Lilith hesitated for a moment, but seeing Freyr's urgent expression, she complied.
Even though her magic was failing, Lilith managed to cast the wind-based flight spell, which could last only about ten seconds.
However, those ten seconds were enough!
Lilith flew up, reaching a sufficient height... then she almost immediately plummeted back down in a panic.
Fortunately, Freyr was there to catch her, and they both tumbled to the ground, with Lilith ending up in Freyr's arms.
This time, Lilith didn't hurriedly push Freyr away because her face was pale with fear. She had discovered something even more terrifying!
"We... we're... on an is... island!"
That evening, the military and civilians in Halfhorn City were busy repairing the city walls. At that moment, a cloud of dust appeared on the distant road outside the city.
Amidst the dust, a group of cavalry was galloping towards Halfhorn City.
These cavalrymen were all wearing the standard armor of the Empire's local defense forces. Upon reaching the city's edge, they rode straight in.
"I demand to see your highest officer!" The captain of the cavalry, an Imperial Level Five Knight, shouted from his horse with a stern face.
Soon, Knight Peter, half of his body bandaged, was brought out by his men.
The cavalry captain looked at Peter from his horse and slightly inclined his body. "Honorable knight, I am Cameron, deputy commander of the Second Cavalry Regiment, directly under the Governor of Lier Province. By the order of the Governor, from this moment on, the area within a radius of three hundred miles centered on Halfhorn City is temporarily designated a military control zone! I am taking over the highest command here."
With that, the knight named Cameron threw over a document. "This is a decree personally signed by the Governor!"
Peter was somewhat surprised. "The Governor... the Governor is nearby?"
"No, the Governor is in the capital," Cameron said, his face grim as he looked at the wounded Peter. He sighed. "Sir Knight, I must remind you that you are in serious trouble! The eldest son of the Vice President of the Empire's Supreme Command, Earl Edward, was attacked and went missing in your jurisdiction. The Governor was extremely shocked when he heard about this. Given your serious dereliction of duty, I suggest you prepare yourself mentally. This emergency appointment document was sent directly to the various military units engaged in the spring exercises through the Magic Guild's teleportation array. According to the Governor's order, all thirty thousand local defense troops in Lier Province will halt their spring exercises immediately and conduct a comprehensive search centered on Halfhorn City for the young master of the Russell family. Additionally, your report of a Wizard openly attacking the local military camp... I think you should also be prepared. The Governor might require you to personally appear in the capital and testify in court. You must understand, your report might exacerbate tensions between the Empire's military and the Magic Guild!"
Peter's face turned ashen. He knew his military career was likely over. The local defense camp he was responsible for had been attacked by a Wizard, and the young master of the Russell family had gone missing.
Although it was hard to place the blame squarely on him, given the overwhelming power of the Wizard, he, a mere Level Four Knight, was indeed powerless.
Still, such a significant incident required someone to take the fall and bear the responsibility, didn't it?
Peter saluted, straightening his back despite his injuries, which caused him to break out in a cold sweat from the pain. Yet, he remained resolute. "Thank you for the reminder, sir. I will comply with every order from the Governor. I will now hand over command here to you. As for the Governor's order for me to head to the capital, when do I depart?"
"Immediately," Cameron replied, looking at Peter with a hint of pity. Raising his voice, he declared, "By the Governor's second decree! Knight Peter, deputy commander of Halfhorn City's local defense cavalry, is hereby relieved of his duties due to serious dereliction of duty. All officers of the Halfhorn City defense forces are demoted by half a rank! I expect you all to atone for your failures with merits. Peter, you must depart immediately. The Governor expects you in the capital by sunset tomorrow."
Seeing Peter's injuries, Cameron suddenly felt a pang of sympathy and said quietly, "Peter, I know you're not to blame for this. Seeing your wounds, I believe you did your best. I will report everything I've seen. I don't think you were derelict; the situation simply exceeded your control."
"...Thank you," Peter sighed, shaking his head. "I did fail in my duties... Well, sir, Knight Andrew of the Russell family is in the defense camp outside the city. I think you should meet him. There's nothing more."
Watching the injured Peter being stripped of his helmet and Imperial officer insignia by the soldiers, Cameron couldn't help but feel a sense of lament.
Peter, oh Peter... do you realize the magnitude of the consequences your report has caused?
On the surface, it seemed like a simple case of the young master of the Russell family being kidnapped by a Witch. But how could the disappearance of the Russell heir alone justify halting the spring exercises of thirty thousand defense troops to search for him?
The real issue lay in the conflict between the military and the Magic Guild!
Even though Wizards are recognized as a group that can transcend the law, this time, a Wizard had dared to openly attack the Empire's local defense forces! Such an act was seen by the military as a grave provocation!
This was a blatant challenge to the Empire's military authority and governance! In a broader sense, it could even be seen as an act of rebellion or treason!
Because of this incident, the Governor's advisors in the capital of Lier Province were already in an uproar. One could only imagine the reaction once this report reached the Supreme Command of the military.