Chapter 196 - Imposing presences
A silent tension hung over the air as Scarlett and the others occupied the carriage cabin, traversing the countryside towards Anguish’s citadel. Not many words had been exchanged since leaving the encampment. Across from Scarlett, Allyssa would occasionally lean forward in her seat to peer out the window, gazing at the behemoth of a structure in the distance.
The closer they got to Anguish’s citadel, the more imposing its presence became, bearing down on them like a suffocating shadow. At the same time, the citadel’s unnaturalness grew increasingly pronounced. The eerie aura that enveloped it only served to emphasize how discordant its presence was among the surrounding area, and how it didn’t belong. A clear sign of the citadel’s premature manifestation.
As the journey continued, their carriage flanked by a small group of knights riding alongside the vehicle, Allyssa was the one to finally break the silence. “When we arrive, what will we do?” the girl asked, her tone tinged with slight apprehension.
Scarlett considered her for a few seconds.
“…I have asked this before, but I feel I should pose the question one last time,” she began, trying not to sound too cold. This was one of those times when she disliked the distant quality that always crept into her voice. “I understand that you have always turned down similar offers in the past, but are you truly certain you want to embark on this venture with me? This is one instance where I would genuinely not fault you for not doing so. The situation lies beyond the scope of your contract, and our destination may not be a place suitable for those who harbor any doubts.”
For just a moment, Allyssa’s expression betrayed a hint of those very doubts, yet the look she gave Scarlett was one more of slight surprise mixed with appreciation, as if those words were far from what she had expected but also were what she wanted to hear.
The girl looked at Shin beside her, and the two exchanged a brief glance before directing their attention back to Scarlett.
“To be honest,” Allyssa said, “I’d rather avoid going. Just looking at that massive fortress terrifies me, and I’m so confused about everything that’s going on. It feels like things have escalated so quickly, and everything’s flying over my head.” She paused for a bit, meeting Scarlett’s eyes. “But the reason Shin and I joined the Shields Guild to begin with was because we were inspired by the actions of people like my dad and other Shielders — those who protected those unable to protect themselves. Even if I might not be as smart as Shin, it doesn’t take a genius to tell that whatever is happening right now is majorly dangerous, with a capital M. How many people’s lives might be at risk right now?”
The anxiety in her words was clear as she gripped the straps of the bandolier on her chest, but even then, her expression was determined.
“Our Guild contract might say that we don’t have to do everything you command, and yeah, sure, I think there’s something in there about not having to follow you into certain death, but our Guild pledge was always about aiding those in need when we could and shielding them from harm. That includes both you and strangers that might be affected by our actions. So, if there’s any chance that where we’re going right now might be connected to dealing with all of this—” Allyssa raised her arms and motioned outside. “—then I won’t regret standing by your side. Not for one second.”
Scarlett regarded her silently for a bit before offering a simple “I see” in response. She wasn’t quite sure what she had expected, but it was welcome news to see that Allyssa had that much confidence in her.
The girl offered a somewhat awkward laugh, accompanied by a small smile. “I say that, but I’m not sure I would have been as optimistic if I didn’t know you as well as I do.”