The sudden clash with the eerie monsters had taken its toll. The state of the remaining survivors was worse than anticipated. Many were stricken with terror to the point of incapability, some even appeared unable to move properly.

"When did this start happening?" Davey asked.

"A few days ago... This has been the situation since we returned from the reconnaissance mission. I didn't want to trouble you, so I didn't mention it..."

"Amy."

At Davey’s soft call, Amy jumped and bowed her head. She apologized, "I-I'm sorry, my Lord."

"I'm not blaming you," Davey said calmly, placing his hand on her head.

"You've taken on too much alone all this time. It's not just about the last few months. You may have had to do things you didn't want to do because they were orders, things you didn't want to do while governing the territory, but you did them because of discipline."

"..."

"That was wrong."

Davey sat on the infirmary bed, reaching out to the men shivering with fear.

[O mighty Freyja who oversees all creation.]

"I consider you an important talent. Remember what I told you: think of this not as...