The Queen Who Shares Love
Chapter 21 The Truth of the Attack

The grin was still plastered on Dale's lips. His appearance was sudden, not much of a surprise to Leticia. Dale must have used a magic hood that could make people invisible when wearing it. 

"Actually I intend to follow you secretly, but it turns out that you are sharp as well as Leticia," said Dale to break the tension between the two of them.

"What's your reason for doing this?" ask Leticia a little angry.

"I just want to help you get out of your bodyguards so you can move around freely."

That was the reason no robbers were chasing Leticia. He was already suspicious from earlier, the person who followed him actually helped him secretly. Leticia took a long breath. 

"At least tell me first, so I can get ready." Leticia frowned. 

"I'm sorry. I'm just replying to your behavior that's hiding something from us."

"What am I hiding?" 

Leticia felt that there was nothing she was hiding from her friend. He never lied to his friend.

"You're contacting Grand Duke Faust secretly, aren't you?"

Leticia closed her eyes. Turns out this problem. He didn't want to tell his friend. He just didn't get around because he was too busy thinking about things.

"That's because I'm passing on some new information and plans."

"At least tell me or Rose, Leticia. We're afraid something's happened to you."

"It turns out you still don't believe it. Bad rumors about him are just some untrue bird news. If she was cruel, then Isabella would have been dead a long time ago. Isabella will not serve such a Master." Leticia tries to convince the Tower Witch. 

There was no confidence in Dale's eyes. "Is your old friend trustworthy? Doesn't he hate you?"

"I believe him and he trusts me. Our relationship was strained because of my father. Please don't make our relationship so bad again, Dale."

Dale fell silent, thinking for a moment. At least the sense of the curve began to decrease even if only a little.

"Well, then I can get close to him, right?"

"What?"

Dale did not answer just continued to smile. Dale is famous as a witch. Many noble ladies were exposed to his seduction. However, their relationship was nothing serious. Dale was just playing around with them.

Leticia knew what Dale meant. Not approaching in the sense of wanting to get love. He just wanted information from Isabella. This is actually how you get information. He tried to make his target love himself to let loosely reveal secrets that should not be spread. Dale erases the memory of his target when he gets what he wants.

"Well, if it'll make you believe him, but don't hurt him. I won't forgive you even if you're my friend."

"I promise Leticia."

Leticia apologized to Isabella inwardly. Hopefully, Dale's interference doesn't damage Isabella and Leticia's friendship. 

Leticia turned around, walking towards the village near the temple. Dale was confused to see Leticia walking.

"Isn't the temple over there, Leticia?"

"My goal is not to go to the temple. I'm going to the village near the temple to investigate the case of the missing boy there."

Dale patted his forehead. Sighs long.

"I don't intend to hide it. I thought that since I was the one investigating the temple side, I didn't need to tell you. I know you're busy, too."

"At least tell us. As punishment this time you walk away. I'll wait there by teleporting."

Dale was a little annoyed, but he really cared about Leticia. He didn't want anything bad to happen to him. He wants to protect her. That was the reason he followed Leticia secretly. He was sure Leticia would allow him to come along even if the action was caught.

"I don't care if I walk. People will be suspicious if I can get there quickly. My appearance like this could convince the villagers that the Empress had been attacked by robbers. However, why did you come with me to investigate the village? Don't you trust me?"

Leticia felt this tower witch did not believe her. He could investigate the village alone without his help. Or was Dale actually afraid that he might hide something again?

"I trust you, Leticia. It's just that I can't leave a Empress alone. We don't know the danger that's happening in the village."

"alright. After entering the village please wear your hood. I don't want anyone to suspect the Empress came to the village with the Tower Witch Leader."

"alright. If that's what you want, Leticia. I'll put protection magic on you. If anything happens call me through the magic stone."

"All right."

Dale approached Leticia until their distance was only one step. His hand touched Leticia's shoulder. Leticia felt an invisible protector covering her. 

"I'll go first."

Dale disappeared from Leticia's sight. Now he's alone. It was indeed a little frightening for a girly to walk alone without a bodyguard. He was grateful that Dale would accompany him.

The robbery Dale masterminded brought benefits to Leticia. This was indeed deviated from his original plan. However, he could investigate the village more freely. There were no guards to watch and report Leticia's movements to Braun or Charlotte. With this the plan will go well.

***

Leticia had already reached the entrance of the village. Someone waved to him with a distinctive smile. Dale was waiting for him.

Dale wears his hood until it is invisible. Although invisible, Leticia could still sense Dale's whereabouts. He feels safe. As much as possible he did not talk to Dale when the tower's witch leader wore his hood. Leticia did not want to be considered a madman. He would talk to her when they were alone.

Leticia entered the village in a chaotic state. Some people look at it with concern. Some people are afraid to approach him. His appearance really looked like a noble who was depleted of robbing. A dirty dress hit the ground. A little messy hair. He staggered because his feet were so tired.

A brunette woman approached him.

"Are you okay, Madam?" ask the woman to worry.

"I was attacked by robbers. I kept running until I got here" Leticia's voice trembled.

Leticia held both of the woman's shoulders. Tears bathed his eyes. Leticia hopes her acting is convincing.

The people around him who saw him felt pity. Similarly, the brunette woman. The woman tried to calm Leticia down.

"Please rest in my shop, ma'am, looking for a way out of your troubles." The woman's rough hand touched Leticia's hand gently. The woman was really concerned over the misfortune that befell the nobles who were in front of her.

"Thank you. Thank you...." Leticia wiped her tears.

The woman escorted Leticia to a small tavern. There was a sign with a lid on it next to the shop. Now they are inside. The woman invited Leticia to sit down. He went back to the kitchen to get a drink for Leticia.

Now he is alone with the invisible Dale. He must obtain information from the village before his bodyguards realize he is missing. They will definitely look for him in the surrounding area. If their search had reached this village, then Leticia's time was up. He has to take the time they have.