Dante's tyrannical declaration that "anyone who dares to touch what's mine, I will make them regret ever being born" still echoed in Aria's ears. She knew he wasn't just speaking idly. The arson at the provisions storehouse was a wake-up call, a sign that threats came not only from the battlefield but also from within the camp itself. Aria couldn't stand idly by. She decided she had to find out who was behind this incident on her own.
For the next few days, Aria quietly investigated. She couldn't openly use modern investigative skills, but she could observe, listen, and piece together information. She paid attention to soldiers with strange behaviors, hushed conversations, and especially those who seemed disgruntled after her arrival. She also discreetly inquired about special oils used in the camp, wondering if any matched the scent she had detected at the provisions storehouse.
Dante seemed oblivious to her covert actions. He remained busy with military duties, and the favor he showed Aria grew increasingly evident. He frequently visited her at the medical tent, not just to ask about the soldiers' condition but also to spend private moments, sometimes with light touches, fervent glances that Aria couldn't ignore.
One afternoon, as Aria was walking through the training area, she accidentally overheard a conversation between Lady Lan and one of her close soldiers. They were whispering, and Lan's gaze kept darting towards the burnt provisions storehouse.
"...It's a shame it didn't burn completely! That old man Dante truly brings bad luck!" Lady Lan said bitterly.
"But it was enough to scare her good, my lady!" The soldier sneered. "And make the General worry about dwindling supplies."
Aria heard every word clearly. Her heart swelled with anger. She couldn't believe Lady Lan was behind the arson! That woman wasn't just jealous; she dared to endanger the entire army for personal vendettas. Aria knew this was no longer just her personal affair. It had affected Dante and his entire legion.
She turned, intending to go straight to Dante to report. But at that very moment, another soldier ran up, his face frantic.
"Advisor Aria! General Dante is in danger!" The soldier panted. "A strange army appeared from the Northwest! They are numerous and attacked by surprise! The General is surrounded!"
This news made Aria freeze. A strange army? Not ordinary rebels? Her heart tightened. Dante was in danger! Was there any connection between the storehouse incident and this sudden attack?
Aria didn't hesitate. She immediately rushed towards the Northwest, where the clash of swords and shouts had already begun to echo. She no longer cared about Lady Lan or petty conspiracies. The only thing she thought of was Dante. He was in danger, and she, at all costs, had to get there.
When she arrived, the sight horrified her. Dante was fighting on the front lines, his armor stained with blood, but he was still as majestic as a god of war. However, the enemy was too numerous and ferocious. They weren't ordinary rebels, but well-trained warriors, carrying strange weapons and wearing unfamiliar attire. They were trying to surround Dante, their target clearly him.
"Dante!" Aria screamed, drawing her dagger and plunging into the chaotic encirclement. She wasn't the strongest warrior, but she was a special agent, trained to change the tide in the most unexpected situations. She wouldn't let anyone harm the man who had claimed her heart and her soul. A new, fiercer battle.