66 MYSTERIOUS SAVIOUR: PART VI

Lirius dragged himself back along with the two bags of arrow to where the girl's whereabouts. He was still in deep thoughts about the token he just received from the young lieutenant. Once he found her, he noticed her working on her dagger. It was the first time he'll be witnessing her using such a dagger. It has been a wonder to him whether the girl does have such skills with such a small sword.

Athena was like dancing with the wind. Every single leaf that fell from the tree she was able to carefully cut into it. With such skills means one must have trained for years. Back in her modern world, she has taken such training. Her grandfather was a man who was brought up in a very traditional Asian upbringing. Which is why she learnt archery and Kendo as a plus. She didn't particularly enjoy it but she now thanked her grandfather so dearly for forcing her to take such lessons.

The man was astonished by what he was seeing. He didn't expect her skills to be this great. It made him confused since the fact she was a sickly child, so how was she able to handle the training.

"Tina, I have the arrows you request and a gift from the Young Commander's son."

When Athena reached out her hand to receive the gift, she became speechless and wondered if Lirius had realized everything already.

"The token of House Rosenburg." He didn't say much after handing the token over to the girl.

She looked at the man who put the arrow down on the ground, she didn't bother letting things be and directly asked him. "You knew?"

It was obvious he already knew, yet he replied.

"But, I would still prefer if you tell me..."

Athena's expression softened as she gazed at the token, memories of the owner's token flash in her mind as a smile formed on her face. "They are my family."

Lirius didn't ask further, nor did he bother about such a topic. He already expected it after how she hastily panicked and healed the old man. But still, he still hopes this would be the last of them getting involved with the empire, for he could really just send them all to hell if they dared bother them again.

The girl noticed the man was not interested to hear such stories. So she grabbed the arrows from the ground and tied one of them to Fuji's back. She tightly covered the bag with a piece of clothes to ensure they did not fall off. Afterwards, she grabs the last one and safely secures it on her back.

Lirius then wonders what the girl's plan to do next and asks. "So what's next?"

"You'll stay here and help the camp, I've noticed they lack some..."

But before Athena could finish her explanation, Lirius tightly grabbed hold of her by her arms and looked furiously at her.

"What the hell are you talking about? Don't tell me you plan to go on your own? The hell with the camp, I came here to protect you, not them." He was so shocked by what he was hearing that he was unable to control his temper with the girl. He was yelling at her furiously for the first time.

"Didn't you say this isn't your war, then, then they aren't my concern as well. I don't give a f*ck about them. All I care about are you not getting yourself hurt or worse, killed."

Athena was in shock, it was the first time he saw Lirius so furious, "This isn't our war, but they are still our people who need our help and wish to live..."

"Ah- the f*ck with them, why should I help them." He continues to be indifferent and shows no willingness to listen to the girl. He couldn't care less if they beg for his help, for him, they were all bugs that should have just died.

Still, the girl didn't give up with what she believes for now. Despite how much she despised the empire, they are innocent people who needed their help.

"Because, they are the reason why we are living a peaceful life. They continued to throw their lives despite knowing everything is lost. Plus, they are my family, I just can't step aside and watch them be used by that evil witch... " Her words were pure yet with a bit of anger as she thought of how the evil queen has used the people like her chess piece so easily. Just because the Emperor is absent, she has taken every step to make sure her son will be the next emperor.

"Please, Lirius."

It bothers Lirius so much seeing how desperate the girl was for him to listen to him. Her gaze was just like a child when begging for something, so innocent and pure. He sighs heavily and felt like he was regretting everything. "You know, if Serfred found out about this, he'll skin me alive?"

"I'm sure you can handle yourself very well."

Lirius sighs once again.

Athena wraps his arms around Lirius, she glued her head so close to his chest. "Thank you."

"Yeah-yeah." Lirius replied as he patted her on the head.

She smiled back at him, grateful that he allowed her to go on his own and that he was willing to help the camp.

As the girl let go of him and was about to set off, Lirius glared at Fuji. "You better watch out for your Master, if something happens to her, I'll burn you alive."

Fuji gave Lirius an icy glare in return as he growled at him as if he was telling him. "I already know that idiot."

Lirius felt annoyed by how arrogant and cocky the pup has been. He has indeed grown into a very strong and talented beast, which means the girl will be fine. "Then, take care as well."

Fuji looked back at Lirius for the last time, if a pup could sigh he would have already. He just looked at him, assuring him that nothing bad will happen to the girl.

"Lirius, I'll be off." She shouted as she watched Lirius frozen on the same spot as he watched her depart. "Fuji, will be fine right?"

Fuji looked at his master, with his arrogant and prideful manner he looked at her with a meaning. "Do you really think I'm that weak?"

"Ha-ha, I don't know what you're trying to tell me, but I'm sure it will be fine. Someone like you can easily take them down."

"Go, so don't worry dear master, I will protect you." If Fuji could speak, that's what he'll tell the girl.

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