Chapter 147: Big Victory!

It didn’t take long before the wagon reached the Western Gate.

Frederic immediately stood up and placed his hands around his mouth.

’’OPEN THE GATES!’’ he shouted. ’’THE YOUNG MASTER HAS RETURNED!’’

Several guards peeked down over the walls.

Upon recognizing the wagon and familiar faces, they turned around right away.

Barely a few seconds later, the gate began moving.

CREAAAAK!

With a loud groan, the gates went wide open.

Frederic urged the exhausted horses forward.

A few moments later, they were finally back inside the safety of their walls.

Roderic let out a relieved breath.

’Finally,’ he thought, letting everything sink in.

After everything that had happened, he truly needed a bit of time to himself.

Unfortunately, he had no intention of doing so just yet.

’’Frederic, stop here,’’ he said, standing up. ’’I want you to arrange for four fresh warhorses. And make it quick.’’

Frederic nodded right away.

He jumped off the front of the wagon and turned to several nearby guards.

As they unbuckled the current horses, Roderic glanced at his other retainers.

’’Let’s get this wagon turned around when they’re gone,’’ he said. ’’I want to be back outside as soon as possible.’’

John, Peter, and Paul nodded at once.

While they waited for Frederic, Roderic’s mind began churning.

’The chances are small, but Baldwin might have received reinforcements,’ he thought. ’If that happens, the ballista could make all the difference.’

Several minutes passed.

By then, the exhausted horses had been led away, leaving the wagon standing in the middle of the road.

John, Peter, Paul, and Roderic immediately began turning the heavy wagon.

It took quite a bit of effort, but after several attempts, they finally managed to do so.

Wiping the sweat off his brow, Roderic glanced into the distance.

There, Frederic had already appeared together with several guards, each leading a fresh horse.

’’YOUNG MASTER!’’ he shouted. ’’I’VE GOT THEM!’’

Roderic smiled.

’’Good job,’’ he said, nodding once.

The guards quickly brought the horses over.

With everyone helping, it didn’t take long before the animals were properly harnessed to the wagon.

Frederic climbed back into his seat and grabbed the reins.

’’Everything’s ready,’’ he said. ’’We can go now, young master!’’

Roderic nodded right away.

However, just as he was about to give the command to go, a familiar sound echoed from beyond the gate.

CLATTER! CLATTER! CLATTER!

’Huh?’

Roderic immediately turned his head.

CREAAAAK!

The massive gate slowly began to open once more.

Beyond it stood several dozen familiar mounted figures.

’They’re back already?’

Roderic’s eyes narrowed slightly.

As the knights entered the city, he quickly noticed something.

Fresh blood stained their swords and armor, with even some of their horses covered in it.

However, judging by their expressions, they didn’t seem particularly troubled.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

’Looks like things went well,’ he thought. ’Now it’s just a question of how well...’

Roderic jumped off the wagon, signaling the others to do the same.

A few moments later, Arthur reached them.

’’Roderic!’’ he said, smiling widely.

He pulled on his reins, bringing his horse to a stop.

’’You can bring the wagon back,’’ he continued. ’’The fighting is already over.’’

A smile appeared on Roderic’s face.

’’How did it go?’’ he asked right away.

Arthur jumped off his horse and handed it over to a nearby servant.

Placing his helmet underneath his arm, he walked over to Roderic.

’’We managed to kill most of the knights there,’’ he replied. ’’Only six managed to escape alongside Baldwin.’’

Roderic’s eyes immediately lit up.

That was even better than he’d expected!

’They lost a mage and what? Like fifteen knights in a single night?’ he thought excitedly. ’Not to mention the fire Finn started in their camp!’

This was undoubtedly a heavy blow to their army.

And replacing those losses would be anything but easy.

’Knights are rare for a reason,’ he thought. ’The only way they can get more is by begging the second prince or the Ironharts.’

With the failures they’d suffered until now, even that would be incredibly difficult.

Roderic nodded, immensely satisfied.

’’Good job,’’ he said, grinning widely.

Arthur stared at him for a moment.

Then he shook his head.

’’No, Roderic,’’ he said. ’’I should be the one to say that to you.’’

Before Roderic could react, Arthur placed a hand on his shoulder.

’’I can’t even begin to list all the incredible things you’ve accomplished lately. But one thing I do know is that we wouldn’t have gotten nearly this far without you.’’

A pleased smile grew on Roderic’s face.

’’Well, I suppose things did turn out rather nicely,’’ he replied, chuckling.

Arthur stared at him for a moment.

His expression softened slightly.

Once again, he couldn’t help but notice the distance between them.

Roderic clearly appreciated his praise, but that was all there was to it.

There was none of the warmth one would normally expect between a father and his son.

Arthur knew exactly who was to blame for that.

’I’ve done this to myself,’ he thought bitterly. ’But I won’t give up.’

There was no excuse for his neglect during Margaret’s stay.

’Things will change back eventually. I’m sure of it.’

Even if it took him years.

With that thought in mind, Arthur patted Roderic’s shoulder.

’’Rather nicely, indeed,’’ he laughed.

He then withdrew his hand and glanced towards the estate.

’’Now then, let’s head back,’’ he said. ’’There are still quite a few things we need to discuss.’’

Roderic nodded.

’’Yup, that’s for sure.’’

Arthur smiled before turning towards Captain Harris.

’’Have the men rest,’’ he said. ’’Their siege will likely start early in the morning.’’

Harris bowed right away.

Without waiting, he turned to the knights and began issuing orders.

Meanwhile, Arthur glanced back at Roderic.

’’Let’s go,’’ he said, nodding towards the estate.

Just then, he froze for a moment.

His gaze flickered to Finn, who was still carrying his souvenir.

’’Have... him come as well,’’ he said strangely. ’’We’ll probably need that head for later.’’