Lenora had a lot of things on her mind. But the most pressing thought was 'how am I going to get out of this without punching someone.'
There were several nobles here, all seated, including Monsor who was only here because his father was still sleeping.
Lenora wasn't allowed to sit because she wasn't a noble. Drifus was allowed but he chose not to.
"But how is that relevant Miss Dean? You reportedly lied over and over again, and even now we're not sure if you're telling the truth. And you were the last person seen with the viscount before he collapsed. How could we be certain it wasn't you-"
"Hmm, because you're still alive?" Lenora said. "The only reason this place is still standing is because of me and Drifus. But yes, you didn't ask for our help and we personally helped you. Yet you cast doubt on us, and… accuse us. You know what, you can protect your land on your own the next time they attack. Cause we're leaving."
"Sto-stop them!" One of the nobles yelled.
"Can we please calm down. We can't deny their contribution. Particularly the arc mage's. If it weren't for him, we would still be at war." Almost all the nobles were of similar or lower rank to a Viscount. And they were in Monsor's territory. Even though he wasn't a viscount, he was still the first son of a Viscount and that gave him equal standing in the room. In other words, he had more sway here than any other lord.
"But how can we be sure the elves hadn't come for him? They said they would stop the war if he just went back and she-" the man pointed firmly. "Refused and called the empress of the elves a… they instigated the war and they finished it; clearly they want us to be indebt."
"That is simply not true," Monsor said. "I was there. They were going to attack us regardless."
"You are still young, we know of battle, we know of war. We know of politics."
Lenora let out a long-winded sigh. "Well, that would mean I want something out of you, right?" She paused to gauge the reactions and smiled to herself. "Sadly, I don't. And we're leaving. Drifus if anyone tries to stop us, freeze them to death like the elves."
"Yes, Lenora."
They casually walked out of the room. There was some commotion and Monsor did come after them but he didn't try to stop them.
"I will take over as you said," Monsor said. "When can we expect them to attack again?"
"I'm not sure. But be wary, and remember how they got so close to the city without you noticing."
"Yes. Will I see you again?"
"If you come to the capital, you might. I plan on visiting her in a week. And well, you could maybe-" she winked and stepped out into the open, spreading her hand toward Drifus who took it without missing a beat. "Well then Lord Monsor, till next time."
"Indeed, lady Lenora. May you be well."
Lenora nodded and launched into the sky. Seconds later, she was gone.
"You seem to be rather favorable of them," the rugged soldier said.
"I trust my gut," Monsor said. "And my gut told me to trust her."
"About your father," he paused.
"Yes, I'm aware."
"Even lord Drifus couldn't. And the lady said nothing when I brought it up. Let's hope when he wakes up…"
"Yes, let's hope," Monsor said, staring at the sky.
Rather blue, rather bright. He was barely of age and he had no plans to take over the viscounty. Actually, he was planning on just leaving one of these days. Yet… fate didn't allow him to.
Monsor sighed, and got back to work. He still had a lot of things to sort, starting with drafting some plans in case the elves decided to come back.
***
"Lenora, this is NOT WORKING!" Drifus yelled.
They were moving through the clouds.
No, Lenora was moving through the clouds and Drifus held her tightly; clinging like a newborn. And if Lenora was a man, he would have been fine doing so. But she wasn't. She was a woman. A rather soft one at that. He had this looming fear that her body would bruise all over if he increased his grip even slightly.
"Relax, I'm not that frail," Lenora said. "Ow…" yet she kept moaning in pain every now and then.
Was he that constricting? Was he that overbearing? That painful?
They still had some distance to clear before arriving but Drifus was ready to jump off at a moment's notice!
"Mmh…" Lenora let out a moan.
"Are you okay?" Drifus said. "I could really walk you know."
They'd already reached the very edges of the dry plains, so in theory Drifus could reach the castle if he just walked for a couple of hours.
"I'm fine," she said, yet her face was red and she kept breathing heavy. Just how painful must it have been!
Yet she was bearing it all. She was bearing it all to carry him back. Not only had she freed him, but she also made sure people at the demon lord's castle treated him nicely and she treated him really well even though he was supposed to be her slave and a pet.
I must protect this woman at all costs!
Meanwhile, Lenora was having a hard time focusing but for very different reasons. On one hand her cape was tight in some places, vibrating a bit, and on the other hand, it was also kicking her softly here and there. No, perhaps kicking wasn't the right word.
God I hate this perverted thing… "Mmh!" Yet, with every passing second she was getting closer and closer-
With a warm breath, she finally got a sense of relief as the large wooden black castle came into view. Finally!
She descended fast and dropped just on the entrance. All the vibration, all the dampness and all the panting didn't matter. She just ran inside and straight into the main office of Xanard. She had a report to make. And get praised a lot for it.
"Xanard!" She slammed the door open. "I'm bac-k," her booming voice slowly died off.
Xanard was of course inside but he wasn't alone. There was a woman on his lap. A woman who had her arm wrapped around his neck, her cheek resting on his.
"Welcome back," he said. "Please have a seat."