"I'm glad you are unharmed, my daughter. I was extremely worried when you disappeared." Gerard's voice sounded behind Elaine.

She turned around and saw the Duke approaching her. Though he spoke of concern for her, his countenance displayed no hint of his words. Shadowing him was the Smiling Devil, Yusef. The black-clad man was no longer in his servant attire but donned the Croix's knight armor. His face wore the same disingenuous smile, yet Elaine noticed a slight disproportion in his figure. She scanned his body and finally found the defect. The armor's right sleeve was hollow, swaying against the wind—Yusef's right arm was missing.

No one came out unscathed. Elaine sighed.

"Thank you for your concern, father." She curtsied. "I owe my life to Sir d'Amboise. He saved me from the terrifying monsters inside the forest."

"Is that so?" Gerard placed his hands behind his back, silver eyes studying the male protagonist. "Young Elias, I represent the Geris Dukedom in expressing my gratitude to you for protecting my precious child and escorting her back safely."

"Gratitude is unnecessary, Your Grace. I am merely performing my duty to protect every Étoile citizen," Elias replied.

"Yes, our empire is fortunate to have trained so many capable soldiers like yourself," the Duke commented. "And now that you have completed your duty, young Elias, I trust you will return her to us." His gaze drifted to Elaine's and Elias' joined hands.

"Of course, Your Grace." The black-haired young man finally released their connection, though the warmth of his touch lingered on Elaine's hand. "Our journey ends here. I wish you a safe return, Lady Estella."

She turned to him and curtsied. "I am grateful for your protection, Sir d'Amboise. And I, too, pray for your safe return."

After their farewell, she followed Gerard to the Croix's campsite while Elias reported to the Emperor's summons. A gruesome surprise greeted her when she arrived. A young female hung on a tree next to Elaine's tent, her hands tied to one of its large branches, leaving her body swinging in the air. The girl's once neat black braids became tangled beyond recognition while wounds from lashes covered her face and entire body. She resembled a corpse, and the only signs assuring Elaine that the young girl was still alive were the tiny twitches from her tightly shut lids and small groans from her bloody lips.

"This is the punishment for her failure to protect you," the Duke stated before Elaine could ask.

All colors drained from her countenance, and she wanted to order Cecil to release Mariam. Yet Elaine refrained from the impulsive action, knowing it would only worsen the young maid's situation. Though it was not Mariam's fault the monster captured her, the fact remained that she failed to shield Elaine—not that her interference would change the result. Moreover, Elaine doubted the young maid was a match for the portal creature. However, Gerard did not tolerate defiance, even from his daughter, Estella. Thus, she needed a good reason to convince him.

"If you would allow me a few questions, father." She spoke in a soft voice, carefully choosing her words.

"You may." He nodded.

"How long has she been hanging there?"

"Two days, ever since your disappearance."

So only two days have passed in the outside world. I thought it was much longer. Elaine reconciled the new information to her previous perception. Similar to the portal, she had difficulty grasping the flow of time inside the Insidious Forest. It was as if the forest possessed the ability to bend reality to its will, disorienting those lost within its territory.

She advanced forward and then shifted her body to face Gerard. Elaine stared into his cold silver eyes, forcing herself to hold his gaze. Despite feeling intimidated by the Duke, she needed to project a confident visage. Any weaknesses from her would seal Mariam's fate. "I appreciate your assistance these past two days, father. However, since Mariam is my maid, it would be more appropriate for me to continue her punishment. She is still of use to me, and I would prefer to keep her alive."

"Then how do you plan to proceed?" Gerard inquired—a flicker of amusement flashed in his eyes.

Elaine gulped, heartbeat accelerating. She clasped her hands together, hiding her anxiety. Elaine then glanced at the young maid. "I do not believe she can endure any additional punishment of the flesh. Hence, I will demote her to the lowest rank servant, deduct her pay, and maintain these penalties until I am satisfied she has atoned for her mistake." She exhaled after finishing, hoping the punishments she listed were harsh enough to appease Gerard.

Her expectant gaze returned to him, waiting for his decision. Elaine knew she would require to deliver on her promise upon returning. The Duke had eyes throughout Estella's manor. Any non-performance from her would immediately reach his ears, resulting in his diminished trust and endangering Mariam's life again. She felt sorry for the young maid. The lowest-rank servants often had to complete the most demeaning and physically demanding tasks. However, Elaine would rather Mariam endure such hardship than die for circumstances beyond her control. Although her primary aim was to save the young maid, the current situation also served her a perfect opportunity to prove her emotional discipline to Gerard—earning his confidence for future purposes. Since Elaine would have to participate in the eventual war for the throne, planning ahead would ease the path to her destined role within the story.

"Failure to protect their master would usually yield the death penalty for the offending servants. However, today I will make a one-time exception for this child." The Duke stared at Elaine. His expression was stoic, not allowing her to deduce his intention. "Remember your words, my daughter."

"Thank you, father. I will not disappoint you." She lowered her gaze and curtsied with relief washing over her.