The Duke's Passion



832 Change of plans

Many things hovered in Heliot's head, trying to understand what was going on inside Zero's head to do such a vile thing. However, he quickly realized there was no point in trying to understand Zero's mind. That man didn't need understanding, but retribution.

"It's alright." Heliot watched Claude croon, offering his hand to the children who nearly got crushed by Heliot's destructive attacks. "I'm not saying you should trust me immediately, but this place is not safe. It's barely holding on."

Claude nodded reassuringly, smiling at the children. The children were still shaking

uncontrollably, clutching each other tightly. They stared at Claude's kind expression before casting each other a look.

Heliot didn't stay long when he saw that the fear in the children's eyes waned. He wasn't a sentimental man who would understand many emotions. But he certainly knew that these children would reach their hands out to Claude; they would die either way whether they take a leap of faith or cower in that corner.

As Heliot stepped outside, he raised a finger and flicked it slightly. That minor gesture was enough to send a message to the cavaliers who stopped to assist him. They nodded at Heliot, shouting to pass the message to stop from advancing.

Heliot's gesture was a sign that there was a change of plans. They might not be able to stop those who went ahead to create a path for the rest of the troop. However, that was an easy fix. Whatever announcement Heliot had, they could just catch up to those in the front line to relay the change of plan.

Heliot watched his men yell and gallop to pass the message to the army breaching the border. Minutes later, he glanced over his shoulder as Claude stepped out with a child in his arm, and the two children walking on either side of him. Heliot turned around ever so slowly, eyes falling on the infant in Claude's eyes.

"These kids kept their little sister in a closet to keep her safe," explained Claude seeing that Heliot was staring at the infant. "It's a surprise it was sleeping soundlessly and isn't making a sound.'

'It's not sleeping! corrected Heliot inwardly, but gazing up at Claude, he figured the latter already knew that. Claude was aware this infant was infected, but it just so happened that it wasn't capable to fight like the rest of the undead. Hence, the infant was just 'sleeping' "There were still many people in the Spade Kingdom who were like them, Prince," Claude continued solemnly, holding Ileliot's gaze. "Those undeads we were fighting... they were simply victims of the mad king. Sir Knight Rufus is already cleansing them, but since he is the only person who could use the power of light, it would take some time.

"The reason I am saying this is because the undeads weren't our enemy, Prince Heliot. Zero was. The only one," he added as his expression turned firm. "I am not here to judge or claim I am immaculate. I killed the undead without a second hesitation. Countless of them shed blood under my sword. What I am saying is if you can knock them out. Don't kill them until Sir Knight could get to them or the Divine Order steps foot in this land"

"And give priority to people like them!" Claude gazed down at the children and smiled subtly. "I already found a few of them, but since I have to get to you as soon as possible, I told them to stay safe in this place."

Claude lifted his eyes to Heliot. "Can you take this task, Prince? I am aware that you are not obliged to do this much for this country, but I would really appreciate it if you can help us out."

"You don't plan on coming with us?" Heliot inquired, sensing that Claude didn't have any intentions of staying with them.

"There's another person I must talk to," Claude responded without a second hesitation. "The problems in this country aren't as easy as they appeared on the surface. I have to bring the Divine Orders into this place as soon as possible since we cannot stay inside this hell for long." Some questions instantly rose in Heliot's mind upon hearing Claude's last remarks. However, he didn't raise any of them. Heliot was sharp enough to grasp what Claude meant by that. Ileliot gazed up at the darkness covering the sky that stretched to a distance even Ileliot's sharp eyes couldn't reach.

Heliot had always known there was something wrong with these powers. It was one of the main fuel why he pushed himself to breach the border quickly and also the reason he resorted to such a destructive yet easy method.

They might not be sure of the exact reason how and why this darkness existed, but what they were certain of was that they have to get out of there as soon as possible.

When Heliot set his eyes back on Claude, his eyes sharpened.

"If meeting King Stefan and the Divine Bearers is your top priority, then I won't stop you. This land may not be mine and these people weren't the people I pledged to protect. However..." his gaze fell on the children, hiding behind Claude upon Heliot's gaze. "... I am not Quentin. I do not intend to cause more harm to the innocent. You said it yourself, our enemy is Quentin, not these people."

Heliot cast the nearest knight a look, and the latter bowed. The knight jogged toward Claude's side.

"I will ask my men to rescue as many survivors as they can," Heliot continued, making Claude sigh in relief. The latter then gazed down at the children who clutched the hem of his clothes even tighter.

"It's fine!" Claude smiled reassuringly. "They will keep you safe from hereon. Close your eyes until you feel you're safe."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Reluctance shone in the children's eyes, but eventually trusted the big brother who helped them. In the end, the children reluctantly followed the knight after Claude passed the infant to the knight. But before they could leave, Claude planted his hand on the knight's shoulder. Claude leaned closer to the knight and whispered in his ear. "Knock them out. It's best for the both of them."

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