The eleventh day after their departure.
Rus and his personal guard finally stepped onto the edge of the Bloodsoaked Highlands.
"We made it!" Nancy exhaled heavily, spreading her arms as she crested a snowy slope. "Rus, now can we pick up the pace?"
To keep distance from Eric's advance unit, Rus had deliberately chosen a stop-and-go pace along the way.
At first, the pristine, snow-covered mountains and the eerie silence of the wilderness had excited Nancy. But as the days dragged on and the scenery remained unchanged, boredom took hold. She constantly sought distractions—often trying to strike up conversation with Rus.
But Rus had no interest in indulging her, and today was no exception.
At that moment, he was fixated on his map. Without so much as lifting his head, he replied, "If you want to go faster, go by yourself. No need to ask me."
Nancy scowled and made a face behind his back, then slowed her horse with a sulky sigh.
