Corren and his group rode with great haste. Dust trailed behind their horses like smoke from a battlefield.“…And after that, the explosion happened, and all I saw was the head of Mancer flying toward me. I knew it would be chaos, so I ran ahead while shooting arrows to make it seem that I was being chased. Vallenhal would be able to see it and follow me,” Vem explained breathlessly.“So that’s why you are making us shoot at the ground,” Corren replied, his voice flat but curious.“Yes. We have to hurry. The Dukedom will panic if Estelle arrives with the news. We must make preparations. I did not know the Dovan family was one of us! And truth be told, my actions would enrage them. But I still work for the Earl on the secret mission of acquiring the staff. The Duke himself wants this matter resolved. They will protect me for my mission’s success,” Vem answered quickly.The rest of the riders kept silent, uneasy with his confidence. The sound of hooves and the hiss of wind through the v