Volume 6 Chapter 69-2 Therefore, It's for Victor
When [Dark Tide] nodded deeply in agreement with that whisper, a sea breeze swept through.
The sensation of the grass swaying beneath her feet, the tangy scent of the ocean tickling her nose, and the gentle warmth of the sun shining down.
Each of these things told her that another unchanging day had come.
Even with all that commotion, the day remained steady and calm.
So, Miranda turned her gaze back to the town once more, deciding to throw herself into the fight for now, to welcome this tranquility again tomorrow.
"It is our duty to protect this town and the Marquis family."
Miranda declared firmly, and Randy and Liz lined up on either side of her, almost sandwiching her.
"Ms. Miranda too,"
"indeed,"
Miranda let out a surprised "Eh?" as she alternated glances between the two who muttered this while looking down at the town.
"Ms. Miranda too,"
"and all of [Dark Tide],"
"We are all members of this town, part of the Marquis family. If something happens, Liz would be sad, so please, absolutely don't overdo it."
"That's right,"
With Randy and Liz looking at the town and opening their mouths, Miranda let out a soft "Heh heh."
"Yes, there are still many enjoyable things ahead."
Smiling like that, Miranda stepped back a little from Randy and the others and turned around.
"Well then,"
She placed her right fist over her heart and faced the horizon.
Following her lead, several of her subordinates also placed their right fists over their hearts, and then they all lowered their fists with a strong motion.
Seeing this gesture, Liz's eyes widened, and she quickly explained, "It's [Dark Tide]'s salute."
"That's..."
It was the first time Randy was seeing the [Dark Tide] salute.
It meant 'Our hearts to our lord, our bodies to the shadows', and traditionally, it was never shown to anyone outside the Marquis family.
"This is a message from our master, Cedric von Braubelg. Lord Randolph Victor, on behalf of the Marquis family, I express our deepest gratitude for your service."
A serious expression.
A message from Cedric.
And a salute that should not normally be shown.
Randy understood what it meant.
He had to bow here.
There was a risk of missing the chance to show respect.
Cedric and Miranda, facing a great enemy that was coming, stood ready to fight with all their might.
Cedric made Miranda and the others salute to show his wish to protect Liz of the Marquis family.
──"Don't joke around."
That was something he could not just brush off.
Randy knew, given Cedric and Miranda's natures, they were not planning to just go to their deaths.
Still, thinking about the size of the enemy, they were moving with the worst-case scenario in mind.
The possibility of the Empire's attack focusing on Braubelg was very high.
They were coming to surely take down Braubelg, exceeding Lucian and Alan's expectations.
The Four Saints were good examples of this.
So... because he understood this, Randy couldn't say, "Don't joke around."
He could never say such empty words to a friend trying to find hope in a death zone.
That's why... after pondering for a moment, Randy gazed straight at Miranda and the others, clenching his right fist.
Randy struck his left side with his clenched fist.
The loud sound surprised not just Miranda and the others, but also Liz, who looked at Randy in shock.
Gaining everyone's attention, Randy next pounded his chest with his right fist.
The sound echoed again.
This was different from the quiet salute of the [Dark Tide], but it was Victor's way of showing knightly respect.
Originally, he would gently touch the hilt with his right hand, making a wide circle as if drawing a sword, and then place it on his chest.
This was the traditional ceremonial gesture of the Dukedom knights passed down through the ages.
It contained the meaning of 'the sword follows the heart' in a smooth and beautiful motion.
That became a rougher version through Victor.
With his clenched fist, Randy struck the sword's guard──since he wasn't wearing a sword at his waist──and then thumped his chest hard with that fist.
It looked rough and wild, but it showed their way of living.
'My sword obeys my heart.'
There were no decorations at all.
Just a tribute to Victor's way of life.
Of course, Miranda and the others who had known Victor for a long time understood.
They knew the meaning of the 'oath' hidden in that tribute.
So, they tried to understand that respect was returned with respect... At that moment, Randy pounded his chest again and thrust his fist forward.
Everyone, including Miranda and [Dark Tide], widened their eyes at his gesture.
'My heart is with you'
In other words, it was a gesture of 'I will protect you.'
Of course, it wasn't just for Miranda.
[Dark Tide], and Heisenberg, and of course, Cedric and the Marquis family who left messages too.
He would protect all of them.
That was the oath.
Miranda and the others understood what it meant for Victor's heir to show this here.
In response to the utmost respect that Miranda and the others showed, which felt like a farewell in this life, Randy returned it with the utmost respect, saying 'Victor is here.'
Miranda smiled and said, "You are quite the person."
"I was asked to take care of the Marquis family, you know."
With a serious expression, Randy raised the corners of his mouth, saying that the entire Marquis territory belonged to the Marquis family.
"...I will let the master know."
Smiling, Miranda slightly bowed her head and left the scene.
Like they vanished into the wind, Miranda and the others left silently, already descending to the town and scattering in different directions.
"Well then. I guess we should head back to the island soon."
"Yes, that's right..."
Liz, gazing sadly at the town, looked down and said, "Let's go. Ellie's body is waiting."
"Alright, let's go──"
Nodding, Randy picked up Liz and jumped toward the port.
Even if they were going to teleport back, they couldn't leave the small boat they brought docked forever.
Thus, the night-long hunt for the [Pilgrim of Truth] by Randy and [Dark Tide] ended, showing some results and hinting at the intensity of the battles to come.
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