The messenger arrived just as Lusian was reviewing maps and strategies inside the campaign camp.
Covered in dust and breathing with difficulty, he extended a package wrapped in carefully sealed white cloths and placed it in front of him.
—My lord… a birthday gift from Duchess Sofia… and urgent news from the Duchy —he said with a trembling voice.
Lusian opened the package.
Inside he found a simple gift, but clearly prepared in a personal way.
For a moment, a faint smile appeared on his face.
—Thank you… —he murmured softly—. Mom always knows how to make me feel special.
But the expression on the messenger's face quickly erased that calm.
Lusian lifted his gaze.
His eyes hardened instantly.
—What is happening in the Duchy?
The young man swallowed before answering.
He reported how the defensive cities had been attacked, how cultists and demons were advancing through the territory, and how Sofia was personally leading the defense of Norvind.
The silence inside the tent grew heavy.
Then Lusian stood up abruptly.
Sofia's gift was left abandoned on the table as a pressure of mana began to spread from his body.
—Prepare the men —he ordered.
His voice no longer carried any trace of calm.
—We depart for the Duchy.
At that moment, Alejandro and Leonardo arrived just as the troops were beginning to organize for departure.
Their eyes met Lusian's, filled with disbelief.
—What the hell is going on? —Alejandro asked, alarmed.
—Are you abandoning the kingdom's campaign? —Leonardo added, clearly annoyed.
Lusian took a deep breath and pointed at the messenger who was still inside the tent.
—My mother, Duchess Sofia, has sent an urgent report from the Duchy —he said firmly—. Demonic runes have been activated near several villages. There are infiltrated cultists, weakened barriers, and a horde of monsters advancing on our cities.
The heroes exchanged tense glances.
The gravity of the situation was evident.
—You still can't leave! —Alejandro replied, raising his voice—. The Duchy can defend itself, but there are lives in danger here too. We can't abandon this campaign while people are still dying!
Lusian looked at him in silence.
It no longer mattered what others thought. The only thing that mattered was her: that woman who, since he arrived in this world, had protected and cared for him.
If anything happened to her… he would never forgive himself.
—Listen carefully —he finally said—. I am not just a commander here. I am Duke Douglas. My priority is my territory, my people… and my family.
His voice turned colder.
—The kingdom's campaign can continue without me. But if the Duchy falls… that is my priority.
Alejandro clenched his jaw, but found no answer.
Even Leonardo looked away for a moment.
Emily stepped forward.
Her eyes showed concern, but also determination.
—I'm coming with you —she said—. My healing magic can help.
Kara appeared beside Lusian, while the wind gently moved her cloak.
She looked at him for a few seconds before slightly bowing her head.
—Good luck —she murmured—. And if you need help… call us.
Lusian responded with a slight nod.
Soon after, he gathered his troops: hundreds of elite soldiers of Lord and Magister rank, accompanied by heavy cavalry, mages, and support units.
The sound of armor and magical beasts began to fill the camp.
And as the army left the place, Alejandro and Leonardo remained behind, watching Lusian move away.
On their faces, frustration, anger… and an uneasy understanding mixed together.
Because deep down, both of them knew he was right.