"Therefore, we failed."
Gernard, leading Jenny, suddenly spoke up, attracting the sideways glances of many.
"During the Year of Blood, our Starshine Legion rushed to assist Blade Edge Territory," Gernard raised his head, also looking towards the sky, full of emotion, "but we were thoroughly defeated, fleeing in disarray all the way."
Morgan stroked his sword hilt, frowning.
"Duke John couldn't understand why every time we raised the Flag of Nine-Pointed Star, the enemy's morale soared, they fought ferociously and fiercely, undaunted by death, akin to Northerners—now I understand, we who thought we were going to liberate Blade Edge Territory, to 'repel the enemy invaders', were the goddamn foreign forces."
At these words, the Star Lake Guards fell silent.
Thales sat in the carriage, silent and with a grim expression.
Surrounded by the unfamiliar stares of the local populace, they walked the strange streets of Emerald City, dispirited and in a depressive atmosphere.