"That’s a possibility. For now, go report to the Duke and the two Bishops on my behalf."

As Murphy spoke, he opened his loosely clenched left fist, revealing a coarse iron badge. Though stained with blood, its markings were still visible.

This was the token of identity he had procured from the Official Knight in Ximu Town.

"Take this as proof. Tell them I need some time to recuperate."

Captain Blake took the badge with both hands, gripping it tightly in his palm. His gaze on Murphy was filled with a mix of emotions.

He drew himself up, his voice heavy. "Yes, sir! I will be sure to give a detailed report! You... you rest well!"

Murphy gave a slight nod and said no more. His gaze shifted to Elizabeth, who had been standing quietly by the fountain, looking as if she wanted to say something but was holding back.

Seeing this, Captain Blake took the hint. He bowed and departed, clutching the badge. His steps were heavy but hurried as he quickly vanished up the stone stairs toward the Inner Castle.

Only Murphy and Elizabeth remained in the courtyard. The air held nothing but the pre-dawn chill and the faint scent of blood.

Elizabeth finally walked forward, stopping a few steps away from Murphy.

Her gaze lingered on his torn clothes, his pale face, and the crusted blood on his temple. Her fingers unconsciously twisted the tassels of her shawl. Her voice was soft, with a hint of tension. "Lord Melfield... are your injuries truly not serious? Ximu Town... was it very bad?"

"The monster has been eliminated. The town is safe," Murphy repeated, his tone flat, as if discussing a trivial matter that had nothing to do with him.

He glanced at the concern in Elizabeth’s eyes and added, "Your Highness need not worry. Such is war."

Elizabeth pressed her lips together.

’Of course, she knew such was war. But to see this nearly legendary powerhouse return wounded and exhausted... the impact was completely different.’

"I... I just..." She tried to say something, but found she didn’t know what to say.

Finally, she just said softly, "All that matters is that you’ve returned safely. May Oriane protect you."

Murphy gave a noncommittal response. "You’ve also been up all night, Your Highness. Dawn is breaking, so you should get some rest. Though we are deep within the fortress, it’s not completely safe here."

Elizabeth nodded but showed no intention of leaving immediately.

After a brief silence, her eyes fell on the shell fragments in Murphy’s hand. Even in the dim light, they held a faint, dark-red luster, and their edges looked abnormally sharp. She hesitated for a moment before asking, "These are...?"

"They’re from that mutated behemoth," Murphy said flatly. "They hold some research value."

He clearly had no intention of elaborating. Turning slightly to the side in a gesture that ended the conversation, he said, "I need to rest. Your Highness, please go back as well."

Taking the hint, Elizabeth didn’t press him further.

She took one last look at Murphy’s calm, somewhat pale profile and gave a light nod. "Then... I won’t disturb you any longer. Please rest well, Lord Melfield."

She turned and walked toward her stone house, her steps light. Her retreating figure looked a little frail in the brightening dawn.

Murphy watched her enter her room before turning and walking to the door of his own stone house.

He pushed open the heavy oak door, stepped into the warm and silent interior, and slowly pulled the door shut behind him.

In the very instant the door was about to shut completely, cutting off the outside world...

The mask of exhaustion, indifference, and severe injury he had so carefully maintained suddenly fell away.

Leaning against the cool wood of the door, he looked down at the dark red shell fragments he had been clutching in his right hand.

A glint of excitement flashed in his eyes.