Under the Oak Tree

Chapter 378 - 139

378 Chapter 139

"God Almighty, can't we just enjoy this meal in peace?" Hebaron exclaimed.

Maxi was apparently not the only one feeling uncomfortable.

The burly knight huffed. "We've just won a battle. Why clash words when we can enjoy the feast before us?"

"You don't seem to comprehend the gravity of the situation," Kuahel spat. "I am not here to break bread with you."

"Then why have you graced us with your presence?" Richard Breston sneered, swirling a large goblet in one hand.

Ignoring him, Kuahel said calmly, "I am sure you have been informed that the remaining monster forces in the Pamela Plateau are trying to destroy the barriers set up around the Lexos Mountains. Two of the five shrines built four years ago to block mana from flowing to the dragon have already fallen to the enemy. Even if the coalition army succeeds in reclaiming the castles, divine magic tainted by the monsters will fail to work properly. To purify it, we require a holy relic."

"A holy relic?" Riftan repeated, narrowing his eyes.

Kuahel nodded. "The Chalice of Purification. It can purify tainted magic and create holy water."

Suddenly interested, Breston stopped his taunting and sat upright. "Are you saying this tiny estate holds such a relic?"

"That's right. I am here to take the Chalice to the Lexos-"

"The holy relic was formally entrusted to us," came a sharp voice. Maxi turned to see a tall woman striding regally into the hall, her long black surcoat flowing behind her. It was the Lady of Darund. She shot Richard Breston a look of distaste before addressing Kuahel.

"The pope has entrusted the Chalice's care to Darund for the next ten years," the lady said, her tone admonishing. "It is not something you can take as you please."

"Darund is currently in ruins, and the chapel meant to display the relic is gone as well. What would be the point of keeping the Chalice here?"

Lady Darund's face darkened at Kuahel's cool response. She turned to the elderly cleric and chamberlain standing behind her. When she saw that she would get no help from them, she loftily raised her chin once again.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"That may be so, but a promise is a promise. We have made a substantial donation to the church to acquire the Chalice, and it is now vital to our restoration efforts. As long as the holy relic is here, many will come to Darund to seek divine blessing."

"And how will you stop us if we choose to take it?" Leaning comfortably into his chair, Breston gave the noblewoman an unsettling smile. "You've hardly any soldiers. We could do whatever we liked, and you couldn't lift a finger."

"Shut your mouth."

Startled by the interruption, Maxi whipped her head up to see Riftan. She was not the only one taken aback; Lady Darund and the servants laying out the food seemed more surprised by his response than Breston's gross threat.

Riftan glowered at Breston, imbuing each word with authority. "We are knights, not plunderers. I will not condone pillaging."

Getting out of bed, she tossed a piece of wood into the fireplace and stoked the embers with a poker. Soon, a blaze illuminated the room once more. After looking about the empty chamber, Maxi put on her coat and stepped out. The corridor was cloaked in darkness.



Thanks to the moonlight filtering through the windows, she managed to make her way outside without tripping.

Breathing the crisp early morning air, she padded down the corridor. Beacons on the wall lit the way, and she soon made it to the courtyard, where she cut across and out of the inner castle.

Soon, the chapel came into view. She went inside to check on the wounded. Fortunately, none of the patients were unconscious or suffering from fever. Breathing a small sigh of relief, she left the chapel and headed for the Remdragon Knight banner.

Riftan had most likely chosen to rest in the barracks after deliberating the army's itinerary with his men until late into the night.

Her assumption proved true when she found him among the tents, sitting in front of a campfire beneath a small canopy. She suppressed a sigh and slowly approached him.

"Riftan... were you able to get some sleep?"

"Yes, I slept enough," he replied tersely. "What are you doing outside at this hour?"

"I came out to check on the wounded men," Maxi said, crouching by the fire.

Right then, a cold breeze blew past, and she hunched her shoulders. Riftan regarded her with a frown before opening his coat.

"Come here."

Maxi happily nestled herself between his legs. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled her close so that she was leaning against him and tightened his coat around them. Maxi felt like a chick tucked under a hen's feathers.

She poked her head out to watch the crackling fire and snow flurries. Even the memory of yesterday's arduous battle and the trepidation over the grueling journey awaiting them in the morning was not enough to dampen the joy she felt at that moment.

When she snuggled closer, Riftan rested his head on her shoulder and blew warmly over her icy neck.

"Are you cold?"

Maxi shook her head. His breath felt as if it tickled her bones.

Thoroughly content, she let out a languid sigh. The wind blew snow into the canopy, and even the iciness as it brushed past her face felt good.

"Do you remember when we watched the first snowfall together in Anatol?"

"By the lake?" he whispered, grazing his nose on her shoulder.

The action reminded Maxi of a large hound asking for attention. A soft laugh escaped her lips. When she tilted her head to look at him, she saw a subtle smile tugging at his lips.

"I remember," he said. "We had gone for a ride."