When the group returned home, it was dark everywhere. But this darkness was not as creepy as the darkness inside the dark forest. Rather this darkness had a sense of calmness in it. In this day and age people generally didn't stay out after dark. As a result the streets were dead empty. Though the troops were not in great shape. despite being covered in monster bloods, their own sweats and mud. They had achieved a great victory today and no one can deny that. Their trust in their commander or Kommandant as she preferred to called increased tenfold. Plus the booty they brought back was something unprecedented in history. No one has ever returned back from the dark forest with such a heavy load of treasures. Generally adventurers would carry way less to avoid getting stuck inside the forest when monsters attack. Erika was especially proud. She could now forward her plan without much trouble. The dark forest has provided her a stable source of income. As they group neared the Raubenbraum duke's palace, they could see the bright light in the distance. Such gate light is a luxury very few can afford. The group felt even more joy than after exiting the forest. What awaits them is a nice hot shower and a chance to get rid of the filth in their body and clothes. Which would follow a nice dinner and sleep. But suddenly in the dark they could hear some words that made Erika, Bauer and Emil almost freeze to their spot. Cold sweat ran down their spine. Though in the night their uniforms were already cold due to sweats and muds from their time in the forest, this one was entirely different. The words they heard were like sharp knives that could cut through even diamonds. It was Erika's mother.
"Where could she have gone? She didn't come back during lunch and now it's time for dinner." In the silence of the night they could clearly hear the frustration in the voice. Erika's mother was walking from one side to another of the entrance gate. She wore a beautiful light one piece cloth, something befitting of a Duchess. However, the clothes resonated with her worries and seemed to have lost all its glow. "I even sent knights to look through the entire territory to look for her. But they didn't find her anywhere. What's more, even her butler and maid are missing." She was almost in tears. "Oh, Lord please let her be safe. Please return my daughter to me." She cried. "Madam, it is cold outside. Please return back inside the palace or you will catch a cold. I am sure lady Erika is fine." Her maid consoled her. Emil and Bauer looked at Erika. Their face showed clear curiosity and tension. Bauer spoke, "Milady, we forgot to tell Madam about our mission." Erika who was all excited about the mission since the last night had forgotten to mention their absence to her mother. She felt guilty for putting her mother through such anxiety the whole day. She was scared and afraid even more than when she faced the monsters. But her guilty conscience took over her. "What should we do now?" She asked looking towards Bauer. "We clearly won't be able to hide what we've been doing the whole day." She then turned her gaze towards her soldiers who were a bit more relaxed. After all it didn't worry them their job for the day was done. All they had to do was return home from here instead of going into the palace. However, Emil and Bauer were more worried. They would also have to answer about what they did the whole day. Not to mention the loot they are carrying and their dirty strained uniforms. Erika spoke "This is my problem. I myself will handle it." Suddenly she sounded more resolute. "I will take blame and whatever punishment mother has in store for me." She clenched her fists and thought. Looking at the exhausted troops she said, "You are all dismissed for today. Keep the weapons and ammo on the cart and leave." Though this is not the standard military practice, she still allowed it. "We will take the booty with us." She said. Hearing the dismiss orders, the troops stood straight and gave a Wehrmacht salute before they kept their weapons and ammo inside the carts and left. She looked at Emil and said, "Please stay here with the carts for a while I will send some servants to help you take them back." Giving firm orders she went straight to the palace. Bauer followed her. "Don't worry milady, I will help you with whatever in store for us." She smiled at Erika while patting her head. "Thank's Bauer." Erika replied.
Erika's mother was restless and moving back and forth all this time. A maid brought her a sweater which she now wore. Unpleasant thoughts were rushing to her mind and she tried to brush off these thoughts but couldn't. Suddenly she heard something, which soothed her worries. The voice so sweet and comfortable that she could just fall on the ground. She looked at the direction of this familiar voice. It was Erika in front of her. She covered her mouth with both her hands and moved to tears. She couldn't stop herself. She rushed towards Erika who was standing straight in her field gray uniform with black long boots. Her sidearm was in the holder on the right side of the belt while the MP40 hanged on her shoulders. She was looking down, her hands were closed in the front. It was like she was appearing in front of the 'court of honors'. Her clothes were dirty and stuck to her body. Bauer also stood behind her in the same way. Erika's mother didn't care how she was. She was now in heaven and hugged Erika. She kissed her to her heart's content. It was like a reunion after many years. Bauer couldn't help but laugh slightly. The girl who commanded a squad through the dark forest was now all flustered and spoiled in front of her mother. Erika's face turned red. She couldn't help but say, "Mother I am dirty. Please don't hug me like this." Hearing Erika's voice her mother's senses returned. She cleared her throat, "Ahem, alright let's go inside." She stopped. Her tears have dried and now it seemed she was angry. "Inside the house young lady. You have much to answer for." She said in a commanding voice. "No, she is furious." Erika thought. She was shaking and didn't know how to answer. She looked at Bauer. Bauer noticed that she was clearly flustered. But before she could say anything, Erika's mother held her right hand and pulled her inside. Bauer called for a servant to help Emil and then followed the mother-daughter duo inside.
Inside the palace Erika was taken to the great hall room. The room was brightly lit with a giant chandelier hanging overhead and many torches in the high walls. Now Erika's mother took a closer look at her daughter. She saw the weird clothes Erika was wearing and the also the dirt and sweat on it as well. The weird markings and the extra equipments hanging with it was also visible. She remained silent while glancing at her daughter. Bauer came a few moments later. Interrupted by the noise of footsteps, she look to see Bauer also in a similar condition and dress entering. She couldn't help but ask, "What have you two been doing the whole day?" There was more curiosity than anger in her voice. "Our knights have searched through the whole territory but couldn't find you." Her voice grew more flustered. "And why are you in such bad condition? Have you entered the dark forest?" This time her voice was more angry and sad. Though her frustration was clear as well. Bauer tried to cover for Erika, "Madam, we went to the forest just outside the territory." "I didn't ask you." She firmly reprimanded Bauer. "What have you and Emil been doing? You were supposed to take care of her and make sure to knock sense into her when she acts spoiled." She stopped for a bit. Bauer looked down. It was clear that she felt guilty. Erika's mother continued, "Not only have you failed at this job, you also forgot to tell me before you left." Erika spoke up. She was trying to shield Bauer now, "Mother, i-it was my decision and I asked to keep it hidden." "oh, so my little daughter is all grown up now, keeping secrets from me." This time it was clear that she was venting. "Do you understand how worried I was?" She was shaking with anger. "What if something bad happened to you? You know how many people are willing to take any chance to harm you?" Erika looked down. She felt scared and guilty. "I, I'm sorry mother. But please trust me we didn't do anything dangerous. We were just hunting birds and deers in the forest." Erika felt even more guilty for lying at this point when her mother was clearly angry. "From today, you are grounded for an entire month. You will not leave the house for this time. Is that understood." She shouted on top of her voice. "Y..yes, mother. I understand." "Bauer take her to her room and clean her up, then come down for dinner." Mother was still shaking but let her go. In her mind she was still glad that her daughter has returned to her safely. Erika sighed, "Well I'm glad she is not inquiring about our uniforms." she said to Bauer. This was her relief for now.