Intermission - Alexis (4)

They reached a village in the late morning. Cedric waited until they were in the middle of the village before unshackling Alexis.

"Remember, if you say anything to anyone, or if you try to escape, the lives of all the people here are forfeit."

Since Alexis already knew this, she didn't bother responding to his word.

"Please release Velma as well. It would be strange for a noblewoman to be traveling without any servants."

Cedric shrugged and unshackled Velma as well.

The carriage stopped in front of the village inn. Although the village wasn't large, it was fairly prosperous before the war. However, the products it specialized in were luxuries, and demand for those had waned during the hard times, and although it sat along a well-used road, traffic and trade had also decreased. As a result, although the village still looked as beautiful as ever, the few people they passed by seemed tense. There was also a conspicuous absence of young men.