Olivier, whose pent-up frustration couldn’t be released by a single kick, straddled the fallen Avril. After checking her breathing, she struck her once.
“It’s a big mistake to think I’m a weak maiden. Now, get up. I know you were manipulating Ernesta. Come on, release her and tell me Jared’s whereabouts!”
Slap, slap, slap—she repeatedly hit Avril on the cheek, but the girl showed no sign of waking up.
“O-Olivier-tan… you certainly can’t be called weak in your current state.”
Even Jidock, witnessing the forceful scene, which was unbefitting a Duke’s daughter, broke out in a cold sweat.
“Olivier-sama—!”
Just then, knights Olivier recognized burst in.
“Are you unharmed!”
“How did you know to come here?”
“Oh, Olivier-sama found you. Huh, why are you straddling Avril Gallagher?”
“Luzer Fisher, you too.”
Luzer appeared right after the knights, and Olivier’s strength drained away. At the same time, her connection with Rio was severed, and her enhanced physical prowess disappeared.
“Of course, we’re here to help. It seems Olivier-sama defeated Leonard Gallagher’s daughter. I’m surprised.”
“For some reason, she suddenly burst into the room. I was worried she might use magic, but I’m glad.”
“Hehehe, that was quite a spirited kick.”
Luzer smiled, learning that his younger brother’s fiancée was not just a defenseless woman.
“In any case, I’m glad you’re safe. Come now, get off that woman and let her go—by the way, who are you?”
Luzer asked Jidock, whom he had just noticed, and Olivier introduced him.
“This is Jidock Rocco. He came to help me. Uh, he’s a potential fiancé, from before I met Jared.”
“Hehehe, my name is Jidock Rocco.”
“Well, I must say… your potential fiancé is quite different from Jared.”
“I didn’t choose him.”
“Unlike the slender Murphy-dono, I am plump.”
Luzer hadn’t meant anything by his comment about his physique, but since he himself was laughing, it was fine. Chatting was all well and good, but they should leave this place now. Unexpected reinforcements would only complicate matters.
“…It seems I’m the last one.”
“Laurentz!”
Luzer and the others noticed Laurentz, who had descended the stairs as if shielding himself.
He was battered and bleeding from multiple wounds. While none appeared to be fatal, it was obvious he needed treatment.
“You don’t look safe.”
“Don’t worry about it. A bit of spit will fix it.”
“You’re putting on a brave face again. Unfortunately, treatment will have to wait. For now, let’s get Olivier-sama out of here.”
Luzer gave the order, and the knights surrounded Olivier and Jidock.
After restraining Avril, who had lost consciousness, with belts, one of the knights carried her.
“Alright, I’ll take the lead, followed by the knights and Olivier-sama.”
“Leave the rear to me.”
“Understood. Then, let’s go.”
Cautiously proceeding up the stairs, watchful for any remaining enemies, they headed outside the mansion.
Along the way, they spotted unconscious members of the Royal Mage Corps and academy students, but they had no time to apprehend them and left them behind.
Laurentz, who was moving nimbly in the rear, saw Brenda Campbell collapsed on the shattered ground, but he continued to advance without a second glance.
As they put more distance between themselves and the mansion, Luzer and his group’s tension eased.
“What about Rio?”
“Once Olivier-sama is safely delivered, I will re-enter the mansion to rescue her.”
As they moved away from the mansion, Olivier worried about the Dragon Girl left behind, but Luzer gave a dispassionate reply.
It wasn’t that he wouldn’t help, but there was a priority. Despite being a dragon, she was a child. He wanted to help her. However, Olivier had to be delivered to a safe location first.
“If it’s the dragon girl, I know where she is, so I’ll accompany you.”
“But, can you fight?”
“I can manage basic self-defense. If any enemies appear, I’ll handle it at my own risk, so don’t worry.”
Luzer appreciated Jidock’s offer, but his true intent was not to put the young man who had come to rescue Olivier alone in danger.
“Jidock, are you… really okay with this?”
“Of course, Olivier-tan. I rushed here to repay your kindness. I will see this through to the end. Hehehe.”
“Thank you.”
Olivier thanked Jidock, who beamed with pride.
Finally exiting the apple orchard, the group halted. The reason was—
“Let go! I’ll curse you to death! Don’t touch me!”
Avril, who had been knocked unconscious by Olivier, woke up and began to struggle.
Even for a knight with a well-trained physique, it was difficult to restrain a girl who thrashed with all her might while being held.
“What should we do, Olivier-sama?”
“Let’s see… we need to find out Jared’s location. We’re running out of time.”
“—You damned bitch. I won’t forgive you. How dare you kick my face. I’ll curse you. Manipulate you, drive you mad, trample your dignity, and crush you!”
Even with her hands and feet tied, Avril, her pupils burning with hatred and spitting, glared back at Olivier, who met her gaze without flinching.
“You won’t forgive me? —That’s what *I* should say. How dare you speak such words after raiding an estate, taking my family hostage, and abducting me and Jared!”
At Olivier’s signal, a knight lowered Avril to the ground.
Simultaneously, as Avril opened her mouth to utter curses, Olivier slapped her cheek.
“Be prepared—you will definitely regret dragging us into this.”
Olivier fixed Avril with a chilling gaze that seemed to pierce through her, and Avril swallowed hard, unable to utter a word.
“Now, tell me where Jared is. Your future depends on your actions.”
