you delicious because you're eating something sweet."
He stopped eating and glared at me. "You don't have to say it like that, Adel. Anyways—" He drank some tea before asking. "—what happened while we were apart? You looked more miserable than when you were in the Vanidestine mansion."
"I don't think we have the time to tease each other, Averon." I sighed. "A lot happened after you left the county. The Count and the Knights of Vanidestine arrived, and they hosted a mini banquet which happens to be the start of their plan to prevent the schemes of Viscount Usoro from happening."
"Yes, I'm aware of that plan. I was the messenger between Vanidestine and Augustine. I may not look like it, but I'm still a Viscount despite having no territories."
"Before the Vanidestine acted, I informed the Duchy and his majesty, the emperor, about seizing every territory of the nobles involved with Viscount Usoro in the pretense of investigation. If we were a bit late from 'inspecting' their houses, monsters would've gone berserk in different regions, which we won't be able to handle right away."
I took a deep breath. "The monsters have already been handled in different regions, but why have they come here out of all places? Just how many monsters did that bastard experiment for it to reach every corner of the empire? And…"
"I have many questions regarding this dreadful situation, but I want to know how we were ambushed when we had plenty of time to escape from the mansion safely. They waited for us to pass through that steep path!"
Averon didn't respond. I massaged my temples as this conversation was giving me painful headaches. Too many questions need to be answered regarding the ambush and the monsters.
"Some Knights and mages who escorted us had died, Averon. They would've still been here if we weren't ambushed! Did the count unforeseen a variable within the plan? I had to witness a knight sacrificing his life for my safety when someone was waiting for him at home. He could've lived a happy life after this." I clenched my fist as I remembered the last moments of David.
I heard him let out a deep breath. "I understand your sentiment toward a person's life, Adel, but this is war. People stationed on the frontlines are bound to lose their life, and it's not like they want to die… it's inevitable. For the peace of the empire, they made an oath to protect it. They were honorable until the end."
I shook my head. "I just don't get it, Averon. What's the purpose of having an honorable death knowing they had people waiting for them?"
"I apologize. I'm sure that you've witnessed more deaths than me since you're a healer. The war is just taking a toll on my body and mind."
Our conversation was interrupted when Commander Alberton came inside with his two trusted knights. Averon and I both stood to greet the Commander.
"The third wave of monsters has stopped, and we successfully defended the fortress. However, the gate has been severely damaged because of the monster's constant attack. If this continues, they might set foot inside by the next wave," the Commander explained.
He looked at Averon. "There are several injured Knights from the battle. Would you mind helping them?"
Averon nodded and bowed. "It's my duty as the only healer present in this fortress. I shall go now, Commander."
After Averon left, the Commander ordered his knights to leave us momentarily.
He rested his arms on his study table and looked at me with fierce eyes.
"I know you have many questions that Averon couldn't answer. Before that, how did you end up in House Vanidestine's mansion? Don't get me wrong, Lady Adel. The Countess completely trusts you, but I still have doubts."
He smirked. "Before I answer some of your questions, why don't you answer some of mine first? We should build some trust between us."
I gulped as he stared at me like he was about to eat his prey. Perhaps, did I unknowingly enter a tiger's den?