Bard looked at Andresha standing before him—the image of the little girl awkwardly running toward him in the courtyard was slowly fading away, eventually leaving only some broken silhouettes mixed in his ever-fading memories.
Standing before him was a grown-up Empire military officer, steady, brave, with a tenacious will and unwavering faith, and with her own life trajectory.
"You will safely return to Typhon—as proof of the friendly relations established between the two nations, as a good beginning," he pondered aloud, "His Majesty… I mean His Majesty Gawain Cecil, he will prepare the groundwork and guide public opinion for you, Aldernon will also have corresponding arrangements, part of the truth behind the war will be disclosed, and you'll return as a meritorious figure, not a defeated captured commander…"
"I know," Andresha said calmly, "It's good for both countries and can better utilize my value, but no matter what, Aldernon has to offer something for my safe return, right…"
