Chapter 13 — Kingdom of Helda

A while later, after the burly knight escaped the massacre of his knights by fleeing on foot, he returned to the others, who were traveling along a dusty road with ten carriages. Within those carriages were demi-humans, their fate uncertain. He approached a noble, a man of considerable girth and standing at 5'10", his presence imposing despite his size.
The noble raised an eyebrow, his voice cutting through the air like a whip. "Where are the other knights and that brat kitsune?!"
The burly knight flinched, his mind racing to prepare a believable lie. He replied with a sad tone, his voice barely concealing his relief. "We were attacked by that hybrid bear. It was a formidable foe, and we couldn't stand against it. We fought bravely, but it was no use. Those knights fought with honor and will be remembered."
A smirk played at the corner of his mouth as he continued, "But you need not worry about the kitsune. I'm sure that wily little shit met her end in the bear's claws. It's a shame, really. She was a cunning one, but not cunning enough, it seems."
The noble's eyes narrowed, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're sure about that, are you? Because if that brat is still alive, I'll have your head on a platter. And don't think I won't find out if you're lying. Now, get back to your duties and make sure nothing like this happens again. I won't have my precious cargo disrupted by a bunch of incompetent knights."
The nobleman grunted, a hint of satisfaction in his voice, and turned away, leaving the knight to his thoughts. 
With a swift and practiced motion, he mounted his horse, which was hitched to the first carriage. Adjusting his grip on the reins, he announced with a commanding tone, "To the Kingdom of Helda! Knights, protect the carriages with your lives and ensure no demi-human escapes!"
The knights fell into formation, their armor clanking as they marched beside the rumbling carriages. Inside, the demi-humans were bound and silent, their fates unknown. The burly knight, his heart heavy but resolute, knew he had made a choice that might be seen as a betrayal by his fellow knights. Yet, in a world where survival often demanded tough decisions, he stood firm in his conviction. His actions, though harsh, were driven by a deeper understanding of the realities they all faced.
Yasu awoke with a sense of contentment, the remnants of a restless night fading into the morning light. He rose swiftly and made his way to the window, drawing it open to let the outside air fill his lungs. The crisp breeze carried with it the faint melodies of nature, a symphony of birdsong and rustling leaves.
As he stretched, he couldn't help but reflect on the absence of his recurring nightmare. "It's been a while since that dream haunted me," he mused, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "But then again, ignorance is bliss. I don't need to know what lies beyond the wall. After all, my wish has been granted, and I owe it all to the Architect."
Yasu's gaze drifted to the trees outside, where birds flitted and flapped, their vibrant plumage a stark contrast against the green foliage. A mother bird tenderly fed her chicks, a scene that stirred memories of his own family. Yasu closed his eyes, letting the warmth of the sun and the tranquility of the moment wash over him. In a whisper, he offered a prayer of gratitude.
"All I ever wanted was to live in peace and harmony with a loving family. My wish has come true, and for that, I am forever grateful to you, Architect."
In that moment, he felt a profound sense of gratitude and contentment, knowing that his dreams had been fulfilled by the architect of his world. 
Yasu broke from his reverie, snapping back to reality as his mother's voice echoed through the house. He chuckled to himself as he heard her call out to him, "Yaaasssssssuuu! Breakfast is ready!"
"Okay, mom, I'm coming," he called back, a note of amusement in his voice. "Just let me get dressed first!"