"I wish to thank you, Sir Roderic, for being with me and acting as my bodyguard. Even if it was because of somebody else's orders, I want to express my gratitude toward you. As such, if ever you find yourself in trouble, you can come to me. I will try to help you even with the minimal influence I possess."
Hearing Althea's words, Roderic bowed deeply before taking a step back.
"I hope we meet again, Miss Althea."
Watching the man walk away, Althea sighed in exhaustion. She had finally returned to the capital, but that didn't mean she would be able to relax just yet, as she had to report to the emperor.
"No rest for the wicked," she muttered as she took a step forward, entering the castle.
She wasn't going to enjoy this.
*****
"Sadly, by then, they overran the city, and so I had to retreat by carriage as the teleporting circle was destroyed."
Finishing her report, Althea didn't move her gaze from the ground as she awaited the emperor's judgment.
