The older knight merely stepped back and placed the blade of his sword against the little girl's neck, shaking his head at the Big Cat People, saying, "I'm sorry, my friend, but I cannot do that. This concerns loyalty and faith; it's an internal affair of the Kingdom of Colin Ishurian. I hope you won't interfere."

The cold steel blade touched the skin, and the little girl almost felt the chilling sting transmitted from the edge. She shivered, clearly terrified inside, tears circling in her golden eyes, on the verge of crying, yet she clenched her fists silently.

Reed looked into her eyes, offering comfort, "Do not be afraid, young lady, they won't dare harm you."

The little girl paused slightly, looking at the strange Big Cat People and nodded gently.

The Lion Paladin raised his head, holding the Scepter of Authority, his crimson mane bristling. He bared his sharp white teeth and let out a low growl from his throat, "Believers of Marlan never accept threats. Give me an answer before I count to three—"

Reed stepped forward heavily, making the Dulun City Guards retreat in unison. "If you are a man, come forth and fight me with honor. I give you a chance, or you shall die miserably here."

He raised his sharp claws, lightly shaking them, "Otherwise, no matter the situation, today you need not entertain any illusions; except for death, you will not find another way to leave here."

The young knight, full of vigor, drew his longsword and held it, eager for the fight. But the older knight stopped his companion, shaking his head, "Duty forbids, I cannot do it."

The latter pointed the sword tip at the little girl's snow-white neck, his voice somewhat hoarse, "If you still worry about her safety, let us go."

The Dark Fairy Tale watched from the side, unable to resist touching his cheek.

The Big Cat People gently shook his head.

The sunlight made his mane gleam, and the paladin pressed his claw against his chest, his tall figure suddenly lowering, as he knelt on one knee to the little girl.

Reed raised his head, speaking warmly, "Young lady, though I do not know your name, I swear by the brave lady I serve that I will surely rescue you, keeping you away from all vileness and danger. I swear by Lady Marlan's witness—with bravery as my sword and justice as my shield."

The little girl watched in amazement, her cheeks flushed. "I trust you, Mr. Knight." In her golden eyes flashed a hint of emotion, and in her childish voice she called out, "My name is Delice, please don't worry about me!"

The older knight suddenly felt a twinge of unease, hastily pulling the little girl back. Seeing that the Big Cat People had yet to rise, he suddenly threw the sword in his hand at him. Delice shrieked, "Watch out!"

Yet Reed neither dodged nor avoided, a gleam flashed between the scars on his cheek and the silver hue in his eyes—raising a paw to block, the sword was effortlessly deflected before coming close.

The knight's steel sword spun a few times before landing in the snow.

"Don't come over." The older knight realized the mistake, shouting sternly, "—I will act if you force me!"

"If you kill her, I'll kill you—"

"There isn't just one Holy Sanctuary of Ouli nearby, and your task is doomed to fail, your loyalty holds no value."

"Blind loyalty will not honor your deities."

The lion leapt up, his voice cold as ice.

The older knight's face changed drastically, internally cursing these damned Free Paladins. Marlan's knights always adhere only to 'true justice,' disregarding the laws and powers of the mortal world.

But the Big Cat People's words struck precisely the knight's deepest worry—there might not be only one Holy Sanctuary of Ouli nearby. If the opposing side reached the Resurrection Point and captured the target first, all their efforts would be in vain.

This time, although Light's Temple was willing to sell the Kingdom a favor, Roman and Ameya's believers were unlike Ouli, who advocated loyalty, fairness, and order. The masters of these two sanctuaries were either indifferent to royal authority or simply uncaring about humans.

Both sanctuaries were not easy to negotiate with.

His mind briefly chaotic, he momentarily forgot the real danger in front of him, only realizing when he returned to his senses that the looming shadow of the Lion Paladin had already covered him. The older knight instinctively moved to defend, but he was already a moment too late.

Reed's eyes flashed with cold light, knowing now was the moment.

Suddenly, he struck a paw at the opponent's chest, sending him flying, rolling across the snow with unknown fate—then the Big Cat People turned to grab Delice. The little girl was just about to reach out, when suddenly an unexpected change occurred.

Unexpectedly, the Dark Fairy Tale had somehow approached, suddenly took a step forward, grabbing Delice and rolling her to the side.

"Mr. Knight!" Delice struggled briefly, but she was no match for the Dark Fairy Tale, and could only cry out anxiously.

But as the Big Cat People stepped forward, the young knight stopped in front of him. "Help block them!" the Dark Fairy Tale finally shouted at the knight.

The young knight nodded, turning the longsword horizontally. "Everyone form ranks!" Taking over the older knight's command, he uttered, "This is a battle to the death; once the mission is completed, rewards will follow!"

The Dulun City Guards may not have much concept of belief or loyalty, but upon hearing of rewards, they all regained morale, raising spears to block Reed. Although they were indeed no match for the Big Cat People, causing some trouble was within their capability.

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