Ethan jolted on the horse as it sped towards the Duchy. The cold morning wind brushed against his face, and the hooves echoed sharply on the stone road.
Accompanying him this time was Joel, who rode right beside him with a focused expression, and behind them followed a squad of the Order of Eternal Blades along with other knights. Their armor clinked softly as they moved in formation.
During the journey, Ethan noticed Joel looking around sharply like a hawk. His eyes moved from one side of the road to the other as if he expected danger to jump out at any moment.
Ethan tilted his head and asked, "Hey, Joel... What's up with this look?"
Joel did not take his eyes off the surroundings. "Sir Randall said that every time you walk out you encounter some trouble, so I am on alert."
"Haa… That's just a joke. I am not a walking disaste—"
