Saved By The Mad Duke
Chapter 216: We Girls Should Stick Together

Chapter 216: We Girls Should Stick Together

Ahspid arched his eyebrows in confusion. He indeed knew who these witches were and that was precisely why he was surprised that the sisterhood of the Crimson Witches had made a decision to join this fight.

Having noticed the mage’s uneasy face, Khala laughed and tried to explain,

"Your eyebrows are going to jump off your face if you keep looking at me like this. There is nothing surprising about their desire to be involved. The traveling bandits have been growing tired of the complicated political games Anathaen dared to play with the continent so we have been expecting the conflict to emerge for quite some time. The witches, on the other hand, have their own score to settle with the Holy Church so once they learned about their plans, they expressed their desire to join forces with us. As you all know, war brings many opportunities to those with hidden agendas."

Aideen looked at Ahspid with curious eyes, her face completely lost in questions.

"I thought most of the witches had been either forced to cooperate with the Holy Church or executed for going against it."

The mage ran his gloved hand through the long white locks of his flowing hair and released a somewhat heavy sigh.

"The Sisterhood of Crimson Witches is a well-known covenant amongst the witches who are still trying to fight against the Holy Church’s attempt to rid the world of the "devilish forces" which, according to them, is witchcraft. It is an organization of women who possess similar abilities because they inherit them from their mothers who are historically linked through their bloodline. This makes them a lot stronger than other witches. They lead a nomad life, wandering around the continent while keeping their powers and identities in secret and only offering their help to those who truly need it."

"And right now," Khala nodded at the princess, "you fall under that very category, My Lady."

Aideen shot the woman a rather cold glare. The memories of their past encounter were still fresh in her head. Khala sighed, unimpressed by the princess’ animosity, and said, imitating a friendly vice,

"I see why you are still hesitant, Duchess Valentine..." shaking her head, Khala removed the mask to unveil her face as if it was a gesture of trust she wanted to share with Aideen, "And I am sorry for being hostile towards you in the past. I realized the errors of my ways and acknowledged all the mistakes that I had made. I want to grow as a person and finally show Tillian how grateful I am for everything he has done for me.

I, too, want to live freely. Free from abuse of power, free from prejudice and persecution. I believe Tillian can be the ruler who can give me all that. And a lot more. And if... If he saw that you could be just as benevolent and strong, then I have no right not to agree with his choices. I want to help you. And it would be my honor if you could accept my help. Let us both give each other a second chance."

Aideen could truly see sincerity behind Khala’s words. If before, she perceived her as a deeply hurt and lonely woman, craving genuine recognition and affection, now, she saw her as an entirely new person whose sole purpose was to grow and improve. The princess believed that she truly wanted to change.

"Thank you, Khala," Lady Valentine stretched out her hand, anticipating a handshake that might signal the beginning of a new friendship. "I truly appreciate your help."

Khala stared at the princess’ hand for a few moments, then smirked, and finally accepted the handshake, "Sure thing, Duchess. We girls need to stick together instead of fighting one another. I have realized it a little bit too late, but hey, better late than never, right?"

"Yes... it definitely is."

"Now, Lady Valentine," Khala looked back in the direction from where the Holy Army was approaching, then pulled his mask back up to cover her face, and looked back into Aideen’s eyes, instructing, "You should go back to the castle and stay there until the fight is over. We will make sure to take care of the Holy Army."

Aideen nodded, "I will cast a protective spell on the castle to make sure the people inside are safe."

"Good idea. Paladins are not exactly mages but they still can use wide-range damaging spells if needed. Better safe than sorry."

"Alright. I hope all of us will stay safe. I hope we win."

The princess offered everyone a somewhat sad look, then turned around, prepared to leave, but had to stop as she felt that a person who was supposed to follow her, remained behind.

"Ahspid?"

She turned around to face the mage who remained rooted in his spot. His reluctance to move was bewildering.

"Ahspid? Are you not going?"

At last, the man shook his hand and spread his lips into a light but confident smile.

"No, My Lady, I think I will stay this time."

"Why?" His sudden display of resolve was surprising.

Ahspid sighed and replied, "I might be powerless as a mage now, but I have never said that I was bad as a soldier, Your Highness."

With the confident and brave smile still playing on his lips, the man tied his flowing white hair into a high ponytail and added, "Besides, I am quite good with witches, don’t you remember?"

Although his words seemed ridiculous at that moment, Aideen felt a sense of calm settle within her chest. It gave her immense hope to know that so many people were willing to stand by her side and protect the values that were mercilessly shattered by those in power.

True justice was on their side.

Nodding her head to all standing before her, the princess offered them a confident smile and said,

"Thank you. Thank you all. Let’s be brave and strong. Let’s protect what’s ours together."