Chapter 61: Is she still alive?

Unaware of the situation, Fratina observed for two patrol cycles. With time running out to meet Emmeline, she steeled herself, crept to a nearby street, and scaled the camp’s wall.

To her surprise, the camp wasn’t tightly guarded inside either. Few soldiers patrolled, and those who did were chatting casually.

Fratina approached a barracks, pressing her ear to the wall to listen.

The soldiers inside, still awake, were discussing reinforcements.

“Looks like His Majesty’s serious this time. Those bandits are done for.”

“Haha, I heard he’s sending five thousand elite field troops, not like us city guards.”

“With that, we wouldn’t fear ten thousand bandits.”

Fratina’s heart sank.

What was this? Had their plan leaked? Why was Duncan suddenly reinforcing Notting City?

With only two days until the troops arrived, and one day to seize the city, they’d have less than a day to fortify.

Christine’s two thousand fighters—half untrained farmers—stood little chance.

“…”

Fratina’s nerves tightened, but she forced herself to think calmly.

Retreating would avoid being trapped, but they’d face pursuit without Notting City as a base, weakening Christine’s challenge to Duncan.

Staying meant facing an overwhelming army.

After a moment, Fratina resolved to stick to the plan.

Capturing the defense commander here and the mayor with Emmeline would let them seize the city’s supplies tomorrow.

That would leave options to fight or flee.

She eyed the central barracks, the only one with two guards posted outside.

Timing the patrols, she found a gap and approached.

With a swift dash, she knocked out the guards before they could react.

Inside, Uther heard the commotion, stood, and reached for the door. It burst open, and a sword pressed against his neck.

He stared at Fratina, terrified. “Miss, let’s talk… Put the weapon down. Whatever you want, I’ll agree…”

Uther, valuing his life, surrendered instantly, tossing his sword aside and kicking it away.

Seeing his compliance, Fratina lowered her blade. “No calling for help.”

“Of course… I’m not that foolish. You got in here—you could kill me easily.”

“You’re sensible.”

Fratina pointed to a sofa, gesturing for Uther to sit.

He obeyed, and she loomed over him. “Order the city guards to assemble in the camp, disarm, and accept reorganization by external forces.”

Uther blinked. “External forces? Are there troops outside?”

He thought it might be the reinforcements arriving early to assert authority, but that made no sense.

A darker thought hit him.

Could it be the bandits outside?

“Is… your group with the bandits?”

“You could say that.”

Uther’s heart sank.

If they wanted wealth, he could comply.

But their goal seemed to be Notting City itself.

Agreeing would be gross dereliction, inviting Londe’s retribution.

Refusing meant dying now.

Though a soldier, Uther, at his rank, clung to life.

Fratina, impatient, drew her sword again. “I don’t have time to waste. One minute, or I kill you and leave.”

Uther knew he had to choose.

Die now or later?

Fratina added, “We’re not bandits. We’re a restoration army, led by Princess Christine, the late king’s daughter. We’re toppling Duncan’s false reign, not rebelling. Join us, and you’ll be a hero when we succeed.”

Uther’s eyes widened. “Wait… what?”

“The princess… she’s alive?”

Fratina, surprised by his reaction, asked, “You know Princess Christine?”

Uther explained, “Years ago, I served in the royal guard. I was transferred here after a mistake…”

He nearly launched into a long tale, but Fratina cut him off. “Enough. Will you help us or oppose us?”

“If you swear you’re with Princess Christine, I’ll help.”

“Done.”

Noting Uther’s apparent connection to Christine, Fratina softened slightly.

Assured, Uther closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and stood, heading outside.

Fratina hid behind the door, ready for any tricks.

A patrol spotted the fallen guards and rushed over, meeting Uther as he emerged.

Uther glared at them, feigning fury. “Look at your pathetic patrolling! Someone reached my quarters. Lucky it was an ally, or I’d be dead.”

“Sorry, Commander…”

“Enough. Take these two to rest. Assemble all city troops in the camp. I have an announcement.”

Inside, Fratina exhaled, relieved. Uther hadn’t lied—he was cooperating.