Kyle returned to the village with both shoulders occupied—one with a tired, half-conscious knight, the other with a weakly fluttering hawk.
The villagers who caught sight of him looked surprised for a second, then amused, some of them even letting out soft chuckles.
It wasn't every day that a noble lord walked into town carrying his people like sacks of grain.
Bruce, who had been helping organize a small group of villagers for building, paused mid-step as he saw the sight.
A teasing remark rose to his lips at the sight of Melissa in such a vulnerable position, but it died the moment he noticed her pale face and bruised arms.
His usual grin slipped into a frown, and he hurried over.
"Young Master! What happened? Is she okay?"
He called out, alarmed.
Kyle stopped walking and gave a short nod.
"She's fine. Just exhausted. Same with Queen. They fought well. They just need rest."
Bruce let out a heavy sigh, clearly relieved.
