episode_0137

Seeing her somewhat lonely appearance, Luna did not say anything and just looked at her quietly.

After a period of silence, Cecil slowly opened her mouth again.

“Our lord, Karelia, is a person who cares for the territory with all his heart and treats each and every soldier with sincerity. Naturally, it was overwhelming for me to even hold the power in my hands. Everyone cares and loves Young Ji-min the same way, but he is the one who claims that he is the only one who can obtain special power.”

The reason why Makana Karelia was able to achieve this level of power.

It was in her character that she strived to be good and upright.

During the time of the old empire, she was only the daughter of a fallen nobleman, but it was her personality that made her one of the final four people who were able to build a nation in her own name in the southern continent, the land of opportunity where many potential warlords resided. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it was thanks to the numerous generals who gathered against each other.

“Currently, in our military, as you know, Luna, all authority is concentrated in Karelia. Since the monarch is Karelia, it is natural. But it wasn’t like this from the beginning.”

Luna did not respond in particular, but quietly listened to Cecil’s words.

“The generals who fell in love with Karelia’s personality were people who gathered together with only that in common. But other than that, many things were different. Each person had a distinct personality, and like water and oil, they could not mix. Karelia, who was supposed to maintain discipline and unite everyone as a team, had a personality that prevented her from saying harsh words to others. Of course, we had no choice but to fall into confusion and become divided.”

‘… … !’

I can’t say harsh words to others… … .

Hearing those words, I felt like I was looking at myself again.

‘Is this what Swen always said about a monarch having to have the mindset of a monarch? … ?’

“It was Vanessa who solidified the power system there. He established a system, boldly punished any gossip among generals, and organized the hierarchy so that no one except Karelia could become a superior. All power in the country was concentrated in Karelia, and once the system was in place, the efficiency of everything began to increase amazingly.”

After finishing speaking, Cecil took a light sip of tea.

“And the result, as you know, was a huge success, allowing us to become one of the four surviving nations of the Southern Continent. To be honest, if it weren’t for Vanessa, there’s a high possibility that our military wouldn’t have been able to come together as one. The green flag will have disappeared into the dust of history.”

“I see… … .”

In other words, does this mean that the person who contributed the most to building this country was Vanessa?

Karelia also knew that well.

“Of course… … If our lord always chose only rational decisions, objectively speaking, it is highly likely that he did not. This is because he is a person who firmly says that no matter how outstanding a general he is, if he does not fit with the national view he pursues, he cannot work with him. In these turbulent times, it would be a difficult decision for a wise monarch.”

Luna also understood what he was saying.

In times like these, Ganwoong (奸雄), who is not an ideal person with noble intentions, will have no choice but to be much more active.

In an age where people were eaten if they were not stronger than others, it was foolish to consider morality one by one.

“So, it’s not that I don’t understand the master’s decision to trust Vanessa to do the things that should be done on his behalf… … .”

After Cecil said those words, her hands trembled.

Was it anger, fear, or…? … Was it shame at his own lowliness that led him to doubt his master’s decision in the end?

“… … Is this really the right path? … As a subject, I resent myself for doubting whether my lord’s choice was right. I’ve never been like this before… … ”

“Cecil… … .”

Luna stroked Cecil’s shoulders as if comforting her.

The eyes of the loyal servant who had decided to serve her for the rest of his life were shaking dangerously like a typhoon in a teacup that had just stirred up.

And, at that moment-

A somewhat provocative thought crossed Luna’s mind.

‘perhaps… … ‘Couldn’t the opportunity that Swen spoke of come?’

He said, “If an opportunity comes, don’t miss it.”

Rather than being a general well-wishes, it contained a strange confidence.

Of course, it was Swen who spoke most of the story with strong conviction… … Considering that everything he said so far was correct.

‘Now that I think about it, it was Swen who told me to rely on the Karelia army.’

Looking back, everything he said made sense.

Just like Tifa found the treasure chest and said it would be good to share it with everyone.

In conclusion, because I listened to what he said, everything was going smoothly.

Then I… … Should I prepare my mind?

I thought so for a moment, but soon gave up the thought.

It will not be too late to worry about this when the time comes. Since I said that an opportunity would definitely come, I also believed that an opportunity would definitely come someday, even if not now.

but.

If this really could be the opportunity given to me… …

‘I will never miss that opportunity… … !’

Luna promised once again that she would definitely keep her promise to him.

* * *

Inside the carriage returning to Tepelo Castle.

“I’m glad I was able to get the strategy book I wanted.”

“Yes. Thanks.”

Violet’s cheeks were slightly flushed as she nodded and spoke in a rather serious tone.

That thing looked excited at the thought of learning new knowledge.

I can’t believe I noticed it at a glance.

I once again realize that I have spent quite a long time with these children.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t go to the market with you. It took longer than I thought… … .”

“No. I am now at the age where I have to take care of my own business. You can explore the market on your own.”

“You said that, but weren’t you lost and wandering around until I came to find you?”

“… … .”

Looking at Violet, who lowered her head and said nothing, Luna naturally smiled and said.

“It’s okay. No matter where Miss Violet is, I will definitely find her.”

“… … thanks… … ”

Even though she met her in her late teens, Luna was still just a young girl in her eyes.

Still, Luna would feel bad if she continued teasing her, so she changed the topic appropriately.

“How was the market in the capital city? Was there a big difference in performance with Tepelo?”

“Yes. Indeed, there were a lot of books that I had never seen before. Not only that, but there are many different types of stores that sell books. I didn’t think I would get bored even if I spent a day or two.”

“I see. I wish I had more time. Oh, come to think of it, there is a very delicious restaurant to the northeast of the shopping district plaza. This place specializes in fish dishes, and I’m sure it will suit the taste of Violet, who loves seafood.”

“Is that so? … … If I hadn’t gotten lost, I would have had time to eat… … Sorry.”

“No. Anyway, we are planning to come together again.”

“Yes? Really?!”

Violet seemed to have said something in excitement for a moment and then slowly covered her mouth with a red face.

“Of course. Next time, let’s eat a little more leisurely together. Let’s bring Charlotte and Francis with us. It will be a fun time.”

“Ah, yes. Well, then… … .”

Luna raised her hand and lightly stroked Violet’s hair.

I felt proud because he didn’t reject my touch at all, and it seemed like he was starting to trust me.

“Was there anything else special? Since it is a capital city, there must have been a lot of stores that would catch Violet’s attention.”

Luna’s intention was light small talk.

Because there was nothing wrong with becoming closer to Violet.

but.

Her answer was something she had never thought about.

“Now that I think about it… … There was a strange rumor going around.”

“Rumors?”

“Yes. Luna, do you know the country called Acious County?”

“If it’s Acious… … It’s a country in the eastern part of the continent. I know.”

“It is said that an incident occurred in that place where a subject under his command was sold to the Serpina army.”

“Yes? Selling out your subjects… … ?”

When I asked him to tell me in more detail, he started explaining the whole story.

“I’m not sure because I just overheard… … It is said that the Serpina army demanded that they hand over the recruits of their subjects who had come to negotiate in exchange for the release of prisoners. And he said that he accepted the request.”

“Is that so… … ?”

It’s an unbelievable story.

Baranga Yuuri Aishes, the ruler of the Aishous County, was a wise and caring monarch who especially cared for his subordinates, and was widely known for his unique love for his subordinates.

A person like that sold out his subjects?

It seems that Serpina’s army was trying to discredit the Aishous army by attempting a kind of Matador.

Because Serpina was a woman who could do that.

… … and.

Violet said ‘that word’ in a very casual voice.

“They say that the person who was sold to Serpina’s army was a man known as the white-haired wizard.”

“… … Yes?”

what… … Called?

Now, what are you talking about… … ??

“I heard that they are called wizards because they have performed miracles… … Aren’t wizards the stuff of fables? I already have a question about this… … .”

“… … .”

“… … Luna… … ?”

Violet’s question hangs in the air.

A white-haired wizard.

That word… … I’ve heard it before.

“They say he is a young man with white hair. They say they performed a ritual towards the sky.”

“Ah, you are talking about that rumor. yes. From what I heard, it’s a white-haired man. It is said that they performed a sacrifice to heaven.”

“After performing the ancestral rites, I heard that the sky suddenly moved and a huge stone, like a divine punishment, fell on Serpina.”

‘Swen… … ???’

why… …

Why, Aceu-kun… … ???