I Don’t Need the Grand Duke’s Regret - Chapter 139

However, right after that, Ricardo straightened his sword again and prepared for another attack. There was no time to rest as more beasts charged at him.

Clang!

Mirabel flinched at the sound of yet another explosion as she watched Ricardo.

The second shield had broken.

The beasts had clawed their way over the pile of corpses, their claws raised as they leapt toward the carriage.

Despite Ricardo’s desperate efforts, it was clear that protecting the entire four-wheeled carriage alone was too much for him.

Though the number of beasts had significantly decreased, their ferocity had intensified.

Even Ezio and the other knights of Renato were struggling to defend their positions. They were being overwhelmed by the savage beasts, clearly outmatched.

“Pri, Princess…”

Sophie turned pale and trembling, called out to Mirabel in a panicked voice. The second shield had fallen, leaving only the final layer of protection between them and the oncoming beasts.

‘This cannot happen.’

Mirabel pulled out a dagger from her cloak.

Not long ago, Nasir had advised her to carry a dagger for self-defense, saying that even he had begun carrying one. This was why she had the blade on her now.

“It’ll be alright, Sophie.”

Mirabel’s hand shook as she gripped the dagger, though her voice quivered, her eyes blazed with determination.

Her resolve burned brightly—no matter what, she would protect the child.

“Growl!”

“Snarl!”

The howls of the beasts, now intent on breaking the last barrier, grew dangerously close.

Mirabel gestured for Sophie to move closer. If they were separated now, there would be no time to save her. Mirabel had already lost Sarah, Sophie’s sister, and she couldn’t bear to lose Sophie too.

“Hold my hand tight.”

“Huh, Princess…”

Sophie sobbed as she gripped Mirabel’s arm. Mirabel was just as scared, but showing it wouldn’t change the situation.

“We have to trust the Grand Duke. He’s strong.”

Mirabel comforted Sophie and then turned her gaze toward Ricardo. He was much closer now than when they had locked eyes earlier.

Her throat tightened as she watched his profile.

The fact that Ricardo was so close now meant that the last barrier had been heavily damaged. He was guarding the carriage from right up against it.

Creak.

The sound of scraping, like metal dragging across glass, filled the air as the beasts began clawing at the protective barrier.

“….Grand Duke.”

Mirabel murmured, her lips trembling. As if he heard her call, Ricardo suddenly rushed toward the door.

“Mirabel!”

Ricardo’s desperate face filled her vision.

Before she could process his expression, there was a shattering sound.

Clang!

The final barrier broke.

No sooner had it fallen than the beasts flooded in through the breach.

“Damn it!”

Ricardo spat a curse, slashing his sword at the beasts pouring into the carriage. Blood splattered across the window.

Mirabel watched Ricardo through the veil of blood.

The carriage rocked violently as more beasts clambered onto its roof, their snarling breaths echoing down.

It didn’t take long before there was a loud crack, followed by the sound of the door breaking apart.

“Huh!”

Mirabel gasped, retreating into the sofa. She wrapped Charles tightly in a blanket and raised the dagger she held.

The moment her grip tightened on the dagger, the roof of the carriage caved in, and a beast with yellow eyes appeared.

Its sharp claws dug into the leather of the sofa as it bared its fangs.

“Grrrr…”

Drool dripped from its teeth as it growled and faced Mirabel.

It wasn’t as massive as the leader beast she had once encountered, but it was still a formidable beast. Behind it, several more beasts waited their turn.

“Mirabel!”

Ricardo’s shout echoed as the beast lunged at her.

He hadn’t expected them to breach the roof, and the situation had caught him off guard.

“No!”

As Ricardo’s desperate cry filled the air, Mirabel, driven by instinct, plunged the dagger into the beast’s eye.

She wasn’t sure how it happened. Everything happened in an instant.

“Shriek!”

The beast let out a screech, thrashing violently as it shook the carriage. With the dagger lodged in its eye, it tried to lunge at Mirabel one last time.

But before it could, Ricardo leaped in front of her.

Ricardo wrapped his arms around Mirabel tightly, shielding her completely. Almost simultaneously, the beast’s claws slashed across his back.

“Ugh!”

Ricardo’s groan echoed above Mirabel’s head.

He staggered, supporting himself on the ground, and turned to look at her. Their eyes met, and despite his pain, Ricardo forced a weak smile.

“Don’t worry. I won’t lose you again.”

Beads of cold sweat formed on Ricardo’s forehead as he tried to reassure her. Before Mirabel could respond, he gritted his teeth and tightened his grip on his sword.

After ensuring Mirabel’s safety, Ricardo turned his body to face the beasts again. Mirabel, who can now see his broad back, gasped in shock.

Through the tattered cloak draped over him, there were deep claw marks on his muscular back.

With each movement, blood dripped steadily from the gaping wounds, leaving a dark trail.

For any normal person, such wounds would have been enough to cause them to pass out, but Ricardo stood firm, confronting the beasts head-on.

Blocking Mirabel, Ricardo swiftly swung his sword. The sharp sound of the blade cutting through the air was followed by the death cries of the beasts as they fell one by one.