Page 69 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

"That's absurd."

"Is it? Because you've been fighting like a man possessed for four days. And unless I'm mistaken, you're trying very hard to finish this campaign as quickly as possible."

"Quickly and properly are not mutually exclusive," Caspian said.

"True. But you're leaning heavily toward quickly." Edwin paused. "Any particular reason you're in such a hurry to get home, Your Grace?"

Caspian shot him a look.

Edwin's grin widened. "I only ask because normally you're very methodical about campaigns. Careful. Precise. Taking exactly as long as necessary and not a moment less. But this time..." He gestured at the path of destruction behind them. "This time you're cutting through Blightspawn like they personally offended you."

"They're invading the territory I'm sworn to protect," Caspian said. "That is a personal offense."

"Mm-hmm. And the fact that your wife is waiting at home has nothing to do with your newfound enthusiasm for rapid monster elimination?"

Caspian didn't answer.

"The wife who came to see you off," Edwin continued. "Who told you she'd miss you. Who looked genuinely worried about your safety."

"Focus on the mission, Captain."

"I am focused, Your Grace. I'm also observant. And what I observe is that you've mentioned Frostholme a few times in casual conversation over the last four days. You've never done that before."

"I haven't—"

"You asked if the estate guard had sent any updates," Edwin ticked off on his fingers. "You wondered if the grain stores needed checking when we return. You mentioned the eastern garden terrace unprompted. And this morning, you specifically asked if Thomson thought Dreamweaver cubs required any special accommodations as they grew."

Caspian felt his jaw tighten. "That's practical concern for my holdings."

"That's you thinking about your wife and her pet apex predator," Edwin corrected. "Which, for the record, is adorable."

"Edwin—"

"I'm just saying, Your Grace, it's nice to see you have something to come home to besides duty and paperwork."

Before Caspian could formulate a response, a scout came running back from the forward position.

"Your Grace! We've located the nest. It's bigger than we thought—approximately eighty Blightspawn, maybe more, plus what looks like a Corruption Core."

A Corruption Core. The source of the incursion. Destroy it, and the Blightspawn would lose their coordination, making cleanup significantly easier.

It was also extremely dangerous. Corruption Cores were defended by the strongest Blightspawn in the nest.

Normally, attacking a nest this size with a Core would require careful planning. Strategic positioning. Probably a day of preparation minimum.

Caspian did quick calculations. If they attack it now, hard and fast, they could break the nest before nightfall. Clear the stragglers tomorrow morning. Be back at Frostholme by tomorrow evening.

"We attack immediately," Caspian said.

"Your Grace," Thomson spoke up carefully. "A nest this size, with a Core—we should scout it properly. Plan our approach—"

"We don't have time for extended reconnaissance," Caspian said. "We know where it is. We know what we're facing. We have the advantage of surprise and superior tactics."

"And you want to be home for dinner tomorrow," Edwin muttered.

Caspian ignored him. "Standard assault formation. Thomson, take the left flank with your squad. Garrett, right flank. Edwin, you're with me on the central push. We break their defensive line, I'll handle the Core, you manage the cleanup."

"Handle the Core," Edwin repeated. "You mean destroy it yourself."