Chapitre 24: A GROUP OF KILLERS

One of them said, "She is running away!"

Their leader commanded them, "What are you waiting for? Catch her!"

"You girl! Stop right there!" The men chased after her.

Why would she stop? When they told her to stop, Veronica increased her pace. And, when she heard the sound of sharp metal, she ran even faster. The sound of the metal reminded her of the sword.

She wasn't an athlete. She had no idea from where so much energy was coming from. All she knew that if she stopped, she would die.

And, she had no interest in going to the land of no return so soon.

Soon, she saw the lights of the town lit up not so far from the woods. Veronica finally found some hope. 'As long as I'm in a crowded place, they won't dare to hurt me,' she thought of that and kept running.

Maybe luck wasn't on her side. She tripped on a branch on the ground and couldn't keep her balance. Her body collapsed forward. Her body jerked and the pain rushed through her body, making her feel numb.

But, she couldn't back down now. She had to keep going. She clenched her teeth to endure the pain. She wobbled while standing up and continued running.

She turned her head around and saw those men almost caught up to her. Her heart shuddered. They could get her at any moment.

At that time, her hair was held by someone and pulled her back.

"Ah!" Veronica let out a yelp. Her hands went behind her head. She frowned as her hair was gripped tightly.

The one who clasped her hair said, "How long are you planning to run, missy? Do you think you can outrun us with your tiny body?"

Veronica shouted, "Let me go!"

"Let you go?" Others reached them soon and laughed out loud.

The leader came forth and said, "Just because you said we have to let you go, do you think we will let you go? What an ignorant brat!"

Veronica retorted, "But I caused you no harm? For what reason do you want to harm me?"

The leader answered, "For the reason that you saw something you shouldn't have."

He didn't give her another chance to speak and told his men, "We have wasted enough time here. Kill her before we have another witness nearby. This place isn't safe."

One of them questioned, "What if her family comes to look for her?"

"Will they even find her? At night, animals will come and eat her dead meat. I don't think anything will be left for them to recognize." The leader grinned like a sadist.

Veronica shuddered in fear. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes but she held them back. There was no point in showing her weakness to these immoral people – that's what she was thinking.

At that time, Arthur's face came to her mind. He was trying to warn her last night but she didn't heed him.

She realized how stupid she was. That man was trying to help her by giving her true knowledge. And she, who never stepped outside, acted all high and mighty.

She was truly a frog in the well.

She admitted that she was an idiot. She acknowledged that she was wrong. She wished to apologize to Arthur and say that he was right all along.

However, she was going to die and her body would be devoured by animals. She tried not to give up.

Veronica tried to snatch her hand away from their tight grip but they held her hands tighter. Even the man who was gripping her hair, pulled harshly. Another man drew his sword and aimed at her chest.

Veronica squeezed her eyes shut. The last thing that came to her mind, 'I'm sorry, Arthur!'

"You call yourself men after ganging up to kill a young lady?" a lazy voice spoke.

That person's presence was so abrupt that everyone was startled. They looked at the source of the sound.

Veronica's heart shook. She recognized the voice even without looking. She shouted, "Arthur, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to say that."

Arthur chuckled. "Calm down, princess. I'll hear you later. At first, let me handle these men. It would be better if you close your eyes."

"Okay!" Veronica shut her eyes obediently. She had learned her lessons. She didn't dare to disobey him.

"Princess? Does that mean she is from the royal family?"

"This could be her royal guard."

The men seemed nervous.

Their leader reprimanded them, "Don't be ridiculous! The royal family doesn't have any princesses."

"Then, she must be from a rich family.

"We have got ourselves a big problem. Finish him first. Then, we will deal with this princess," the leader commanded.

"Yes!"

Six men ran toward Arthur. Veronica wanted to open her eyes when she heard the screaming of those men. Her body trembled. She was worried about Arthur who came to rescue her.

Later, the guy who was gripping her hair, cursed under his breath and threw her aside. Veronica stumbled and then fell to the ground. Even then, she didn't open her eyes.

After all the commotion died down, she heard footsteps coming closer. "A-Arthur?" Her voice quivered when she called his name. She was so scared that she had no strength in her legs.

Someone stood before her and put a hand on her head, "You have done a great job closing your eyes. But, don't open them yet. Are you hurt?"

A wave of relief washed over Veronica. "N-no…" She shook her head.

Arthur let out a sigh of relief. He was truly worried about her. "Good then. Now, get up. We have to leave before it gets any darker. I have no intention of becoming food for animals tonight."

Veronica did as he asked. Arthur took her hands and helped her to stand up. Her legs were shaking as she got up.

Arthur noticed how she was trembling. "Should I carry you?" he asked.

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