They had beheaded the dead [Knights]. The Thronebearers had been given all honors, but they could not be allowed to rise and create stronger undead. Indeed, the last hour had seen Lord Lantal and his escort performing the grisly task to all the undead, lest they rise again. Or create some stronger undead, like a Crypt Lord.

It was not the thing he wanted a [Princess] to have to witness, however. Lord Lantal quelled the churning in his stomach with another smile.

“Your Highness—”

“Seraphel will do, Lord Lantal. Let us not stand on formalities between equals. I am in your debt.”

The [Princess] smiled in a very charming way. Lantal wondered if she was using a Skill on him.

Regardless, he nodded, relieved.

“You honor me, Your Highness. We’re almost at the keep, and we shall offer you every accommodation we have. I can only beg your pardon that this attack happened on Afiele’s lands. We shall send a

[Message] to Calanfer’s capital at once.”

Seraphel’s head turned. Ah, the keep.

It was a keep on a hill, surrounded by a second wall.

…Not a castle. She felt very firm about that. A castle surrounded the keep, generally with stone walls, impressive fortifications, plenty of space, etc…this was just the keep, and it was, er, antiquated. Yes, that was the most charitable way of saying it.

“We have someone in the Mage’s Guild capable of sending [Message] spells. I have sent one of my people to bring them to the keep.”

“Thank you so much, Lady Risel.”

Seraphel smiled. She half-heard an incredulous murmur from one of the traumatized [Handmaidens] in the carriage.

“Only one…?”

The [Princess]’ smile didn’t waver and Lady Risel affected not to hear.

Lord Lantal blushed. He knew Calanfer was rich. Well, not rich as some nations, but he was a [Lord] of a small farming province in Noelictus. Seraphel was a [Princess], countless ranks above him.

Indeed, the Thronebearers, led by the wounded Ser Dalimont, were giving the keep dubious looks, and only their courtly training was keeping them from voicing the obvious. Which was that this would have been an exceptionally poor province in Calanfer. For a noble family to live here…

Seraphel did not voice any of that. Rather, the [Princess] turned her head, gave Mariel a death-glare, and resumed her conversation without a hitch.

“Not to worry, Lady Risel, Lord Lantal. I shall make similar explanations. My father will no doubt be worried for me. And please pardon my company’s indiscretions. We have been terribly rude to our saviors.”

Lantal and Risel exchanged a quick glance. They both bowed as Calanfer’s escorts all subtly checked themselves. Seraphel went on, dispelling the awkwardness with a charming smile for the escort and the noble couple.