Chapter 314: Weak as Paper Tigers
The Tigerkin guards had already quickly and efficiently prepared the kidnappers’ carriages, harnessing horses retrieved from the bandits’ makeshift stable.
The fourteen children were safely loaded into the carriages, their initial terror gradually replaced with quiet relief and cautious hope.
Seris and her sister, Lira, immediately approached Orion, their amber eyes reflecting deep gratitude as they gracefully bowed their heads in deep respect.
"Young Master Orion," Seris spoke softly, her voice trembling slightly with heartfelt emotion, "we owe you our deepest gratitude. Without your intervention, our rescue attempt would have certainly ended in tragedy. Thank you, from the depths of our hearts."
Orion lightly smiled, gently shaking his head. His voice remained modest and reassuring. "It was nothing much. I’m glad we arrived in time to help."
Lira hesitated briefly, exchanging a glance with Seris, before carefully voicing a hopeful invitation. "Young Master Orion, would you consider traveling with us to Valoria, the capital of our Felian Kingdom? It’s the least we can offer as thanks, and perhaps you’ll find something of interest there."
Orion nodded readily, knowing inwardly that this was exactly the opportunity he’d intended to seize from the start. "Of course. We’d be happy to accompany you."
Curiosity stirred within Orion as he glanced between the two noblewomen, prompting him to ask thoughtfully, "By the way, may I ask your exact positions within your kingdom? Why was it only the two of you and a few guards who came to rescue these children? Had we not appeared, the kidnappers would have easily killed you."
Seris’s gentle face darkened slightly with sadness as she heaved a soft sigh. "We belong to one of the lowest-ranking noble houses in the Felian Kingdom. Our family’s lands are small and located on the outskirts of the capital, and resources are scarce, especially now."
"The kingdom is already strained fighting the Lionkin armies, so no official help could be spared for these bandit threats. We gathered every guard willing to help and did what we could."