Bahl's white horses were renowned for their speed, earning them the nickname "thousand-mile horses," capable of covering about 400 kilometers in a day. Their elegance and intelligence were unmatched, with stories of them choosing their own masters, which was why being chosen by one granted official knight status in Bahl.
The rumors were no exaggeration; seeing them firsthand, people realized their grandeur.
"Look at that! It's Bahl's white horse, just as famous as the rumors."
"Wow! This is a true masterpiece. It can reach the northern front in just a month."
"Why are Bahl's knights here?"
The sudden arrival of Bahl's knights drew a crowd, and though the details were unclear, it was evident that something significant was happening.
"Surround the building!"
Torres's command was executed flawlessly by the knights. The blue lion flag of Bahl encircled the building, and the knights stood firm, their armor gleaming in the sunlight.
"Wow..."
Onlookers watched in awe, unable to speak due to the imposing presence of the knights.
"First and second squads, enter the building!"
Torres gave the order, and the knights moved with precision, their aura-filled swords slicing through the air.
The silence was broken only by the sound of their movements, which was both eerie and efficient.
"Kneel!"
The sudden intrusion caught Devito's men off guard. If Devito were a lesser man, he would have resisted, but facing Bahl's elite, he quickly surrendered.
"Please spare us...!"
Torres's eyes remained cold as he began the execution of Devito's men.
In an instant, over a hundred men were slain, their bodies falling silently.
The terror was palpable, and Devito, realizing his situation, begged for mercy.
"You have committed crimes by kidnapping and imprisoning people illegally, tarnishing Bahl's honor in the south."
Torres's justice was unwavering.
Devito's limbs were severed one by one, and finally, his head was struck off.
Torres's actions were fearless, almost as if he was declaring war on Arahan.
I watched the scene unfold, my eyes fixed on a pale-skinned Black Knight among the dead.
His expression was resigned, unlike the others who were shocked.
'Black Knights...'
The knights gathered the bodies, hanging them on high poles as a warning.
I turned to the Black Knight and wondered if he had been unable to retaliate or simply chose not to.
"Search the interior. Show the blonde girl to Liu."
Torres returned to his friendly demeanor, remembering our promise.
As the search continued, I reflected on the situation.
Torres asked why Bahl had targeted the slave traders.
"The Emperor issued a decree to eradicate them."
"The Emperor?"
Yes, the current Emperor was revered for his wisdom and immortality.
"Have other slave traders been dealt with?"
"The other cities have been handled by knightly orders. This one was the largest, so I came personally."
It was fortunate that my actions coincided with the Emperor's decree, providing a justification for my involvement.
"Found it!"
A knight announced, leading us to the basement where the slaves were held.
The scale was massive, with about 600 people trapped.
Liu's sister, Lisa, was among them.
As the slaves were freed, Liu was overjoyed to be reunited with his sister.
Torres comforted Liu, standing by his side as he searched for Lisa.
When Lisa was finally found, the siblings were tearfully reunited.
The knights paused, allowing them a moment of privacy.
It was a small gesture, but it conveyed genuine goodwill.
That evening was the most peaceful since I entered this world.
I sat with Liu and Lisa, surrounded by Bahl's knights, and a mountain of Bertisan beef on the table.
"I'll pay for this. Enjoy it freely."
Torres served Lisa a piece of well-cooked beef, and she bowed gratefully.
"Thank you!"
Torres reassured her that she didn't need to be formal around friends.
Lisa's behavior showed how she had lived, and Torres's kindness touched her.
"Is that person Arahan?"
"Yes."
"Torres is a knight, yet you're friends with him?"
Lisa seemed to understand the unusual relationship between knights and mages.
I put on my lenses to hide my red eyes, which might be unsettling for children.
"Lisa, this meat is really delicious, isn't it?"
"Yes! It melts in my mouth. It's incredibly tasty."
"My friends are quite wealthy. This one is Bahl, and that one is Arahan. Maybe I'm the only one who has both as friends."
"Wow!"
The conversation between the siblings was heartwarming, and the knights smiled warmly.
It was perhaps the most perfect day since I entered this world.
Just as I thought that...
"Torres."
Someone burst in without knocking, their presence commanding attention.
It was Philip, Bahl's deputy commander.
Torres stood up, pleased to see him, but Philip's expression was grim.
"The lord's message brought me here urgently."
"What message?"
Philip's gaze turned to me.
The atmosphere turned ominous, and I realized that my peaceful evening was about to be disrupted.
"Did you receive specific instructions?"
"No, but the lord's order is to bring him here immediately."
-Sshing!
The knights drew their swords, ready to follow the lord's command.
Their blades were aimed at me.
The situation had taken a sudden turn, and it seemed my evening would not end as peacefully as I had hoped.