In the courtyard, Vivian and Manfred walked side by side.
The silk shop had been cleared out moments before, and nearly all the workers had been sent on leave. Now, the entire courtyard was quiet.
They found a pavilion where they could sit and rest.
Once seated, Vivian turned to Manfred, tears shimmering in her eyes, and smiled. "Manfred, I hope that you'll be happy every day from now on."
Manfred's dark eyes were filled with warmth. "I hope that every day after you return, you'll be safe and at peace. Don't worry about me. I'm not the same person I was back then. No one can humiliate me like before. I will leave my mark on this world."
"I overheard you speaking with Kemp on the way here. After you return to Vlario, you'll be leading the Holland troop into battle."
Vivian knew this had always been Manfred's dream.
Every man with courage and honor longed to defend his homeland.
Most people only knew of Manfred's medical skills, but few knew he had been secretly training in combat for years. Glen had personally taught him everything he knew.
Manfred didn't hide anything from Vivian. "The border is constantly under attack by raiders. My grandfather is old, and most of my uncles died on the battlefield. There's almost no one left in the family to lead.
"If the Holland troop falls into the wrong hands, it will only be a matter of time before those raiders break through to Vlario. I have to take command and lead them to the frontlines."
He didn't know what fate awaited him at the border.
Though he selfishly wanted Vivian to stay, he also knew her safety and her dreams were more important.
Vivian's eyes were filled with worry. "You… The battlefield is dangerous. Please, be careful. I'll ask my mom for some amulets later. You have to carry them with you at all times. Her amulets are much more effective than mine."
She had already overheard much of this a few days ago. That was why she couldn't help but worry.
"Don't worry. I'm the commander. I won't put myself in unnecessary danger." Manfred reassured her gently.
Vivian said, "You said it yourself. You better not take any risks."
"I still have the military strategy books you gave me. I've studied them thoroughly over the years and developed my tactics. Trust me, I will do everything I can to win. And you…
"When you go back, you have to fulfill the dreams you told me about. We both need to do our best to thrive in our own worlds. Okay?" Manfred's voice was as gentle as if he were coaxing a child.
"Okay, I promise."
They looked at each other and smiled.
She wasn't going to leave without telling him the truth.
A bright, radiant smile lit up her face as she finished speaking. Then, without waiting for his response, she turned and walked toward her parents.
Manfred froze. For a moment, he couldn't process what he had just heard.
For so long, he had believed his feelings were nothing more than a foolish, one-sided infatuation. But now, he knew the truth.
She liked him too. She had liked him all along.
His heart pounded violently as he turned to watch her walk away.
His heart had been filled with selfish longing.
Even just a moment ago, there were lingering, selfish thoughts he couldn't shake. But now, they were gone.
All he truly wanted was for her to return to the peaceful world she belonged to—the world where her loved ones could protect her, where she would always be safe.
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