The vast full moon rose quietly from the horizon like a brilliant pearl, its gentle, silvery light spilling down like gauze and enveloping the land below.
Beneath that mysterious moonlight, a group of over a dozen people advanced northward. Before long, they reached the lakeshore that was supposed to be under constant patrol, day and night.
To the right lay Liurnia of the Lakes, its surface smooth as a mirror.
Aside from a few dim torches swaying on patrol boats in the breeze, the surroundings were utterly silent. Those boats did not even pause as the cavalry thundered past.
This was a strategic stronghold of the royal domain, a clear sign that the Carian forces had already lost much of their former vigilance.
"William, keep up!"
A low, commanding voice rang out from within the group.
The mounted archer named William heard the order and spurred his horse hard, quickly closing the distance.
"Yes. These people are far too careless."
As he caught up, William muttered under his breath in dissatisfaction, his brows tightly knit beneath his visor.
The war was far from over. Everyone should have remained tense and alert.
Yet after only a few easy days, they had already grown this lax. If the enemy launched a sudden attack, the consequences would be unthinkable.
"Don't get worked up yet. Let's focus on our own task. We'll report it when we're back. Don't let it distract you now."
Nolan watched the patrol boats recede into the distance and could only nod.
William was a noble-born youth who had received proper knightly training. His messy blond hair fell loosely over his shoulders. Broad-backed and powerfully built, his body was thick with muscle and strength.
Newly minted knights like him, filled with longing for the glory of their predecessors, were nothing like hardened veterans. They carried a distinct air about them.
It was the unique blend of youth's rawness and stubborn resolve.
"Sir, are we really just going to ignore them?"
William's concern grew more evident as he urged his horse alongside Nolan.
"Ignore them how?" Nolan replied. "Strip off our armor, wade into the lake, climb onto their boats, and lecture them? Leaving aside whether that would delay our mission, do you really think a few words from you or me would make them listen?"
When the young knight fell silent, Nolan waved a hand behind him, signaling the other two knights, Hank and Cohen, to keep their retainers close.
Hank, a somewhat shy spear-and-shield knight, nodded quietly and urged his horse to pick up speed.
Cohen was the opposite. Tall and powerfully built, with broad shoulders and a thick back, he carried a spiked mace that made him look especially imposing. He answered with a grunt and quickly followed.
This was no stealth mission. Where there were knights, there were naturally retainers.
Unlike the Cuckoo Knights, who came from rough, unorthodox backgrounds, formal knights were not ordinary cavalry. Strictly speaking, they were nobles, and each brought several retainers into battle.
So while Nolan's patrol was nominally a four-man squad, in reality more than ten people moved together.
Before taking over this patrol, Nolan had never worked with these three.
But his feat during the ambush, cutting down five Cuckoo Knights in less than a quarter hour, had already spread throughout the Carian camp.
After joining several more operations, his reputation as a hero was well known. None of the knights following him harbored any doubts.
The group continued patrolling back and forth along the lakeshore. The Erdtree kept its radiance subdued, as if reminding them that the long night was far from over.
That day, the ancient catapults roared once more, their thunderous booms shaking the air.
Huge stones fell like meteors, never ceasing from the moment night descended.
This battle was especially brutal. Reinforcements arrived at the royal domain again and again, giving their lives to shore up the walls.
By the time the night grew deep and quiet, the surroundings had sunk into complete darkness, with no trace of reinforcements left in sight.
Everyone understood that their forces were now spent, with no room left to maneuver.
The dozen or so people guarding the lakeshore had long grown used to scenes of separation and death, having experienced them countless times before.
Aside from William, who still looked uneasy and tense, the rest appeared almost indifferent, each occupied with their own duties, showing not the slightest hint of panic.
Nolan paused briefly by the lakeside, letting Torrent drink a few mouthfuls of water before turning back. Behind them, a bonfire had already been lit, and the members of the patrol gathered around it, eating in silence to recover their strength.
"Lord Nolan, this is yours."
William's squire hurried over and respectfully handed him a steaming plate of food.
A proper knight's squire not only had to assist in battle, but also take care of meals and daily needs.
Nolan gave a small nod and took the plate. As expected, the spread was generous.
Lamb and shrimp, enough to whet the appetite at a glance, accompanied by a cup of rich, fragrant fruit wine. Nobles really did know how to enjoy themselves, even in the middle of a war.
"This won't end easily."
Hank's stubbled face twitched slightly as he slowly brought a lamb chop to his mouth, his brow tightening.
William listened to the heavy thuds of falling stones. Each dull impact seemed to strike directly at his heart, making him realize something terrible.
The rumbling had not stopped at all. The Cuckoos' offensive was now unmistakable, and this time they had clearly come prepared to fight to the bitter end.
"Eat. This isn't your first day here."
Nolan's expression remained as calm as ever. Let alone mere catapults, he had even endured the Sun Lord's spear of light before. There was no need to overthink it. When it was time to fight, he would fight.
For a while, no one spoke. Only the muted sounds of chewing and the crackle of burning wood filled the air.
After some time, the distant roar of battle cries reached them, mixed with rage, fear, and the thirst for slaughter.
William couldn't help turning his head south, but the tall, solid city walls mercilessly blocked his view.
All he could see were flickers of fire, like a demon's tongue, wildly lighting up the night sky.
Nolan glanced over twice, then paid it no further mind. Even if Sellen couldn't hold the line alone, preserving her own life would not be a problem.
The distant shouts and screams drifted over, stirring a powerful urge within the young knight.
He swallowed hard, hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke.
"Should we go help?"
"Our duty is to hold this position. If the front needs us, the commander will send word."
Cohen patted his shoulder, his tone serious.
"Besides, things here may not stay peaceful either."
"Everyone, let's have a drink."
The captain spoke at last.
No further explanation was needed. In tacit agreement, the men set down their plates and looked solemnly at Nolan, and at the vague silhouettes of ships cutting through the waves behind him.
"The full moon's radiance is with us! To the great Queen and Princess!"
With the toast, the wine was drained in a single gulp.
As the cups were set down, Nolan raised his sword. The moonlight dimmed, and the knights opened their eyes.
Tonight was the perfect time to kill.