Velt dragged Eivan’s body to one of the wells in the courtyard. Without thinking too much about it, he let it fall into the darkness below. The echo of the impact lingered for a few seconds before fading away.

  —And that’s that —he muttered, brushing off his hands as if he could shake away the weight of the moment along with the dust.

  —Wouldn’t it have been better to treat him with a bit more care? —Rurhy asked from behind.

  Velt barely turned his head.

  —Hey, he tried to kill me.

  —Yes, I understand… but even so, he was Rosa’s father —she replied gently.

  Velt remained silent for a few seconds.

  —You’re right… though he was a bit of a handful. I couldn’t exactly handle him delicately —he defended himself, scratching the back of his neck.

  Rurhy let out a soft sigh.

  —Well… the others have already returned with the guards. I’ll go help lock them up. You should… —she said, her gaze shifting toward Rosa, who sat beside the other well.

  Velt followed her eyes.

  —Yeah… you’re right. Go on ahead.

  Before Rurhy left, he gently patted her on the head. She smiled, then headed into the castle while Velt approached Rosa.

  He sat down beside her.

  —Hey… how are you holding up?

  —I’m fine. Why do you ask? —she replied without taking her eyes off Sarah’s body, which lay inside the well.

  —I don’t know… maybe because you’ve been sitting there without moving for about ten minutes.

  Rosa didn’t answer immediately.

  —Look at her… she’s so peaceful. It’s like she’s asleep.

  Velt watched her in silence. Even though Rosa tried to remain composed, it was obvious she was holding back tears. Without saying a word, he pulled her gently toward him and embraced her.

  —W-what are you doing? —Rosa murmured, startled.

  —I don’t know… I guess I’m comforting you —Velt replied, tightening his arms around her.

  Rosa said nothing. She simply grasped Velt’s hands and squeezed them tightly.

  —Thank you… really, I needed this —she said with a small smile.

  —Don’t worry. I’ll be here for you, alright?

  —Yes… I know. And thank you for that. Now I have to take responsibility and give my sister a proper burial.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  She tried to stand, but Velt gently stopped her.

  —I’m coming with you.

  Rosa looked at him.

  —Are you sure? Many people see you as a hero. I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to share in the insults they’ll throw at me.

  —Relax. I buried the bodies too, so I share the responsibility —he said, taking her hand. —I’m not leaving you alone.

  Tears finally slipped from Rosa’s eyes, but they weren’t only tears of sorrow.

  —I’m so happy… —she whispered, wiping her face.

  Together, they walked toward the castle entrance. A crowd had gathered there—citizens, soldiers, and people who had helped in the battle. All of them waited in tense silence.

  Rosa stepped forward.

  —Sarah… is dead. She was defeated.

  A wave of shouts erupted across the square. Some cried in relief; others cheered in euphoria.

  —Where’s the body? —a villager asked.

  —Yes, where is it? —another insisted.

  —She is… —Rosa tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come.

  —Well? —a woman demanded.

  —She’s buried in the castle courtyard —Velt intervened, stepping in front of Rosa.

  Silence fell like a slab of stone.

  —Excuse me? —a man said.

  —You buried her? Why? —another asked.

  —That woman doesn’t deserve a proper burial. She deserves punishment, even if she’s already a corpse —a woman spat angrily.

  —She did whatever she pleased with our parents, our brothers, our husbands. Hand over the body —another shouted, even more furious.

  —Wait, please listen— —Rosa tried, but objects began flying toward them.

  —Enough! —Velt roared, his voice making the air tremble. —Are you really going to sink this low? I’m not asking you to forgive Rosa, but put yourselves in her place. Could you hand over your brother’s, your father’s, your husband’s body to a mob that only wants to tear it apart? Could you?

  The crowd hesitated.

  —I know Sarah did terrible things. There’s no justification for them. But she’s dead. She can’t hurt anyone anymore. Many families are still broken—I know that… but I’m asking for patience. I’ll take responsibility for this situation along with my friends. If you give us time, this city will heal.

  Velt lowered his head.

  —Velt… —Rosa whispered, then stepped forward. —I know this was a selfish decision. I understand if you never forgive me. But I’m asking for patience. I promise I’ll improve this city… and if I fail, you can take my head instead of Sarah’s.

  She bowed as well.

  —I don’t belong to this city either —Rurhy added, stepping forward and lowering her head— but I know they’ll do what’s right.

  —Rurhy, what are you doing? —Velt murmured.

  —Supporting the two people I love most in this world —she replied.

  —I say the same —Jack added, bowing.

  —Me too —Dash said.

  —I trust them as well —Luke affirmed.

  —If I may speak —Alex said, stepping forward. —I know you’re angry, and it’s understandable. But will our town really allow itself to be consumed by hatred? We’ll never heal if we don’t learn to let go. I, Alex Gurdensen, also hated Sarah. However, these two are different.

  He pointed at Velt.

  —He freed me from prison and gave me the chance to save this town alongside my men.

  Then he pointed at Rosa.

  —And she has shown more love for this city than many nobles I once served. I’ve made my decision: I swear loyalty to Rosa and Velt, so this city may prosper once more.

  He knelt before them.

  Murmurs spread through the crowd.

  —I don’t know what to think… —a villager muttered.

  —I think they’re right. I’m angry at Sarah, but I won’t direct my hatred at those who freed us —a woman said, lowering her weapon.

  Little by little, the tension began to dissolve.

  —So… will Velt be the new lord of the city? —someone asked.

  —Well, I… —Velt stammered.

  —If he’s with Princess Rosa, the law makes him lord of the city —another man declared.

  —I don’t see a problem with that —a woman said.

  —Then let’s give him the chance to repair our town —another concluded with a smile.

  The applause began timidly, but soon it rang out with strength.

  —Long live our new lords! —several voices shouted.

  Rosa lifted her head, gazing at the people who were now applauding her.

  —Thank you… truly, thank you. I promise I’ll do my very best —she said, bowing once more.

  Velt forced a smile.

  I don’t want to ruin the moment, but… how the hell do you run a city? Zero, I’m going to need your help, he thought.

  —Understood. Awaiting instructions —Zero replied in his usual calm tone.

  And so, amid applause and hope-filled gazes, a new chapter began for the city… and for them.