Shattered Innocence: Transmigrated Into a Novel as an Extra

Chapter 604 - 604: Pink Knight [Interlude]

Valeria stepped into the command tent, the air inside noticeably warmer than the crisp night air outside. The scent of parchment, wax-sealed letters, and faint traces of old magic clung to the space—remnants of the preparations made for this very moment.

At the center of the tent, resting atop a reinforced wooden table, was the communication sphere.

A polished gem of deep blue, large enough to fit in both hands, resting within an intricately designed metal stand. Thin veins of silver magic pulsed along its surface, barely visible in the dim lighting.

Valeria looked at it with a faint sense of wariness.

She had heard the explanations before—how the artifact connected over long distances, how it linked to its twin within the Marquis' possession through arcane resonance. One of the mages under her command had gone into detail about its functions once, explaining the precise theories behind the spellwork involved.

It had all gone straight over her head.

She was not a mage. She understood swords, strategy, the weight of a blade in her hand—but magic?

She simply knew that if she activated the sphere correctly, it would work.

Taking a breath, she placed her palm against the cool surface of the gem.

The energy beneath her fingertips stirred, and with a pulse of light, the connection was made.

The air inside the tent shifted, magic thickening around her like an unseen weight. The sphere shimmered, then—

A figure formed.

The outline sharpened, and within moments, standing before her in translucent projection, was Marquis Vendor.

Tall, composed, and ever unreadable. He wore a dark embroidered coat with the sigil of his house pinned at the collar. His silver-threaded cloak draped over one shoulder, and despite the distance between them, there was no mistaking the cold intelligence in his eyes.

Valeria straightened.

"My lord," she greeted.

At her greeting, the Marquis' sharp gaze shifted slightly. Then, to her mild surprise, a smile spread across his face—a rare expression from a man as calculating as Vendor.

"Didn't I tell you to not be so strict?"

His voice was lighter than usual, carrying something almost teasing, though the weight of his authority never fully disappeared.

Marquis Vendor had become immensely powerful over the past year. With the fall of the Cloud Heavens Sect and the slow, methodical consumption of their assets, his influence had grown unyielding. His military strength rivaled those of older noble houses, and his word was slowly creeping its way into the Imperial Court.

But despite all of that, he had always been rather fond of Valeria.

He was one of the few who did not regard her simply as a sword to wield. He had seen her determination, her unwavering discipline, and rather than shape her to his will, he had let her remain as she was.

But Valeria remained a knight first.

She inclined her head slightly, unwavering in her posture. "Formality is necessary, my lord. I am still under your command."

Vendor exhaled with amusement, shaking his head slightly. "And yet you never allow yourself even a moment's ease."

Valeria said nothing.

Valeria remained silent, her expression steady and composed.

Marquis Vendor chuckled, the deep sound carrying through the projection. "Truly, you are relentless, Valeria. I wonder if you ever let yourself rest."

She simply held his gaze.

He let out a small sigh, as if resigned, before waving a hand dismissively. "Very well, let's not waste time. Your report?"

Valeria gave a sharp nod. "The castle has been occupied. Baron Godfrey is in our custody, his forces have surrendered without prolonged resistance. We will be escorting him to Vel Strael."

Vendor raised an eyebrow. "Vel Strael? Hm. The old garrison city?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "It is fortified, and more importantly, neutral ground under the Empire's jurisdiction. The Council stationed there will see that he does not escape before his trial."

The Marquis exhaled slightly, nodding. "A wise choice. I will take things from here. Once he is secured, I will arrange for his formal sentencing."

Valeria inclined her head. "Understood, my lord."

Vendor studied her for a moment, his sharp gaze scanning her face as if