The Duke's Passion

826  I need your help

"His mom." Claude's lips stretched from ear to ear while Rufus's expression this time died. Meanwhile, Lilou just sighed and shook her head, telling herself it was not worth the energy to explain herself. It wasn't like Claude was lying. Under the laws of Heart's Kingdom, Rufus was Lilou and Samael's son. Rufus was even written in their family tree. "I see that you managed to get the warriors out of the Colosseum." Lilou cleared her throat, ignoring the strange look in the warriors' eyes. Even though they hadn't said a word just yet, she could already guess what was in their heads. "Anyway, Claude." Lilou peeled her eyes away from the warriors, setting them back on Claude. The second their eyes met, Claude's brows rose. "Yes?"

"I need your help."

"What is it, Auntie Lilove?" n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Not just your help…" she trailed off, casting the warriors a look. "... even those who are able. I need your help."

Their focus immediately shifted to her change of her mood, making their brows knit. This time, Lilou didn't look away as she focused her attention on them.

"Once you reach the safe house, I need those who can fight to save those people who didn't turn into undead and those Rufus had purified," Lilou explained after a second, keeping it short and simple. "I found some people hiding in their homes while running around. Also… it seemed Rufus can purify others with his sword of light."

Lilou cast Rufus a look, and the latter kept a stern expression. "Some of them die and disintegrate, there were some who would simply lose consciousness. However, they would still regain consciousness as undead. Others appeared to be cleansed and get out of the blood link that is manipulating them."

"The outcomes were all different depending on the person. There's no guarantee that we can save all of them," Rufus added solemnly, keeping his gaze on Lilou.

"Do it a couple of times," Lilou responded with a deep breath, nodding at Rufus. "Forget about Zero for now. Let's focus on these people. They need us."

"But Auntie Lilou." Claude frowned. "How about us? We also need some help here."

"Claude, these people had done nothing wrong. Our enemy is Zero, not them. They simply fell victim to the king's madness." Lilou lifted her chin. "I don't think I will ever hold my chin high even if we defeated Zero while feigning ignorant of these people. If you disagree with me, you can proceed with your initial plan. I am not forcing you, but asking a favor."

Claude remained silent after Lilou's remarks, sighing upon noticing the fire in her eyes. "I know everyone is already tired," she continued, moving her attention to the warriors. "But we need to help each other. Zero turned you all into warriors to kill your spirit as a knight who was against his madness. I hope he wasn't successful and there's still a part of you who cares about your people."

There was a moment of silence that descended on their shoulders, unable to look away from Lilou. They never saw her in their life. Matter of fact, they didn't know such a person existed until now. But what they were certain of was that this woman wasn't from this kingdom just from her accent and manner of speaking. Yet, they could feel the sincerity in her voice while talking about the welfare of the people of Spade. "I will do it." The first person to speak was Rufus, snatching everyone's attention, including Lilou's. "I'll try cleansing them if that is all I need to do. After all, I wanted to do it initially, but Acheron kept me busy."

Rufus looked away from them, gazing at the thick fog surrounding them. The fog was already growing thin, catching many silhouettes rising from the ground. It was true that Rufus wanted to check on the first people he cleansed, but Acheron came into the picture. Hence, he didn't have time to purify everyone. But with Lilou around, he didn't have to think of Acheron. He trusted Lilou and her capabilities. If she defeated Acheron once, she would do it again. Acheron might be strong, but Lilou had also grown stronger. "Well, what else can I say? If Auntie Lilove needs my help, whatever it is, I will happily do so." Claude shrugged, knowing Lilou would still proceed with her plan even without his help. "It's not like I have other plans, after all. Prince Heliot and King Stefan would be fine even without our help. They might've crossed the border as we speak. Who knows?"

Claude then cocked his head in the warrior's direction. "Is that alright with you? Or were you too tired? Just to let you know, though, saving you would be useless if you don't even have the will to pick up your swords to save your people."

"You don't have to say that," a warrior replied with a short chuckle. "If I survived the Colosseum cursing that king day and night, I don't see any problem using the last bit of my life to save a few of my people."

"That is right. Before we're warriors, we were once noble knights," another one spoke up. "I want to at least show that mad king and the outsiders that the Spade Kingdom isn't just full of wicked."

One after another, they voiced their willingness to help if their help was needed. Their enthusiasm made Claude grin proudly while Lilou sported a subtle smile. Lilou then glanced at Rufus, nodding at each other as if they just agreed on something. "I am glad that you are all willing." Lilou slowly turned her back on them, facing the direction where she could feel the repugnant aura coming from. "And I apologize in advance that I have to use you to do this despite your own fatigue."

She paused, drawing a deep breath. "I'll cover you all, so flee the plaza without a back. Rufus will stop the undead, so just keep going forward. Don't stop even for a second. Do you understand?"

The eyes of the warrior blazed with even more fire, taking Lilou as someone who lead a war and was battling with them on the front line. The warriors looked at each other before nodding at each other before setting their eyes back on Lilou's back.

After a second, a resounding and determined answer echoed in the plaza, "Yes, madam!"