The dwarves seemed to have a natural love for life. Maggie had only been there for two or three days when she stumbled upon their bonfire party. A group of people gathered around the square in the center of the village, the firelight reflecting on their faces, which were filled with happy smiles.
Maggie stood not far from the campfire, still able to feel the heat emanating from it, which made her face feel hot as it brushed against her cheeks.
The warm atmosphere and lively environment will unconsciously make anyone show a gentle expression, and they may even want to live here forever.
Suddenly, a person walked up from behind Maggie and stood beside her.
"They're coming tonight."
Jasper's tone was so calm that it was impossible to tell his feelings, but based on Maggie's experience of living here for the past few days, it was obvious that Jasper had a good relationship with the dwarves here, especially the village chief.
There's even a house specially designed for his height, which stands out among the other low-rise houses.
It's highly likely he lived here for a long time and got along really well with the dwarves here.
Now that they know danger is imminent, beneath their calm exterior lies a deep sense of worry.
But a man with his tough-guy personality would most likely not show it.
"I see."
Maggie responded casually, as if she didn't care about what he said, but Jasper's tense expression seemed to relax slightly in an instant as if he had received a response.
With Maggie's assurance, the weight on his heart was lifted a little.
"Are you the only one in the Blood Hunter Guild who has ever seen Gillian?"
Maggie suddenly asked.
"Hmm? No, there's another one."
Jasper was taken aback, but still answered Maggie's harmless question. Since Maggie already knew the president's identity, hiding it would only make her seem insincere.
Furthermore, the reason the president originally hid his appearance and age was because he was worried about being looked down upon; now that the truth is out, it doesn't matter.
but....
This Holy Maiden of Light did not seem to have any ulterior motives because the president was still young. Instead, she placed the president on an equal footing and showed no disrespect whatsoever.
Thinking of this, Jasper couldn't help but glance at Maggie a few more times.
"Yes, protect her."
Maggie hadn't known before, but now that she knew Gillian was the current guild leader of the Blood Hunters, she couldn't help but sigh.
According to her understanding, in the comics, the current guild leader of the Blood Hunter Guild only served for a short period of two years. She died in a battle to seize the ruins not long after the start of the second volume of the comics.
She died at the hands of the vampire she hated most.
Following closely behind was the disappearance of the ace blood hunter; no one knew where she went.
In retrospect, it was just one person with two identities, which both disappeared upon death.
All her current exchanges of interests with the Blood Hunter Guild stem from her good relationship with Gillian, so Maggie naturally doesn't want her to die.
In the story, the president who takes over later is a very difficult person to get along with. It's impossible to know how their relatively good relationship will change if Gillian dies.
Besides... she and Pansy were both too young, only eleven or twelve years old. Maggie couldn't bear to watch her die.
If given the chance in the future, Maggie wants to prevent the events that led to Gillian's death from happening.
"Ah? Oh, okay."
Jasper looked puzzled, seemingly not believing that someone as strong as the chairman needed their protection, but out of respect, he did not refute Maggie's words.
"How long until their people arrive?"
Maggie knew that the Blood Hunters Guild had special communication devices, and she guessed that the Blood Hunters on the outskirts were reporting their positions in real time.
"Less than 500 meters left."
Jasper's expression instantly turned serious, filled with murderous intent towards the approaching enemy.
Blood Hunter had planned to evacuate the entire village, but due to various reasons, it was simply not feasible, so he resorted to this last resort.
Time is too tight, evacuation is inconvenient and could easily alert the enemy. If they are intercepted halfway and clash with the mercenary group in the woods, it would be better to hold the village and minimize casualties.
Given that she didn't want the dwarves in the village to leave their homes, Maggie became the best option if she wanted the dwarves to be unharmed.
Maggie responded with a soft "hmm" upon hearing the answer, the flickering flame reflected in her pale golden eyes like a small flame.
The orange-red, burning flame seemed to ignite a tiny spark in her heart as well.
After taking one last look at the lively bonfire party, Maggie turned around and strode off without hesitation toward the village entrance.
She left all the warmth and happiness behind and walked alone into the dark night.
"Your Highness, the Holy Knights..."
Jasper watched Maggie's retreating figure, his tone hesitant, as if he thought it was very unsafe for Maggie to go alone.
If the mercenary group suddenly becomes uncooperative and doesn't recognize anyone, Maggie will be in great danger all by herself.
"Aren't there still your Blood Hunters?"
Maggie waved her hand dismissively, without stopping.
In any case, if a conflict really breaks out, the Paladin Order will arrive very quickly at such a close distance. Taking people to intercept them in order to save your own life would only make people feel less confident.
Being alone makes people hesitant to act; the spoiled youngest daughter of the duke is her persona today.
Only with enough confidence can you make mercenary groups hesitate to act rashly.
...
The wait wasn't long. Maggie was just standing in the middle of the road at the village entrance when she soon saw a small, thin figure rapidly approaching her.
In the blink of an eye, a black shadow with incredible speed darted in front of her.
Maggie didn't even blink. Suddenly, a dazzling white light burst forth from her body, enveloping her like an angel descending from the sky, or rather, it perfectly matched the image of a saintess of light.
It is sacred and holy, making people want to worship and pray.
Sure enough, after seeing Maggie's appearance, the man's ferocious assassination attempt immediately stopped in mid-air.
Losing momentum, he froze and fell awkwardly to the ground.
Maggie didn't even glance at the assassin, her gaze fixed straight ahead the entire time. Of course, the scouts would arrive first, which is why the mercenary group arrived late.
The man in the lead froze for a moment after seeing Maggie's face, clearly recognizing her.
No one knew what he was thinking, but he still led his men to Maggie.
"Holy Maiden of Light... Your Highness."
As the man spoke, he hesitated for a moment before using a respectful form of address. Maggie had no idea what he was thinking, and of course, she didn't want to know.
"Foolish mercenary group! Have you thought about how you're going to take responsibility for assassinating the Holy Maiden of Light?"
Maggie's tone was not calm, but rather carried a hint of anger at being offended, and her cheeks were even slightly red with rage.
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