Seeing that familiar face and height, the man abruptly straightened.
"The Lord has returned!"
The shout quickly spread. Nearby soldiers on patrol turned their heads, and when they recognized the familiar red-haired figure, undisguised excitement appeared on their faces.
"It's really the Lord!"
"The Lord has finally returned!"
Gabriel didn't stop to accept their welcome.
"Where's Anna?"
"At the command hall!"
"And Sarah?"
The smile on the guard's face instantly disappeared.
"Commander Sarah... is in the manor's treatment room."
Gabriel nodded.
"Keep guarding the gate."
With that, he led Sophie and Bunny into the camp at a brisk pace.
As they passed the training grounds, Gabriel saw numerous wounded soldiers sitting beneath hastily erected shelters, while residents helped distribute food and potions.
Several barracks that had once stood neatly in rows were now piles of rubble that had yet to be cleared away.
