Armand Region.
Border town.
Javier leaned against Buddy's warm side, the big pekko's feathers puffing softly beneath his hand. The bird tilted its head and let out a quiet squawk.
His gaze wandered over the border town.
Wooden stalls lined the cobblestone road, owners hawking their goods.
Despite the battle that had only just ended a few hours ago, the people stayed. They laughed, bargained, and called out to customers as if nothing had changed.
Inside Javier's mind, a thought stirred.
Father must be assigning soldiers to gather the bodies, to ensure Edmund's men' families can bury their dead. Even in defeat, they deserve dignity.
Javier's eyes softened. The weight of exhaustion didn't dull his awareness.
He chuckled softly.
"Heh… I guess they know the risks. They'd rather face danger here than abandon the land. Loyal to the core, huh?"
