My Ex-Girlfriend Was Appointed as a Knight Commander

Chapter 109

The midnight hour was almost up, and it was the one time of the year when the Raven Knights were dispatched. Maxime, seated cross-legged on his bed, was meditating in preparation for an important mission.

“Aren't you tired yet? What are you doing up so late?”

He sensed the familiar presence outside his tent, sharp enough to catch her restless pacing. Once he’d allowed her in, the first thing she did was question why he was awake, a comment he replied to rather bluntly.

“Can't you tell? Meditating.”

Christine, with her ever-cheeky smile, entered, offering the usual banter despite his serious demeanor. “What about you? Why are you still awake? Are you on watch duty?”

“Of course. Otherwise, why would I be up at this hour?”

Maxime chuckled at her unashamed tone. “What about the guy you’re supposed to be sharing the watch with? Where is he?”

“Which answer do you want? Sleeping, snoring, unconscious? Take your pick.”

“Let's not talk about it.” Maxime shook his head, deciding meditation was out of the question. The glow of the campfire outside cast a faint light into the tent, illuminating the scene.

“So, why stay up all night meditating, especially for someone who can't even use mana properly? You'll wear yourself out.”

Maxime shrugged off her concern. “I'm fine. And if it gets too tough, I can always count on you.”

She took a deep breath, as if holding back her annoyance. “Right. I’m just a servant, ready with a bit of healing magic or some herbal tea if you need it.”@@@@

“If you don’t want to play servant, you could always go back to your watch instead of coming in here just to provoke me. Or we could keep each other company on the watch.”

Christine ignored his jab, and Maxime felt a twinge of irritation. Sometimes I think she does more harm to my sanity than anything else.

“Just tell me. Why aren’t you sleeping and instead meditating like this?”

Maxime sighed, giving in. “It’s just... a habit.”

“A habit?”

“A routine, I guess. It’s something I do to be in my best shape before an important task.”

“Staying up all night to be at your best? That’s a first.”

Maxime shrugged again. “Everyone has their own way.”

The clatter of metal filled the air as the knights drew their swords in unison. The mages tried to reason with them, but the soldiers grabbed them and dragged them out of the way, the old mage among them, sputtering in disbelief.

“You have no idea what you’re doing! The Mage Tower has supported the kingdom, and now you’re treating us like this?”

Ignoring his protests, the Commander ordered the search to begin. The knights fanned out, tearing through the tower in search of incriminating evidence.

The old mage broke into a crazed laugh, shouting accusations at the soldiers. “The Mage Tower has always backed Count Benning! Don’t you realize what you’re doing? You fools!”

A knight raised his visor, revealing his face to the old mage. Recognition flickered in the mage’s eyes as he tried to plead with the knight to report to the Count.

“We’re just doing our duty,” the knight replied coldly, brushing off the mage’s words. “Count Benning himself ordered this investigation. He’s outraged by your deceit.”

The mage’s face crumpled, and he staggered back, mumbling incoherently. “He’s just using us... all along, it was a trap...”

The knight gave a short laugh, walking away as the mage cursed his fate. The sound of chains filled the air as he and the other mages were led out to waiting wagons. The knight watched for a moment, then spoke to a nearby soldier, instructing him to search the dungeons for any other secrets the mages might have hidden.

==

Maxime moved silently through the streets, his mind focused on his goal. He reached the alleyway where he and Adeline had escaped from the dungeon just two days prior. The entrance they’d carved was still visible, but he hesitated to go in.

“What are you doing here?”

Maxime turned to find Adeline standing behind him, her sword drawn. Her hair was tousled, and the cold air had brought a flush to her pale cheeks. She looked at him with that same inscrutable expression, though her voice trembled slightly.

“I’m here on the Count’s orders,” she said, her tone betraying a hint of reluctance. Maxime could see the strain in her eyes.

“And did he order you to kill me?”

Adeline didn’t answer, but the silence was enough. Maxime sighed, resisting the urge to draw his sword. Instead, he spoke the truth he’d been holding back.

“Adeline, your memories... the Count took them from you.”

She cut him off. “I thought about it, too. There were times when I wondered if it was possible.” Her voice quivered with genuine emotion.

“But I can’t go against his orders. My body won’t let me,” she whispered, her grip on the sword tightening.

Maxime could feel the weight of her resolve, even as she stood there, looking as if she’d rather be anywhere else. “I don’t want to fight you,” he said quietly. But he knew it was useless; her mind was set.

She lunged, her sword slicing through the air. With a heavy heart, Maxime drew his own weapon, meeting her attack. Their swords clashed in the cold winter air, the silence of the dawn shattered by the echo of steel.