episode_0112

* * *

Tepelo Castle, part of southern Karelia County.

The expression of castle lord Runarien Inian was filled with deep concern.

“In the end… … Are you dead?”

“Yes.”

About 30 soldiers were publicly executed for violating military law.

Luna’s opinion that execution was problematic seemed to have been ignored.

Of course, it is wrong to violate military law.

The problem was that no matter how much I thought about it, the treatment was too harsh.

It was such a cruel way to lose one’s life with just one simple mistake.

Moreover, in recent years, new recruits are almost always conscripted if they have arms and legs and can move.

Naturally, morale is bound to be low and training will not be high.

All this is the will of our lord Makana Karelia –

No, Luna now knew full well that that was not what she meant.

‘That’s what Vanessa, the bookkeeper, means.’

After she took full possession of the country’s military authority, the application of military law became stricter and the intensity of training became very strong.

A strong army was a good word. Luna also thought it was natural to emphasize the severity of military law in a state of war.

but-

Wouldn’t it be too much to execute someone just because they were 30 minutes late?

Among the soldiers who died, there were only a few who died because they had committed mortal sins.

There might have been a chance that someone would say something even if they were just whipped, but no matter how much I thought about it, it could not have been a crime too minor to take one’s life.

It’s almost like a reign of terror.

Vanessa’s reign of terror, backed by the power of Karelia.

Although various stories continued to be heard from within the Karelian military, they were only buried under the narrative of ‘to prepare for war’.

As it was a southern continent that was constantly in balance and where war did not occur, there was a good justification for raising the low morale and training of soldiers and generals.

“Mr. Seongju.”

“… … Please tell me.”

“My lord, I don’t think you think very well of the castle owner, Luna. Seongju said it was not his place to show unnecessary sympathy.”

Luna responded in a bitter tone to the words of the male general in front of her.

“Is this your lord’s will?”

“… … His will is, in fact, the same as the master’s will.”

The male general also knew that this was Vanessa’s intention, not Karelia’s.

However, I could only say this. Because on top of Vanessa’s shoulders was everyone’s idol, Karelia.

“Okay.”

“Then, please excuse me.”

The male general leaves the throne room.

After finishing her day’s work, Luna walked towards the mansion she was currently staying in.

“Are you here, Luna?”

Upon arriving at the mansion, Kane’s relative, Charlotte, a girl with golden eyes, greeted Luna, who had returned from the castle.

Since there was no need to share her concerns with her, Luna put on her brightest expression.

“How was your day?”

“I feel like my swordsmanship is improving. I may not be as skilled as my brother.”

The three children that Kane asked him to raise.

Francis, Charlotte, and Violet.

As Kane said, ‘It will definitely be helpful,’ the three stood out with their tremendous talent as soon as they adapted to Luna’s mansion.

Francis holding a spear.

Charlotte holding a sword.

And Violet, whose potential as a civil servant is clearly felt.

Francis had such overwhelming talent that it could be considered the second coming of Krempton Al Kaski, who was famous for his spear skills in the old empire.

He has already surpassed the standard of soldiers, and has shown abilities that rival several of the generals active in the Karelian army at his age.

In that respect, Charlotte was no slouch either.

Tifa, who serves as her teacher, praised her bitterly, saying that when she grows up, she will become a great general who will surpass her.

Given her personality of not knowing that it was just empty words, it was probably true that she was truly talented.

While her older brother and older sister each showed signs of being good at martial arts, the youngest, Violet, showed great resourcefulness and tactics.

In fact, since the prediction that ‘Serpina’s army will no longer attack Brans’ army, there has not been a single battle between the two countries.

From Serpina’s point of view, the reason she gave was that leaving the front line as is rather than occupying it could cause greater damage by not giving the Brans army the ability to concentrate.

“Yes. Have you thought about what I said last time?”

“Yes. I thought about it, and all three of us came to the same conclusion.”

Charlotte said, lowering her head.

“You don’t have to enroll in the academy.”

Runarien wanted to send them to the academy.

I thought that studying with many people would be a more valuable experience for them than just living as a vassal in their own mansion.

“Why? It’s true that you have great talent, but it would still be helpful to gain as much experience as possible in this wide world. There is no need to worry about tuition.”

“Of course, that could be true, but… … Because my uncle said so. I have to protect Runarien. I heard that I should be of help to Luna at the moment of opportunity that I don’t know when will come.”

By uncle, do you mean Kane?

Luna smiled sheepishly and answered.

“Still, if I think of you all… … .”

“It’s really okay, Luna. Tifa has been a good teacher for us, and Violet is also confident that developing an eye for understanding situations by being around the castle lord will be more helpful than building up theories at the academy. Please consider our wishes.”

“… … If that’s what you want, I won’t force you either. However, if you change your mind, please let me know at any time. There is enough money to send the three of you to the academy.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Now that the somewhat heavy story was over, Luna brought up a lighter topic.

“By the way, you dressed up nicely today?”

“Ah, that’s… … .”

Charlotte said with a girlish expression as if she were embarrassed.

“I heard that a festival will be held at the square today.”

“Oh, now that I think about it.”

I felt like I heard a similar story.

There was an opinion that it would be a good idea to hold this festival on a grand scale in order to appease the atmosphere that had become ugly due to excessive conscription.

“So, if you allow me, I would like to come-”

“It’s okay if you don’t ask for permission to do that. Come back.”

“Ah… … Yes, thank you.”

Charlotte was quite dignified for her age, but at times like this, she was clearly not an adult yet.

After sending Charlotte away-

Luna was quietly lost in thought.

It’s a festival.

Now that I think about it, there was a similar harvest festival held at Zeeland Castle.

It was the first decent harvest since the typhoon swept through, and happiness was on the faces of all the residents of the territory.

At that moment… … his hand.

I held Swen’s hand and danced.

A lot of time has passed since then, but Luna has never forgotten that moment.

A golden wheat field swaying in the wind.

That day, the air, atmosphere, smell, and the food Youngjimin gave me to eat.

And, the face of Swen who held my hand and danced with me… … .

‘Swen… … .’

Is Swen still in Brans County?

I’ve always been worried since the news that Brans’ army was being unilaterally pushed back by Serpina’s army… … Still, I believed it would be okay.

Because you said you would definitely come back.

So, I shouldn’t waste time worrying for no reason.

If an opportunity comes, you must grab it no matter what.

Only then can I be proud in front of Swen.

‘Please, stay healthy… … Please survive.’

As Luna was thinking such thoughts, a question crossed her mind.

What is Swen doing now?

* * *

Knock knock.

“Please come in. You don’t have to knock.”

At my words, with the sound of the door opening-

The blonde Absolute has appeared.

A characteristic hairpin and shiny, shiny hair.

A woman who cannot be seen as a tyrant and who is closest to the word goddess.

“You look very relaxed, Swen.”

“Serpina was surprisingly helpful.”

“Surprisingly, it is.”

Serpina let out a chuckle.

Even that empty smile looked so beautiful that it made me wonder if it was a foul.

that day.

From the day the Shinigami went over to say, ‘Instead of releasing Anima, hand over Swen.’

I, Irene, and Reika spent each day locked in a solitary cell in a separate building prepared by Serpina.

Although they said it was confinement, it was worth it. It was fully equipped with a private bathhouse and toilet, and the food was always served well.

There was a window so I could see the light, and the bed was soft and comfortable.

I can say without a doubt that it was much better in many ways than being dragged into a dungeon or something.

The downside was that I couldn’t tell how Reika and Airen were doing.

“So, what’s happening today?”

“In order to grant you a favor, I have something to tell you.”

ask.

okay. I asked her for a favor.

“Irene Juliet and Reika Nighthardt are doing well. They were curious about you too.”

“What did you say?”

“He was heartbroken and said that he had stopped eating and was still starving.”

As she said that, the corners of her eyes became half-moon shaped.

This woman is surprisingly capable of telling silly jokes.

It doesn’t really matter to me, but I was worried that I might be putting my hands on them for no reason, but it seems I was unfounded.

“… … If you both get along well, it’s okay.”

“However, since I did you a favor, I would like you to answer her question now.”

“If I can answer, I will.”

“Reika Nighthart. I didn’t know that Jinor had such a young daughter.”

It seems the Nighthart family is famous.

There is definitely an age difference. It was natural because she was a foster daughter.

Of course, I didn’t just bring this up to say that.

“Is she a ‘wizard’ by any chance?”

I barely managed to control myself from being slightly embarrassed by the sudden, probing question… … I thought so.

“You are also embarrassed.”

“… … .”

I thought he definitely didn’t change his expression, but how did he notice?

“It’s nothing special. Not long ago, the walls of Hispil Castle collapsed. It was due to an explosion of unknown origin. At that time, I heard testimony that they saw a woman with pink hair. It’s probably your fault, right?”

“Your jokes are too harsh. A wizard, where in the world could there be something like that?”

“It sounds very interesting to hear from a man with the nickname the White-Haired Wizard.”

She said that and laughed again.

It was a very seductive and feminine smile.

“And, if she is a wizard, I understand why she has the last name ‘Nighthart’. Jinor must have noticed her talent and adopted her as his adopted daughter. It’s a boringly obvious story.”

I was honestly surprised when I heard that.

Because she was right.

Serpina was definitely a smart person.

I understood why she was unifying for more than half of this game.

Even though it was a time when wizards did not really stand out in the first place, it was surprising that they applied their way of thinking flexibly.

Still, I foolishly thought that it might be unfair to her that it was her charm, not her intelligence, that shook me.

“Anyway, that’s your answer.”

“Yes.”

“Well, it’s not a satisfactory answer, but… … I guess it’ll be okay. Because now we will have enough time to have a deeper conversation.”

what?

For a moment, I was shocked and looked at her face.

And she… … He came closer to me and pressed his face right in front of mine.

The strong smell of perfume she seemed to be using assaulted my nose.

“It’s your defeat, Swen. This game is a victory for Yeo.”

“… … !”

The result of the bet I made with her under the pretense of winning… …

“Baranga Yuuri Acousse abandoned you. You know what that means.”

To my startled ear.

That dazzlingly beautiful smile mixed with deadly venom-

It’s as if they are vowing to bloom and bloom together forever.

She spoke in a whisper, as if she were a bride who had promised to be married.

“Now you are mine.”