Chapter 192 - Get with the program
“Was the dragon truly a demon?” Duke Valentino asked.
Scarlett stood at the entrance of the man’s opulent office, observing the portly man seated behind an arched wooden desk. His brows were furrowed deeply as he looked at Sir Home beside her.
“Yes, Your Grace. It was the largest demon I have ever encountered, and while it bore an uncanny resemblance to a dragon, there was no mistaking its true nature,” Sir Home answered. The captain of the Sable knight order wore the same grim expression that had been etched upon his face all morning as he presented his report. “I understand why you might have mistaken it for a dragon when it attacked you and the young Lord, but no living creature in this world exudes such a malevolent aura, nor could any emit a breath as cursed as the one it unleashed. It could only have originated from the Blazes.”
“I received your scout’s report, but I never anticipated such a foul creature to be responsible for my injuries and my son’s current state,” the duke muttered, his expression laced with barely restrained anger. He rested one arm on the desk, which was meticulously organized with neatly arranged papers and documents.
Scarlett and the rest of the group that had returned from their mission to slay the Vilewyrm had arrived in Bridgespell again not long ago. Upon their return, she and the knight captain had immediately been summoned to Duke Valentino’s office to discuss the details of the ‘harrowing’ encounter.
“I had hoped it would not be as dire as it sounded, but this is far worse than I feared. This situation is reminiscent of that incident in Quickmallow.” The duke fixed his gaze on Sir Home, his eyes sharp and probing. “And you are certain that the demons which attacked your men after the fight retreated towards Crowcairn?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Do we know why that village in particular?”
“No. However, there were no signs of an attack, and my men reported seeing the villagers going about their routines. It is likely that the demons are in hiding.”
The duke’s frown deepened as he assumed a contemplative expression. “…I’ve assembled those who arrived too late to join your expedition yesterday, as well as several guardsmen. They are prepared to depart at a moment’s notice. I am entrusting you with this matter, Captain Home, and granting you the authority to take any necessary action to resolve this issue swiftly and prevent further harm. I have faith in your judgment and ability to handle this situation.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Sir Home responded in a deep, unwavering voice. “I am fully prepared to execute your orders to the best of my ability.”
Scarlett studied the man for a moment, her eyes scrutinizing his expression, before shifting her attention to the duke. “What do you intend to do?” she asked.