"Should we give chase, Young Master Aiden?" At this point, Sirius had already arrived on the battlefield with the unit of 5,000 men.

"Didn't you see how Lana didn't say anything to me before she set off? If I go after them, she's not going to be happy," Aiden replied with an amused smile. "It looks like she's determined to protect that time and space magician. By the way, I've been meaning to ask this: what is that young man's background?"

"That's Count Friar's son, Erwin Friar," Sirius replied.

"I see," Aiden replied with a nod. "If he hears about how I killed his father by stabbing him through the chest with my halberd, wouldn't he come after me for revenge?"

"I don't think that's a cause for concern, particularly when that last attack of yours looks to have crippled one of his hands," Sirius chuckled with an amused expression.

"A crippled hand isn't much of a handicap for a magician like him," Aiden said.

"Prior to setting off, Prince Lazaar stipulated that if we're unable to capture the princess, we must travel to Sarus right away to stabilize the situation in the royal court," Sirius said as he turned his gaze toward Aiden.

"That does seem like the correct course of action. Let's continue on toward Windmetal Fort," Aiden said. "I'm thinking Lana only wants to protect Erwin. I'm sure she wouldn't care if the princess lives or dies."

Sirius nodded...