The small skirmish between the guards and the worms ended quickly. They waited a while afterward, then at Lena's request decided to leave and head back to the estate.
The walk back was quiet. Lena didn't speak to anyone, not even Ollen. She responded only when necessary, and briefly, just enough to avoid rudeness.
By the time they arrived, the guards stepped forward, took the horses, and left them alone.
The sun had already set. Night had settled over Veth, and it was… beautiful.
The sky was filled with stars, some of them strikingly bright. It was hard to believe that a place like this belonged to the Demon Empire—a domain known for nothing but death and suffering.
After some time, Lena refreshed herself and changed into more comfortable clothes. After her bath, her beauty carried a different edge.
Some time later, Ollen invited her for tea.
