After hearing the full story from Lucien, the captain of the Halvine Knights finally understands what truly happens in this village. The fragments that once felt contradictory now align with painful clarity. The fear in the villagers' eyes, the desperate barricades, the wounded young lord clinging to life, it all makes sense.
His rigid posture loosens. The tension that has lived in his shoulders since the moment he arrived slowly drains away, replaced by something heavier, quieter. Regret. He exhales, a long breath that feels like confession, and lowers his head—not in defeat, but in genuine respect. When he straightens, he steps forward to stand before Emilia and Hikarimetsu.
"I was wrong," he says. His voice is low and steady, carrying no excuses. "You saved the young lord's life. And you saved this village. I owe you my gratitude."
