An oppressive silence filled the atmosphere, leaving Elaine to hear only her accelerating heartbeat. Everyone was waiting for her to continue.

"Saving the heir of our greatest ally would strengthen both empires' alliance," Elaine claimed. "Since the Léonas Empire placed high esteem on their weapons and fierce warriors, it would be advantageous for us to establish a good rapport with their soon-to-be ruler." Although the beneficial scenario she envisioned was the opposite of what happened in the book, she kept the knowledge to herself. "Of course, even if we don't rescue him, the Léonas Emperor could not blame us. However, will he not hold a grudge against Étoile in the future? Both our military and commerce relations with them might suffer as consequences." Elaine dragged the foreign emperor into her appeal for additional assurance. She then exhaled, staring expectantly at Roland and the male protagonist. Hopefully, I provided a good enough reason.

"I concur with our Princess' assessment. It would yield more benefits than harm for us to assist the Léonas troops in battle." After a long silence, Roland voiced his opinion.

Great. One down. Elaine smiled appreciatively at the Croix Commander, then redirected her attention to Elias. All eyes were now focused on the male protagonist, awaiting his final decision.

"You are well-prepared, Lady Estella," Elias commented. His gaze fixated on her.

"Thank you, Sir d'Amboise," Elaine thanked him, even though she suspected he already saw through her righteous facade, and his statement was far from a compliment. "I am merely performing my humble duty as a citizen of our empire."

"Étoile is fortunate to have produced so many exemplary citizens."

The shivers returned, and Elaine sensed Elias' praise hid a darker meaning. Yet she feigned ignorant, refusing to explore further. "I am glad we both feel the same admiration for our homeland."

The male protagonist did not respond to her statement. "I agree with Sir Roland. Lady Estella has made a compelling argument. It is in our interest to assist the Léonas heir," he said, shifting his gaze back to the troops. His voice then raised several octaves. "Once we joined the battle, several of us will not return. However, remember that our sacrifices are not in vain. We are fighting not only for the glory of your noble Houses but also for our great empire. And thus, everyone's bravery shall never be forgotten." He briefly paused, then shouted. "For the glory of the empire!"

"For the glory of the empire!" the troops cried in unison. Their faces were of renewed vigor.

Elias conducted a short yet effective speech, admitting the cruel reality while appealing to the men's pride and reminding them of their duty. Even if fear debilitated some of the troops' members deep inside, deserting would mean betraying their comrades and the Étoile Empire and shaming their noble Houses. And for the aristocrats, humiliation was a severe offense. These men understood that even if they escaped the forest alive, what awaited them was a fate worse than death. Their shameful actions would forever mar their reputations, causing them to receive torturous punishments until execution from their masters and endure scornful gazes from their peers. Some nobles would go even further to relieve their humiliation, pursuing the men's families—eradicating everything relating to the object of their ire.

Better to die a hero than a traitor, Elaine concluded.

After rallying the men, Elias turned and approached Elaine. Before she could react, he swiftly lifted her from the boulder and again grasped her hand. "If you don't want to return to the Geris Dukedom as a corpse, then you should stay close to me, milady."

"I will." She reciprocated his grip and lifted her head, eyes coated with determination. Elaine still had much unfinished business, and dying in a cursed forest was not one of them.

The male protagonist glanced down at their intertwined hands, a bit surprised at her response. "Good," he said.

Since bringing the injured men along would only hinder the battle, Elias and Roland decided the troops' most disabled members should stay behind and guard the supplies. They then split the remaining men into two units to besiege the monsters from both sides. The Croix Commander also wanted Elaine a healthy distance away from the battlefield. However, both Elaine and Elias rejected his plan, arguing that she would be safer under the male protagonist's protection. Even if she remained with the injured soldiers and knights in training, no one could guarantee another hoard of monsters would not attack them after the main troops left. With those men's conditions, it would not be long before they succumbed to the monsters' relentless offense. After a heated debate, the burly Croix knight in training finally relented.

"I pray for your safety, milady." Roland bowed to Elaine before they separated.

"Thank you, Sir Roland. I, too, pray for you." However, Elaine needed no prayer, nor did she trust in God. The black-haired young man beside her was the only person she had entrusted her life to. He said he would protect her, and she believed he would keep his promise. And since he was the male protagonist, standing close to him would automatically increase her chance of survival.

If something goes wrong…Elaine squeezed the small dagger still inside her dress pocket. At least she had a weapon to defend herself.

"Let us depart," Elias commanded. "And I hope to reunite with most of you after the battle." His gaze scanned over everyone.

"Yes, Commander!" the units advanced in two different directions.