Very well then. Follow me, brother. Remember, I will not hold back. May the emperor watch over us and grant victory to his most faithful servant!

That depends on you, brother. You choose our weapons and style of combat. But remember, I have trained for many years in the ways of the Sisters of Battle. Do not underestimate me.

With a sigh, you push yourself to your feet, brushing the dirt and leaves from your clothes. As much as you might want to return to your bed and hide away from the world, duty calls. With a resigned nod, you turn and head back toward the main building, preparing yourself for whatever challenges the day may bring.

As you re-enter the main building, the hustle and bustle of activity greets you like a cool breeze on a sultry summer's day. Captain Frost is already deep in conversation with one of the other officers, his expression distant and preoccupied. You approach him hesitantly, unsure of how to broach the subject that has been weighing so heavily on your mind.

The thought of putting off this conversation any longer fills her with dread, but at the same time, part of her is grateful for the reprieve. "All right," she says finally. "Let's go speak with Captain Frost now...and then get some sleep."

As you knock on his door, your heart pounds in your chest, making it difficult to concentrate on anything else but the task ahead of you. When he answers, you try to steady your breath as you meet his gaze once more...

Captain Frost's expression is guarded and wary as he stands before you, but there's a hint of hope in his eyes that gives you courage. "We just wanted to talk," you say quietly. "About what you said earlier...and how we should move forward from here."

The captain nods slowly, gesturing for you to enter. As you step into his quarters, the air feels thick with tension and unspoken words.

The journey comes to an end at last as you arrive back at the grand entrance of the order's headquarters. Captain Frost is waiting for you just inside, their expression unreadable as they motion for you both to follow them deeper into the complex. The halls are silent and empty, devoid of any sign of life save for yourselves and the captain.

As you reach the end of a long corridor, Captain Frost comes to a stop before an ornate wooden door. Without a word, they produce a set of keys from their belt and unlock it, revealing a small study beyond.

"The emperor has requested that you both report to him immediately," Captain Frost says in a tone that brooks no argument. "He wishes to thank you both personally for your service." Their gaze flickers between the two of you before they continue, "I trust that you will not disappoint him."

You and Sister Maria spend the next few hours poring over the scroll, memorizing every detail and instruction within it. When at last you've finished, you both look at each other, knowing that there's no turning back now. You can only hope that your love for one another will be enough to see you through whatever challenges lie ahead.

The door to the supply room creaks open behind you, revealing a young servant girl with a nervous expression on her face. "Um...my lord Captain," she says, her voice trembling slightly, "

an old woman in the marketplace told me that some bandits were seen heading south earlier today." Her eyes flicker nervously between you and Sister Maria before returning to the floor.

Captain Frost's expression darkens at this news, but he doesn't show any sign of anger or frustration toward the girl. Instead, he nods thoughtfully and thanks her for the information before dismissing her with a gentle smile. Once she's gone, he turns back to you both, his eyes fixed on Sister Maria.

I am no one's wife but the emperor's! Release me at once, you filthy creature! How dare you touch me in such a disrespectful manner?! I will not stand for this desecration of my body and soul! You will pay dearly for your insolence!

Ahhh! Stop that! Let me go this instant! You're hurting me, you bastard! How dare you treat your superior like this?! I will not stand for it, you little cowardly insect!